The Langham, my haven in London, is where I find solace and my beloved Pink & Gold cocktail. But this time, a different kind of delight awaited me: an enchanting Afternoon Tea with my mother, Lady L Senior, in the majestic Palm Court.
Entering a World of Opulence
As we ascended the grand steps, the grandeur of this iconic landmark filled us with anticipation. The Palm Court welcomed us with open arms, its elegant ambiance captivating our senses. We were led to a cozy corner table, providing a perfect view of the lively atmosphere. Richard, the charming waiter, poured us a glass of bubbly, sensing our shared penchant for a celebratory tipple. We opted for the Stephen Webster Bijoux Afternoon Tea, a culinary masterpiece inspired by the renowned British jeweler’s creations. Each element of this exquisite spread was a testament to his artistry, evoking the brilliance of jewels, pearls, diamonds, and rubies.
Delicate Delights: A Culinary Symphony
The sandwiches were a far cry from the typical finger sandwiches. Instead, they were delicate works of art, too beautiful to resist. My mother and I were captivated by the light and airy Foie Gras and apple pastry case, its vibrant green hue adding a touch of whimsy. My personal favorite was the native lobster with piquillo peppers and flying fish roe, a delightful blend of spice and creaminess. My mother couldn’t resist the poached quail breast with grapes and violet, a unique fusion of sweet and fragrant flavors. The selection also included duck egg mayonnaise with caviar and smoked salmon with cream cheese, served on an intriguing rye bread with subtle chocolate notes, a clever twist on a classic.
A Tea Ceremony of Extraordinary Flavors
After indulging in a few glasses of Laurent Perrier Brut Reserve NV, it was time to choose our tea companions for the warm scones. The Palm Court boasts an impressive collection of over 40 teas from around the world, including the decadent Uber Tea Selection, which Richard recommended to us. Lady L Senior opted for the rare Darjeeling Silver Tip White Tea, a delicate brew with notes of caramel and a captivating aroma. I, on the other hand, was drawn to the Pre Rain Jun Shan (Imperial Mountain) Silver Needle Yellow Tea, a legendary Chinese tea favored by Chairman Mao. This rare tea, harvested before the Qing Ming Festival, boasts an earthy Oolong character with a light, refreshing finish.
Scone Delights and a Murderous Dessert Collection
As our teas steeped, a basket filled with scones arrived, accompanied by Devonshire clotted cream and strawberry preserve. These weren’t your ordinary scones, though. Alongside the classic plain and raisin varieties, we found unique chocolate and marinated orange scones. We indulged in just one each, knowing that the pièce de résistance awaited us: the pastry and cake collection inspired by Stephen Webster’s “Murder She Wrote” jewelry collection. This artistic collection, featuring diamonds and colorful gemstones, is a captivating reimagining of the mystery genre. My mother and I, true believers in the adage “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend,” were eager to savor these sweet masterpieces.
A Fairy Tale of Flavors
Presented on a silver stand, the cakes and pastries were a sight to behold, a veritable “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” moment. We were overwhelmed by the beauty and artistry of each sweet treat. I succumbed to the allure of the Dagger Dome, a Valrhona white chocolate crème with strawberry and white balsamic cake. It was like a poisoned apple, irresistibly sweet and tempting. My mother chose the Armadillo Ring, a roasted green pistachio Chantilly with meringue sponge. This green confection was truly naughty, like the Wicked Witch of the East. We both agreed on the Razor Ribbon Ring, a silver needle jasmine mousse with apricot. It was as delicate as Cinderella’s glass slipper, transporting us to a magical ball. The final treat was the Poisoned Apple, a red peppercorn and dark chocolate shortbread. This playful pastry, with its spicy shortbread and sweet icing, was a fitting finale to our fairytale Afternoon Tea.
A Sweet Farewell to The Palm Court
Completely enchanted by The Palm Court and its Bijoux Afternoon Tea, my mother and I knew it was time to depart. We had a pumpkin waiting outside, but the staff, ever so thoughtful, provided us with “doggie bags” of scones. We knew that if we ever needed to find our way back to this sweet haven of elegance and temptation, we would leave a delicious trail of crumbs.
