Get ready for an Afternoon Tea experience that’s truly next-level!
Right in the heart of London, Corinthia transforms this beloved British tradition into something modern, elegant, and completely irresistible. From beautifully crafted pastries to perfectly brewed teas, every detail is pure indulgence.
Today, DOYOUSPEAKLONDON takes you inside this unforgettable treat, where style, flavour, and delight come together in perfect harmony!
Corinthia London: a landmark of luxury in the heart of the city
The luxurious Corinthia Hotel sits in one of London’s most prestigious areas, just steps from Trafalgar Square, St James’s Park, and Whitehall.
Its history is as fascinating as its elegance: originally opened in 1885 as the Metropole Hotel, its proximity to the Palace of Westminster saw it requisitioned during both World Wars.
In the interwar years, the hotel became a celebrated cabaret hotspot, famously known as the “Midnight Follies.” After the Second World War, it was acquired by the Ministry of Defence and served as government offices for decades.
In 2007, the Crown Estates sold the building, and it was meticulously restored to its former glory as the Corinthia Hotel, blending historical grandeur with modern luxury.
Setting history aside, on this sunny January Sunday, I met up with friends for one of our regular tastings of London’s best Afternoon Teas!
The Corinthia Hotel didn’t just satisfy our greedy (and picky) appetites, it impressed our discerning minds too!
A first glance at the interior and we were all seduced by the place and ready to enjoy our afternoon tea…
Indulgent Afternoon Tea at the luxurious Corinthia
Afternoon Tea is meant to be savoured. A chance to enjoy exquisite treats, perfectly brewed drinks, and the simple joy of good company. And of course, it’s always even more delightful when shared.
We started the afternoon with a glass of champagne, and by the time the waiter even began suggesting teas to accompany our treats, we were already salivating over the menu.
A quick glance at the desserts alone promised nothing short of pure indulgence.
We started with the five traditional finger sandwiches and very much appreciated their original twists.
The pickled cucumber with goat’s curd and mint on brown bread was fresh, crisp, and full of flavour.
The smoked salmon with horseradish crème fraîche, also on brown bread, was perfectly smoked and utterly delicious.
The coronation chicken with crunchy gem lettuce on onion bread was sensational, so many textures and flavours in every bite!
My personal favourite? The Clarence Court egg mayonnaise with truffle and Dijon on brioche: rich, melting, and absolutely divine.
The honey roast Wiltshire ham with Dijon and watercress was perhaps the simplest of the bunch, but still very tasty.
Next up in our Afternoon Tea feast were the Plain and Sultana scones, a classic treat we were eagerly anticipating.
Let me tell you: these scones are legendary!
Still warm when they arrived, soft inside and out, a perfect balance between cake and brioche. I loved every bite, though I have a soft spot for the plain scones!
The jams were just as impressive: organic strawberry, so good you could taste the love in every spoonful, and rhubarb with litsea cubeba, an absolute must-try. Delightful both in flavour and originality!
Saving the best for last: the desserts!
These four pastries were nothing short of divine… each bite a little moment of heaven.
The Chestnut & Cassis Éclair won unanimous praise for its bold flavours, stunning presentation, and the perfect balance of sweet and tangy notes.
The Coffee, Cocoa Nibs, and Praline Mousse was my personal favourite. Beautifully designed and utterly scrumptious, its bold flavours lingered delightfully on the palate. I’d recommend saving this one for last, it’s the perfect finale to savour every last bite.
The Spiced Pear Mousse with Chai Chantilly was simply sensational, delicate in both flavour and texture, with the biscuit perfectly complementing the softness of the mousse. Incredible!
On second thought, it might just share the top spot as my favourite, alongside the Coffee, Cocoa Nibs, and Praline Mousse…!
The final showstopper was the Coconut and Lime Cake with Passion Fruit & Chantilly, truly impressive, though on the sweeter side.
All absolutely delicious.
Inside the kitchen: Corinthia London’s head pastry Chef
Behind all these amazing pastries there’s The French Head Pastry Chef Loic Carbonnet, whom I’d like to present a bit.
Loic Carbonnet has spent the past five years at The Corinthia, leading a team of 11 talented pastry chefs responsible for the main hotel. Prior to this, he honed his craft at The Four Seasons and The Lanesborough.
On the hotel’s website, Loic Carbonnet explains that what makes Corinthia London’s Afternoon Tea so special is “the way we showcase our afternoon tea, especially with the afternoon tea trolley, filled with cakes that are presented to each of our guests.”
He notes that a great Afternoon Tea is half about the pastries and sandwiches, and half about the service: the setting, the china, and the human touch. Although our server was a bit distant, we decided to overlook it and just enjoy the experience.
The iconic Fullmoon Baccarat Chandelier of Corinthia London
This stunning chandelier was designed in 2011 by Chafik Studio and produced exclusively for the Corinthia Hotel by Baccarat.
It hangs beneath the lobby’s glass dome, a central feature that captures the attention of every visitor.
I’m fascinated by the story behind this breathtaking chandelier. It’s composed of 1,000 clear crystal bubbles, with a 1,001st red crystal bubble placed at its heart, a nod to the red tassel that traditionally adorns and distinguishes Baccarat chandeliers. Simply astonishing, isn’t it?
I hope you’ve enjoyed this post and found a little inspiration here. If you’re planning to book an Afternoon Tea at Corinthia London, I’d love for you to share your experience and thoughts on the DOYOUSPEAKLONDON!
Don’t miss my other Afternoon Tea picks! See them all here!
Looking for more inspiration?
To go further:
Corinthia London: Whitehall Place, London SW1A 2BD
Website
