Last week we were invited to the beautiful Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residence to enjoy their Mystical Afternoon Tea. The Taj 51 is a beautiful 5 star hotel that sits in Victoria and we had heard so many lovely reviews of their Alice in Wonderland Tea, so we were really looking forward to trying their festive version.
The building itself is gorgeous and completed decked out in its festive attire. We entered the lobby area and Ita’s eyes lit up and she almost ran right into this stunningly themed tree! It caught her attention immediately because she absolutely loves Alice in Wonderland. The staff straight away came across as child friendly which is always something I sense instantly and it typically determines whether we have a good time or not. Being a parent, it is really important that you feel valued and that your child is too, rather than being made to feel like a nuisance. The doorman especially engaged in a chat with Ita explaining the theme of the tree and I could have died when she told him in no uncertain terms that she knew exactly that it was based on the Mad Hatter.
The reception staff were also so courteous given that, in typical London fashion, we were late because of the traffic. Again, Ita was welcomed and asked whether she would like to lead the way!
The moment we saw the main Christmas tree in Kona (the restaurant area) it took my breath away! Ita kept going to look at it because the whole design was simply spectacular. The dress actually lit up far more than this photo shows. The room itself is modest in size which we absolutely loved because it felt intimate and there are only a small amount of tables in here.
Our afternoon tea started with a festive spiced hot chocolate and our choice of a large selection of teas. We were then served our sandwiches but I can honestly say they were the best presented sandwiches we have ever encountered. Usually afternoon teas serve simple finger sandwiches but these were so striking and frankly so beautiful. The selection included Rosemary roast beef and English mustard, Yorkshire ham with cheddar and pickle, smoked salmon and orange horseradish stars and egg mayonnaise with a little twist.
The sweets treats included spicy gianduja chocolate gateau, pine forest pistachio cremeux cones, Bakewell toadstools, a starry night nougatine snap and a Baileys and cream yule log! Of course we also had scones and ones with cranberries in too!
We do quite a few afternoon teas and for us, this one definitely stands out. The food was plentiful and the designs of the sandwiches were the best we have ever had. Dominic thinks this was his favourite afternoon tea… by far! Ita also commented on how fun the treats looked and especially when you look at it from a child’s perspective, she is right! They were bright and inviting.
We would absolutely recommend this afternoontea! It is very fairly priced for a festive tea in a 5 star hotel and it feels luxurious but also very fun. I cannot stress how lovely the staff were which of course added to our wonderful experience. I was even forced into a photo which I was secretly happy about! I’m usually the photographer! I think this also demonstrates how family orientated it was too though.
Afterwards we were actually encouraged to look around. In fact, Ita was told she would love the lights outside and the tree in the joining building. She wanted a photo by every. single. tree. I kid you not! Although I can see why. Taj 51 really is decorated very beautifully.
This particular afternoon tea is available throughout December and served on Thursdays and Fridays at noon and 2pm, and on weekends at noon, 2pm and 4pm. There are sittings on Christmas Day and on New Years day too.
Price £55pp and children aged between 4-11 years can also have tea for half this price.
For more information on the afternoon teas served at Taj 51, please see the link below.
https://www.taj51buckinghamgate.co.uk/Fine-dining/Afternoon-tea/
Garcia Family UK 