Experience The Elegance Of The Bridgerton World With These 3 High Socie-Tea Affairs Of London
Savor the elegance of Regency-era teas and cakes with London’s contemporary afternoon high teas, blending rare flavours with the indulgent tradition of British gastronomy.
Netflix’s most famous historical drama, Bridgerton, set in 1813 London of the Regency era is a tale of lavish balls, Georgian-era fashion, and grand dinners taking centre stage. Enjoying high tea rituals in opulent settings and reading Lady Whistledown’s witty and scathing commentary is one of the biggest preoccupations of the high gentry in the show. As lovers of masala chai, or having ‘spiced tea’ in large gatherings is a ritual that bridges communities, we appreciate the afternoon tea ritual. This ritual is much like the close-knit soirées of the Regency era marked by elegance and style.
Inspired by the grandeur of Bridgeton’s afternoon tea gatherings, DP has handpicked these high tea experiences in London, set in opulent dining rooms decked with sparkling chandeliers, alongside satin-draped tables beautifully laid with silver teapots, and three-tier plate stands full of finger sandwiches, scones and innovative art-inspired pastries complete the experience.
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1. The Lanesborough’s Bridgerton Afternoon Tea Is A Revisit To Regency-Era Glam
No place in London offers as authentic a Regency-era mansion experience as the Lanesborough–The Oetker Collection. Inspired by the series, Bridgerton and in alliance with its makers, Netflix, and Shondaland, the hotel introduces a limited-edition afternoon tea that pays homage to the Regency era. Replicating the grandeur of the set, the ‘Afternoon Tea’ takes place in The Lanesborough’s richly decorated dining room, which glows under a domed glass roof during the day. As evening falls, the softly lit chandeliers radiate a warm invitation. The walls are ablaze with ornate bass-relief artworks evoking a sense of Regency neoclassical grandeur. The scene merely awaits Penelope Featherington to enter the space and languorously enjoy an afternoon of high tea while a grand piano plays in the background.
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The edible pastry tartlets and the innovative cocktails crafted by The Lanesborough’s Head Pastry Chef, Pierre Morvan-Benezet, celebrate the lead characters of Bridgerton Season 3. (Image Credit: Lanesborough London–Oetker Collection)
Carefully crafted by head pastry chef, Pierre Morvan-Benezet, the series-inspired menu includes a selection of afternoon tea accompaniments. The Social Butterfly’ a hand-crafted pistachio and mandarin mousse encased in an emerald green glaze takes the top tier of the high tea stand. The next edible art – ‘Colin’s Travel’, a delicious dark chocolate sponge, with dark chocolate mousse, taking the form of a mini travel trunk is designed in honour of Colin Bridgerton and his passion for travel. Equally appealing is ‘The Book of Eloise’, a delicate cheesecake moulded into a book representing Eloise Bridgerton’s love for literature. The experience doesn’t end with Lanesborough’s signature teas and designer pastries, it rolls into evening cocktails. The crowdpleaser, ‘Friends to Lovers,’ is a party in a margarita glass prepared with coconut tequila and Morish cherries, with a kick of honey and lemon. Don’t miss this delightful display of pastry art that will leave you to rerun the latest season of the series.
DP recommends ‘The Blooming Wallflower’ for teetotalers, a twist to the classic margarita shaken with cherry and raspberry flavours.
2. Rosewood Hotel’s Afternoon Tea Soiree Is Brimming With Artistic Expression
As you step inside the Rosewood Hotels London, you will be captivated by the seamless blend of old-world Edwardian charm and modern sophistication. The hotel’s award-winning ‘Art Afternoon Tea,’ hosted at the most exquisitely designed ‘Mirror Room’ is an indulgent affair. A jewel box of a dining room, it features floor-to-ceiling decorative mirrors, low lighting, and a classic lounge that sets the scene for a one-of-a-kind art-inspired afternoon tea. The carefully curated pastries that come with the tea are tasty mini replicas of some of the most recognisable artworks and sculptures from the contemporary art scene of London. This new high tea selection was co-created by pastry chef Mark Perkins and the multidisciplinary London artist John Booth. It features a trio of pastries evoking joy with pops of brush strokes and decorative art on the mini delights.
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The ‘Painter’s Palette,’ a vanilla-cheesecake sphere in a smooth white-chocolate casing, sits atop a delicate, buttery crust that could be mistaken as an artefact; ‘Tropical Tulip,’ is a decadent mango cheesecake filled with orange passion fruit jelly and adorned with a vibrant purple-pink glaze icing on a base of chocolate sable biscuit. The delicious’ two-side cake, ‘The Twins, is reminiscent of a sticky toffee pudding, a creation inspired by Booth’s experience as a twin. The hotel features a captivating collection of quirky illustrations, art, and sculptures that complement the unique concept of ‘Art Afternoon Tea’ and emphasizes the connection between food and art. Chef Mark Perkins strives to create visually appealing, delicious, and innovative pastries.
DP recommends The ‘Sea of Blossoms’, a rare tea infusion masterfully blended with 100 types of blossoms with hints of raspberries, rhubarb and cherries.
3. The Goring Hotel’s Scale-Up The Afternoon Tea Into A Regal Affair
It is no secret that London’s ‘Goring Hotel’, the closest match to Buckingham Palace, is steeped in a unique history. It is where the Duchess of Cambridge spent the night before her wedding, where the late Queen Elizabeth used to hold the annual Christmas lunches, and the only hotel in the world granted a Royal Warrant by HM The late Queen for hospitality services. What makes the place special is its private veranda by the garden decked out for a lavish afternoon tea paired with a game of croquet. The owner and CEO, Jeremy Goring himself is the in-house tea master who curated a menu with his tea selection and blends.
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The British Jeweller Garrard, known for designing bespoke tiaras for the British Royal Family, partnered with The Goring Hotel to curate a tiara-themed afternoon tea. ( Image Credit: The Goring Hotel London)
Start with a pot of ‘The Goring Afternoon Blend,’ the hotel’s blend of Assam and second flush Darjeeling makes for a light and delicate drink that pairs well with freshly baked, warm scones with Devonshire clotted cream and jam. Glasses of pink Bollinger further heighten the afternoon tea hour against the manicured Goring garden. However, the edible tiara-themed tartlets and macarons inspired by Garrard’s historic tiaras treasured by The Royal Family are a sight to savour. Situated in the heart of Belgravia, close to Buckingham Palace, The Goring is within strolling distance of the Royal Parks and some of the city’s finest shops, theatres, and galleries. One can imagine grand soirees and romantic balls in these iconic dining rooms, decked out with thick gold curtains, whimsical tree-like Swarovski chandeliers, and filled with esoteric artworks that take you back into the era of Bridgerton.
DP recommends Goring’s afternoon tea with a glass of Bollinger Special Cuvée Champagne or Bollinger Rosé Champagne, which comes with a seasonal selection of amuse-bouches
