It's no surprise that afternoon tea at Durrant’s Hotel feels like the real deal; this Marylebone hotel has been welcoming guests since 1789, creating a truly historic setting to enjoy sweet and savoury refreshments. Originally a coaching inn and still family-owned today, the hotel brings a sense of continuity that nicely tips its hat to this ritual.
Served across the Dining Room, George Bar and the various lounges, the house afternoon tea makes its home in spaces that reflect the building’s long history, while remaining comfortable enough to settle into for an unhurried couple of hours.
Available all week, the offering follows a familiar structure but with careful attention to detail. Menus change with the seasons, keeping things current without drifting too far from what people come for. To start, those who fancy something a little stronger than tea can enjoy an aperitif - an Espresso Martini, Bellini or Bloody Mary, if the occasion calls for it.
The tea itself is taken seriously. A selection of award-winning blends from Novus covers the spectrum, from English breakfast and Earl Grey to Darjeeling, jasmine and Egyptian mint. It’s a considered list, designed to suit both traditionalists and those looking for something lighter.
Food arrives in stages, beginning with finger sandwiches that stick to classic combinations: Scottish smoked salmon on rye, egg mayonnaise with cress, cucumber with cream cheese and dill, and truffled chicken mayonnaise on wholemeal. They’re followed by freshly baked plain and raisin scones, served with Rodda’s Cornish clotted cream and Tiptree strawberry jam - non-negotiables in any proper afternoon tea, we think you'll agree!
Pastries bring a slightly more contemporary note with a line-up that includes apple tart, blueberry and lavender cheesecake, orange and dark chocolate opera cake, and a hazelnut and pear mousse. Each sits comfortably alongside the classics without trying to overshadow them.