Palm Court

 

There's a long tradition of taking tea at the Langham Hotel. Afternoon Tea has been sipped here since the mid-19th century, originally served for the princely sum of 1/6d (now 7 1/2p) to the cream of Victorian society. Following a lavish ?80m refurbishment, this landmark hotel - the first grand hotel in London - serves up tea, once again, at the Palm Court restaurant. Lavish is an appropriate word. Thanks to elaborate designs by architect David Collins, you can enjoy your tea and cake in sumptuous crystal chandelier lit surroundings, perched on plush velvet seats. An almost ridiculous level of attention to detail means the day's progression is marked by subtle changes in lighting, linen, chinaware and the staff uniforms. An aroma of ginger flower wafts over perfumed teas and delicate cakes while live piano music plays in the background. There are over 30 blends of tea to choose from including home grown tea and pre rain Jun Shan (Imperial Mountain) silver needle yellow tea at ?40 a pot. With a nod to the year the hotel was first built and the date of its subsequent re-opening, Champagne Hour then runs from 18:65 hours to 20:09 (roughly 7-8pm). The transition from day to evening is marked with candle light and the discrete pop of corks - with over 40 Champagnes by the glass featured. Utterly decadent and delightful.