Afternoon tea, anyone? Fans of this charming British tradition should head to the landmark Royal Lancaster London, majestically situated on Hyde Park. I visited the hotel on a recent trip to the city and found a refined setting that blends Mid-Century heritage with contemporary luxury. Designed by architect Richard Seifert and first opened in 1967, the property is undergoing an £80 million renovation honoring its past as the former offices of the Rank Organisation while updating the experience for modern guests.
I was shown to the elegant lobby bar and presented with an extensive tea menu by Novus. The selections ranged from creative blends such as Sapphire Earl Grey infused with blue malva and bergamot, and Wild Encounter with mixed fruits and berries, to more classic choices like Organic Darjeeling from one of India’s oldest plantations and China’s prized silver-tipped Pai Mu Tan. Preferring a traditional cup, I ordered English Breakfast, which arrived piping hot alongside a small hourglass to time the brew perfectly—an appealing touch that preceded the first course of the tea service.
The savory portion featured a thoughtful variety of small bites. A warm tartlet of goat’s cheese and red onion confit complemented a choux bun filled with Coronation Chicken. A selection of delicate sandwiches offered playful contrasts: honey roast ham on cranberry bread and a cucumber and chickpea puree on beetroot bread demonstrated attention to texture and flavor that elevated the customary tea sandwich.
Head pastry chef Steve Penny’s skill became especially clear when warm, fresh-from-the-oven scones were presented with strawberry jam and Cornish clotted cream, timed perfectly by attentive staff who kept my teapot topped up. The dessert course showcased inventive patisserie: a hazelnut lollipop, black cherry cheesecake, cranberry and orange macaroons, and a rhubarb and custard tart. A small cake bore the hotel’s rose insignia and founding date rendered in chocolate, a delicate finishing detail that reflected the property’s care for presentation.
Beyond the daily, elegantly executed afternoon tea, the hotel offers a rotating calendar of themed tea experiences. Guests can choose from ARTea events, seasonal celebrations for Halloween and Valentine’s Day, and festive holiday services—each one crafted to pair creative tea blends with complementary savory and sweet items. Whether seeking a classic tea ritual or a themed indulgence, the Royal Lancaster London delivers a polished and memorable experience on the edge of one of the city’s most beloved green spaces.