I’m a rather impatient person especially when it comes to The Lanesborough; I’ve waited a long time to walk back through it’s glorious doors and I can confirm the refurbishment was definitely worth the wait. And trust me I couldn’t wait any longer to try the gluten free Afternoon Tea at The Lanesborough; as soon as I knew they were takings bookings I was there!
Sandwiches
The gluten free sarnies did worry me in the beginning when I saw the bread as it looked spongey in texture but looks can be deceiving and it turned out to be rather nice. The fillings were traditional (I like traditional fillings…airy fairy fluffy hippie fillings make me panic; I like my egg sarnies) so cucumber with mint (G ate mine so I can’t comment – I don’t like cucumber), salmon, cheese and ham and coronation chicken which were all of a high quality.
Scones
The gluten free scones passed my nasty scone test with flying colours – they were easy to cut into, I didn’t lose a tooth and they were scrummy. I think these gluten free scones are definitely a huge improvement on the old gluten free scones that used to be served prior to the refit.
If there was just one thing that I would change it would be the strawberry jam…it was bland and G thought the same as well. This is how picky I’m getting in my reviews…I diss the jam…sorry!
But I was super impressed as if you have a dietary requirement then you are bought your own separate little pots of heaven hence avoiding cross contamination. This hardly happens in most hotels so I love that The Lanesborough totally understands food intolerances and allergies.
Pastries
Now I was rather impressed with the gluten free pastries which were served up due to the variety and quantity – the little lemon drizzle cake was amazing…I could scoff one now along with the the strawberry mousse.
If there is one thing that annoys me when pastries are served up, it’s the lack of spoons to eat the various jellies and mousses – I end up having to use my teaspoon which should be used to stir my tea but…I was presented with three…it’s the small things in life that make me happy…three spoons for my gluten free pastries! Sorry about the spoon rant!
For the Gluten Eating Monsters
G managed to inhale his gluten filled afternoon tea in minutes…
…only stopping mid inhale to point out the pretty The Lanesborough chocolate sitting on top of one of his pastries.
Tea
As soon as we walked in, bubbles greeted us…
…so it would have been rude not to celebrate the beautiful refurbishment of The Lanesborough with a glass of champagne.
The Cinnamon Star Tea caught my eye; it’s a delicious black tea which complimented the afternoon tea well; it was warm and spicy but not overpowering and perfect with a drop of milk.
Atmosphere
As soon as I walked into Celeste I was shocked, the Art Deco features were gone…as soon as the shock wore off (it took seconds), I fell in love with the decor which made me think ahhh Wedgwood…
…How cute would this area be for afternoon tea with a group of friends!
Service
From the moment we entered The Lanesborough we were warmly greeted and allowed to have a snoop around…I love snooping inside hotels…honestly why isn’t there a hotel snooping tour available for weirdos like Mrs Silverspoon London and I! I’m digressing…the service…right…focus…
It was amazing; nothing was ever a problem and the staff were more than happy to have a chit chat with us which just made the experience more homely and relaxed. The service is almost on par with Claridge’s…yes I just said that…it’s that good.
Every person that was enjoying afternoon tea at The Lanesborough was asked if there were any allergies that the hotel needed to be aware of which blew my socks off (you don’t normally hear that at all!). Sometimes I don’t feel 100% confident that hotels understand gluten allergies / intolerances however I would be happy to return for any meal at the hotel and feel confident that every care and attention would be made to make sure my meal was gluten free.
Snooping inside The Lanesborough
So we snooped and we snooped good! We found another little spot to enjoy afternoon tea tucked away by The Library Bar…
…And then The Library bar itself which is one of our firm favourites as G and I can never agree on one favourite (G loves the Coburg Bar at The Connaught while I love the Fumoir Bar at Claridge’s so our compromise is The Library Bar at The Lanesborough…if only world peace was this easy to solve!)
G and I aren’t 100% sure about the refurb inside The Library Bar as it feels like it’s missing something…it needs some leather wingback chairs like it used to have but it’s still beautiful…
and it didn’t stop me enjoying a mocktail!
Would I recommend the Afternoon Tea at The Lanesborough – very much so, the afternoon tea is definitely in my top 3 in London now and I can see The Lanesborough as the next big afternoon tea destination of 2015-6 so make sure you make a booking sooner rather than later to avoid disappointment. If you have a food allergy then you can’t go wrong as the attention to detail is impressive!
Afternoon Tea starts at £45 per person without service charge.
xx
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