Compared to most London hotels, The Corinthia is possibly one of the most underrated gems in town. An enigma on its own, it has this certain vibe about it that I quite like. It’s elegantly discreet, sophisticated and classy.
I was invited to try the hotel’s afternoon tea offering at the Crystal Moon Lounge, which I absolutely find beautiful.
For one who adores celestial bodies, the Baccarat chandelier is a stunning centre piece illuminating the room. This was an awesome setting for group arvo tea. And it was quite cute because our group consisted of girls who were rather inspiring in what they do.
The offering is pretty decent, and very reasonably priced compared to most hotel offerings I know.
The tea selection was pretty decent. After perusing the menu, I opted for some dragonwell tea which was a light green tea with gentle and semi-sweet aromatics.
The savouries came and I was very pleased at how the servers catered to all our dietary requirements. Now, I don’t know about you but even as a chocoholic, the finger sarnies are my favourite part of afternoon tea. However, I still think cucumber sandwiches are pointless!
L-R: cucumber, radish and cream cheese on white bread; egg mayo with truffle and watercress on spinach bread; London smoked salmon, gherkins, capers, creme fraiche and spring onion on brown; tandoori chicken, green apple and raisin on white; roast beef, caramelized onion and wholegrain mustard with rocket on granary.
After the sandwiches, our server came to us with the scones. I liked how it was presented in a box which kept them warm all throughout.
It was rather cute and thoughtful. I mean, when a man presents you a box - if it’s not a ring in there then just hope you get scones.
As always, there was a discussion on whether one must put cream or jam first. Frankly, I put cream first - which apparently is the correct way to do so. Care to disagree?
I was starting to get stuffed at this point but a trolly of sweets and fancies and miniature cakes arrived.
The individual cakes and tarts looked amazing and incredibly well made. My sweet tooth danced and pranced waiting to get to the action.
Favourites were the raspberry and elderflower tartlet (which was so light), the marshmallows, and the lemon yuzu and coconut eclair.
After feeding our inner Marie Antoinettes, we were brought up to check out the Musician’s penthouse.
The room itself was rather incredible (it had its own lift!), but I loved the views from the terrace even more.
I love places like this where you can absolutely find snippets of the Big Smoke and fall in love with its beauty. And perhaps that’s why I’m drawn to the hotel. It’s rather unassuming and very standalone. But when you get inside, you’d see how much character it has. Pretty much like this city I call home.
Overall, I had a really great time. Whilst I’m not an afternoon tea expert, I thought The Corinthia’s offering was decent and fairly priced. My belly was full and I’ve met some incredibly smart women. And that chandelier? It’s a sight to behold on its own.
Go and take your girl friends 🙂
Crystal Moon Lounge, The Corinthia Hotel
Whitehall Pl, Westminster, London SW1A
Ave spend pp: £45 for traditional tea, £55 for tea with champagne
This post was a collaboration with Hotels.com but all views are my own.
I’m a jam first person - but the rest of my family is cream first (Mum said the cream is the equivalent of butter on a sandwich). I think one way denotes being from Devon and the other from Cornwall, but I’m not sure which is which…..Either way, the scones don’t last long around me, yum!