The Rose Lounge at Sofitel London is the perfect place to enjoy afternoon tea. The rose-filled retreat shelters its guests from the hustle and bustle of the capital while delighting them with savoury and sweet treats, as well as the main event - tea.
Red, studded sofas and armchair seating are what give this cosy space its name, along with various other pink flourishes, from cute lampshades to floral artworks. It's a relatively small, but infinitely warm, room, providing a welcome hideaway for guests to indulge in its decadent menu come the weekend.
The inspired menu by head pastry chef Jamie Warley moves away from afternoon tea's English origins and instead invites guests to experience traditional French flavours. Rather than offering classic finger sandwiches, savoury options include the likes of a wild mushroom and candied chestnut tart, coronation chicken with apricot on a brioche bun, and smoked salmon with horseradish crème fraiche on a beetroot slice. Meanwhile, the sweeter section of the menu offers indulgent delights like a chocolate and clementine Earl Grey delice, Madagascan vanilla layered with coconut passionfruit and pineapple confit, and coffee and mascarpone Paris Brest.
Not wanting to stray too far from tradition, freshly baked homemade scones are also on the menu, served with Cornish clotted cream and homemade seasonal jam.
Of course, no afternoon tea is complete without tea! Offering unique blends from Camellia's Tea House, an independent artisan British tea company, guests can choose from a selection of luxurious and herbal wellness infusions to accompany the food. Alongside classic English Breakfast, guests can also find oolong, green tea, white tea and fruity options.
The Rose Lounge serves afternoon tea from 12pm - 4pm, Friday to Sunday. Do note that it is also possible to order afternoon tea to takeaway.