5 reasons you need to try K West Hotel & Spa’s Glam Rock Afternoon Tea

I’ve always been fascinated with the concept of Afternoon Tea. An opportunity to gorge on sandwiches (my personal favourite), alongside treat after treat, scones and desserts. It’s a glutton’s paradise and I’m just living it, ya know?

As an American who moved to London three years ago, I became obsessed with afternoon teas. I loved the concept of a midday break that required extra eating… Because of course I did.

The only thing I was never totally sold on was the whole tea drinking thing. OK. I hear you getting up in arms already, so give me a sec. As a coffee lover, obsessor, and appreciator, it took awhile to properly hook me onto tea. After living with Joe though, it became customary for us to have a nighttime cup of tea. So I started off as a nighttime tea drinker, before embracing it for colder days. I really do have to be in the mood for a cup of tea. Now? We still put the kettle on for a hot cuppa, but if I’m drinking it in the daytime, I prefer something floral like a jasmine green tea or even a refreshing mint.

But let me tell you, it’s a good thing I warmed to it, because London’s afternoon tea scene consistently breaks boundaries. From traditional teas at the Dorchester or the Langham through to quirky teas such as Alice in Wonderland themes, I now introduce you to another to add to your repertoire of treats, Glam Rock Afternoon Tea at the K West Hotel & Spa. 

At first, I didn’t quite connect how iconic and synonymous the K West Hotel & Spa was with musicians having not grown up in London myself. But a little fact for those who didn’t already know, the hotel was formerly the BBC Kensington House recording studio. Famed musicians such as David Bowie, Bob Marley and Amy Winehouse once played there. So undoubtedly, it made sense that the hotel would pick Glam Rock as their inspiration. I get you K West Hotel, I get you.

So five reasons you need their Glam Rock afternoon tea in your life?

(Aside from the ability to pretend you’re Ziggy Stardust for two hours)

1. The colours

You’ve never seen finger sandwiches like these before. The bread varies from deep purple to bright yellow and everything in between. It’s perplexing… You’re expecting it to be sweet. It’s not. It’s all about that savory sandwich goodness. My favorite sandwich was the mini club consisting of avocado, red pepper and mozzarella. Joe preferred the ham, chicken, mustard and cream cheese. 

Not only do they have sandwiches, they have cracking mini sliders too. Rainbow brioche sliders include the beef with guacamole and mustard mayo and halloumi with piquillo peppers and tomato salsa. Halloumi won my vote (obviously), but the beef burger was equally tasty. Rivaling the taste test however, is truly the beautifully unique presentation of it all. 

And don’t let my love of sandwiches let you miss out on the colourful sweets. From sorbets to macarons… well, everything is bold and bright to be honest. With the Glam Rock afternoon tea, there’s certainly plenty of eye candy to go around.

So. Much. Colour.

2. Their signature tea, the Tea Rex

Now that you’ve shaken the Jurassic Park visuals from your head, it’s also time to forget your English Breakfast tea. The K West Hotel have their own tea speciality – and it totally rocks. Flavors include a blend of strong black tea leaves; mellow green tea leaves, natural cherry flavouring, peony flowers and fragrant rose petals with a dash of peppercorns for an extra twist. The brew itself is characterised by a bold, distinctively smoky flavour with a soothing floral undertone and a pleasant spicy after taste. It reminds me a little bit of a smoky whisky that you just can’t put down.

I liked it so much that I ordered the cocktail version that included it too – the Mad Donna with Gordon’s gin infused with the signature Tea Rex tea, Aperol, Cointreau, apple juice, lemonade. Because oh yeah, the cocktails on their menu includes a selection of various teas as main ingredients. I’ll drink to that.

3. White chocolate mini cheesecake bowl

At some point throughout the afternoon tea, your body will trick itself into thinking that you’re full. You’re not. You have the capacity for this dessert. Trust me. It will fill you to your breaking point, but keep going. It’s worth it.

Bonus points if you can finish off the white chocolate bowl.

4. The music!

This isn’t a classical afternoon tea set up, the focal point (second to the afternoon tea) is the music. It’s an homage to your favorite glam rock stars. From Bowie to Madonna through to the likes of Amy Winehouse, you can’t help but get into it. Within about 10 minutes, you will 100% be moving to the beat. Or if you’re like us, singing. Get rockin’ man!

5. You can have it at NIGHT

We visited the K West Hotel & Spa’s Glam Rock Afternoon Tea during the day, but I think I’d more so recommend this one for evenings as a special treat. How many times have I wanted afternoon tea past tea time? Shockingly many. Especially when I’m out, decide it’s a brilliant idea and then for some reason no one will give me scones. Sigh.

So at least at the K West, you know you can get your midnight tea on (WAHOO) which is available between 22:00-00:00 Sunday to Thursday in their Studio Bar. Alternatively, for more daytime dwellers, you can rock up to the Festival Glam Rock Afternoon Tea during normal hours, it’s on from 14:00-18:00 Monday to Sunday in their Studio Kitchen.

What do you think? What’s your favourite kind of afternoon tea? And, is it just me or do you also crave ‘afternoon tea’ at night?

Kelly xox