Last Updated on May 25, 2024
An Elegant Tea Adventure in South Kensington
There is nothing quite like afternoon tea, it’s such a luxurious treat and at The Kensington Hotel, they know how to do it in ultimate style. The Kensington is an Irish family-owned hotel group, part of the Doyle Collection. It is located in the heart of Kensington just a stone’s throw from the Royal Albert Hall, the Victoria and Albert, Natural History and Science museums and Kensington Gardens. So, it’s perfect for combining with a concert, museum visit or sightseeing.
This stunning hotel exudes elegance and comfort, the dining room, where tea is served has a warm ambient and period charm, with powder pink walls, luxurious soft furnishings, colourful artwork and pretty objets d’art. The tables are set for tea with white linen table clothes and pretty jars of wildflowers.
The Kensington’s current tea – 80 Days Around the World tells the story of Jules Verne’s headstrong hero, Phileas Fogg, who on October 1872 staked a small fortune – and his reputation in a wager with his peers at London’s Reform Club. He bet them that he could circumnavigate the globe in 80 days, after which he embarked on a whistle-stop adventure-seeking tour of the world. This exotic tea takes you on part of his journey through Asia – to Yeman, Hong Kong, India and Singapore.
We started with a glass of Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut NV, crisp, and toasty with fine acidity and notes of pear and citrus. There is a selection of different champagnes and an afternoon tea cocktail menu.
Tea was beautifully presented on a three-tiered stand, we began at the top with a warm amuse bouche. From Yemen – delicious nutty bites of hummus with zhoug sauce and toasted pitta bread, from India – lightly spiced onion bhaji and from Hong Kong – yummy balls of miso & sweet potato tapioca.
Continuing with the savoury we ate dainty finger sandwiches, but first a traditional baked flatbread from the Middle East with three kinds of cheese, juicy tomato and warmly spiced with cumin following on with an Indian take on a classic cucumber sandwich with tangy spiced green chutney, cute potato and egg mini brioche from Hong Kong and flavoursome chicken satay sandwiches Singapore style.
Their menu offers a fine selection of teas – back, white and herbal. My companion and I chose Jasmine Silver Tip Tea, Fuding, Fujian Province, China – a white tea crafted from young leaves and buds, picked in spring and dried in the warm mountain sunshine. This lovely light and delicate tea which was served in elegant teapots had been carefully scented over six consecutive nights with fresh jasmine flowers. They were once the preserve of only the Chinese Imperial family.
On to the sweet tier, where each miniature cake has meticulously crafted by the hotel’s pastry chefs. From Yemen, a moist and syrupy Basbousa semolina and yoghurt cake soaked in orange and fragrant rose water with almonds. A delightful aromatic Kheer pudding with raspberry compote and pistachio cream from India, from Hong Kong an unusual-looking black sesame choux filled with a surprisingly delicious gooey mandarin centre and from Singapore – a layered pandan cake with springy vanilla sponge and sweet mango confit.
And arriving warm wrapped in white linen napkins freshly springy glazed scones baked scones with rich clotted cream and homemade raspberry preserve.
The Kensington offers the perfect combination of tasty and adventurous afternoon tea, impeccable service and charming surroundings, a really delightful way to spend the afternoon, whether it’s for a special occasion or just because you’re worth it.
The Afternoon Tea is priced at £58 per person and includes a selection of Rare Teas. Add a touch of sparkle and include a glass of Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut for £18 per person.
Find out more here
The Kensington Hotel
109-113 Queen’s Gate,
South Kensington,
London SW7 5LP
Phone: 020 7589 6300
Looking for something different? For afternoon tea with a view we recommend Ting at the Shangri-La the Shard
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