I thought I had done pretty well..one afternoon tea in five months and then suddenly I eat three in less than a month! The gluten free afternoon tea at The Langham London was on my afternoon tea bucket list (like Claridge’s, Brown’s Hotel and One Aldwych) so when my lovely friend Caprice was over from South Africa we decided to have an afternoon tea outing…I know you’re all shocked that I would suggest afternoon tea!
I’m going to apologise right now as my photos are a tad dark due to the sexy mood lightning that helps detracts the bags under the eyes however is a blogging nightmare.
The afternoon tea starts with a Panna Cotta…I normally see a panna cotta at the pastry stage of a gluten free afternoon tea however we were both provided with one at the very beginning and I can say with my hand on my heart…it was the best panna cotta I’ve ever eaten!
Sandwiches
The gluten free sarnies were delicious however I did feel slightly cheated about the lettuce leaves…super picky I know but I would have liked my egg filling slapped inside some bread (I love egg sarnies!). There were little twists to each of the traditional fillings which gave the savoury selection an added boost.
Do not pass up seconds of the coronation chicken…possibly the best coronation chicken I’ve had at an afternoon tea to date!
Scones
Now you know gluten free scones are pesky little buggers at the best of times and there are not many grand hotels that pull off the perfect gluten free scone…obviously Claridge’s comes out top (I’ve eaten 50+ afternoon teas, so I’m allowed to make this big call) but I thought these gluten free scones were wonderful and definitely in my top two. There was a slight powdery after taste but this is probably due to the gluten free flour that they’re using at The Langham.
The size of the scones were dainty however this was perfect as I find scones quite filling…
The next photo is pure scone porn where the tasty jam just drips off the scone…I was telling Caprice why I put clotted cream first on my scones…basically as it acts like glue and the jam sits better on the scone hence you don’t end up with half the cream and jam down your boobies or in my case…inside my dress and bra (seriously don’t ask how I still miss my mouth when it’s so big)!
There was enough clotted cream and jam for Caprice and I to share…we didn’t start any jam wars! And thankfully no lemon curd!
Pastries
I was super impressed with the gluten free pastries at The Langham; this was the pièce de résistance and I think we can safely say that Cherish and her team have outdone themselves! The only difference was the chocolate cake between the gluten free and normal pastries. The flavours of these pastries are just mind blowing…I do find some gluten free pastries can be a tad bland however every pastry had a unique flavour however they all worked perfectly together and I’m not going to spoil the surprise for you….you will need to book the afternoon tea!
Trying to look like a lady before scoffing all those pastries and failing!
The happy face of a gluten free monster that found an afternoon tea that gives Claridge’s a run for it’s money especially since the gluten free pastries were almost identical as the gluten loaded pastries! Not sure what’s going on with my fringe in these photo…possibly the excitement of afternoon tea was just too much for my fringe.
Here’s the proof that there isn’t that much difference in the pastries…amazing right?!?!
Tea
I went for the Silk Road White Tea which was divine and I would highly recommend…I like a white or green tea with afternoon tea as I find I get heart burn if I go for a black tea with afternoon tea.
Atmosphere
The Palm Lounge is super cosy and elegant…just what you expect from a luxury hotel of this calibre.
Afternoon Tea for the Gluten Eating Monsters
Here’s what to expect from the gluten loaded afternoon tea…it was super impressive and almost exactly the same as the gluten free afternoon tea…
…Caprice was rather happy with her gluten loaded pastries!
Service
The service was wonderful and attentive however my tea did end up a little luke warm at times but this was rectified with fresh tea throughout. At the end of our afternoon tea, I was asked my thoughts…I was honest and said it was just a tad under Claridge’s but not by much…those lettuce leaves on the savoury plate…SHOW ME THE BREAD…but it was nice to be asked our thoughts on our experience…they didn’t know about my little blog.
^^A big thank you to the team at The Langham for looking after us on the day and taking the compulsory afternoon tea photo of us both!
The Bar
We did pop into the bar for a drink…I was slightly jealous of Caprice’s magical drink but my frozen P.C. was super tasty…
…poor Caprice had to finish mine for me as I don’t drink much these days…three slurps and then I pass my drink around the table.
This is what I look like after having a massive sugar hit…approach with caution and don’t make eye contact!
Would I recommend the Gluten Free Afternoon Tea at The Langham London – I would highly recommend; if you’ve visited Claridge’s and looking for an alternative then definitely make a reservation at The Langham in London as I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. I’m now even more convinced that I need to tick off their spa from my London Bucket List!
The afternoon tea starts at £49 per person excluding service charge and bubbles and you can make a reservation online here.
I’ve you’ve got really special dietary requirements and want to ask a question to see if they can cater, pop @cherish_finden a tweet on twitter to see if it’s possible…she’s a Pastry Chef Rock Star!
Have you tried the Gluten Free Afternoon Tea at The Langham, London; I would love to hear your thoughts. If you do make a reservation after reading my review, let me know what you think of the afternoon tea.
xx
If you liked this post on the Gluten Free Afternoon Tea at The Langham London then why not come and join me on Twitter, Google+, Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest – I won’t bite!
You may also enjoy:
