Tucked along the leafy, sun-dappled stretch of Queen’s Gate, The Kensington feels less like a hotel and more like an impeccably dressed private residence. Set amongst a collection of grand Victorian townhouses, its quietly elegant interiors sit just moments from the V&A, making it an ideal retreat from the bustle and, on a particularly hot London afternoon, from the heat.
When temperatures rise, London tends to gravitate towards its beer gardens, rooftop terraces and alfresco tables. But there is something wonderfully refreshing about stepping out of the sunshine and into the cool embrace of a Victorian drawing room, where the afternoon is measured not in hurried coffees or melting ice creams, but in cups of tea, warm scones and three tiers of beautifully arranged treats.
As Afternoon Tea Week draws to a close, The Kensington offers a timely reminder that this quintessentially British ritual is not reserved just for birthdays, celebrations or special occasions. Here, the Summer Afternoon Tea is an invitation to slow down and indulge in the simple pleasures of the season, from quintessential British flavours to nostalgic nods.
The experience begins with a choice of Nyetimber Classic Cuvée MV, an English sparkling wine from Sussex with bright citrus and brioche notes, or a Classic Pimm’s Royale, bringing together the unmistakable botanical character of Pimm’s with a celebratory sparkle. It sets the tone perfectly and is particularly cooling.
Then comes the savoury course, where familiar afternoon tea classics are given a seasonal polish. Delicate Chapel & Swan smoked salmon with chive cream cheese sits on brown bread, alongside roast Wiltshire ham with English mustard mayonnaise (my favourite of them all). There’s St Ewe egg mayonnaise and watercress tucked into a soft brioche roll, while cucumber with mint crème fraîche offers a cool, refreshing bite.
Naturally, no afternoon tea would be complete without scones. The warm plain and raisin varieties arrive ready for generous spoonfuls of Cornish clotted cream and homemade strawberry jam, a combination that needs little introduction and even less improvement.
The pastry selection is where summer really comes to life. A delicate British raspberry and elderflower tart brings a bright, floral sweetness, while the rose and pistachio Battenberg offers a fragrant twist on the nostalgic classic. An Eton Mess pavlova, piled with strawberry and mint, captures the spirit of an English summer, while a chocolate éclair filled with caramel cream provides something altogether more indulgent.
To accompany it all, the rare Jasmine Silver Tip white tea is perhaps the most understated star of the afternoon. Harvested in Fuding and naturally scented with fresh jasmine blossoms over six nights, its delicate floral character provides a beautifully light counterpoint to the sweeter elements of the menu.
While London outside is busy chasing the sunshine, inside, there is no rush to follow it. Instead, there are cool drawing rooms, leisurely conversation, silver teapots and the gentle joy of afternoon tea, a distinctly British way to spend a summer afternoon, whatever the weather.
@hotelkensington
109-113 Queen’s Gate, South Kensington, London SW7 5LP
