Upon arriving at Heathrow Airport, I proceeded to the “Arrivals” lounge, where I met my friend who was also attending the Edible London culinary adventure put on by members of London Les Dames d’Escoffier. We checked into our hotel and began walking toward The Goring to join some other Dames for Afternoon Tea to enjoy an elegant afternoon overlooking the garden from their veranda.

Our attentive server started us off with their seasonal amuse-bouche of savory pea tartlets filled with goat curry and pistachios, and an unusually refreshing welcome drink made with apple juice, non-alcoholic gin, apricot syrup and elderflower. 

Two of us ordered the Bollinger Afternoon Tea, which included a glass of Bollinger Champagne for £85.00 per person, while two others opted for the Prestige Afternoon Tea, featuring a glass of Bollinger 2014 La Grande Année for £105.00 per person. (At the time of this writing, 1 £ = $1.36.)

Next, we were served a selection of crustless sandwiches that included Dukeshill roast ham with honey and mustard on white bread, smoked John Ross salmon with caper cream cheese on beetroot bread, heritage cucumber with yogurt and mint on onion bread, truffled Clarence Court egg and mayonnaise on Granary bread, and Coronation Devon white chicken salad on white bread, with second available if we desired. We got additional Coronation chicken!

The main event followed, featuring a tier of pastries (lemon, wild honey, and chamomile mousse with bee pollen; rosewater, raspberry, and lychee macaron; and single-estate chocolate with mandarin and bergamot), along with scones (black currant, plain, and hibiscus), served with jellies and clotted cream. Following our server’s recommendation, we ordered The Goring Afternoon Blend of Assam and second flush Darjeeling, which proved to be a perfect match for the scones and clotted cream.

I highly recommend starting your London vacation with afternoon tea on the Veranda.  

The Veranda
The Goring Hotel
15 Beeston Place,
SW1W 0JW London
London SW1W 0JW
+44207 396 9000