What a Jubilee weekend it was in London. We celebrated the incredible achievements of Her Majesty’s 70 year reign – yet what stole the show? It was Her Majesty’s afternoon tea with Paddington Bear. It was pure magic, and left most of us with a tear in the eye.
The Mandarin Oriental | A little Royal History
The Mandarin Oriental is hosting for a limited time only a Jubilee afternoon tea at The Rosebery. This is the London hotel where the young Queen learnt to dance with her sister Princess Margaret many years ago. There is some real Royal history here. In 1918 after the war, Madame Vacani hosted exclusive dance classes to children of the aristocracy. Her pupils included Her Majesty The Queen and Princess Margaret. It was also the location to host the Pre-Wedding celebrations of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with 142 royals including Her Majesty The Queen.
A Jubilee Afternoon Tea | at the Mandarin Oriental
A Jubilee tea must start with a glass of champagne and a toast to Her Majesty’s good health and her 70 year reign.
Champagne Bollinger, who have held the Royal Warrant since 1884 have done a champagne pairing experience to go with the tea. Along with the welcome glass of Special Cuvée NV champagne, there is a glass of Bollinger Rose NV with scones, and a glass La Grande Annee 2014 with pastries. This is an added extra, and truly worth it – but then I do love champagne.
Bite size sandwiches arrive, and they are bite size. This means no guilt trip when asking for seconds, thirds or even fourths. The supply is unlimited!
No tea is ever complete without a warm scone. These plain and raisin scones came with a choice of toppings including some traditional orange marmalade. It may not have been a sandwich – but did they know about Her Majesty’s love of a marmalade sandwich? Your guess is as good as mine!
The hand made pastries had all the royal connections you would expect. There were Queen Jam Pennies, Her Majesty’s chocolate delight, a Royal Strawberry Tartlet, or maybe it is the Kingdom Portrait that has caught your eye. Whatever tickles the tastebuds, you will find it here.
All of the above is washed down with a wonderful choice of afternoon tea’s. Their tea choice for this special afternoon tea, is inspired by The Queen’s travels and the tea’s they believe Her Majesty loves.
I will leave you with this Royal etiquette tea thought… “Gently life the cup to your lips and always sip from the same edge of the cup, so that your lipstick only marks one place”.
Mandarin Oriental
66 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7LA
Afternoon Tea available until 26 June. Book here.