My first trip to London wouldn’t be complete without a classic British tradition: afternoon tea. The anticipation was real, and I couldn’t wait to experience the legendary combination of tea, scones, and delectable treats.
Let me tell you, afternoon tea is no mere snack; it’s a full-blown meal that’s been a staple in British culture for over a century. The history dates back to the Duchess of Bedford in 1840, who found herself peckish between lunch and a late dinner. To satisfy her hunger in style, she’d request tea, sandwiches, and cakes in the afternoon. And just like that, a tradition was born!
Gluten-Free Delights in London
I was thrilled to discover that finding gluten-free afternoon tea in London is a breeze! English restaurants are ahead of the curve when it comes to catering to dietary needs. We found a fantastic list of gluten-free options online, each with its own unique charm.
After browsing through the options, we decided on Afternoon Tea at 108 Brasserie, a charming restaurant tucked away in a hotel near Marylebone High Street. This was a brilliant choice! 108 Brasserie goes above and beyond by offering not just gluten-free substitutions, but three dedicated tea menus: traditional, gluten-free, and vegan. Talk about inclusive!
A Tower of Treats
Each menu boasts a delightful tower of treats specially crafted to suit its theme. The tea selection itself is equally impressive, with a curator carefully selecting teas from around the world. You’ll find green, white, black, and herbal varieties. For a touch of bubbly, you can even add sparkling wine for an extra charge.
We opted for tea, choosing Earl Grey and China White Leaf. While every restaurant puts its own spin on the classic afternoon tea fare, the menu typically includes the same core elements: scones, finger sandwiches, mini sweets, and petits fours.
A Feast for the Senses
Our afternoon tea arrived on a three-tier stand. The bottom level was piled high with sultana scones, the middle tier featured an assortment of finger sandwiches, and the top level was a sweet paradise.
Our gluten-free spread included four types of finger sandwiches: egg salad, salmon, cucumber, and Coronation chicken. These savory bites were a perfect complement to the sweet treats on the top tier.
The dessert tier was a work of art, featuring mini carrot cakes, brownies, Battenburgs, and a show-stopping lavender pannacotta with sparkling wine jelly. The pannacotta was a masterpiece, with berries and edible flowers suspended in the clear jelly. I’m already plotting how to recreate it for my next dinner party!
More than Just a Snack
Despite the petite size of each treat, the quantity was more than enough to satisfy our appetites. Afternoon tea is a hearty meal, not a snack, and we weren’t hungry for hours afterward. We even had our server pack up some leftovers, because who could resist a second helping of scones and carrot cake?
The whole experience was a delight, from the delicious food to the charming atmosphere. It was a wonderful break in the middle of our day, filled with good conversation, a pot of tea, and a delightful assortment of sweet and savory treats.
A Must-Try for Every London Visitor
If you’re visiting London, afternoon tea is a must-try! It’s a quintessential British experience, and there are endless options to suit every taste and budget. From rooftop gardens to charming tearooms, there’s a perfect afternoon tea waiting to be discovered. Do yourself a favor and embrace this iconic tradition, you won’t regret it!
