Soho's High Societease

Kettner’s is going back in time, by hosting a deliciously tempting afternoon tea with a cast as colourful as Kettner’s history itself. Ruby Deshabille, Joe Morose, Abi Collins and Mat Ricardo will delight audiences with burlesque, cabaret and circus performances depicting the weird and wonderful history of London’s beloved pleasure district. Get up close and personal, meet the characters and hear the stories that have shaped Soho’s history.

Our modern day Soho artists will take you through the history of Kettner’s and Soho in Kettner’s most historical room. With its original wooden panelled Grade II Listed walls, The Apartment at Kettner’s is the ideal setting for this afternoon of indulgence.

Since decadence is the order of the day, let them eat cake (and sandwiches)! Indulge in homemade scones with lashings of clotted cream, sweet treats, and dainty finger sandwiches accompanied by your choice of tea.

Kettner’s has lived. Surviving four kings and a queen, the blitz, several booms and more than a few busts, Kettner’s has seen it all and is an integral part of the vibrant, glamorous and debauched Soho we know and love today.
Originally a series of four Georgian Townhouses, Kettner’s was originally opened as a restaurant in 1867 by Auguste Kettner, (chef to Napoleon III,) and became infamous as the rendezvous of choice for deliciously colourful characters of the time, renowned for hosting incredibly risqué parties. Oscar Wilde dined here and Kettner’s is mentioned as his venue of choice in his trial notes. Agatha Christie and Bing Crosby were also celebrated regulars.

King Edward VII courted his mistress, Lillie Langtry and even ordered a secret tunnel to be built between Kettner’s and the Palace Theatre, where his mistress Lillie Langtry performed. The rumour is that the lovers would take the tunnel to meet at Kettner’s during intermissions.