By Katie Wilson
There are so many London afternoon teas to try, and so little time. But if you’re booking for a special occasion, I think I’ve found the capital’s fanciest – with the most perfect portion sizes.
Tucked away in a majestic residence in Mayfair’s Grosvenor Square that was once the US Embassy is The Chancery Rosewood, a five-star hotel with only suites for rooms that cost upwards of £1,000 a night. That’s how fancy we’re talking.
While most of us will never be able to afford to stay over, we can still get a little slice of the high life. Just book a table at one of their bars or restaurants instead.
The Chancery Rosewood afternoon tea review
Definitely one to get dressed up for, afternoon tea at Chancery Rosewood is served just through the divine-smelling lobby in Jacqueline, a dusky pink delight of a restaurant that put me in mind of the once pink Gallery at Sketch, for those in the know.
Designed to feel like a ‘pink tea salon’ – which it absolutely does – Jacqueline’s is named after former American First Lady Jackie Kennedy Onassis, who it’s said was rather fond on our English tradition of taking afternoon tea.
Served daily from 12pm to 6pm, the afternoon tea here comes courtesy of renowned French pasty chef Marius Dufay, who has worked in three Michelin star establishments and previously won the coveted Michelin Passion Dessert Award for his sweet creations.
And I have to say, it’s one of my favourite afternoon teas I’ve ever had (and I’ve had a lot!). Not just for the fancy surroundings – though of course they help – but for just the right size finger sandwiches and pastries, which I find a lot of places get wrong.
The dressed Dorset crab and asparagus sandwich was a particular highlight for me, so much so that I asked for seconds. Also on offer in the savoury department was lemon roast chicken, salmon and watercress crème fraîche, and compressed cucumber and cheese sandwiches.
Scones were delightfully miniature and fluffy and served with Devonshire clotted cream and strawberry and rhubarb jams.
While the sweets selection was also favourably bite-sized and displayed on the prettiest stand that made it look like flowers displayed in a vase. Atop of each stem were rose and aloe vera macarons, meadowsweet and dark chocolate brioche, passionfruit cream cheese biscuit and elderflower and strawberry marzipan.
When it comes to the teas, there are a lot to choose from here – 122 in total – but the hotel’s dedicated Tea Sommelier is on hand to help you pick your perfect brew. Champagne and tea pairings are also available.
If you visit on a weekend, you’ll find a pianist tinkling the ivories from 3pm to 6pm. They can also cater for most dietaries, including vegetarian and vegan guests.
Afternoon tea at The Chancery Rosewood starts from £85pp and is available daily from 12pm to 6pm
Book Afternoon Tea at The Chancery Rosewood
*The Boutique Handbook’s visit was complimentary, but we always give honest reviews
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