Art Deco Afternoon Tea

It was my birthday on Monday so my mum spoiled me by taking me to the Park Lane Hotel for Afternoon Tea. Henry James once said 'there are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.' There is certainly no-one more dedicated than I am! Where better to partake in this old-fashioned pastime than The Palm Court, with it's magnificent Deco ceiling and structure, it's comfortable sofas and accommodating staff?   

The Park Lane Hotel was built between 1924 and 1927 and has the finest Art Deco interior in London....

...so it's not surprising how often it has been featured in television dramas and films including 'Poirot', 'The Golden Compass', 'Brideshead Revisited' and one of my favourite films 'The End of the Affair' starring Ralph Fiennes and Julianne Moore.

The Palm Court Bar featured in 'The End of the Affair'

We ordered the 'Art Deco' tea (£38) - an immaculate selection of finger sandwiches, fresh scones served with rhubarb compote & lemon curd and strawberry jam and clotted cream, a selection of French patisserie, a choice of the finest teas and a sparkling glass of Mumm Champagne. The non-alcoholic version is the 'Park Lane' tea (£32).

A nation of tea drinkers, the more formal 'Afternoon Tea' has seen a surge in popularity over recent years, and it isn't just loved by visitors to England, it is a true taste of Britishness we all like to indulge in once in a while! The coveted Tea Guild Awards are competitively sought by hotels up and down the country as they bring much needed revenue over and above that of most hotel restaurants. Claridge's Hotel was announced as the 2011 winner and The Park Lane Hotel awarded the badge of Excellence in Afternoon Tea in London.

The talented harpist added to the tranquil atmosphere by playing classic hits 'Your Song' and 'Africa' by Toto!

If you haven't been to The Park Lane Hotel I highly recommend! Keep posted for more Afternoon Tea around London. If you have any recommendations please post them as a comment!

This review was written for The Vintage Guide to London.

Just in case you were wondering, I am wearing the Miss Fortune Scarlett Fever off the shoulder top (£28) and circle skirt (£39) with a 1950's crinoline petticoat from Stop Traffic Clothing.