The Landmark London is a luxury five star London hotel on Marylebone Road, just north of the city center. It's a grand, Victorian, former railway hotel and the Winter Garden setting for dining can't be matched.
The Landmark London has a Traditional Afternoon Tea, Chocolate Afternoon Tea, and a Gluten free Afternoon Tea available daily. There are also seasonal specials to look out for.
For more afternoon tea reviews see:
Best Afternoon Tea in London.
Afternoon Tea Information
Venue:
The Winter Garden
The Landmark London Hotel
222 Marylebone Road, London NW1 6JQ
Nearest Tube Station: Marylebone.
Use Journey Planner to plan your route by public transport.
Days and Times:
Monday-Friday: 3-6pm.
Saturday & Sunday: 2.30pm-6.30pm.
Cost: From £40 per person.
Dress Code: Smart casual.
Reservations:
020 7631 8188 or email: restaurants.reservation@thelandmark.co.uk or book online.
Photography: Permitted. Staff will help.
Children: Welcome.
Music: Harpist on mezzanine level.
The Landmark London Afternoon Tea Review
© Laura Porter, licensed to About.com, Inc.
The venue was full all afternoon when I visited and I saw family celebrations, a baby shower, birthdays and many friends catching up - all happy to be in this stunning setting.
Staff
Staff here are wonderful. I'd read that staff at The Landmark London are good but I'd rank those I met as some of the best in London hotels.
The Winter Garden
This incredible venue is an atrium in the center of the hotel with a very high ceiling – eight floors, I believe – and a Victorian cast iron framed glass roof. Some guest rooms look onto the courtyard which is a sort after view. There are potted palm trees reaching four floors high to give you an idea of the grandeur of this location.
All the seating is at dining tables with wide, comfortable chairs and extra seating is available on the Mezzanine level. Tables have white tablecloths and the crockery is also plain white.
Tea Selection
The teas are by Tea Palace and there are about 15 tea options including two special blends: the Landmark Blend which is a black tea with vanilla tones and the Winter Garden Blend which is a black tea that goes well with sweet dishes. I tried both, of course. Tea is served in white teapots with a silver tea strainer.
There's a flowering tea on the menu but unusually it was served in a tall glass rather than a glass teapot. This was a bit disappointing as the tea ball didn't have enough room to unfurl.
Afternoon tea at The Landmark London is served on a traditional silver three-tiered cake stand. A cake stand is provided for each guest with a layer of finger sandwiches and two layers of sweet treats as scones are brought to the table warm, when requested.
Sandwiches
Eight finger sandwiches are provided and vegetarian options are available. Staff will offer more and all can be replenished as often as required. Quite frankly, I couldn't eat any more than was offered initially but it's nice to know the option is there.
© Laura Porter licensed to About.com, Inc.
Scones
The scones are brought to the table, and added to the cake stand, when you request them. There is always lots of debate with serving scones at afternoon tea about how to keep them warm until ready but this works well and the beautiful presentation is worth the wait as they arrive half wrapped in folded napkin art.
There are two raisin and two plain scones and are served with strawberry preserve and clotted cream. Scones are often too crumbly when cut in half but, for me, I found these just perfect as they were still warm, soft and not crumbly at all. We all have our our preferences - I'm not a fan of crusty bread because of the crumb mess - so these scones were just right for me.
Sweet Treats
These miniatures joys can also be replenished as much as you require so don't be afraid to ask. I loved the Earl Grey macaroon and my companion thought the Champagne Jelly was exceptional. There's also an exotic fruit tart, lemon meringue tart and more.
Some venues have a 'doggy bag' (usually a cardboard box that folds up to look like a handbag/purse) for any cakes you've not managed to finish but that wasn't available here. But when my companion explained she'd love to take a cake home for her flatmate staff were happy to box and bag a few treats for her to take away.
Conclusion
I'd heard a lot of good things about afternoon tea at The Landmark London but after trying it for myself I can concur that it's all true. There's no other venue like this in London, with such excellent staff and a delicious tea. Yes, one to return to again and again.
