The Waldorf Hilton Afternoon Tea Review

100 Years of Grandeur

Located in the heart of Theatreland in the West End of London, this five star iconic hotel, always synonymous with style and elegance, celebrated its Centenary in 2008. An investment of £35 million included all bedrooms, a brand new lobby, meeting rooms, bar, patisserie and restaurant and the listed Palm Court beautifully restored.

The Waldorf became the The Waldorf Hilton in 2004.

For more afternoon tea reviews see:
Best Afternoon Tea in London.

Venue: The Waldorf Hilton

Afternoon Tea is served mainly in the Homage Patisserie, plus the Homage Grand Salon Restaurant at busier times and for larger groups.

Days and Times: 2.30pm to 5.30pm daily.

Cost: From £22.50 per person.

Dress Code: Smart casual.

Reservations: Reservations should be pre-booked by calling 020 7836 2400.

Children: Children are welcome.

Music: Live piano music is played in the hotel Lobby at the weekend.

Pros

• The Waldorf Hilton is a wonderful grand London hotel
• Very reasonably priced afternoon tea for a hotel of this standard
• Excellent friendly and welcoming service

Cons

• Afternoon tea is no longer held in Palm Court (but Tango Tea Dances are held here)
• No descriptions with the tea selection, and no tea sommelier, like at The Lanesborough
• Homage Patisserie is at the front of the hotel with large glass windows so you are watched by people in the street

About ten years ago (or more) I had afternoon tea at The Waldorf with a large group of friends who were visiting London. We were able to get a late booking and no-one dressed up as it was all very last minute but we had a wonderful time. Walking in from the central main entrance and up the stairs into Palm Court was amazing. We were all young and over-excited but the staff still treated us with the utmost respect and we were the last to leave as we kept on trying more cakes and different teas.

Since then the hotel was been remodeled and the main entrance is not in the center and Palm Court is no longer used for afternoon tea (but it is for Tango Tea Dances.

When I arrived I found the hotel a bit confusing as there was no clear reception. I asked at the 'Hotel Check-In' desk for the cloakroom and was directed round the corner but that was closed. I was then sent to see The Concierge (opposite the Check-In desk), who took my coat and sent me to the Homage Patisserie for my afternoon tea booking. When I explained there I was booked for the hotel tour as well I was sent back to The Concierge and waited for the rest of the visitors on the tour to also do this round trip before we could start the tour.

The Waldorf Hilton celebrated its centenary year in 2008 so I visited for a historical tour of the hotel followed by afternoon tea. I went on a Saturday and it was a popular tour with 20 visitors, some who had been to the hotel before and some first timers.

The historical tour is led by a member of the hotel executive staff who is knowledgeable and is willing to answer questions.

I was sad to discover that since Hilton took over in 2004, afternoon tea is no longer held in the beautiful Palm Court as this is now reserved for private functions. (To give you an idea how lovely this room is, let me tell you the ballroom for the Titanic movie was based on this room.) To experience Palm Court you'll need to book for a Tango Tea Dance which are held in Palm Court throughout the year.

The tour visits rooms on the ground and first floor and the Guide points out original features throughout. Our Guide also knew lots of interesting facts such as the corridors on the lower floors of the Hilton are wider to accommodate the ladies Edwardian dresses when the hotel opened. The higher floors were for servants so the corridors can be quite narrow.

We also learned The Waldorf was the first hotel to have telephones in all guest rooms and the hotel had its own telephone exchange. It was also the first hotel to have electric lights in all guest rooms that could be switched on and off from the bedside!

Our tour ended in the Homage Salon - the hotel's restaurant - and larger groups were enjoying afternoon there. Sadly, most of us were led back to the intimate Homage Patisserie for our afternoon tea. Homage Patisserie was the hotel's former smoking room so it was dark wooden paneling and is not as light as the restaurant.

The Patisserie is well-positioned to enjoy the live piano music played in the hotel Lobby at the weekend. The small, round tables are marble with fixed central lamps. The pale green velvet armchairs and dark blue velvets along the walls are all quite regal. As it got dark outside I did start to feel a bit 'watched' by the passers-by on the street; especially those who pressed their noses against the glass.

The tea menu had fourteen teas but no descriptions, although I was able to ask the friendly staff for more information. I chose Dimbula as I'd never tried it before and my companion tried the Darjeeling. Dimbula is a full-bodied strong tea but was still tasty. I chose a lighter tea later and shared China White-Silver Needle with my friend who hadn't tried white tea before.

The tea cups weren't wide-mouthed, which meant the tea stayed hot for longer, but as you are not rushed this is not really a problem.

The cake stand was lovely with finger sandwiches (veggie options available) - five each with five different breads, two scones each with clotted cream and strawberry jam, then a fancy cake each. One of our cakes was a strawberry tart, which although quite beautiful I think I would have preferred one of the chocolate cakes I saw on other tables. Or is that just me being greedy?

All in all, I would recommend afternoon tea at The Waldorf Hilton as it's a well-priced opportunity to experience this iconic Edwardian London landmark. The service will make you feel very special and the scones are truly delicious. Yes, I'd go again just for them.