Afternoon tea at Flemings of Mayfair

On Sunday, we planned a little surprise trip for one of our closest friend’s birthday. Chloe had no idea where we were bringing her and – after putting her on the scent of something outdoorsy with the suggestion of a farm and bringing a warm hat and scarf – she was pretty surprised when we stopped outside of the marble stepped doors of Flemings of Mayfair.

Just a two minute walk from Green Park station, in the heart of Mayfair and neighbouring the adorable Shepherd Market, Flemings’ know how to put on a quintessentially British afternoon tea.

Hosted downstairs in The Front Room, we sat in comfy, mini-thrones of deepest purple, turquoise and burgundy hues. The walls were either adorned with hanging mirrors or decorated with velvet wallpaper – this is top-notch luxury.

After picking our teas (I went for a very traditional Assam blend) the tiers arrived. Starting from the bottom layer, we tucked into some delicious sandwiches – salmon and cream cheese, cheese and pickle, cucumber and ham and mustard. We made very short work of them.

On tier two we had warm, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam and mini bakewell tarts. Level of fullness – near max-capacity.

The final and most decadent tier – the cake tier – was amazing. Mini lemon meringue pies, strawberry and white chocolate macaroons, dark chocolate brownies, and Madeleines. Level of fullness – ready to explode.

The chefs even made up a gluten-free afternoon tea for Claire (she of gluten-free and guilt-free banana cake recipe fame!). All we had to do was email in advance and ask – just an idea of how good their customer service is.

But the staff and the ambiance made the event even more special. As the four of us sat together, having a good ol’ chin wag, staff were brilliantly attentive but not overly pushy to get us out the door – we stayed for nearly three hours! By far one of the best afternoon teas I’ve ever had!

Traditional Afternoon Tea at Flemings of Mayfair starts at £23.50.