It had been nearly a year since I’d visited the Royal Lancaster London (we enjoyed the most luxurious dinner at Nipa Thai, their in house Thai restaurant overlooking the park). But the last time we visited the hotel was under complete reconstruction. We walked through side doors, navigated our way up the stairs and finally popped out at the restaurant.
There wasn’t really a lobby per se.
But you could tell big things were on the way.
Which is why I was absolutely delighted to be heading back to see what they’d done with the place. So on a particularly sunny day in London, Allie (Rush & Teal) and I hiked on over to the Bayswater area for a day of bubbles and a very much treat yourself mentality.
Firstly, I’m just going to come out with it… The Royal Lancaster London is interior GOALS. The main entrance is filled with gold fixtures, marble walls and staircases. Soft plush velvet chairs and sofas. Simply put, it’s stunning.
Luckily, we weren’t moving too far from the gorgeous lobby on this occasion. The afternoon tea that we were there to review is located right in their Hyde Lobby Bar just a short few steps from the entryway.
So we settled in for our Bloomin’ Brilliant tea.
And there are well, a few highlights that I need to fill you in on. OK, maybe more than a few!
What to expect at Royal Lancaster London’s Bloomin’ Brilliant afternoon tea (it’s a mouthful already!)
Cutlery that would make Martha Stewart swoon
If you’re an Instagram fiend or looking to make your pad look extra snazzy with fancy cups and saucers, I suggest you take notes here.
Oh my, the savouries!
Sandwiches! My favourite part of afternoon tea is the first course. So I ask you, is it not the best thing ever when they ask if you want more sandwiches? OF COURSE YOU DO. We really appreciated this, because typically I do prefer a savory course to a sweet one.
Impeccable service
The staff could not have been more accommodating. Yes, we were booked in for a review. But they went above and beyond. Making sure our phones had been charged (we were running low at this point). Also checking in to see if we needed anything as well as recommending or adding a note about their personal favourite teas or sandwiches. We also noticed them giving the same attention to other customers who weren’t there for the tea, but for drinks or anything else. I’ll rave about it all day because I really was impressed.
Freshly baked scones
We forgot about scones. They don’t bring them out with your sandwiches. Why? Because they bring them out freshly baked and warm once you finish your sandwich course. Now that’s brilliant.
And a little something for dessert…
A botanical selection of sweets features a host of treats including a fresh Strawberry tart, Valhrona chocolate flower pots with budding crystallised violets; a Lemon and elderflower sable dome; and an Orange blossom and ginger macaron. My favourite has to be that Valhrona chocolate flower pot. Absolutely delicious. Would 10/10 tuck into it again.
It’s a temporary thing, so the clock’s ticking!
For the next two months only, the Royal Lancaster London will be serving this beautiful Bloomin’ Brilliant afternoon tea up for patrons. You can book in anytime from 2pm-5:30pm. If you can’t tell already from my raving, it’s well worth the visit.
Kelly x
PS. Allie and I were guests of the Royal Lancaster London, but all thoughts and opinions are my own. PPS. I think I could go for another sandwich…