The district of Marylebone is a quintessential ingredient in the make-up of the City of Westminster, as well as West London; a location that has historically been home to some of the finest artists, writers, and culturally significant figures ever to grace the British Isles. From witty storyteller Charles Dickens to the musical genius that is Paul McCartney, Marylebone has long been one of the most sought-after locations for the nation’s greatest entertainers.
The area has evolved from a medieval town to a thriving hub of residential buildings, all of which host a discerning population of residents who value the finer things in life, such as the classically British pastime of afternoon tea. In addition to some of the most enviable amenities in London, Marylebone also boasts some of the capital’s premier afternoon tea spots. Read on to discover which ones we think are currently the best in class.
The Landmark
High Palms High Tea at The Landmark on Marylebone Road is served beneath the towering, elegant palms of the Victorian atrium at this London hotel institution.
Representing a carefully curated experience for an unforgettable afternoon tea, this affair has been created by baker Mauro Di Lieto and his sous chef partner, Daniel Schevenels, following their victory on Bakeoff: The Professionals 2023.
The menu is a delicate selection of irresistible items, such as the finger sandwiches of Lapsang Souchong Scottish smoked salmon and organic egg mayonnaise, black truffle, and chives. Sweeter offerings include the divine sour cherry and dark chocolate chip scones served with rich Cornish clotted cream, or the choux bun with nectarine and lemon verbena, and Chantilly cream. Amongst the beverages available to accompany these delights are a wide selection of black teas, green teas, herbal fruit infusions, and a remarkable white tea option made entirely from silver-haired tea buds. The Landmark represents the ideal opportunity to do afternoon tea in a unique and memorable setting.
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Holmes Hotel
Located on Chiltern Street, just a stone’s throw from the iconic Baker Street on which Arthur Conan Doyle’s fictional detective called home, sits the Holmes Hotel. This establishment provides a fabulously inventive take on afternoon tea and stands as a tribute to arguably the world’s most famous literary detective, Sherlock Holmes.
Previously four Georgian buildings, the structure has since been stunningly reimaged as one hotel and features a restaurant full of antiques, cultural artefacts, and Victorian décor just waiting to be investigated. The open fireplace and cosy ambience create an immersive experience to complement this characteristically English affair.
The delightful Holmes Tea is served in an antique chest, with accompanying clues to solve a mini mystery as you enjoy sandwiches, scones, and sweets – all with your detective’s cap firmly on. The collection of Whittard teas includes some blends created especially for the occasion, and if you prefer a tipsier time, then the brilliantly named Sherlock’s Pipe Negroni cocktail is a fine option.
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The Wallace Afternoon Tea
The majestic surroundings of The Wallace Collection Art Museum make it a difficult place to beat for an indulgent spot of afternoon tea. Home to countless masterpieces of sculpture, painting, porcelain, and furniture, the afternoon tea strives to meet the same exceptional standards as the art which adorns the walls.
The “Delusions of Grandeur” experience is a superb example of a traditional English afternoon tea. With a menu as refined as the classics that have allowed it to endure for hundreds of years, the range of offerings present black and green teas, as well as a selection of sweet or savoury dishes to complement the beverages. The mini pie, mash and liquor provides a fine option, while the raspberry and white chocolate roll is a sweet masterpiece.
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The Montagu Kitchen
The Montagu Kitchen & Lounge is located at the five-star Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill and offers sweeping views across Portman Square Garden.
The ambience is that of an exclusive hideaway, just seconds from the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street, among the more serene boutiques of the Marylebone streets. Roses in Bloom is The Montagu’s very own special blend tea, using aromas of roses and roasted almonds, with notes of vanilla and marzipan for a sweet and refreshing taste.
The menu offers a further variety of teas, with Flavours of Asia a particular highlight. Guests benefit from a range of savouries such as the Duck Bahn Mi, a delightful nod to Vietnamese fare. There is also a nice selection of pastries, such as the Sakura & Cherry Flower, which complements the bottomless afternoon tea perfectly.
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Nobu Hotel London Portman Square
Effortlessly chic and contemporary in equal measure, the Nobu Hotel London Portman Square presents a style and sense of space that has become synonymous with the Nobu brand.
Their afternoon tea offering is the result of an intriguing collaboration with the luxury Swedish lifestyle brand, Byredo. Inspired by their signature Mojave Ghost fragrance, the menu pushes the boundaries of tea items with a distinctly global feel. Exquisite Japanese brews of Smoked Sakura Wood and Kabuse Sencha sit alongside the slightly more traditional Earl Grey, in addition to strains such as the Indian Assam tea.
Laurent Perrier and Gusborne provide the fizz for those looking for something a little stronger. In addition, there are elaborate varieties of Cup Sushi and Canapés to choose from, culminating in the ultimate in freshly baked scones, served with raspberry mint jam or Yaku curd. This all combines for a marvellously decadent and brave take on a timeless classic.
Afternoon Tea in Marylebone can be a wonderful way to ease the transition from afternoon into evening, in the company of friends and family. Discerning residents of the area’s many flats, which include two-bedroom, three-bedroom and penthouse apartments, are spoiled for choice when it comes to this refined British tradition. With this guide at your side, your options are, as the most famous Baker Street & Marylebone resident would say, elementary, dear reader.
