The Langham to launch new afternoon tea

When The Langham first opened in 1865, it became the first hotel in the world to serve afternoon tea. Almost 160 years later, the original Grand Hotel will introduce a new afternoon tea offer that celebrates this culinary history: the tradition of taking tea in the Victorian era and The Langham as the birthplace of afternoon tea as we know it today. 

The new dining experience will be available from 11 September and served in Palm Court, The Langham's central dining room. The menu will celebrate the hotel's legacy with a modern twist, offering Victorian-inspired cakes, pastries and sandwiches created by executive pastry chef Andrew Gravett, and culinary icon Michel Roux. 

The menu

To start, guests will be introduced to the history of afternoon tea and the hotel's pivotal role in that story, while enjoying a glass of Taittinger Champagne. Dainty finger sandwiches and savouries, including roast chicken, classic cucumber, Gentlemen's relish, and deviled quail's egg, will be served. 

A selection of delicate, jewel-like cakes and pastries will follow, such as rose-infused baba with lychee and mascarpone, and orange blossom cream with almond madeleine. Guests will then tuck into the signature warm scones with Cornish clotted cream and homemade seasonal preserves, before the show-stopping finale of a seasonal sharing trifle. 

Served on bespoke chinaware by the British designer William Edwards, the tea service features floral motifs reflective of 19th-century designs. In partnership with JING Tea, a selection of tea has been chosen to complement the menu, comprising of The Langham's own Breakfast blend, Darjeeling 2nd Flush, Phoenix Honey Orchid and Jasmine Silver Needle. 

Adding to the experience, a new cocktail list has been created to complement the menu, with flavours of Earl Grey, Rooibos and Hibiscus, Matcha and Chai, infused into a range of mixed serves. Guests will also enjoy musical accompaniment from a live pianist alongside the dining experience. 

Palm Court also welcomes young diners for afternoon tea. The children's menu features triangular sandwiches of cucumber and cream cheese, as well as roast ham, along with bite-sized scones and playful cakes resembling Victorian toys, all served on miniature cake stands and teaware. 

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