You get to pick your tea from a leather-bound menu. It feels like choosing a rare book, but way tastier.
Stepping out in London: Afternoon Tea at The Royal Horseguards Hotel
I went with the Earl Grey. Classic, reliable, and it comes with a little silver strainer. It makes you feel very fancy, even if you usually drink tea from a mug with a crack in it.
My friend ordered the English Breakfast. It’s strong enough to wake up a hibernating bear. The staff know their stuff; they’ll tell you the exact steeping time without looking at a watch.
The Little Details That Make It Magic
The sugar comes in tiny cubes. The milk is served in a miniature silver pitcher. It’s the little things, you know?
There’s a live pianist playing soft, jazzy tunes. He’s good. Not intrusive, but just present enough to make you feel like you’re in a movie.
And the view? You can see the London Eye turning slowly, and people rushing along the South Bank. But you’re inside, warm, full of cake, and feeling absolutely smug.
