It was hard to believe that a whole year has passed since my first visit to The Intercontinental London Park Lane to try the Scents of Summer afternoon tea, so it was a pleasure to return this year to try the Royal Tea. As the official hotel for the Patron’s Lunch this year, they had teamed up with fellow event Partner Pimm’s to create an Afternoon Tea that celebrated Her Majesty The Queen’s 90th birthday and a lifetime dedicated to service.
We started with a Pimm’s Royale cocktail, which set the tone for a summery selection of pretty English classics fit for a Queen.
This may actually be my first Pimm’s for the year, as I longingly lust for the summer which officially began on 1st June, but whose presence is yet to be felt…
We decided to leave our choice of teas in the hands of our knowledgeable waiter, Thomas, who hand-picked recommendations from the extensive Wellington Lounge loose-leaf tea menu to complement the sweet and savoury treats. The lovely tea menu was created together with The Northern Tea Merchants to develop blends that are exclusive to InterContinental London Park Lane.
The first tea was one of my favourite teas: Second Flush Darjeeling which tastes quite fruity with a unique muscatel flavour.
Advised to begin eating from left to right (or right to left, depending on which way your plate was facing), we started with the Speyside smoked salmon with cream cheese, followed by the Scottish lobster and shrimp with Marie Rose sauce.
Next was a simple but satisfying carrot bread sandwich filled with hen egg and cress, and a classic honey roasted ham with English mustard. Last but not least was a free range Coronation chicken served with apricots; a modern take on the dish created for The Queen’s coronation banquet in 1953. This was most definitely my favourite amongst them all so I cheekily requested for an extra serving of it.
After finishing our sandwiches, a plate of lovely warm scones was brought to the table – I do like places that bring the scones out in between separately as opposed to leaving it to go cold on the table at the beginning. Scones always taste better when they are warm after all …
We each had a mini sultana and buttermilk scone which were light and fluffy, served with Devon clotted cream and strawberry preserve – eaten the (right) Devonshire way of cream before jam, of course.
Finally, after much self-control and resistance, it was time to tuck into the rather fashionable plate of mini-desserts featuring ‘The Queen’s Hat’ Tipsy cake, ‘The Queen’s Crown’ Victoria sponge soaked in Pimm’s, ‘The Queen’s Handbag’ coffee and walnut cake, and The Queen’s Summer Garden Party,’ a Champagne and gooseberry fool.
This was all washed down with a tall refreshing glass of iced berry tea.
We both thoroughly enjoyed our indulgent afternoon at the Wellington Lounge, and my second visit was just as warm and welcoming as the first time.
The Wellington Lounge at Intercontinental Park Lane remains as one of my top recommendations for afternoon tea in London – great location, delicious food, and exceptional service.
The Royal Tea menu offer ended in June, but you find out more about their Scents of Summer afternoon tea on their website, and don’t hesitate to book yourself in – because everyone deserves a treat every now and then…
The Cheekster, signing out x
I was invited to review, but views remain my own.
