There are few things more quintessentially British than an Afternoon Tea, and few places better to do it than in the heart of London. Strand Palace sits just moments from the buzz of Covent Garden and is offering guests the chance to try its collaboration with british chocolate brand Love Cocoa, as it launches ‘Strand Palace Afternoon Tea with Love Cocoa’ from Tuesday 16th May until 12th November.
Founded by James Cadbury, the great-great-great grandson of the famous chocolatier John Cadbury, Love Cocoa’s popular flavours have inspired the dessert selection, showcasing an array of chocolate-inspired sweet treats. This decadent tea, which combines with Strand Palace’s traditional teas, is served in the dedicated tearoom at Haxells, which is tastefully decorated with burgundy walls and banquettes to give the room an intimate feel. Art deco furnishings and carpets also lend the restaurant an old-fashioned elegance.
For the savoury side of things, guests can work their way through a selection of sandwiches, such as Cornish crab with samphire mayonnaise on a sweet brioche bun, truffled egg and chives on rye bread and honey smoked ham and wensleydale cheese wraps, as well as a heritage tomato tartlet with whipped buffalo mozzarella.
The stars of the show see the Love Cocoa and Strand Palace collab come to life, with a selection of sweet treats, including an espresso martini brownie with Love Cocoa coffee beans, pistachio macarons with Love Cocoa caramel popcorn and a sour apple marshmallow served with a Love Cocoa white chocolate shard.
Of course, it wouldn’t be an afternoon tea without rounding off the event with some scones, clotted cream and jam. Here, blackberry jam is the flavour of choice, and is the perfect match with one of the loose-leaf teas on offer.
Drinks-wise, there’s a choice of six special loose-leaf teas, including White Peony with Rosebuds, Palace Breakfast, and Covent Garden Blend - you can also add a glass of Prosecco if you’re in the mood to celebrate.
The afternoon tea is available with vegan and kid friendly alternatives, and guests will also be gifted a Love Cocoa chocolate bar to take home at the end.