The last time Digital Journal’s roving London-based reporter stopped off for afternoon the venue was Claridge’s, a hotel favored by royalty and many a celebrity. Where Clardige’s is reformed and proper, The Savoy Hotel — the venue visited over the Easter weekend — is slightly more relaxed. This might be due to the wondrous Art Deco features and the dazzling display of flowers.
The Savoy has been in operation for over 125 years, although it recently re-opened after a few years of closure pending a magnificent refurbishment. The hotel has a unique setting located directly on the Thames, revealing the very heart of London. Located between Mayfair and the City. The history of The Savoy will be detailed in a follow-up photo essay.
Leading into the tea room, there is magnificent display of orchids. The depth of color is truly dazzling.
The tea room (The Thames Foyer) itself is a charming place, made up of tables to suit various sized groups and some sofas with low set tables for a more relaxed affair. Adorning the walls are various “pop art” style works depicting various Hollywood greats, from Hitchcock to Bogart.
The Thames Foyer is a large light room with a domed ceiling that lets in a lot of light giving it an airy feel.
On reaching the table, the tea set is laid out perfectly with good quality china and silver cutlery.
The range of different types of tea on offer is impressive, with a selection of black and green teas. Coffee is also an option. The Digital Journal party opted for Assam, Earl Grey and a smoky Lapsang Souchong. If you like drinking tea, the pots are constantly topped up.
Although tea is central to the afternoon tea experience, it is also quite common to begin with a glass of champagne. On view here is a glass of Louis Roederer Brut Premier. It is a deliciously rich Champagne, with an overt fruitiness and nutty, yeasty notes.
The first course is finger sandwiches. The range can be tailored to standard, vegetarians or those who prefer a gluten free diet. The standard selection included Wiltshire bone ham with wholegrain mustard; Coronation chicken on olive bread; Scottish smoked and oaked salmon; egg salad with watercress; and cucumber and dried tomato.
The middle course consists of delicious scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream. There was also the option of the lemon curd. The scones were served warm and either fruit or plain.
This is followed by an interesting array of cakes.
For those on a gluten free diet the cakes are no less interesting.
During the 2 hour experience, a pianist plays and sings various musical moment, mostly drawn from the great American songbook.
All in all afternoon tea at The Savoy is a relaxing and enjoyable experience. The atmosphere at The Savoy was pleasant and calm and we were not rushed at all. A live pianist who plays while the food is served was an added delight. Additional sandwiches, scones or cakes can be ordered at any time. At £51 ($76) the price is at the top end; however, you won’t need to eat much else that day. With a glass of champagne the price rises to £61.50 ($93).
A great London experience, although this reporter slightly favored the afternoon tea experience at Clardige’s where the food was slightly different and the staff a little more focused. Digital Journal rating 4 out of 5.
