The Palm Court at The Langham

From the moment The Langham opened its doors in 1865, it made history, not just as London’s first purpose-built Grand Hotel, but also as the first to serve afternoon tea. To this day, from 12:30pm to 5pm, the glittering Palm Court restaurant is the place to take tea, see and be seen.

Executive pastry chef Andrew Gravett and Michel Roux Jr. honour this legacy with a Victorian-inspired afternoon tea. Sandwiches feature classic fillings, cucumber with Ivy House Farm clotted cream butter and smoked Scottish salmon with perfectly peppery nasturtium butter. They’re joined by cauliflower and rocket number inspired by the peppery anchovy laden ‘Gentleman’s Relish’, a popular spread during the 19th century. Just as we polish off the last of them, our wish is answered and another tray appears.

Riffs on traditional desserts arrive as glossy little gems. Moulded to imitate the iconic lady finger collar, a glistening elderflower Charlotte comes with a sharp puck of set redcurrant jam. Elsewhere, a rose baba wears a single rose petal as a fascinator, pinned by a bead of jelly and ringed by mascarpone piping. Signature scones, some with plump golden raisins, are served warm and fluffy. Then there’s the finale: a show-stopping strawberry trifle topped with light, vanilla-laden Chantilly cream. It’s one of the best we’ve had.

It’s nearly 160 years on, and afternoon tea at Palm Court hasn’t lost its lustre - quite the reverse. As if you’ve wandered into a just-opened bottle of premium rosé Champagne, the dining room sparkles. Blush walls bear shimmering rose gold accents arranged like exploding stars, while comfortable armchairs and deep buttoned banquettes lend a sense of old-world glamour.

It might cost you £85, but you’re not just paying for rounds of cakes, sandwiches, and fine loose-leaf tea. Set against the gentle hum of pleasant conversation and jazzy live piano music, whether for afternoon tea or dinner at Chez Roux, Palm Court stands as a glittery Art Deco refuge from Oxford Circus. Everyone and their grandmother is here, from the ages of eight months to 80 years. It’s not hard to see why. The seventh Duchess of Bedford might have started the tradition, but The Langham has mastered it.

The Palm Court at The Langham is an afternoon tea lounge by day and a restaurant by night, set in glamorous surrounds. When it comes to afternoon tea in the capital, few places have more experience than The Langham. In fact, the much adored hotel has been serving this time-honoured British tradition since it first swung open its doors way back in 1865. These days, tea is served in The Palm Court, a glamourous, over-the-top space featuring metallic wallpaper, cosy velvet tub chairs and mirrored columns which bounce light around the room.

The Palm Court’s menu is designed by legendary chef Michel Roux Jr and The Langham’s executive pastry chef Andrew Gravett, in an offering which celebrates all things British and takes inspiration from our nation’s favourite biscuits and baked tarts. The afternoon tea begins with a selection of traditional finger sandwiches, with varieties to try including Croast chicken with curried butter, smoked salmon with nasturtium butter and watercross, and roast cauliflower with anchovy relish and rocket.

Next up, tuck into your choice of plain or raisin studded scones which arrive fresh from the Palm Court bakery and are paired with Cornish clotted cream and seasonal preserves. The grand finale sees an assortment of sweet treats, which includes a rose-infused baba with lychee and mascarpone, and an Early Grey and Jivara mousse with a runny caramel centre. There are also a range of other afternoon tea menus, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and children’s afternoon teas.

Outside of afternoon tea hours, Palm Court is also where breakfast at The Langham is served. In the evening this majestic room becomes Chez Roux - Michel Roux Jr’s restaurant at the hotel, where he serves a menu inspired by his dual English and French upbringing.