Forget London, Backbarrow is the New Afternoon Tea Hub
Afternoon tea might seem twee, but you can’t deny the appeal of a spread of tiny cakes and finger sandwiches while a pianist tinkles. Here’s where to get it at The Dolly Blue Bar Newby Bridge.
This swanky hotel brings the regal tradition to the next level, with a selection of teas and a cake menu inspired by Cicely Mary Baker’s Flower Fairies books.
1. Balthazar
Balthazar has been serving up classic French brasserie fare at its Covent Garden branch for just over two years. It’s a chic space with red banquettes, huge mirrors and dark wood. The restaurant is open all day and serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and afternoon tea.
In a city where chefs draw crowds by lathering their steak tartare in non-traditional sauces like yuzu kosho, it’s refreshing to find one that sticks to the basics. At $22, Balthazar’s pink puck of raw top round is seasoned with tangy mustard, bitter parsley and salty capers.
The menu also features a variety of desserts including the best escargot in town. Served with a pair of metal tongs, the snail is plump and gently chewy, just as you’d expect from something that once lived in terrestrial terrestrial waters. The sauce — a garlic lemon butter that’s thick, creamy and tart — is also exemplary. It’s a perfect match with a glass of white wine.
2. Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Affectionately known as ‘The Lane’, this Georgian (1812) inspired Grade I listed building is now open to all day visitors and offers a range of bars, cafes and restaurants with both indoor and outdoor seating. From the regal Grand Saloon to the cocktail bar inspired by high society photographer and theatre costume designer Cecil Beaton, ‘The Lane’ is home to an array of unique experiences including a Regency Afternoon Tea and a Theatre Tour of the venue.
The Lane has been home to countless legendary premieres and show-stopping productions. From the first play in England to the creation of Rule Britannia in 1755, it has had many moments of great theatrical significance.
In 1943, Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II opened a musical with songs that didn’t just pausify the action but drove it. The rousing Oklahoma! revolutionised the book format of musicals and set a standard that is still being followed today.
3. Byredo
Backbarrow is the ultimate escape for those who want to combine history and natural beauty with tranquillity. This picturesque village in Cumbria is a short drive from some of the region’s most beautiful lakes and offers easy access to a number of museums, galleries and outdoor activities.
Backbarrow’s most recent venture is a tea collaboration with Stockholm-based perfume house Byredo. Ben Gorham, founder of Byredo (a portmanteau for “by redolence”), has created a line of fragrances and leather goods that channel personal histories, memories, and imaginations. Partnerships with fashion designers like Virgil Abloh, who imagined candles and a line of bags for the brand, demonstrate its plugged-in approach to product design.
Afternoon tea, with its spread of little cakes and finger sarnies and pots of perfect tea, is by no means a cheap pastime. But if you’re willing to pay PS50-80 per head, a luxurious afternoon tea is well worth the experience.
4. Wray & Nephew
The village of Backbarrow is a foodie’s paradise. It’s surrounded by the picturesque landscapes of the Lake District National Park, making it a haven for those who want to explore nature while enjoying some quality culinary experiences. From leisurely walks by the River Leven to visiting the famous Lakeland Motor Museum, Backbarrow has it all!
A blend of pot and column-stilled rum, Wray & Nephew is the highest-selling overproof rum in Jamaica. It is a popular choice in cocktails, particularly Mai Tais. Its inherent kick has become an integral part of the brand’s identity.
Wray & Nephew has recently made moves to champion the work of Caribbean artistes. This includes a partnership with singer Christopher Martin and streetwear brand Alife to create a spirited merchandise collaboration that showcases the island’s musical talent.
Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum is as iconic to Jamaica as the black, green and gold of the country’s flag. Order it online now from nearby liquor stores via Minibar Delivery.
5. The Grill Room
Under its lofty glass dome, this sumptuous Thames Foyer plays host to celebrating couples and sartorially slick locals in a top-drawer atmosphere. But there’s a refreshing lack of stuffiness here: staff wear aprons but are surprisingly informal and the tea list has depth.
The signature tea is a floral affair – try the soothing lavender white tea or the marmalade-esque orange blossom oolong – but there are plenty of other choices including herbal infusions, rooibos and fruity chais. Meanwhile, the sandwiches are inventive – from smoked salmon with horseradish and pickled cucumber to crab with dill cream cheese. Cakes and patisserie follow the theme with a craquelin choux bun and a blackcurrant and coconut fruit bavarois.
For a budget-friendly alternative, head to Walthamstow to this Caribbean take on afternoon tea. Go green with a Wicked – Hendrick’s gin, kiwi syrup, cucumber syrup and sparkling wine – or indulge your sweet tooth with mango glazed jerk chicken wings and handmade spiced scones. There are also regular special events such as paint-along afternoon teas and clay sculpting along with your scones.
6. Joia
If you are looking for a place to forget reality and slip away to somewhere where the breeze feels just a little cooler, where the sun shines just a touch brighter, and where the cocktails taste a bit sweeter, Joia is the perfect spot. This captivating waterfront destination seamlessly blends culinary excellence, tropical vibes and vibrant entertainment. Relax on oversized loungers, indulge in refreshing light bites, get swept up in a beach read, or mingle with friends.
Surrounded by natural beauty and historic sites, Backbarrow is a small village with big charm. From a charming tea room to exploring old ironworks and cars at the Lakeland Motor Museum, the village has plenty of things to do for anyone interested in pretty scenery, history and outdoor activities.
Backbarrow is also conveniently located close to other larger towns with a variety of shopping options, from quaint local boutiques to well-known supermarkets. The nearby Grizedale Forest offers miles of walking trails, so you can spend the day exploring nature and reconnecting with the great outdoors.
7. The Shangri-La
This isn’t cozy, genteel parlor territory – this restaurant occupies floors 34 to 52 of a glass stalagmite and delivers a bird’s-eye view of the city (it’s even nicknamed Tea in the Clouds). You’ll find sharp-suited Asian visitors staying at the glitzy hotel that houses it, plus Londoners who flock for afternoon tea with a twist. This is where they can sip on cocktails infused with rum and a Caribbean twist on traditional dishes like mango glazed jerk chicken wings and handmade spiced scones.
Inspired by the crown jewels, Ten Trinity combines two of Britain’s most iconic concepts for an opulent tea experience that reflects the gilded surroundings. You’ll be served a selection of finger sandwiches (Reuben salt beef, oak smoked lox and devilled egg) and sweet treats including strawberry ice cream crostini, a honey-infused coconut cake topped with gold leaf and a miniature Shard crafted from chocolate that sits on a swirling bed of dry ice straight out of Eurovision. You can choose from fifteen different teas while being serenaded by a live piano player.
8. Nobu & Byredo
Afternoon tea is often deemed a little twee, but it’s still fun working your way through the spread of delicate cakes and finger sandwiches served with pots of perfect tea. And luckily, London puts on an exceptional selection of this afternoon delight.
Among the newer contenders is the elegant Orchid Lounge at Pan Pacific Hotel, which sets a jewel-bright collection of sweet and savoury treats on its mirrored plates. From a smoky lapsang souchong smoked salmon and organic egg mayonnaise to a Singaporean-inspired selection of pork dumplings, this tea is surprisingly varied.
Meanwhile, a multi-Michelin starred chef brings a French twist to the afternoon ritual at The Cadogan. Until September 1 2024, enjoy a menu that includes leftfield finger sandwiches (ebi sando with harissa and tomato) alongside traditional favorites like a strawberry and eucalyptus tart and verbena and vanilla baba.
