Sampling the Bloomin’ Brilliant Afternoon Tea at Royal Lancaster, London

In celebration of the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show, the five-star Royal Lancaster’s team of masterful pastry chefs hand-crafted the luxurious Bloomin’ Brilliant Afternoon Tea. The elegant and exceptionally sophisticated Hyde Lobby Bar is the perfect spot for a quintessentially British Afternoon Tea in London.

First impressions of the Bloomin’ Brilliant Afternoon Tea

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Ahead of it’s official launch on 2nd of May, I was invited to sample the floral-themed afternoon tea at Royal Lancaster. My sister and I were seated at a table in the recently opened Hyde Lobby Bar, an impressive space with marble floors, sumptuous velvet sofas and a centrepiece brass chandelier.

We were greeted with a glass of Moët & Chandon Brut Champagne, before we tucked in the impressive selection of fine teas on offer, ranging from the traditional English Breakfast and Earl Grey to more exotic varieties of tea I never knew existed.

I think it’s worth noting, before we move into food, the fantastic attention to detail the 5-star establishment has demonstrated. Aside from the carefully selected crockery, our tea was served with a sand timer with three different hourglasses, each of which measuring the perfect brewing time for specific tea types. It’s all in the details or so they say. 

The food was, just as we expected, exquisite. Highlights include the citrus chamomile tea – smoked salmon roses served on rye bread and the subtly sweet warm tartlet of Somerset brie, Royal Lancaster honey (produced in beehives installed on the hotel’s roof) & red onion chutney.

Onto the scones and sweets; Warm and fluffy with golden tops and a wonderfully buttery flavour. Topped with a choice of home-made strawberry jam, orange marmalade and a dollop of Jersey clotted cream. Intricate, beautifully presented Valrhona chocolate flower pots with crystallised violets. Mouth-watering milk chocolate and lavender lollipops. Orange blossom and ginger macarons. A real treat!

Dress code

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There is no specific dress code but I highly recommend choosing smart attire. I opted for Boden’s broderie dress – a timeless option for warm-weather dressing, and hand-embroidered slippers.

The Bloomin’ Brilliant Afternoon Tea is served daily between 2PM and 5:30PM, and is priced at £35 per person; £45 with a glass of Moët & Chandon Brut Champagne; and £55 with a glass of Moët & Chandon Impérial Rosé Champagne.

Book your Bloomin’ Brilliant Afternoon Tea experience at Royal Lancaster here.

Sampling the Bloomin' Brilliant Afternoon Tea at Royal Lancaster, London

Sampling the Bloomin' Brilliant Afternoon Tea at Royal Lancaster, London

Sampling the Bloomin' Brilliant Afternoon Tea at Royal Lancaster, London

Sampling the Bloomin' Brilliant Afternoon Tea at Royal Lancaster, London

Sampling the Bloomin' Brilliant Afternoon Tea at Royal Lancaster, London

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