Themed Harrods afternoon teas

 

The nice thing about Harrods afternoon tea at The Georgian Restaurant is that if you time it right you can have a different afternoon tea experience with every visit and yet still enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and friendly service that gives consistency to a Harrods outing. My parents occasionally send over some emails with food-related information, and since my mum and I have made it our endeavor to have a girls’ night out for afternoon tea at least once whenever she visits (sadly so far no more than once a year), this limited-time only floral afternoon tea did not escape her. She wasn’t able to make it this time, but I took my friends and we too had a blast.

 

 

Going in May allows you to sit outside on the roofed and charmingly romantic terrace. Go there for the ambience of sprouting blossoms and wildly (yet contained) growing macho ferns and spider plants in a conservatory-like space looking out on what reminded us of the kind of roofs Mary Poppins would glide over in her politely firm yet lively manner, winking at Bert and the children Jane and Michael with a cheeky smile.

 

Elegant and fun it was, with refined Wedgwood China and pretty colorful pastries. And that is what I would recommend coming here for. The waiters are attentive but allow you to relax and it was no different when I took another friend in October for the chocolate-themed afternoon tea in light of Chocolate Week.

 

Although the terrace was closed for the ever dimmer and darker season, the large, warm inside space offered a welcoming alternative. High ceilings with Art Deco ornamental mouldings and comfortable seats that may include a crescent-shaped soft bench (as ours was), make the space not only seem grand and spacious but also cosy and relaxed at the same time.

 

The tea came in big, silver pots which, despite the eager intent to try other teas at no extra cost, we barely managed to finish. The sandwiches were left wanting for fullness and complexity of flavour, but the chocolaty treats were for the most part well thought through and even featured a home-made Rocher, as the waiter emphasized.

 

One crucial detail which for me is one of the distinguishing features separating good from mediocre afternoon tea experiences is the serving of the scones. Debates aside (should the scones be eaten before the sandwiches? after the pastries?), scones that are served when you are ready for them ensures that they are still warm whenever you feel it’s time to indulge in them. And The Georgian at Harrods certainly got that right.

 

It’ll be curious to see what the future holds for further themed Harrods afternoon teas. If you’ve tried others, feel free to share in the comments below! In the meantime I’ll go ahead and put the kettle on, nothing like a cup of tea to beat the winter blues~~

 

Area: Knightsbridge, West London

Closest tube: Knightsbridge (Piccadilly line)

Address: The Georgian Restaurant, Harrods

Website: http://www.harrods.com/content/the-store/restaurants/the-georgian-restaurant

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