Savoy Afternoon Tea Hits 8.5/10, Cakes Miss the Mark

Savoy Afternoon Tea Earns High Marks, But Desserts Fall Short

London’s iconic Savoy Hotel offers a steeped-in-history afternoon tea experience, but while the sandwiches and scones shine, the cakes are a missed opportunity, according to a recent review.

The Savoy, a grand dame of London hotels, has been serving afternoon tea in its Gallery restaurant consistently since 1889. This tradition spans over 135 years, making it one of the city’s longest-running culinary experiences. The hotel itself boasts a unique feature: its private road drives on the right, a nod to its opening days when guests exited carriages on the right to enter the hotel directly.

A Menu of Choices

The afternoon tea menu at The Savoy offers several tiers. The standard afternoon tea, which includes sandwiches, scones, and cakes, costs £90 per person. For those seeking a heartier meal, the “High Tea” adds a main course, such as duck breast, for £105. The most luxurious option, the “Prestige Afternoon Tea,” features lobster, caviar, and champagne, priced at £160.

A significant part of the experience is the tea selection itself. The Savoy boasts 22 varieties, ranging from black and green teas to oolong, white, fruity, floral, and herbal infusions. Guests can enjoy as many teas as they wish, with coffee and hot chocolate also available.

Sandwiches and Scones Impress

The review highlighted the quality of the sandwiches. Served individually rather than on a traditional tiered stand, the selection included coronation chicken on mole bread, egg and cress on white bread, British salt beef with pickle and mustard mayonnaise on granary bread, cucumber with mint ricotta on spinach bread, and a smoked salmon, lemon, and dill cream with caviar on a brioche bun. A butternut squash and caramelized fig tartlet also featured.

The sandwiches were described as well-filled and delicious, with particular praise for the salt beef and the innovative cucumber with mint ricotta. The reviewer noted the option for refills on sandwiches, though they did not opt for this.

The scones, often considered the centerpiece of afternoon tea, received high praise. Served warm and in two varieties – plain and fruit – they were described as some of the best the reviewer had ever tasted. They were light, held their shape well, and broke easily. The accompaniments of clotted cream and strawberry jam were excellent. However, the lemon curd was found to be too creamy and less appealing than the traditional jam.

Cakes Leave Room for Improvement

The final course, the cakes, presented a visually stunning array. These included a mandarin and citrus mousse with vanilla sponge, a chocolate and hazelnut cake with caramel and ganache, an apple and custard tartlet on shortbread, and an Earl Grey tea cake with blackberry. While beautifully presented and described as a “work of art,” the taste did not quite match the visual appeal.

The reviewer found the cakes to be just “okay,” with the Earl Grey and blackberry cake being described as “stodgy” and lacking distinct flavor. The apple and custard tartlet was light but watery, and the chocolate cake, while nice, was not exceptional. The reviewer suggested that the desserts were the weakest element of the Savoy’s afternoon tea offering.

A Look at the Bill and History

The total cost for two people, including the £90 per person afternoon tea and a 15% service charge (£27), came to £207. Tap water was complimentary, though bottled water would incur an additional charge. The reviewer noted that while expensive, the experience was considered first-class, set within an amazing hotel and restaurant that blends history with modern comfort.

The Savoy’s history is rich, dating back to 1889. It was one of the first hotels in London to have its own electricity generator and electric lifts, which initially frightened guests. The hotel underwent a major refurbishment between 2007 and 2010, and the Gallery restaurant was also recently updated, though it retains its historic charm.

Market Impact

This review provides a detailed look at a high-end dining experience, offering insights into customer expectations for luxury hospitality. While The Savoy maintains its reputation for excellent service and classic offerings like scones and sandwiches, the feedback on the cakes suggests a potential area for innovation. For competitors in the luxury afternoon tea market, this highlights the importance of consistent quality across all courses.

What Investors Should Know

For investors in the hospitality sector, The Savoy’s performance illustrates the enduring appeal of iconic establishments. The ability to command premium prices (£90-£160 per person) indicates strong brand loyalty and perceived value. However, maintaining that value requires attention to detail across the entire offering. The £207 bill for two, including service, represents a significant spend, underscoring the profitability potential of high-margin food and beverage services in luxury hotels.

The hotel’s history of modernization, including recent refurbishments, shows a commitment to staying relevant while preserving its heritage. This balance is crucial for long-term success in the competitive luxury market. The 8.5/10 rating, despite the criticism of the cakes, suggests that The Savoy remains a highly desirable destination, indicating a stable revenue stream from its afternoon tea service.

The reviewer ultimately awarded The Savoy an 8.5 out of 10, recommending the experience while suggesting improvements to the dessert selection. The hotel’s ability to offer seasonal variations and special occasion teas also contributes to repeat business and customer engagement.

Source: The Savoy Afternoon Tea – Is It Better Than Harrods & The Ritz? (YouTube)