Thanks to insurer Lockton’s inspired generosity, one highlight last year was a Champagne Tea at Claridges. At our last SPG Conference, in Manchester, Lockton had offered the Tea for Two as a prize for guessing the number of sweets in a bottle. I was amazed to find my guess was the nearest.
‘O Goddess best beloved, delightful tea!’, wrote the poet Coleridge; but with champagne too, what better way to celebrate my wife, Cat’s birthday in October? In 2019 it was not to be, so in October 2020, in a lull between lockdowns, we made our way across Claridge’s effortlessly elegant entrance hall, into the classic Art Deco comfort of the Foyer & Reading Room.
Warmly welcomed, we were shown to a table near a magnificent and tiered display of sunflowers, and below an exotic chandelier (by Chihuly) that looks like a giant cluster of intertwined snakes. Generous glasses of Laurent-Perrier champagne were poured for us as our orders were taken.
While gentle music flowed from the grand piano and ‘cello, we admired the striking Art Deco details: the pale green striped teacups, mirrored columns, and sumptuous carpets and chair coverings.
With twenty teas and six infusions on the menu, we were glad to have our waiter’s expert and enthusiastic guidance, starting with Claridge’s Blend and moving onto a more unusual Hojicha, a delicate roasted Japanese green tea.
Finger sandwiches were brought, as many as we wanted and all mouth-wateringly superb. Smoked salmon, duck egg, ham, cucumber and chicken – all with wonderfully imaginative blends of delicious flavours. They were so good that after the scones and clotted cream and jam made from tea, we didn’t have room for the amazing little cakes and pastries that followed. Each one was a mini work of art so we were delighted they could be boxed up for us to take home.
It was an altogether uplifting and memorable experience for us. As a treat, once lockdown ends, it is strongly recommended.
Hamish McNair
The post Tea at Claridges appeared first on SOLO Journal.