Traditional and elegant afternoon tea at Harrod’s Georgian Restaurant

London Event Reviews by May B

It took us a while to navigate to The Georgian restaurant which is tucked away on the fourth floor (next to all manner of other wonderful dining places). Our breaths were taken away at the glorious space. There’s a beautiful, ornate overhead conservatory ceiling letting in gentle light and all around are elegant tables and chairs – and large curved booths around the periphery – with a luxuriously decadent amount of space in between.

Passing a grand art nouveau sculpture of a woman dancing, we were walked the entire length of this enormous space – past potted palms and beautifully set tables to a large rounded seat that was upholstered in deep red velvet and was shaped like a seat on a Wurlitzer. The tiny posy of flowers on our table matched the upholstery. It provided a fabulous view across the room and we felt rather special and utterly spoilt. Just audible was some old war-time classics and some chilled out jazz which made the feeling of being transported back in time more acute. You could just about see out to the roof tops through the nets across the conservatory terrace – I wonder if access there is allowed in the summer?

The female maitre d’ was a little upright and Germanic in her efficient welcome but all the other staff were polite, attentive and with subtle smiles. Whilst cocktails and the Champagne Afternoon Tea (£47.50) is the favourite, we chose The Georgian Afternoon Tea (£39). I advised the waiter that my companion was vegetarian and there was absolutely no fuss (they also provide gluten free versions).

We were asked about our tea selection – there are numerous black (£5), green, white and fruit teas as well as some exclusive ones (ranging between £6-£14). My companion selected the Afternoon Special Blend and I chose the No 14 Special Breakfast Blend. These arrived in substantial silver tea pots which were straight from the 1930s era – stunning. I lost count of how many cups I enjoyed.

It was interesting to see who else was enjoying a tea time treat – there were wealthy tourists, elderly and younger couples, groups of ladies who lunch, shoppers, a couple of business folk and even a family or two. It was really varied and I was surprised that it would be so busy (although it remained calm and relaxing as there was simply so much space) on a Wednesday afternoon.

The three tier cake stand arrived and we were advised that the scones would be delivered warm when we were ready. My sandwiches contained traditional fare – egg mayonnaise and cress, smoked salmon (uniquely cured with Lapsang souchong) and cream cheese, Coronation chicken, cucumber and roast beef. My companion was delighted with the vegetarian selection and commented that the roast vegetable with pesto and the artichoke varieties were really something else. Alongside the sandwiches were two goat’s cheese and caramalised onion tarts which were delicious.

I admit that I was a little disappointed when the scones arrived – they seemed quite small – two plain and two with sultanas. They looked a bit lost on the grand plate. However, they were warm and melted on the tongue and we coated them with the clotted cream, jam and lemon curd which was provided in tiny silver dishes.

My companion was desperate to try the five tiny cakes on the top tier. They were very pretty. Really tempting. The delicately layered Victorian sponge, moist red Velvet sponge and blackberry topped tart paled into insignificant with the gingery confection with a startling space-dust-like crunchiness and the sublime lemon meringue tart. Another unexpected delight was the tiny jar of trifle – layers of cream with berries and tiny cubes of firm sponge.

My companion had recently had afternoon tea at a number of top London establishments including The Dorchester which she said was really good. But the Harrod’s experience had somehow taken over as her favourite. For me, it was the perfect afternoon tea and one I shall return to when I wish to spoil someone or myself.

Please note that there is a smart dress code – so no trainers, shorts, singlets or thong sandals. You really wouldn’t want to spoil this special experience.

http://www.harrods.com/content/the-store/restaurants/the-georgian-restaurant

Posted Date
Oct 18, 2014 in London Event Reviews by May B by May B