The Orchard Room Afternoon Tea at Conrad London St. James

Step through the Conrad London St. James’ sophisticated exterior and into The Orchard Room, and things take a softer turn. This afternoon tea spot is all velvet tub chairs in blush pink and baby blue, with walls dripping in hydrangeas and amaranthus. It’s not quite as jaw-dropping as London’s most opulent tea rooms, but the glass skylight flooding the space with natural light makes it a serene, cheerful place to linger for a couple of hours.

The vibe is playful too. At a neighbouring table, children don hats and gleefully squirt frosting out of giant syringes while demolishing scones.

Service is slick and friendly - staff had us seated and sipping Bollinger Special Cuvée in record time. Finger sandwiches follow in neat formation: Coronation chicken, egg mayo, cucumber with mint and cream cheese. All very classic, all very solid.

Scones are where The Orchard Room tries to stand out. Plain and raisin are spot on - fluffy, warm, excellent with jam, clotted cream and even a zingy lemon curd. The more experimental chocolate and stracciatella versions, however, are a little on the dry side.

Cakes and pastries are a mixed bag. A textbook Victoria sponge is the highlight: soft, jammy, and nostalgic in the best way (even if you’re already a little jammed out by this point). A chocolate and sour cherry cake is decent too, but a honey and orange blossom cake, though prettily gilded, tips into syrupy territory.

Though it might not reach the lofty heights of London's most iconic (and expensive) afternoon teas, The Orchard Room is still an affordable, pleasant way to spend a couple of hours over sandwiches and scones.

The Orchard Room, situated within the Conrad London St. James, offers a refined afternoon tea experience in the heart of Westminster. The hotel's prime location places it within walking distance of iconic landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and Big Ben, making it an ideal spot for both locals and visitors exploring central London.

Best known for its elegant and contemporary design, The Orchard Room features a beautiful glass roof that bathes the space in natural light, complemented by stunning floral decorations. This sophisticated ambiance provides a serene setting for guests to enjoy a quintessentially British tradition.

The Orchard Room’s ‘InfiniTea’ afternoon tea menu offers a playful twist on your traditional afternoon tea offering. Guests can indulge in a selection of finger sandwiches and freshly-baked patisseries, served on a three tiered stand featuring Wedgwood’s Wild Strawberry fine bone china. At The Orchard Room you have the option to keep your afternoon tea classic, or opt for something more unique with the addition of bottomless Champagne, or a sommelier tea tasting experience.

Expect bite-sized sarnies with fillings such as smoked salmon with herb mayonnaise and capers, beef pastrami with sauerkraut and cream cheese and a classic cucumber and mint. The scone selection includes a variety of flavours, from blueberry lemon scones to dark chocolate stracciatella scones, all served with Cornish clotted cream and a variety of preserves.

To conclude the experience, a variety of pastries and cakes are offered, with seasonal variations such as Royal Windsor pink gin and lemon verbena tart, earl grey dark chocolate mousse and orange and raspberry Victoria sponge cake. A wide range of teas is available to complement the food, ensuring a delightful experience for all palates.

The Orchard Room operates daily, providing a tranquil retreat from the bustling city. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak times, to ensure a seamless experience. Whether celebrating a special occasion or seeking a leisurely afternoon indulgence, The Orchard Room at Conrad London St. James offers an exquisite afternoon tea that embodies the elegance and tradition of British culture.