As long time readers of the blog will know, I am bit history obsessed! I go on the hunt for castles and royal residences whether home or abroad! Yet perhaps if I am guilty of anything it is not taking time to appreciate some of London’s more recent history so when I got the chance to explore London’s Art Deco past I jumped at the chance!
Our meeting point was at one of Mayfair’s many luxury hotels, the Sheraton Grand Park Lane (a slight misnomer as it is actually on Piccadilly). Standing under the large Art Deco canopy of the ballroom entrance it was easy to see why this was chosen as our meeting place with its dark geometric symmetry, emblems of the Art Deco movement!
Our guide was the knowledgable Yannick who armed with plenty of toffee led us on a two hour Art Deco extravaganza in Mayfair!
From the Sheraton Grand we explored disused underground stations and Art Deco icons as well as exploring some of the jazz age legends such as Mr Selfridge and the Mitford sisters! I have been on the trail of the Mitford sisters throughout my UK travels at our recent visits to Chatsworth and Cliveden so it was great to hear more about their infamous London exploits!
Other highlights of the tour included seeing more of the Art Deco luxury hotels of London such as Claridges and the Beaumont, the hotel closest to our end point and renowned for having an Anthony Gormley designed room!
The Beaumont
The end of the tour was at the beautiful Brown hart Gardens a secret garden just off Oxford Street that I actually would like to keep a secret!
Brown hart gardens
Further reading: a whistle stop walking tour of London
The Dorchester – perfect Art Deco afternoon tea in London review
A short walk from our tour end and we were at our final destination, The Dorchester for a perfect Art Deco afternoon tea in London! For me an afternoon tea should be on any London itinerary and The Dorchester has been on my London bucket list for a long time. I was full of excitement as we entered and were seated in the beautiful floral and Art Deco promenade!
Floral Art Deco afternoon tea at The Dorchester
We were seated next to the pianist who rotated between classic, modern and Disney music and provided the perfect ambience for our afternoon tea! For me afternoon tea is definitely one of the more romantic things to do in London and the Dorchester didn’t disappoint on ambiance.
Next read: best afternoon tea instagram captions and quotes to help you caption your photos!
Floral Art Deco afternoon tea at The Dorchester
We started our afternoon tea with a glass of Laurent-Perrier champagne, the perfect start to our afternoon of indulgence!
Floral Art Deco afternoon tea at The Dorchester london
The Dorchester offers pages of tea varieties but as this was my first time there I decided to try the traditional Dorchester afternoon blend! A relatively strong tea, I found it to be the perfect accompaniment to he spread!
Floral Art Deco afternoon tea at The Dorchester
The Dorchester afternoon tea doesn’t come out on a traditional afternoon tea stand but presented in courses! The first round was the sandwiches. All the traditional fillings were present but for me the star was the egg and cheddar sandwich. I’m not usually an egg sandwich person but this one was so good I even had seconds. Who knew you had to add cheese to an egg mayonnaise sandwich!
Why not brush up on your afternoon tea etiquette
Scones are usually my favourite part of an afternoon tea but the scones were a little doughy so I managed to restrain myself and only ate the one! The scones were served warm with cream and two jams – the traditional strawberry and an unusual rhubarb and basil which divided the table.
The Dorchester has had a relationship with the RHS for many years and in elevation of this their pastries all had a bloom theme! But were they blooming brilliant? The pastries looked stunning and were a visual representation of the floral seasons on a plate: spiced parsnip cake, similar to a carrot cake in texture served with Tanzanian chocolate, a spring lime, verbena and peach cream, for autumn a chocolate orange sphere and my personal favourite a lemon Madeline for summer! I really enjoyed the diversity of flavours and commitment to the theme in each treat!
The floral theme was apparent throughout the tea and really a celebration of all things summer but most of all I will remember the beautiful Art Deco architecture and stunning floral theme of the The Dorchester! Now I’ve been once, I want to return!
Looking for what to wear to afternoon tea – check out our guide
Further London reading from Wandermust Family
This was a collaborative post and my tour and afternoon tea were complimentary but as ever all views my own.
Catherine’s Cultural Wednesdays
Monday 2nd of July 2018
Lucky you! I like the idea of the courses coming separately, the stands are always a bit cumbersome ad awkward to talk round.
Zena's Suitcase
Monday 2nd of July 2018
What an incredible tour. I would love to visit all these hotels and I'm a huge fan of the Dorchester anyway. Their floral displays always blow me away and the afternoon tea sounds delicious
Lisa (Travel Loving Family)
Thursday 28th of June 2018
Ooh what a treat! The presentation is exquisite. Thanks for the tips re the garden!
Nell (Pigeon Pair and Me)
Thursday 28th of June 2018
What a lovely way to round off what sounds like a fascinating tour! I've never done a walking tour here in my home town. I bet I would learn loads. As for those doughy scones - I'd have eaten your spare one! :-)
Chloe: Picture Taker Memory Maker
Wednesday 27th of June 2018
Very fancy! Looks like you had a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon. A posh afternoon tea is one of those things that you have to experience once isn't it?