Afternoon Tea — Mixing Messages

I, as it turns out, am English. Therefore, although I like a brunch as much as the next gal, I'm DEVOTED to afternoon tea. It's basically a religion to me at this point. And I already have one of those.

So imagine my DELIGHT when I checked my calendar to see what I could look forward to and saw the bright, shiny, afternoon tea at Claridge's that I had booked with a friend last October. I treat myself well, what can I say? And was I right to be excited, you ask? YES. Of course, it was Claridge's you nut. Did you really think it was going to be terrible? Get your head in the game.

So, aside from the existential panic of something I booked 4 months ago whipping around so quickly, there I was, happy and awaiting the first round of sandwiches. (Which, as it turns out, were delicious).

I have to admit that, aside from the pomp and ceremony of an afternoon spent in an (extremely) upmarket London hotel, I was somewhat sceptical about whether the meal (/snack?) would be worth it. Naming no names, but a few of these places are extremely eager to charge more and offer less, comfortable in the knowledge that their brand will see them through.

I was, however, pleasantly surprised. Thing about Claridges that sets it apart from all the afternoon teas I've been to in the past (and let's be honest, this is a high number we're talking about) is the consistency in what they do. There's no cost-cutting (don't I know it) and there's no weird focus on innovative pastries. The sandwiches are good, the scones were great (and warm, though I still have zero clue as to what a "Marco Polo gêlée" is when it's at home) and the pastries were amazing.

All in all, I'd definitely recommend for a special occasion (or, if you're like us, a random Sunday). But definitely be prepared to choke on your Laurent Perrier when you see the bill... good thing I went to town on those cucumber sandwiches, because it's crusts of bread for me until February...