Lanes of London is tucked away in the corner of London’s West End, a restaurant within Hyde Parks Marriot Hotel. I arrive on what feels like the first day of spring, my guest already waiting for me, tea in hand. A chic backdrop of vintage mirrors, dark wood furniture and timeless grey upholstery makes for an elegant backdrop. Barely off the bustling Oxford Street, this place is a welcome piece of calm.
Warm smiles welcome us as we gaze across the menu, an abundance of teas of all flavours from every corner of the globe pops out at us, wanting a bit of guidance, our exceptionally friendly waitress helps us choose one of the many fragrant teas, I opt for a classic Earl Grey, my guest a Darjeeling. Champagne is also poured as we settle into our afternoon. The atmosphere is soft and very relaxing. You feel a world away from the capital’s busiest shopping area, with views across the iconic Hyde Park, it feels like a very relaxing end (or start) to your day.
Time for Tea at Lanes of London
We sup on our drinks as we are talked through the menu. To kick things off we have a vibrant twist on the high tea classic with a beetroot cured salmon & dill cream cheese sandwich, chicken tikka and sweet mango crisp puff, crab and courgette roll with a zesty lemon cream and to finish a bocconcini, cherry tomato and basil pesto tart which was to die for. It was lovely to have something other than a salmon or egg mayonnaise sandwich.
The chefs are clearly proud of their work as they came out from their kitchen to ensure we were happy with what was on offer. We were so impressed that we cheekily asked for refills, which they accommodated for a small fee. Totally worth it though! The restaurant prides itself in sourcing the finest seasonal and local produce, and the quality comes through in the food and flavours.
As we let our savoury feast settle, we are topped up with more tea as we stare out to Hyde Park between conversations. It really does feel like you are in the heart of it all here. Just in time for our sweets to arrive, this signature Botanical Afternoon Tea really does serve up a treat. We have (my personal favourite) scones, both plain and sour cherry flavour – we argue about jam or cream first as the waiter talks us through the pastries on offer.
Lavender white chocolate mousse ‘handbag’, which simply melts in the mouth. Milk chocolate Sacher ‘Royal Hat’ which, not as a milk chocolate fan, tasted absolutely divine. Next up, Basil-infused blackberry & yoghurt ‘tea pot’. Now, I’m usually not one for mixing sweets and herbs, but the combo was both creamy and sour; it made the taste buds sing. Last on the list is a twist on the classic Battenberg made in the style of an old London telephone box. All cakes have been carefully crafted, delicate in touch and taste, no flavour is overpowering or underwhelming, they balance it just right.
We drink even more tea, this time of the jasmine variety and soak up the hotel’s classic but charming surroundings. We are the last people in the restaurant, we flirt with the idea of finishing off with a cocktail but decide to call it a day on this wonderful afternoon. The staff cannot do enough for you here, making you feel exceptionally welcome, sometimes a rarity in London’s tourist spots, but we were super impressed.
Afternoon teas run from 12 pm to 4 pm every day at £50pp.
Lanes of London
London Marriott Hotel Park Lane
140 Park Lane
London
W1K 7AA
