Afternoon Tea at the Dorchester 2013 - Review

Yesterday I revisited Afternoon Tea at The Dorchester, I can hardly believe it has been 3 years since my last visit. In the meantime I have been to The Dorchester for various events and the food has always been exceptional, so I was really looking forward to returning for the whole 'afternoon tea' experience. Pictured above is The Promenade where afternoon tea is served. The Promenade stretches the same length as the London landmark, Nelson's Column.

The entrance that greets you with the most incredibly delightful floral smell.

We were a party of 4 and were seated just in front of the live pianist, to my delight. I have mentioned before how much I appreciate live music when taking afternoon tea, it definitely adds to the whole experience.

All together for a photo :-)

Back to our own seats with the pianist pictured behind us.

The tea selection is varied with plenty of options there is one bound to appeal, however you are able to change your tea at any time. Three of us opted for the Paris Tea. Listed under the Delicate and Scented section it is described as a black tea blend flavoured with currants, caramel and bergamot. I had this the last time I was at The Dorchester and it is quite frankly the best tea I have ever had. The other in our party opted for the Arabian Mint Garden also from the Delicate and Scented section. This is described as a light and refreshing Green Tea with a hint of Peppermint.

The Food 

Sandwiches - 

We were presented with 5 different sandwiches.

Cucumber and Cream Cheese on Caraway Bread
Egg & Cress Mayonnaise on White Bread
Roasted Vegetable on Brown Bread
Salmon on Granary Bread
Chicken & Wholegrain Mustard on Tomato Basil Bread

(Sandwich offerings change daily)

One of the party asked for no mayonnaise on her sandwiches and this was dealt with easily and promptly.

Palette Cleanser

Scones were brought to our table warmed, these were light and fluffy in texture. Served were plain and raisin scones, clotted cream, strawberry and blackberry jam.

The delicious desserts and pastries 

Lemon cake
Banana and passion fruit mousse
Chocolate mousse
Strawberry and Pistachio
Tonka Bean Eclair - my favourite

(Sweet selection changes 4 times a year)

My thoughts 

As expected the food and drink was fantastic and filling., no complaints at all. The ambiance wonderful, the welcome pleasant and the space allocated warm and intimate and yet informal.  Afternoon tea is very deceptive, however the sandwiches were plentiful and replenished as many times as we wished. The few niggles I have are to do with the service, if these are sorted this is a first class afternoon tea destination.

When you first arrive the staff are very attentive, however at first there was an error with the wrong tea being poured for one of the party, she had to wait a while to receive the correct tea. To their credit they dealt with any deviation from the standard tea brilliantly. Once the initial tea is poured and sandwiches delivered the staff leave you to it. I would have liked to have not had to pour my own tea and we had to ask for the tea to be refilled in the pot as it had gone cold, we had to wait ages for this and the staff member apologised as he had forgotten to bring us the new tea. Nearing the end of the tea the staff seemed to disappear and so we had to get up and approach a desk to ask for the bill. After 10 mins we had to repeat this.

A parting photo in front of one of the huge floral displays.

Traditional Afternoon Tea is served daily at The Dorchester and costs £41 per person.