Experience the magic of Christmas with a delightful afternoon tea in London
London: The Secret Garden Afternoon Tea is a real gem, available until New Year’s Day. It’s been praised by The Telegraph and even won awards for its charm.
My friend and I decided to check it out at the stunning Taj 51 Buckingham Gate hotel. We were excited to see how they put a festive twist on this classic English tradition.
Picture this: finger sandwiches, cakes, and scones, but with a sprinkle of magic.
We arrived for our 4pm reservation, sitting right by the window decorated for Christmas. The view of the hotel’s courtyard was just beautiful.
Our adventure began with a box that held the key to the garden – a delicious chocolate key hidden under some biscuit crumbs.
Then came our afternoon tea, served in a birdcage. Honestly, it was the prettiest presentation I’ve ever seen, making me feel like I was in a magical Christmas garden.
The savory bites were amazing, bursting with fresh flavors. The garden herb roast chicken with lemon mayo on brown bread was a favorite, along with the oak-smoked salmon on spinach bread.
We tried all three teas offered: Lady Lavender, Dozy Girl, and Summer of Love. Each one paired perfectly with our food.
And let’s talk about the cakes.
They were like little pieces of art, almost too pretty to eat. The Christmas tree chocolate brownie mousse was the highlight, decorated with delicate leaves and flowers.
The raspberry ganache and the olive oil lime cake were also delightful, offering a nice balance of flavors.
Our server, Iskra, was fantastic. She was friendly and knew the menu inside out, making our experience even better.
To wrap things up, the freshly baked scones were the cherry on top. Warm and fluffy, they were perfect with clotted cream and jam.
Kona’s Christmas afternoon tea isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. If you’re in London and want to treat yourself, this place is a must-visit.
The hardest part? Deciding whether to eat the art or just admire it!