There's nothing quite like the elegance and sophistication of afternoon tea, so, when choosing where to enjoy yours, it's important to pick a venue of equal splendour. Well, let's just say that five-star, boutique hotel L'oscar understood the assignment. Nestled within the heart of Covent Garden, this lavishly opulent hotel, restaurant and bar, has been designed by Jacques Garcia with golden-gilded walls, sumptuous velvet furnishings and an illuminated onyx bar.
L'oscar's afternoon tea is hosted in the main restaurant which features a deep purple colour scheme, sinkable banquet seating and a glowing, star-studded ceiling. The team are extremely proud of their take on this classic British passtime, which features a selection of savoury sandwiches, freshly-baked scones and the prettiest pastries.
An example of what you will find on the classic afternoon tea menu includes egg mimosa and black truffle sandwiches on brown bread, cucumber and mint mascarpone on white bread, and smoked Scottish salmon, chive and lemon cream cheese with tobiko on spinach bread. Still-warm plain and sultana scones are served with homemade raspberry jam, lemon curd and clotted cream, and then it's onto picture-perfect sweets.
If you've still got room, get stuck into the pistachio and raspberry Battenberg sponge cake, Earl Grey ganache mandarin gel choux pastry, and red fruit and Champagne mousse. Enjoy all of this with a varied tea selection, from L'oscar's special blend with an exotic, fruity aroma and spicy taste, to Persian Rose tea with a gentle floral taste and a mild, lingering finish. Those who fancy something a little stronger are encouraged to order a glass (or bottle) of Michel Reybier Champagne. And, why not, hey?
There's also a vegan afternoon tea menu which offers a whole array of delicious plant-based options across sandwiches and sweets, with gluten-free bread, too.