The Langham, my beloved sanctuary in London, is renowned for its captivating atmosphere and its signature cocktail, The Pink & Gold. However, this time, I embarked on a different kind of adventure with my mother, Lady L Senior, indulging in a sumptuous Afternoon Tea in the exquisite Palm Court.
The moment we stepped into the hotel, a palpable sense of elegance and grandeur enveloped us, filling us with anticipation for the treats that lay ahead. The Palm Court welcomed us with open arms, and we were led to a cozy corner table, offering a perfect vantage point to soak in the ambience. As we settled in, Richard, our attentive waiter, poured us a glass of bubbly, recognizing our shared fondness for a little sparkle. We had chosen the Stephen Webster Bijoux Afternoon Tea, a unique culinary experience inspired by the renowned British jewelry designer. Drawing inspiration from gemstones, pearls, diamonds, and rubies, the tea offered a visually stunning and delectable journey.
A Feast for the Eyes and Palate
The sandwiches presented a departure from the traditional, forgoing the usual crustless finger sandwiches for a symphony of delicate, artistic creations. Each bite was a masterpiece, showcasing the chef’s culinary artistry. A vibrant green Foie Gras and apple pastry case captivated our taste buds with its lightness, while the native lobster with piquillo peppers and flying fish roe stole the show for me. The subtle spiciness and creamy texture of this dish were simply irresistible. My mother adored the poached quail breast with grapes and violet, a delightful fusion of sweetness and fragrance. Other exquisite choices included duck egg mayonnaise with caviar and smoked salmon with cream cheese served on a captivating rye bread with chocolate undertones, a creative twist on a classic.
Tea Time Delights
After enjoying a few more glasses of the refreshing Laurent Perrier Brut Reserve NV, it was time to select our tea companions for the warm scones. The Palm Court boasts an impressive collection of over 40 teas from around the globe, including the luxurious Uber Tea Selection. Richard’s recommendation led us to this decadent choice, while my mother opted for the rare Darjeeling Silver Tip White Tea, known for its delicate caramel sweetness and captivating aroma. I, however, was drawn to the Pre Rain Jun Shan (Imperial Mountain) Silver Needle Yellow Tea, a prestigious Chinese tea favored by Chairman Mao. This rare treasure, harvested only once a year before the Qing Ming Festival, offered a unique flavor profile that combined the earthiness of an Oolong with the lightness and fresh aftertaste of a white tea.
A Sweet Finale
As we savored our chosen teas, a basket of freshly baked scones arrived, accompanied by Devonshire clotted cream and strawberry preserve. This selection included plain, raisin, and the unexpected yet delightful chocolate and marinated orange scones. Though tempted, we managed only one scone each, knowing that a spectacular array of pastries and cakes awaited us. Inspired by Stephen Webster’s latest jewelry collection, “Murder She Wrote,” these sweet delights promised a grand finale to our afternoon tea. The cakes and pastries were presented on a silver stand, resembling a scene straight out of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” each creation as captivating as a fairytale.
A Culinary Murder Mystery
Overwhelmed by the visual feast before us, we indulged in the “Murder She Wrote” inspired creations. I was drawn to the Dagger Dome, a beautiful red apple-shaped confection that concealed a Valrhona white chocolate crème with strawberry and white balsamic cake. The sweet and sticky treat reminded me of Snow White, unable to resist the lure of the poisoned apple. My mother, on the other hand, fell for the Armadillo Ring, a green pistachio Chantilly with meringue sponge. The wickedly green cake, as tempting as the Wicked Witch of the East, proved irresistible. Next, we both succumbed to the allure of the Razor Ribbon Ring, a delicate silver needle jasmine mousse with apricot. This ethereal creation was akin to Cinderella’s magical evening, transporting us to a fairytale ball, light, soft, and delicate, just like dancing in glass slippers. The final, and most adventurous, offering was the Poisoned Apple, a red peppercorn and dark chocolate shortbread presented on a lollypop. Despite its fairytale reference, this treat was more akin to Hansel and Gretel, crunchy and sweet with a hint of spice. It was a perfect, and unexpected, end to our fairytale afternoon tea.
A Farewell to The Palm Court
Under the spell of The Palm Court and its enchanting Bijoux Afternoon Tea, my mother and I decided it was time to depart. With our bellies full and spirits soaring, we bid farewell to the elegant staff, taking home a few scones for the journey, just in case we needed to leave a trail back to this unforgettable haven of deliciousness. We had enjoyed a truly magical afternoon, surrounded by captivating beauty and exquisite flavors. The Langham’s Palm Court had provided a delightful escape, a testament to the power of food to create a truly unforgettable experience.
