Lanesborough Afternoon Tea Hits 9.5/10 Score

Lanesborough Afternoon Tea Hits 9.5/10 Score

The Lanesborough hotel in London has launched a Bridgerton-themed afternoon tea, priced at £92 per person, earning a near-perfect score of 9.5 out of 10. The reviewer found the experience to be spectacular, comparing it favorably to other high-end establishments like The Ritz.

A Royal Setting for a Themed Treat

Located at Hyde Park Corner, The Lanesborough is a luxurious hotel with a rich history. The building itself is over 300 years old and previously served as a hospital for 250 years before becoming a five-star hotel. The current afternoon tea experience is inspired by the popular Netflix drama Bridgerton, offering a light theme rather than a fully immersive one. This means no actors or required character play, but rather subtle nods to the show through the menu and pastry designs.

“The setting is amazing. This room does feel quite Bridgerton. It was a Bridgerton themed lunch. It does feel like you’re stepping back into the sort of the royal family type movements of the 1800s.”

A Menu Fit for the Ton

The afternoon tea features a selection of sandwiches, scones, and pastries. The sandwiches include Westcombe cheddar with spring onion, smoked salmon with crème fraîche, spicy harissa chicken with basil, cucumber with avocado and mint, and a truffle potato bun. The reviewer praised the quality and taste of each sandwich, noting the good proportion of fillings and fresh ingredients. Even a birthday cake for the cameraman was provided, showcasing the hotel’s attention to detail.

The scones, often considered the highlight of any afternoon tea, were described as light and fluffy. They were served with strawberry jam, which had a strong, pure flavor, and lemon curd that was subtle and smooth. The clotted cream had a perfect consistency for spreading. The reviewer noted that refills were available for sandwiches and scones, adding value to the experience.

Pastries as Works of Art

The pastries were a visual masterpiece, with each one themed around elements of the Bridgerton series. Examples included “Cottage Bloom,” “Benedict’s Masquerade,” and “Let Love Take Flight.” These were not only beautiful but also delicious, with light textures and balanced flavors, avoiding the common pitfall of being overly sweet. The reviewer called them “superb” and “little works of art,” stating they were some of the best seen at any afternoon tea.

Tea Selection and Price Point

While the tea selection was more limited than at some other venues, offering around 10-12 choices including a special Bridgerton Blend, it was still considered sufficient. The reviewer appreciated the convenience of the artisan tea bags in individual teapots, which prevented loose leaves from ending up in the cup. The Bridgerton Blend was described as a fruity and floral black tea with sweet tones.

The price of £92 per person, before a 15% service charge which brought the total over £100, positions this as one of London’s most expensive afternoon teas. However, the reviewer purchased a voucher beforehand, which settled the bill including service charge, effectively making it £92 per person and avoiding additional costs on the day. Despite the high cost, the reviewer concluded the experience was worth it.

What Investors Should Know

The Lanesborough’s Bridgerton afternoon tea represents a premium offering in the luxury hospitality sector. The success of this themed event highlights the growing consumer demand for unique, experience-driven dining. For investors in the hospitality industry, this demonstrates the potential for themed events to drive revenue and attract customers, particularly when tied to popular culture. The high price point, coupled with a high satisfaction rating, suggests that consumers are willing to pay a premium for exceptional quality and memorable experiences.

The hotel’s history and its transformation into a luxury venue also point to successful property redevelopment and brand management. The significant increase in the building’s value since its £6,000 purchase in 1980 underscores the long-term appreciation potential in prime real estate and luxury hospitality. The focus on high-quality food, presentation, and service, as evidenced by the 9.5/10 rating, is crucial for maintaining a luxury brand and justifying premium pricing in a competitive market.

Final Verdict: A Near-Perfect Experience

The reviewer gave the Lanesborough’s Bridgerton afternoon tea a score of 9.5 out of 10. The only minor drawbacks mentioned were the smaller tea selection and the lack of refills on cakes, which were attributed to the high-end nature and complexity of the pastries. Overall, the experience was deemed “absolutely brilliant” and highly recommended, especially for fans of Bridgerton or those seeking a special treat in London.

Source: The Lanesborough Bridgerton Afternoon Tea – Is It Better Than Harrods or The Ritz? (YouTube)