Few things are more quintessentially British than afternoon tea, but that doesn’t mean it has to be a standardised experience. Afternoon tea at Strand Palace is more than your classic affair, it's a captivating fusion of culinary artistry, illusion, and theatrical charm. This playful, unique twist has quickly become a sought-after indulgence right in the beating heart of the West End.
Afternoon tea at Strand Palace offers delightful sandwiches, cakes, and cocktails, inspired by iconic plays that feature ‘a-play-within-a-play’ like Hamlet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Moulin Rouge. Even the menu itself arrives cleverly disguised. Served in the Haxells at Strand Palace dining room surrounded by plush maroon velvet backdrop and ornate gold detailing, it all makes sense.
In true theatrical style, afternoon tea here has been divided into ‘acts’ with items creatively named after theatre tropes. Act one is about all things savoury with items like The Green Room, a dill cream cheese smoked salmon finger sandwich; The Matinee Delight, a brioche bun filled with lemon and herb marinated chicken; and The Stagehands Sausage Roll, with red onion marmalade.
After experiencing the hard earned perfection of the savoury first half, you deserve a well-earned rest. So, during the ‘Intermission’, enjoy Showstopper Scones with unlimited fragrant teas. Act II reveals decadent sweets like the Tutu Tartlet (white chocolate ganache with a raspberry and rose mousse), Baritone’s Delight (dark chocolate delice with espresso cream), and On The Barre (an almond and blueberry frangipane bar with lavender whipped cream and violets). Afternoon tea at The Strand Palace Hotel also offers vegan and kids menus.
Apart from being an eminently Instagrammable experience, Strand Palace afternoon tea is ideal for a pre-theatre treat or a fun gathering with friends. Plus, it’s available every day between 12pm and 5pm, priced at £49 on weekdays and £55 on weekends.