It was a wet, windy Monday and we found ourselves huddled under umbrellas, bursting with good cheer as we scooted along the cobbled streets of Covent Garden. Quickly we found our location, hidden under the hustle and bustle of the main street is a little treasure trove of tea and cake, at Whittard Of Chelsea.
We were quickly seated and presented with a hugely extensive tea menu and a glass of cold Processco whilst we considered our all-important tea choice (out of 100 possibilities) to compliment our afternoon tea.
After pursuing the menu we decided to opt for “The Whittards Tea” which included a selection of handmade sandwiches including smoked salmon with lemon cheese (which they kindly swapped for more coronation chicken) cucumber, and egg and cress.
Then, there were scones with clotted cream and tea-infused preserves, which were all equally delicious, I absolutely adore the simplicity of freshly baked scones and jam. On the subject of the eternal scone debate, I’ll always go for jam first followed by cream, how about you?
How could I forget? The very best part is reserved for last, my eyes greedily explored the possibility of distracting Caroline and devouring every.single.cake.
From light as a feather victoria sponge, rich chocolate cake and champagne cream balanced perfectly between dainty squares of shortbread, each cake was delicious.
My personal favorite was this pear and chocolate layered cake, so light but rich in flavor, I’ll always veer towards chocolate and this was love at first bite (& sight!).
Once we had enjoyed our afternoon tea at a leisurely pace, it was time to get down to the all-important business of tasting tea. My friend Caroline is a self-confessed “Tea Hater” but Whittard changed the game entirely, we fell madly in love with Pink Lemonade (which is an Instant tea) and the perfect compliment to any summer BBQ. The same applied to the Coconut White Hot Chocolate, I brought some home and made it with coconut milk, and I’d rate that experience a solid 13/10.
Whittard change up the tea’s once a week to reflect the “Staff Favourite” and it’s well worth stopping by to try and few and explore the possibility of changing up your brew. Alongside that, I brought some delicious vanilla coffee to start my day with a boost. Whittard is the perfect venue to find a gift for the tea lover in your life, or simply treat yourself with a cup of tea and some cake.
Whittard Tea Room & Shop is open 10 am until 8 pm Monday – Sunday and can be located at 18 The Marketplace, The Piazza, London WC2E 8RB.
Katie
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Disclaimer – I was kindly gifted afternoon tea and a few treats from the shop in return for an honest review.