Letter K was a tough one. Kiwi? Not really. Kornflakes? That would really be a stretch. Then I remembered that in my list of afternoon tea spots was Kensington Palace.
Kensington Palace is a royal residence set in Kensington Gardens in London. It has been a residence of the British royal family since the 17th century and is currently the official London residence of the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke and Duchess of Kent, Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, and Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank and their two sons.
The Orangery at Kensington Palace is set to reopen its doors on 1st May, following an extensive period of restoration. This much-anticipated revival marks a new chapter for the restaurant characterized by a dining experience blending royal tradition with contemporary finesse. Situated within the scenic grounds of Kensington Palace, The Orangery is celebrated for its architectural beauty inspired by Queen Anne’s greenhouse, providing a stunning backdrop for its exquisite concept.
The Orangery’s Royal Afternoon Tea is set to be a highlight, with luxurious treats such as Castle Farm Lavender Éclair and traditional scones with Cornish clotted cream, for a taste of regal indulgence. The food offerings are accompanied by a selection of teas, as well as a range of premium wines and champagnes. The outside terrace allows guests to enjoy the views of the palace and its elegant gardens.
Sustainability is a key focus of The Orangery’s ethos, with a dedicated commitment to supporting local growers and responsible sourcing. This initiative not only ensures the highest quality of ingredients but also aligns with the growing demand for environmentally conscious dining options.
Guests at The Orangery can expect an immersive experience that transcends the ordinary, where each visit is a journey through the rich tapestry of time and taste, set against the scenery of one of London’s most iconic landmarks. The restaurant’s reopening is not just a celebration of its storied past but also a testament to its future as a destination where culinary excellence meets sustainable practices.
Source: The Upcoming
The Orangery's afternoon tea menu is £55, significantly less than many other London afternoon tea menu.
CHEF’S AMUSE BOUCHE
TOP TIER
Castle Farm lavender éclair
Strawberry, garden mint tartlet
The Orangery chocolate slice
MIDDLE TIER
Cornish clotted cream, blackcurrant preserve (alternative fruit preserves available)
BOTTOM TIER
English cucumber, dill infused cream cheese
Free-range egg, salad cress bridge roll
Chalk Stream trout, lemon bagel
Gammon ham, fresh vine tomato, mustard
Oh wow; that does sound like such a beautiful place for tea!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like an incredible location for a tea. Where I can sign up (lol!)?
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this post Pamela. A lovely setting for an afternoon tea.
ReplyDeleteIt seems like it has been under renovation forever! I had the pleasure of having lunch there in 1999 when I had a 3 week solo trip around the UK. I met a friend who was living there at the time. I just remember a regular lunch, so maybe they weren't serving afternoon tea when we visited. It was beautiful!
ReplyDelete