Читать книгу London's Afternoon Teas, Revised and Expanded 2nd Edition - Susan Cohen G. - Страница 7

Just a short walk from Sloane Square, stroll along a leafy street of grand terraced houses, and once you’ve conquered the curious numbering system, you’ll find 11 Cadogan Gardens. Behind the Victorian façade is one of London’s best-kept secrets, a gem of a destination for afternoon tea. Quintessentially English, the interior is dramatic, eclectic, and quirky, and whilst the furnishings are traditional, they have a distinctively modern twist to them. Guests generally take their afternoon tea in the flower-filled Drawing Room, but a small party of four to five people can also be seated in the conservatory. The terrace is a lovely option on a sunny day, and if you are a bigger party of eight to ten, then you can make an advance booking for the Library. The Drawing Room has a comfortable, cosy feel to it, and retains all the original features, including the large stone fireplace. But there is nothing Victorian about the furniture, which features stylish, contemporary, polished wood tables and elegant upholstered chairs. Begin with a complimentary glass of Taittinger Champagne, and choose your leaf tea from the menu or the additional list. Tuck into the deliciously light sandwiches, followed by scones with jam and clotted cream. To complete the treat, there is a selection of beautifully crafted dainty pastries, accompanied by a shot glass filled with a fruit soup, maybe mango, topped with a yogurt foam. The hotel puts on a lovely festive tea at Christmas, which is served from late November to late December, and in May, it’s worth looking out for their Chelsea Flower Show flower-inspired tea. It’s altogether a super place to have a really good, well-priced afternoon tea.

ADDRESS: 11 Cadogan Gardens, Chelsea, London SW3 2RJ

TEL: +44 (0)20 7730 7000

EMAIL: reservations@11cadogangardens.com

WEB: www.11cadogangardens.com

AFTERNOON TEA SERVED: daily 2.30pm–6.00pm

SET TEAS: champagne afternoon tea, seasonal special teas. Dietary requirements including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free can be catered for; advance notice is preferred. Advance booking is highly recommended.

NEAREST UNDERGROUND STATIONS: Sloane Square

PLACES OF INTEREST NEARBY: Sloane Street shopping, Saatchi Gallery, Royal Hospital Chelsea, Ranelagh Gardens, Chelsea Physic Garden