Afternoon Tea at The Corinthia...and Shake Shack

Lobby Lounge at The Corinthia (Photo Credit)

A Corinthia Tea Experience Inspired By The Season

I can only compare this experience to The Promenade at The Dorchester, as I had my very first proper Afternoon Tea at the legendary hotel last September. I must say the Lobby Lounge at The Corinthia is by far my overall favorite of the two. I absolutely adored the atrium setting drenched in natural light, with butterfly adorned walls, long flowing drapes, exquisite cabinetry, and the option to have your afternoon tea al fresco if it happens to be a lovely day. The skylight, bubble glass chandler, and gorgeous pink peonies conjured the perfect setting for this delicious indulgence. However, this heavenly atmosphere wouldn't matter if the finger sandwiches and fancies didn't live up to the ambiance, and did they ever! Each delicacy was beautifully designed and artfully created in both aesthetic and taste. I noticed that the Afternoon Tea(ers) seemed to be made up of more locals than tourists, several native families out for their Sunday tea, which is always a good sign. Comparatively the vibe was more low key and unpretentious (Thank you!), while upholding the tradition and elegance of English Afternoon High Tea.

Tea 

Wedding Tea - "Created exclusively for the bride to be or for weddings, a wonderful blend of exotic Mutan white, hand-blended with pink rosebuds, vanilla and a hint of lemon, this tea inspires long lasting happiness."

Rose Pouchong - "A delicious soothing tea, amber oolong, infused with rose and rose petals, delicate and elegant."

The White Knights - "Our homage to the most glamourous and exclusive teas in the world. Two rare White teas blended together, Bai Mudan, with its fresh, smooth velvety aroma, hint of peach gentle blended with the even rarer gentle Silver Needles, making a sweet, delicate yet lingeringly, elegant tea - magical and exquisite."

Finger Sandwiches Served On Artisanal Breads

Loch Var Smoked Salmon, Cream Cheese and Chive

Coronation Chicken

Egg Mayonnaise and Watercress

Mrs Kirkham's Lancashire Cheese and Piccalilli

Roast Buccluech Beef and Creamed Horseradish

Severn and Wye Smoked Trout and Cucumber

English Tea Fancies Inspired By Spring  

I've always been a lover of chocolate, however I find that when I'm in London I much prefer desserts that are fruit based and contain delicious homemade jams. The Brits are true experts and artisans when it comes to jam and clotted cream. Really, what dessert could be better than a warm scone with jam and clotted cream??!

Afternoon Tea was followed by a lovely stroll in our favorite English garden, Berkeley Square, which holds sentimental value for us and so many others. The first time we heard ' A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square' we fell in love with the tune and felt like it perfectly described our initial encounter with each other. I think we listened to it on repeat about a hundred times. Our favorite version is below: 

The grass is plush and green and the maple trees soar above the city streets with there majestic branches and thick story telling trunks. Like most parks in London the benches are donated by individuals, each wooden seat with its own plaque and story. We strolled around the garden, listening to 'A Nightingale' and read each inscription, many of which were dedicated to a loved one that had passed on. We quickly discovered that most of the benches were donated by Americans who loved London and had a special fondness for Berkeley Square. We too, dream of having our very own bench there in the garden one day, that will inspire love and hope to all of those who take a moment to sit and reflect. 

It was a bloody perfect London day, combining the best of both English cuisine and American cuisine as we went from Afternoon Tea at Lobby Lounge to a late dinner at a very well known and world renowned American restaurant called Shake Shack. Three Shake burgers and crinkle fries...there's no place quite like home! They even went through the trouble to ship the tables all the way from Brooklyn. 

I do relish in the juxtaposition, yet both experiences are delicious and beautiful in their very own rite. Good is Good. 

If this was my last meal, I would have to go with Shake Shake though :-)