The Chesterfield Mayfair Hotel is one of the few places in London to offer a chocolate themed experience: the “Charlie and The Chesterfield Afternoon Tea”.
Afternoon Tea at the Chesterfield Mayfair Hotel – Cakes & Sweets
Scones – Afternoon Tea at the Chesterfield Mayfair Hotel
“Charlie and The Chesterfield Afternoon Tea”
The Chesterfield Mayfair Hotel, London
Overall rating: ★★★☆☆
Tea refills: Yes; Food refills: Yes
Price: £38.50/adult; £19.50/child;
£45.50 with a glass of Champagne
(excl. 12.5% tip/service charge)
Seating time: 2 hours
in Hotel Lobby or in the Conservatory
The Chesterfield Mayfair Hotel Setting ★★★★☆
We were lucky enough to get a table in the conservatory, which is gorgeously decorated with lots of greenery and is bathed in natural light. Otherwise, the tea is served in the restaurant area which is also quite pleasant, especially if you get a view on the “English language society” courtyard.
My only complain is that the tables are quite close to each other, which is a bit annoying considering that this tea often involves more or less well-behaved and/or noisy kids.
The Tea & Beverage Selection ★★★★☆
The tea starts with a pink coloured fizzy/popping drink which is served in gorgeous small bottle. I’m not a massive fan of sodas in general but this looked cute and weren’t excessively sweet, quite nice for the kids!
Two different blends which are exclusive to the hotel: “The Chesterfield Afternoon Blend” and the “Willy Wonka tea”. The latter is the highlight of the tea and provides a much-needed taste of chocolate to this afternoon tea.
The selection is generous, with one tea of each (Wulong, Green, White…) and a few infusions including a gorgeous flowering “Dancing Dragon” (in the picture).
I’ll say it again many times in this review but even though this beverage selection is solid, it lacks chocolate!
The Savouries ★★★★☆
Oddly enough the savouries were probably the best part of the afternoon tea and I ended up ordering a few refills. Nothing extraordinary but you will get the usual sandwiches: “Ham & Cheese”, “Salmon & Cream cheese”, “Cucumber & Cream cheese” and for a touch or originality, the “Chicken & Almond”.
The “Chicken & Almond” (circular shaped in the picture) was the best, both palatable and refreshing. As it’s often the case, the cucumber sandwich was the most plain of them all.
The Scones ★★★☆☆
To fit the “chocolate” theme, the tea comes with two scones a chocolate scone. While both were tasty, I would have wished for these to be more “chocolaty”, perhaps a few extra chocolate chips would have done the trick.
While small, it’s possible to order free refills of any scones. As usual, they are served with clotted cream and homemade strawberry jam. If only they had added chocolate jam/paste for us chocolateholics!
The Pastries ★★☆☆☆
Tasty yet ordinary, way too much so considering that the theme offers so many possibilities. I appreciate the transformation of the chocolate bar into a “Wonka Bar”: a pleasant reminder that this is indeed a chocolate-themed afternoon tea.
I personally think that putting bubble gum flavoured cream in the chocolate éclair is a bit of sacrilege… Maybe the kids would love it!
The Service ★★★★★
Bernadett and the whole team were nice and efficient while the lobby staff was also very welcoming. There is a gentleman dressed as Willy Wonka that goes around tables for the amusement of kids, that’s especially nice if you’re coming with your little Oompa Loompas.
For the the delight of both the adults and the kids, there is a very talented pianist that played a few classics through our Sunday afternoon, such as “A whole new world” from Aladdin.
Conclusion & Overall Mark ★★★☆☆
If only this Charlie and the Chesterfield Afternoon Tea was more original and chocolaty, this tea would be brilliant. Unfortunately, it’s just “good”.
+: Beautiful hotel, great location
+: Very pleasant conservatory
+: Generous tea selection
+: Great service, friendly and efficient
+: Very kid/family friendly
-: Plain food
-: Not enough chocolate!
Booking link / Special Offers with Afternoon Tea Online
(25% off on weekdays / a child dines for free in a family of four; offers run until 30/08/2017)
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