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11 Sep 2024
11 Sep 2024
Afternoon Tea Week in London
Nothing is more of a celebration of Britishness than afternoon tea, which is why the UK has an entire week dedicated to it! Afternoon Tea Week runs from 9-15th August and keeps alive a culinary tradition that was born in the 1800s when Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford and a close friend of Queen Victoria, complained of “having that sinking feeling” during the late afternoon. Hence afternoon tea was introduced to keep her going until dinner time.
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“Afternoon tea is without a doubt a brilliant British tradition, it is extravagant and is a wonderful way to while away a day,” says Karma Sanctum Soho Hotel owner, Mark Fuller – the renowned restaurateur and founder of Embassy Club and Sugar Reef. “We want to offer our guests the best of both; paying homage to the centuries-old mid-afternoon treat but with a taste of something exciting and new.”
The recent Tokyo Olympics has been the inspiration for Karma Sanctum Soho Hotel’s afternoon tea. “No cuisine represents innovation and is so full of fresh flavours quite like Japanese,” explains Mark. “Therefore, we have taken the expertise of three-time Michelin Star Chef Garry Hollihead and created the perfect way to indulge in afternoon tea.”
Available on Saturdays, Karma Sanctum’s restaurant Wild Heart Bar and Shokudo serves a decadent afternoon tea, which trades cucumber sandwiches for mini platters of Aged Wagyu Beef Sliders or Salmon Tartare with wasabi, coriander and mint. You can swap your standard scone to ones topped with orange blossom curd, a mini yuzu and red fruit tart or a matcha panna cotta. In true Rock ‘n’ Roll spirit (as is expected of Mark Fuller venues), this can be upgraded to include a Davidoff cigar plus a glass of whiskey or tipple of your choice to be enjoyed on the roof terrace.
In addition to the quintessential British tea, guests can enjoy some Japanese favourites; Hojicha, a roasted Japanese green tea or Macha, known for its signature subtle sweet and bitter flavour. You can also upgrade this delicious offering with a glass of Tattinger Brut or a signature Sake Royale cocktail to complement the oriental flavours.
The Karma Sanctum rooftop is the perfect fifth floor al fresco spot in London this summer, exuding Soho’s vibrant energy.
Here’s a roundup of the other essential venues you need to know about for Afternoon Tea Week in London. Tables are going fast, so hurry and get yours booked this week!
The Berkeley
Afternoon Tea, British
Fashionistas, make your way to Knightsbridge for the hottest Spring/Summer ‘21 Collection around. Prêt-à-Portea returns to The Berkeley, showcasing couture cakes inspired by the runway successes of the fashion world. This season’s collection debuts with Donatella Versace’s ocean-themed cocktail dress, reimagined as a coconut dacquoise and mango confit, encased with exotic fruit mousse and topped with a sugar starfish. An intricately iced vanilla biscuit – complete with signature sunglasses and bob – pays homage to the Anna Wintour puppet that graced the ‘frow’ for Moschino. While a citrus Victoria sponge carries off Tod’s neon tote bag with acid-lime icing and florescent green Valrhona chocolate Ivoire.
This venue is currently not accepting online reservations through Dish Cult.
Athenaeum
Afternoon Tea, British 
To drink tea is to forget the noise of the world, so they say. So prepare to indulge in delicious sandwiches, picture-perfect cakes and freshly baked scones, all served up on bespoke Ali Miller crockery at the Athenaeum. This iconic address has housed many creatives over the years, from MP Henry Hope and his prized collection of art, to actors from the golden age of Hollywood. None, surely, can compare to the creativity that’s gone into the afternoon tea here. From £39 per person, you’ll enjoy a selection of sandwiches, cakes, pastries and traditional scones with Tiptree strawberry jam and clotted cream. There are also Savoury, Bottomless, Picnic and Gluten Free Afternoon Tea options available as well, leaving you truly spoilt for choice.
Olympic Studios
British, Afternoon Tea
The award-winning cafe and dining room at Olympic Studios is a friendly and welcoming neighbourhood spot, offering a fantastic afternoon tea for £19 per person everyday from 12-6pm. The food is all homemade and the ingredients are locally sourced. You can expect classic sandwich selections, including cucumber and cream cheese, salmon with lemon mayo and coronation chicken. You’ll also get a plain and a fruit scone with strawberry jam and clotted cream, along with mouthwatering cakes such as raspberry delice, coconut viennese swirl and passionfruit macaron.
This venue is currently not accepting online reservations through Dish Cult.
