The Langham London: The Birthplace of Afternoon Tea

The Palm Court at The Langham London is renowned for being the birthplace of the afternoon tea tradition. The hotel has undergone a complete yet sympathetic refurbishment, evoking the opulent Victorian era during which it opened its doors in 1865. During this time, Victorian society gathered to relish the luxurious experience of pairing tea and cake in the afternoon.

Afternoon Tea Information

Venue:
Palm Court at The Langham London

1c Portland Place, Regent Street

London W1B 1JA

Days and Times: Daily, from 12 p.m. midday to 5:30 p.m. (5 sittings at 1.5 hours each).

Cost: From £55 per person.

Dress Code: Smart but not formal.

Reservations: 44 (0) 20 7636 1000 or online at www.palm-court.co.uk

Photography: Allowed, and staff are willing to assist.

Children: Welcome.

Music: Live piano music, featuring both modern and classical selections.

Langham London Afternoon Tea Review

The original price of afternoon tea at the Palm Court in 1865 was 1/6d (now 7.5p). Although prices have changed over the years, the exceptional level of service remains unchanged.

Upon entering the Palm Court through the hand-crafted iron gates, guests are welcomed into an elegant environment with exquisite Art Deco elements. The contemporary crystal chandeliers hanging from the high ceiling are beautifully reflected in the mirrored walls, creating a stunning visual experience. Sitting in an alcove, I noticed reflections from multiple angles, but the grandeur of the surroundings soon captured my attention.

Seating predominantly consists of upholstered bucket armchairs and high-backed armchairs, offering various options for different party sizes. However, the design of our round table, featuring a large central base, made it somewhat challenging to sit close together, limiting our comfort.

Floor-Standing Cake Stand

Rather than using a typical three-tier cake stand on the table, The Langham features an exquisite floor-standing cake stand, providing ample space and a dedicated shelf for the teapot, enhancing the dining experience.

Tea Selection

At The Langham, bespoke tea blends are crafted exclusively for the Palm Court. During my visit, I sampled both: The Langham Blend, a traditionally-styled black tea, and the aromatic Palm Court Blend, which boasts a fruity profile and a surprising bright pink hue thanks to its white tea composition. Both blends are available for purchase.

Additionally, exclusive teas from Tregothnan, the sole estate that cultivates tea grown in England, are offered. A wide selection of Jing Teas is also available. In total, over 30 different blends are served, including organic, decaffeinated, and herbal infusions, such as the rare pre-rain Jun Shan (Imperial Mountain) silver needle yellow tea.

While there was no way to remove the tea from the pot to prevent over-steeping, staff provided jugs of water at the table to extend the experience.

Once we finished our delicate finger sandwiches, the warm scones were promptly served, highlighting The Langham’s attention to detail. Staff always seemed to anticipate our needs without being obtrusive. All team members displayed significant knowledge of the tea offerings and were well-prepared to address dietary inquiries—a level of service that is sometimes lacking elsewhere.

Conclusion

The few drawbacks of afternoon tea at The Langham were the slightly uncomfortable seating arrangement and the tea’s prolonged brewing time; however, the numerous positives significantly outweigh these minor concerns. The stunning venue, delicious food, and impeccable staff make for a truly delightful experience.

In accordance with industry standards, the writer received complimentary afternoon tea to facilitate this review. It has not impacted the content of this review; however, GoTravelDaily believes in full transparency regarding potential conflicts of interest.