Afternoon Tea at The Dorchester

The Dorchester.

Earl grey tea

This week's post is a little bit of London right before I jet off for fall break!

Although tea has already been featured on this blog, this tea time is in a class all its own.

Afternoon tea at The Dorchester is one of the more posh tea services in London along the likes of The Ritz or Fortnum & Mason. Although it costs a pretty penny, afternoon tea here is an unforgettable, luxurious experience that really encompasses the peaceful aura of tea time. For two full hours, you are treated to a perpetual stream of savories, sweets, and tea that will leave you in a completely dream-like food coma.

Smoked salmon, chopped egg, and seafood finger sandwiches

Chicken and cucumber finger sandwiches

From the moment you sink into the plush cushions of your seat to the moment you (try) to stand, the delectable tea treats do not end. The bread used in finger sandwiches is of great importance; it should compliment the textures and flavors of whatever rests inside. Each sandwich at The Dorchester had its own personality yet the flavors were still light on the palate.

Chocolate-coffee mousse in a chocolate cup

A truly amusing amuse bouche that toyed with the idea of coffee during afternoon tea. 

Raisin scone with clotted cream and jam

And of course, tea is not tea without its scones. Quaint little scones that had bursts of sweet raisin to add to the sweet jam and marmalade.

A rainbow of sweets

A raspberry macaron, passion fruit-coconut cake, strawberry tart, apricot financier, and mint chocolate tart finished afternoon tea with just as much flavor and variety as the finger sandwiches. But even beyond the superb food and service, the atmosphere at The Dorchester is magical. A live pianist softly singing to his own music, the clink of teacups on saucers, the quiet chatter amongst tables...they all make afternoon tea a little vacation or escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.