High Tea in the Winter Garden

I love a classic afternoon tea and an invite to review the High Palms High Tea at the Landmark London sounded intriguing. Served in the evening it’s intended as an alternative to supper – though, as I discovered, you don’t miss out on afternoon tea favourites for all that…

I had never been to the Landmark London Hotel so was really looking forward to the experience. Once I arrived at the hotel, conveniently located just opposite Marylebone station, I was directed to the Winter Garden in the centre of the hotel. A calm and tranquil oasis the Winter Garden where tea is served is lined with majestic palm trees stretching up into the atrium ceiling with the sky visible high above. There couldn’t be a better setting for the launch of the High Palms High Tea.

The menu was tantalising – a strong Middle Eastern theme interspersed with afternoon tea classics. But, first I was offered a glass of champagne de Castelnau, very acceptable after my train journey into London. From the extensive list of teas, I chose the Winter Garden blend, a smooth and aromatic tea made of Indian and China black teas, created especially for the Landmark London hotel and it perfectly complemented the food.

Sandwiches for the first course of the menu comprised lobster and prawn cocktail, pimiento houmous with chargrilled courgette and Cajun-style chicken with Caesar dressing all served in soft, fresh bread. All delicious and plump with generous fillings!

Sandwiches were followed by main dishes, a hearty, warm, mezze. Beautifully presented, there were so many different elements I didn’t know where to start. There were flatbreads and tahini, a little bowl of Arabic salad, Falafel with houmous, lemon preserved chicken with red pepper rouille and lamb kibbeh with pomegranate couscous. My personal favourite was a very tasty feta, spinach, olive and red onion quiche. A fruity and refreshing glass of pomegranate and lime iced tea was served with the mezze, the perfect complement for these Middle Eastern treats.

No tea is complete without sweet pastries and the final course of the High Palms High Tea didn’t disappoint. A miniature sticky toffee pudding with clotted cream and a small jug of sauce, smooth passionfruit mango and ginger cheesecake and a strawberry and mint tartlet which melted in the mouth. The desserts were exceptional and I thoroughly enjoyed them all.

As the evening drew on the Palm Trees in the Winter Garden were illuminated giving the whole space a warm luxuriating glow.

It seemed to me that the High Palms High Tea at the Landmark London was a perfect way to relax and spend the evening. A stunning location with attentive service and excellent food, I couldn’t have asked for more.

The High Palms High Tea costs a reasonable £55 per person, including tea and features the Landmark London Hotel’s classic sandwiches, pastries and desserts with a warm mezze with Middle Eastern elements accompanied by thirst-quenching iced teas, perfect for warm summer evenings. There’s an extra charge for champagne.

Available from 9 July – 2 September 2018, 6.00pm – 10.00pm daily. The High Palms High Tea must be pre-booked, call (0) 20 7631 8000 or visit restaurants.reservation-@thelandmark.co.uk.

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