Langham Serves Original Afternoon Tea for £85

Langham Hotel Recreates Historic Afternoon Tea

The Langham Hotel in London, the very first hotel in the world to offer afternoon tea, is continuing its tradition over 160 years later. This historic practice, started by Anna, Duchess of Bedford in the 1840s, was adopted by the Langham in 1865 and is still served in the same elegant room, the Palm Court, today. The experience offers a taste of history, aiming to capture the essence of the original offering.

A Grand Setting for a Classic Experience

Stepping into the Palm Court at The Langham feels like stepping back in time. The room boasts high ceilings and stunning chandeliers, creating a palatial atmosphere that rivals other high-end establishments like The Ritz. This sense of grandeur sets the stage for an afternoon tea that aims to honor its historical roots.

The Menu: A Nod to Tradition

The afternoon tea menu includes the expected delights: delicate sandwiches, warm scones, and exquisite pastries. While many modern afternoon teas feature extensive tea lists presented in thick binders, The Langham keeps its tea selection concise, listed on a single card alongside coffee and hot chocolate options. The price for this experience is set at £85 per person, positioning it as a premium offering.

Sandwiches: A Historical Perspective

Unusually, the sandwiches at The Langham are served on a plate, not the traditional tiered stand. This presentation reflects how afternoon tea was originally served in the 1800s. The gap between lunch and dinner in the Victorian era was long, prompting the Duchess of Bedford to create afternoon tea to stave off hunger. The selection includes five types: coronation chicken, beef sirloin, smoked salmon, egg mayonnaise, and a unique potato f with crème fraîche and caviar. The sandwiches are noted for their good filling-to-bread ratio and distinct flavors, with the coronation chicken and beef sirloin receiving particular praise.

The Sweet Finale: Pastries Before Scones

A significant departure from tradition is The Langham’s decision to serve pastries and cakes before the scones. This change, implemented around the time of the pandemic, aims to address guest feedback. Previously, many guests were too full after sandwiches and scones to fully enjoy the delicate cakes, leading to them being taken home. By serving the sweets first, the hotel ensures these seasonal creations are savored. The pastries themselves are described as exceptional, featuring a variety of flavors like coconut and mango, chocolate mousse, and raspberry and rose. A large chocolate tea cake is also included, offering a rich, indulgent finale to the sweet course.

Scones: A Controversial Timing

The scones, traditionally the highlight for many, arrive last. Served warm under an impressive cloche, guests receive a plain and a raisin scone each. They are accompanied by strawberry jam, pineapple jam, and clotted cream. While the scones are deemed good, they are noted as being slightly dry and smaller than some might expect, possibly due to being served after a substantial pastry course. The pineapple jam is criticized for lacking flavor, while the clotted cream is considered too thick. The strawberry jam, however, is praised for its strong, punchy flavor.

The Langham’s Afternoon Tea: An Overall Assessment

The atmosphere at The Langham’s Palm Court is a major draw, with its elegant decor and live pianist creating a sophisticated ambiance. The food is generally well-received, with the pastries standing out as particularly impressive. However, the hotel’s decision to reorder the courses, placing scones last, is seen as a departure that may not work for everyone. While the sandwiches are decent and the cakes are exceptional, the timing impacts the enjoyment of the scones.

Pricing and Service

At £85 per person, The Langham’s afternoon tea is a significant investment. A 12% optional service charge is added, which the reviewer found well-deserved due to the excellent service. The hotel also offers a doggy bag for guests to take home leftover cakes and scones, a thoughtful touch.

What Investors Should Know

The Langham’s approach to afternoon tea highlights a common challenge in the hospitality industry: balancing tradition with modern customer expectations and operational efficiency. By altering the traditional serving order, the hotel aims to enhance the guest experience and reduce waste, particularly with its seasonal pastries. Investors in the luxury hospitality sector can observe how established brands adapt their core offerings to remain relevant and appealing. The success of such changes often hinges on execution and guest perception. The premium pricing reflects the brand’s heritage and the high-quality ingredients and service offered. While the reordering of courses might be unconventional, it demonstrates a willingness to innovate, a trait crucial for long-term brand vitality in a competitive market.

Despite minor criticisms regarding the scones and the order of service, The Langham’s afternoon tea is rated a solid 8 out of 10. It offers a unique historical experience in a beautiful setting, making it a worthwhile destination for those seeking the original afternoon tea tradition.

Source: Afternoon Tea at The Langham – Better Than Harrods or The Ritz? (YouTube)