The Landmark London, Winter Garden restaurant: afternoon tea review

Adding to the elegance of it all, the William Edwards chinaware is adorned with an elaborate gold pattern and trim and the teapots are kept on a beautiful bespoke stand next to the table. The Landmark London has a variety of special blend teas – the Landmark Blend has a subtle sweet hint of Bourbon vanilla, while the Winter Garden Blend is a more traditional and aromatic afternoon tea blend (we highly recommend both).

Finger sandwiches were quite safe and traditional, but the bread was fresh and scattered with mixed grains. Free-range corn fed chicken was given a subtle twist with tarragon crème fraîche and the thick-cut Lapsang Souchong smoked salmon was soft and delicate. The two varieties of scones (plain and chocolate chip with fruit peel) were not as large and fluffy as we hoped they would be, but the delicate gooseberry and elderflower jam saved the day.

Make sure you leave room for the ‘chocolate delights’, the highlight being a dark chocolate mousse with a tart cranberry and blood orange finish. Also noteworthy was the pistachio and chocolate Opera gateau, with a light layer of pistachio cutting through the rich chocolate.

A harpist played classical music and threw in some modern covers to mix things up a bit, and then a pianist took over and tinkled away in the background. Combined with the light chatter of other guests and the clinking of china teacups, we were transported away from the hustle and bustle of central London to elegant, traditional Britain for the afternoon.

Check out our best afternoon tea recipes here, including:

• Raspberry macaroons
• Strawberry éclairs
• Traditional scones
• Gin and tonic granita
• Classic Victoria spone

Star of the show: gooseberry and elderflower jam

Scone rating: 6/10

Perfect for: an afternoon escape from the hustle and bustle of London

Price: Winter garden afternoon tea £45pp, with champagne £52pp, chocolate afternoon tea £48, with champagne £63pp

www.landmarklondon.co.uk/en

Got you in the mood for afternoon tea? Here's our round up of the best afternoon teas in London.

Plus, we've rounded up the best afternoon teas outside of London, too...

olive magazine podcast ep65 – Who will win the great scone debate? Jam or cream first?!

On this week’s podcast the team explore the British tradition of afternoon tea, sharing their favourites in London, and get into a debate on which is the right way to serve scones. (Psst, cream is the right way.)