The Chesterfield Mayfair is a stunning, four-star hotel set within one of London's most illustrious areas, taking its place within a historic townhouse originally built in the 1700s. With polished marble flooring, antique furnishings and huge, glittering chandeliers, it's like stepping back in time, in pure luxury.
And so, it seems there's no better place to enjoy the heritage English pastime of afternoon tea than here, especially when it's one of the hotel's major dining offerings. Indeed, instead of a classic tea and scones affair, the team have transformed their beautiful conservatory-style dining room into an old fashioned sweet shop, especially for their Original Sweet Shop Afternoon Tea experience.
At first, you'll be greeted by a sweetie cart, decked out with huge, glass jars and bottles, crammed with colourful candies inside, and finished with a picturesque, striped awning. This flair for presentation continues to the food itself, too, from the smoking pink lemonade to the sweetshop-themed cakes.
The menu follows a typical afternoon tea format, beginning with a selection of finger sandwiches with fillings such as Scottish smoked salmon with cream cheese and chives on beetroot bread, alongside honey roast ham with cheddar cheese and tomato chutney on tomato bread.
As for the homemade pastries, expect a fun, playful take with the likes of a Coca-Cola slice, a Reece’s peanut butter cup and giant, colourful jazzies. If this weren't enough, the traditional scones have been infused with chocolate chips and are slathered with strawberry jam and clotted cream. A glass of bubbles is recommended and guests are invited to choose between rosé or white label Lanson Champagne.
The Chesterfield Mayfair's afternoon tea has been commended at the Afternoon Tea Awards for two years running and the venue is a member of The Tea Guild, a prestigious organisation that represents outlets dedicated to brewing and serving tea to the high standards desired by the United Kingdom Tea Council - so you can be sure it'll be worth the visit!