Treat Yourself To This Luxurious Afternoon Tea Experience In Central London

Discover the elegance of The Athenaeum’s Afternoon Tea with a Glass of Bubbles for Two. From the serene setting to the exquisite dessert tree, every detail reflects refined luxury. This London afternoon tea is an opulent way to celebrate or simply savour time with those you love.

Last weekend, two of us from the Red Letter Days team had the privilege of visiting one of London’s most distinguished five-star hotels – The Athenaeum – for an indulgent afternoon tea with a glass of bubbles for two. Comfortably located in the heart of Mayfair, opposite the leafy tranquillity of Green Park, The Athenaeum is the embodiment of classic British sophistication and warm hospitality.

As the concierge welcomed us and led us through the softly lit, art deco-inspired lobby, the air was delicately perfumed with fresh flowers and the faint aroma of warm pastries drifting from the tea room. We were guided to an elegant window-side table, bathed in golden afternoon light, with views of the park’s swaying trees. For those seeking seclusion, a quieter corner offered a more intimate cocoon of calm – perfect for whispered conversations and slow, unhurried sips of tea.

What Makes It Special

The Athenaeum’s afternoon tea is a sensory journey, punctuated by two unforgettable highlights – the tea trolley ritual and the enchanting dessert tree.

The tea trolley, polished to a high gleam, rolled towards us mid-way through the afternoon, its tiers overflowing with glistening jars of loose-leaf teas. The scent was intoxicating – from the floral whispers of jasmine to the earthy depth of aged Assam. Guided by the tea expert, we selected leaves that suited our mood, blending them like perfumers at work. As the hot water cascaded over the leaves later, the aroma enveloped us, promising a pot brewed to our exact taste – a personal signature in liquid form.

Then came the grand finale: the dessert tree. Crafted like a sculpture, its branches blossomed with pastries inspired by the pastry chef’s favourite flowers. Each piece was a masterpiece – glossy glazes catching the light, sugar petals dusted in gold, and fillings that burst with flavour. One bite revealed the lush sweetness of rose cream, another the tang of passionfruit mousse balanced against crisp, buttery pastry. Generous in size, yet so delicate in execution, each dessert was both art and indulgence – so much so that we took a selection home to savour the magic all over again.

Why You Need to Visit

In the heart of London’s bustle, The Athenaeum offers an oasis of calm where time seems to slow. This is not simply afternoon tea in London – it’s an orchestrated experience, perfect for special occasions, elegant catch-ups, or just celebrating life’s finer moments.

The service is as smooth as silk, with staff anticipating needs before they’re voiced. Each course is timed to perfection, allowing flavours to be enjoyed at their peak – from the soft, cloud-like sandwiches to the warm scones that crumble gently at first touch.

The menu was a study in flavour and texture: the classic egg and cress elevated with an exotic hint of kaya jam; creamy coronation chicken wrapped in light, buttery bread; smoked salmon paired with the malty richness of Guinness bread; and cheese and chutney that danced between savoury and sweet. My companion enjoyed a chilled glass of bubbles, while I opted for a gin cocktail – a fragrant mix of Hayman’s gin, muddled mint and fresh strawberries.

It’s a place where conversations flow easily, punctuated by the soft clink of china, the scent of fresh bakes, and the gentle rustle of linen napkins – a world away from the rush outside.

When You Should Visit

Afternoon tea at The Athenaeum is an all-season indulgence, but summer adds a certain golden charm to it. Sunlight filters through the large windows, casting a welcoming warm glow over the tea room, while Green Park outside becomes a living painting of emerald leaves and colourful blooms.

For an even more memorable visit, plan your experience during Afternoon Tea Week from 11th to 17th August – a nationwide celebration of Britain’s cherished tea tradition. In these final days of summer, the atmosphere feels especially festive, with the light, fresh air complementing the elegant menu. A Red Letter Days afternoon tea gift voucher is the perfect way to share this luxury – whether as a romantic gesture, a thoughtful birthday gift, or simply as a personal treat. It’s a way of pressing pause, stepping into a world of refinement, and leaving with both a satisfied palate and a soul refreshed.

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Suhani Lotlikar

Content Writer

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