A Real Mad Hatter’s Tea Party at Charlotte Street Hotel

London offers a wide range of afternoon tea, from The Ritz to the Shard’s Oblix afternoon tea package. However, traditional afternoon teas are becoming few and far between as they make way for the new, modern twist of the British classic. I decided to recently treat my Mum to a Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea at Charlotte Street Hotel, which quoted from the queen herself; said it was the ‘best one she had been to yet’!

Just off Tottenham Court Road, on Charlotte Street, the gorgeous Charlotte Street Hotel stood proudly centre stage of the road, with its authentic and elegant appearance. Upon entering the Oscar Restaurant, we were greeted with a smile from the doorman and directed into the bright, bold, and contemporary room, a real contrast to the entrance, an exciting hidden surprise.

The walls were covered in brightly coloured hand-painted murals, and shelves were decorated with ceramic vases of varying sizes, and lots of greenery dotted around the room. The chairs were also brightly patterned, working well with the yellowy toned lighting, accentuating the décor, and adding to the ‘Mad Hatter’s Tea Party’ feel. However, even with this atmosphere, the afternoon tea still felt extremely luxurious and contemporary. It was so carefully thought out, that the delicately designed fine China, was a much-needed contrast to the décor, highlighting its luxury and the more mature ‘Mad Hatter’s Tea Party’.

The afternoon tea packages they offered ranged from £30-£45, dependant on cocktail and alcohol choices. The food was delicious; it included four scones with fresh cream and jam, six sandwiches (cream cheese and salmon, cucumber and chicken and pesto) and some stunning patisseries; the perfect amount of food for two. In fact, we ended up taking some of it home! My favourite were the scones, Mum’s favourite were the sandwiches.

Mum appreciates a good cup of tea and can probably distinguish a bad cuppa just from looking at the tea bag! However, she was definitely pleased with the tea the hotel offered! It was loose leaf, so using a tea strainer made it feel very elegant and fun!

Finally, the service was superb, from the doorman to the waiters, we felt very well catered for.

This is definitely an afternoon tea you should try for yourself and maybe to treat someone who deserves it too!

Images/Edit/Words By Alice Abel