Review of the Afternoon Tea at The Parlour - Great Scotland Yard Hotel

From the moment you enter Great Scotland Yard Hotel, the iconic 1820’s Grade II listed building, you are struck by the upscale quirkiness of the interior. This Westminster location is worthy of its 5 star status, from the walls, to the seats to the furniture, the whole ambience screams fun but sophisticated. Coupled with the old police memorabilia and the small details, the hotel gives a clear and modern nod to the building's history.

Walking through the velour green curtains into The Parlour, the opulent décor continues, with the stunning wallpaper, monochrome floor and beautiful seating in a small intimate setting. The Parlour has curated a new luxurious, multi-sensory Afternoon Tea, featuring a seasonal spring menu in partnership with Jo Loves and Verve Cliquot Champagne.

Having opted for the Verve Cliquot Champagne Afternoon Tea (which comes as a complimentary upgrade on Wednesdays until 18th June. We started with a glass of bubbles and our choice of tea.

The selection of teas was impressive with options for every taste (there were pages of tea options, so for tea buffs this is perfect!). After a quick cheers we were presented with an impressive show of dry ice amid the savoury first course, with the glass-topped box holding jewels and handcuffs as a representation of the female thieves that used to be imprisoned in the building. It was a fun and artistic way to present the first course. And the flavours didn’t disappoint, there was a real mix of classics presented; chicken coronation on brown bread, egg truffle mayo on brioche and asparagus and lemon quiche, but all outstanding in presentation and taste. Even the Smoked salmon on white bread was above and beyond; presented in rolled bread, and served with caviar and dill. I’ll be rolling my sandwiches from now on if it means they taste as delicious as this!

Then the real stand out and surprise was the Caramelised Jerusalem artichoke and Montgomery cheddar Yorkshire pudding. The Yorkshire was perfectly crisp, and complemented the smooth inside and sharp cheddar.

The sweet treats followed, with enough to feed us for days! It was especially welcoming to have warm scones and the accompanying raspberry and lemon jam was other worldly! This was no ordinary jam!! The Pistachio and Raspberry Entremet Éclair was also the perfect combination of textures.

It was clear from the moment that we stepped into The Parlour that great care and time was taken to create a stunning afternoon tea, from beginning to end. The service and presentation of the dishes really made this experience stand out, along with the stunning ambience and décor.

Spring Afternoon Tea is £65pp (with a complimentary Verve Cliquot served on Wednesdays with “Bubbly Wednesday”).

To book visit https://www.hyattrestaurants.com/en/london/restaurant/the-parlour-london

Address: 3-5 Great Scotland Yard, London SW1A 2HN, UK

Written by Polly Robin

Photography courtesy of Great Scotland Yard