Savoy Hotel - Thames Foyer Afternoon tea

Thames Foyer Afternoon Tea
September 2011
The Savoy Hotel, The Strand, London, WC2R 0EU

 
I have been here 3 times for Afternoon Tea and each time I'm impressed by the splendour, the service and food.

My husband and I are lucky enough to attend a Black Tie event every year here in the Lancaster Ball Room, and have had drinks many times in both the American Bar and the Beaufort Bar, which are all truly thrilling - but there is something so very special about The Savoy afternoon tea in the Thames Foyer - it really is my favourite.

Before it was closed and revamped in 2009, they used to offer a pre theatre afternoon tea which was quite a savoury affair with little vials of soup and savoury pastries as well as sandwiches and cakes - we loved this one ! (This has now been replaced with a "High Tea")

We also had a traditional afternoon tea on another occasion and enjoyed that just as much: it's expensive but it really is unlimited – they will bring you more sandwiches, more cake, more tea…

So we revisited September 2011 for Karen's birthday by which time I'd caught up with the idea of a camera phone and got photos although not much of the food (I do think in 2011 it was probably a bit weird taking pictures of food pre instagram! ) 

The choice of teas was great and they were more than happy to cater for the non mayonnaise eater with the sandwiches. The scones were delicious and as well as jam they also provided home made lemon curd which is so lovely on a warm scone. 

It was delightful – the Thames Foyer room is sumptuous, tinkly piano player playing show and jazz tunes that every so often breaks into a tasteful rendition of happy birthday or congratulations according to the occasion.

The waiting staff are so beautifully trained and helpful – they poured your tea then took the pot away so you had to attract someone to come and get your pot and re pour – although not a problem to get anyone – they are fabulous at spotting empty plates, cups, dropped pastry forks and napkins etc. 
I also love that they never make you feel like you need to leave – I was chatting to my nieces last week and they reminded me that when we went a few years back we were there for nearly 4 hours still eating ….

 
And the bathrooms... so worth a few visits. 
For a special occasion you really can't beat it. Dammit now I've written this I need to go back! 
Just watch this video to get a feel of it - nothing gimmicky just very traditional.