London: Tea Time in Wonderland

It is often a delicate affair to convince the love of your life to share an afternoon tea. Yet, when the treats appear, he will happily steal a scone or a treat from your plate.

The trick is to mention a gentleman’s afternoon tea instead. And the best place for this in town is the Mandeville Hotel. Belive me, once tried, he will be the one asking to go back!

How to make his mouth water? Easy. Just innocently mention the savoury delicacies it includes like the salted foccacia, flavoured with herbs, and its oh-so-tender slice of steak, its fragrant shallot chutney. Or the gorgeous parmesan crips with its delicate spoonful of cream cheese and asparagus. That there is no need to choose, that it is a real feast for tastebuds. That on the side of the same plate is the most wonderful crunchy olive bread, topped by a generous portion of salmon tartare, perfectly balanced with capres and shallots… Not to forget the mini-cheeseburger, the best he will have ever tasted, with really juicy meat.

Remind him that it does not matter if he is not so much a tea person. he could have a glass of champagne instead or why not an aromatic whisky?

Don’t forget to tell him about the sweets too because he will fall for them too. There will be scones, of course, still warm, light texture, soft and comforting. No girly cupcake but an extraordinary vanilla panna cotta on a sugary basil cream. Did he know the tart is made with an extraordinary chocolate mousse? That the macaron is the perfect size to be dipped in the raspberry and strawberry juice? And yes, it is an exquisite mix. So is the banana cake with a mmmmmmh-effect.

Let him dream about the cocktails too. You will pass the elegant counter of the bar on your way to the salon de thé. Maybe you could mention their amazing creations, such as the wasabi martini, peppery, deliciously different from everything else you have tasted before. Or the glowing apple with its warm, vibrant calavdos and roasted apple notes. Or just explain that the barman infuses some of the spirits himself and will be delighted to explain the intriguing ingredients in jars and bottles around him. And who knows, you might even see this almost magical St Lucia’s tea punch, spicy and refreshing, lemony and tangy, hypnotising…

So what about you? Just take your most enigmatic smile. He will ask when, how, where, why haven’t you booked yet. Just close your eyes and think about your own afternoon tea, served in a delicate china designed by Zandra Rhodes. Isn’t the cup made entirely of chocolate, handle included, ever so tempting with its fresh starwberries? And look at that meringue -  a pure eatable jewel. Even the cupcake is particularly ontuous with its buttercream icing. It is all in the detail, down to the icing sugar on your scones. Makes you feel like taking a picture of absolutely everything. Oh, and there is no way you will share.

Verdict? The perfect His and Hers pause, chic and ever so tasty, the kind you thought only existed in glossy magazines. You know, looking back at the pictures, I just wish I could take a spoon and get a bite of each treat again. Be quick – it is already said on twitter this is one of the best afternoon teas in town so go and try it before it is overbooked! Think of them too for a cocktail at the end of the day: Oxford street and Selfridges are just 5mn walk away -  ideal place to finish a wonderful day shopping.

Teatime at the Mandeville Hotel – £26.50 (£32.50 with champagne or whisky)
Mandeville Place
London W1U 2BE

Teatime in Wonderland was a guest of the Mandeville Hotel.

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