London, the city that never sleeps, also knows how to indulge in a leisurely afternoon. Last week, I was fortunate enough to experience a quintessential British tradition: high tea.
This was my first high tea adventure, and I was blown away by the sheer deliciousness of it all. The Brits truly know how to craft a midday meal that’s both satisfying and elegant. I’d even go so far as to say that afternoon tea might just give brunch a run for its money!
A Century-Old Tradition
Afternoon tea has a rich history, dating back to the 19th century. Legend has it that Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, introduced this delightful custom in 1840. In those days, dinner was often served around 8:00 PM, leaving a long gap between lunch and the evening meal. To ward off hunger pangs, the Duchess would enjoy a light snack of tea, sandwiches, and cakes around 4:00 PM.
This simple yet elegant practice quickly became a British staple, and over the years, it has evolved into a beloved tradition enjoyed by people from all walks of life.
Gluten-Free Delight in London
My high tea experience was exceptional, and it wasn’t just because of the delicious food. I was thrilled to discover that London restaurants are truly ahead of the game when it comes to catering to gluten-free diets.
After researching a list of gluten-free high tea options available throughout London, we settled on the Afternoon Tea at 108 Brasserie. Located just off the High Street in Marylebone, this charming restaurant within a hotel offers a unique selection of tea experiences.
A Variety of Choices for Everyone
What impressed us most was that 108 Brasserie doesn’t simply offer gluten-free substitutions. Instead, they provide three dedicated tea options: traditional, gluten-free, and vegan. This makes it an ideal choice for any group, especially those with diverse dietary needs. You can explore all three menus online and find the perfect one for your taste and preferences.
Each of these tea options comes with a tower of delectable treats, carefully curated to suit its theme. You also get to choose from a dozen different types of tea sourced from around the world. These teas range from green and white to black and herbal, offering a wide spectrum of flavors and aromas. For an extra touch of luxury, you can even add a bottle of sparkling wine to your afternoon tea. Paige and I opted for a classic Earl Grey and a refreshing China White Leaf tea, both of which were absolutely delightful.
A Familiar Menu with a Unique Twist
While each restaurant offers a distinct approach to traditional tea fare, the menu typically consists of a few familiar favorites: scones, finger sandwiches, and a selection of mini sweets and petits fours.
Tea is served with accompaniments like jam, lemon or orange curd, clotted cream for the scones, and sugar cubes for the tea.
Our afternoon tea was presented on a three-tiered tower, each tier showcasing a different array of deliciousness. The bottom tier held four sultana scones, the middle was filled with a variety of finger sandwiches, and the top layer was reserved for the sweet treats.
A Gluten-Free Feast
The gluten-free version of the afternoon tea we enjoyed included four finger sandwiches each: egg salad, salmon, cucumber, and Coronation chicken, all served on gluten-free bread. While seemingly simple, these sandwiches were incredibly flavorful and provided a perfect savory counterpoint to the sweet treats awaiting us on the top tier.
This last tier featured an array of miniature delights, including mini carrot cakes, brownies, Battenburgs, and lavender pannacotta with sparkling wine jelly.
All of the desserts were beautifully presented, but the lavender pannacotta truly stole the show. The clear jelly layer, studded with berries and edible flowers, was a visual masterpiece and a testament to the culinary artistry of 108 Brasserie. I was already dreaming of recreating this dessert for my next dinner party!
A Full and Satisfying Experience
Despite the petite size of the individual sandwiches and cakes, the quantity of food was more than enough for a satisfying meal. Afternoon tea is not a snack, but a full-fledged meal in itself. We were not hungry for hours after our tea and even had our server pack up some scones and carrot cake for later.
The presentation was just as impressive as the taste. Every detail was meticulously attended to, creating a truly memorable experience.
It was wonderful to take a break in the middle of the day, to chat over a pot of tea and indulge in a delightful mix of sweet and savory treats.
A Must-Do for Any London Visitor
If you’re planning a trip to London, I highly recommend adding afternoon tea to your itinerary. It’s a quintessential British experience that offers a glimpse into the city’s rich history and culinary heritage.
There are countless options available throughout the city, from charming tearooms to rooftop gardens and even moving buses. No matter where you choose to enjoy it, afternoon tea is guaranteed to be a delightful and memorable experience. So, go ahead and indulge in this classic British tradition – you won’t regret it!
