No visit to London is complete without afternoon tea, so, despite the short length of my recent overnight visit, I still carved out time for the tradition. The Kensington Hotel’s new London Landmarks Afternoon Tea seemed the perfect option and a fitting tribute to a city I love.

I made my way to the hotel on a dreary January afternoon, but I was immediately warmed by my cozy corner booth and pot of traditional English breakfast tea. I liked the décor and ambience of the property; it felt more like hanging out in a chic home than a hotel restaurant.

The tea represents a culinary journey through some of London’s most recognizable sites, particularly with the desserts, which included “The Gherkin,” a white chocolate-covered dark chocolate ganache; “The Shard,” carrot cake with milk chocolate; an iconic red telephone booth of rhubarb mousse; and a Big Ben lemon curd tart.

All were tasty, and presented on a London Eye-themed display, alongside tea sandwiches and warm scones (one raisin, one plain). The sandwich selection included smoked salmon and cream cheese on brown bread; egg and cress on a roll; coronation chicken (a favorite of the Queen!) on brown loaf; and a cucumber finger sandwich. Before all that, though, was the appetizer course, which included a bite-sized trio of crab cake, Stilton and broccoli quiche and steak and London ale pie. I don’t know which bite was my favorite; everything was delicious.

I brought home the keepsake map of London featuring illustrations by Eleni Sofroniou, and including icons like Buckingham Palace, Borough Market (another of my favorite foodie spots in London) and Westminster Abbey.

Afternoon tea is a must, and visitors to London will be thrilled with the special touches served at Town House; it’s just enough without being too themed. Plus, the food is of the highest quality and tasty. The cost is approximately $54.50 per person, or around $69.50 with a glass of Champagne.

London Landmarks Afternoon Tea

Town House
The Kensington Hotel
109 – 113 Queen’s Gate
Kensington, London Sw7 5LP
United Kingdom
tel 44 20 7589 6300