The borough of Marylebone is a quintessential ingredient in the rich tapestry that makes up the City of Westminster and West London. This is a location that was once home to some of the finest artists, writers, and figures of cultural significance who have ever graced the country’s capital with their presence. From the social commentary and storytelling wit of Charles Dickens, through to the lovelorn Romantic poetry of Lord Byron, and on to the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood of English painters and art critics, Marylebone holds a very special place in the history of London greats.
It has evolved from a mediaeval town to a thriving hub of residential buildings, restaurants, and boutiques that make the most of a heritage traversing a mix of Georgian, Victorian, and some very modern architecture. Within these streets, you will also find the renowned city landmarks of Regent’s Park, London Zoo, and the impeccable gallery of The Wallace collection. We therefore cannot think of anywhere more appropriate in all of London where one could take a moment to indulge in the very English pastime of afternoon tea. Marylebone has an enviable selection of places to provide the perfect afternoon tea, and below you will find our guide to help you navigate through them and make your choice.
The Landmark
High Palms High Tea at The Landmark on Marylebone Road is served beneath the towering and elegant palms in the Victorian atrium at this London hotel institution. It represents a carefully curated experience for an unforgettable afternoon tea, 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 smoked Scottish 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, Chantilly cream. Amongst the teas 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 is an opportunity to do afternoon tea in a unique and memorable style.
Holmes Hotel
Holmes Hotel provides a fabulous and inventive take on afternoon tea within the glorious surroundings created as a tribute to the world’s most famous fictional detective, Sherlock Holmes. What was once four Georgian buildings in the village of Marylebone is now a stunningly redeveloped hotel and restaurant full of antiques, curiosities, and Victorian décor that are just waiting to be investigated. The open fireplace and cosy ambience create an immersive experience to complement this traditional English affair. The incredible Holmes Tea is served in an antique chest box with accompanying clues to solve a mini mystery as you enjoy sandwiches, scones, and sweets with your detective cap firmly on. The collection of Whittard teas served with the experience includes some special blends created especially for the occasion and if you prefer a tipsier tipple then the brilliantly named Sherlock’s Pipe Negroni cocktail is a showstopper.
The Wallace Afternoon Tea
The majestic surroundings of The Wallace Collection make it a difficult place to beat for an indulgent spot of afternoon tea. This is the home to countless masterpieces of sculpture, painting, porcelain, armour and furniture, and as you would expect the food and drink tries hard to meet the same standards of creativity and quality. The Wallace Afternoon Tea is a superb example of this English tradition and the menu is a celebration of the classics that have allowed it to endure for hundreds of years. The Coronation Chicken finger sandwiches are a lasting celebration of a dish created for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II by Cordon Bleu London. They are joined here by other English cuisine staples such as smoked salmon and dill cream cheese. There are also some subtle influences from modernity too, with the Organic Fog tea providing a delicate infusion of sweet tea using blends from the Jiangxi Province of China.
The Montagu Kitchen
The Montagu Kitchen & Lounge is located at the five-star Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill and offers a prime view over Portman Square Garden. The ambience is that of an exclusive hideaway just seconds from the activity and bustle of Oxford Street amongst the more serene boutiques of the Marylebone Village streets. Roses in Bloom is The Montagu’s very own special blend of tea using aromas of roses and roasted almonds, with notes of vanilla and marzipan, for a sweet and refreshing taste. With a Prologue of mini pork pies & piccalilli and sandwiches that are Hooked, Harvested, and Farmed, there is a selection to suit all tastes. The Bottomless Afternoon Tea is an invitation to let your hair down too with two hours of unlimited Champagne to enjoy as you chat and watch the world go by.
Nobu Hotel London Portman Square
The Nobu Hotel London Portman Square is effortlessly chic and contemporary in equal measure with all the style and sense of space that Nobu delivers across the world. This spring 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, this is a menu that pushes the boundaries of afternoon tea items for the 21st Century with a distinctly global feel. Exquisite Japanese teas of Smoked Sakura Wood and Kabuse Sencha sit alongside Earl Grey and Assam with Laurent Perrier and Gusborne providing the fizz for those who are looking for something a little stronger. There are elaborate varieties of Cup Sushi and Canapes to choose from before ending with the ultimate in freshly baked scones that are served with raspberry mint jam or Yaku curd. This feels like a marvellously decadent and brave take on a timeless classic.
Afternoon Tea in Marylebone can be a wonderful way to ease the transition into the evening, in the company of friends and family. With our guide at your side, your choices will be, as the most famous Baker Street & Marylebone resident would say, elementary, dear reader.
