There’s a wide range of afternoon teas in London, and it seems like new ones are constantly being added to the mix. Yet one that we hadn’t experienced up to now is the Italian Afternoon Tea at Brunello Restaurant within The Baglioni Hotel London. As Italians are well known for their sweet treats, this had to be good.
Moreover, The Baglioni is one of our favourite London hotels, in a superb location directly opposite Hyde Park. There’s a charming outdoor terrace but it wasn’t quite warm enough to sit outside so we headed in to the cosy bar area.
Italian Afternoon Tea in London Review
Decorated in chic tones of gold and black, it has a very welcoming feel. This was reinforced by the staff who were extremely friendly and seated us in a comfortable corner table.
The absence of tablecloths was a refreshing change. Whilst I do enjoy a formal afternoon tea setting, sometimes you just want to relax.
I was here with a friend who is a fan of champagne like me. So kicking off with a glass of Laurent-Perrier Brut NV was a must. It’s normally part of the champagne afternoon tea menu but you can add on a glass for an additional cost.
The delicate bubbles and subtle biscuity flavour were a great start to our afternoon.
We’ve both been to Jersey recently though not together so it was fun to compare our recent experiences. I was also looking forward to my upcoming trip to Venice, staying at the Baglioni Hotel Luna. It’s a sister property of the Baglioni Hotel London and the oldest hotel in Venice.
They had an interesting selection of tea blends by Newby London – I hesitated between the Oriental Sencha and the peach and raspberry, finally choosing the latter on the recommendation of our waiter. It had a lovely flavour and I’d definitely have it again. My friend is an English Breakfast tea fan and found hers to be excellent quality.
The Italian afternoon tea here is presented on a striking Art Deco style tray which both Elizabeth and I admired. It made for an appetizing spread and we wasted no time in tasting the delicacies on offer. Our tea was served on large white dinner plates, an unusual choice.
Switching to smaller, decorative Italian plates would showcase the food to better advantage. There were both white and brown bread sandwiches with a mixture of fillings.
The smoked salmon with crème fraiche and chives was one of my favourites while my friend was particularly taken with the honey roast ham and cream cheese. We both enjoyed the Italian twist of the tomatoes and Taggiasca olives sandwich, as well as the spicy chicken and rocket pesto.
Having feasted on the sandwiches, we moved on to the freshly baked fruit and plain scones. I would have liked these to have been served warm and wrapped up in a traditional white cloth so that they would remain that way. Hopefully they’ll take this on board as they certainly tasted good.
They were as light and fluffy as you’d wish, served with a good homemade strawberry jam and clotted cream. Normally, they’re also served with Nutella spread here too.
The pastries and desserts were the highlight of the Italian afternoon tea for me and a taste of things to come in Venice. There were plenty of chocolate ones – always a plus in my book!
My friend loved the lemon and green apple drizzly whilst I fell for the raspberry cheesecake. It had a superb concentration of flavour and just the right level of sweetness without being overpowering.
The hazlenut éclairs and Sicilian cannolo chocolate chips brought back fond memories of my stay in Sicily – note to self, I need to return. These Italian delicacies were a wonderful finale to a very enjoyable overall experience. I can’t wait to tell you all about our stay at the Baglioni Hotel Luna Venice!
Are you a fan of afternoon tea? What do you think of this Italian afternoon tea?
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The Baglioni Hotel London, 60 Hyde Park Gate, London SW7 5BB
I am a big fan of afternoon tea the pastries looks lovely and so is that tiled floor! R
Isn’t it a gorgeous interior! The pastries were my favourite
That looks like an ideal afternoon tea. I will remember this next time I make it to London.
It felt very relaxed due to the lack of formality, I’m sure you’ll love it Rhonda
You had me at Canolli! Love this English classic with a continental twist 🙂
Ha ha, I love those Sicilian canollis too – the diet starts tomorrow 😉
It definitely made a nice change! Hope all is well with you, Jasiminne
What a gorgeous place to have tea! I wish this was more of a thing in the US because it always looks so wonderful.
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
It’s strange that it’s not as everyone I’ve met from the States loves having afternoon tea in London, I’m sure like you that there would be demand for it
Sounds lovely, I really enjoy afternoon tea as you know and with an Italian twist sounds perfect Lucy x (FoodieForce)
This place would be perfect for you, Lucy, and it’s very child friendly
Wow this tea look so fancy!
xo
www.laurajaneatelier.com
The perfect mix of fancy and relaxed!
How darling is this place, and quintessentially very English (at least when I think of England). I can’t recall the last time I had high tea but this gorgeous setting is making me yearn for one
Sxx
www.daringcoco.com
You’re right, Sonia, afternoon tea is so English
I love afternoon tea, but I haven’t had Italian afternoon tea before now it goes to my to-do list ha ha! Top row looks so appealing, I could finish them all 🙂
Ela BellaWorld
I did actually polish off one of each from the top row
I love the Italian take on afternoon tea! Those pastries look delicious!
Ash | Liakada
It really made for a nice change, Ash
This Italian inspired Afternoon Tea looks lovely suze especially like the sound of the chocolate picks! How gorgeous and luxurious in a beautiful location too.
Laura xo
www.shehearts.net
The chocolate pastries were probably my favourite, Laura
Love the cute tea sandwiches!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
I always like the way they cut the crusts off!
I loved my visit to this place for dinner. Will have to check out the afternoon tea. Looks so delicious!! Gary xx
Must be a nice spot to have dinner, the lighting is so lovely
I love art deco! What a tempting afternoon tea… I think that the one we had earlier this year was the last one I had.
I think you’d have preferred this one – the service was much better!
Yum. The peach and raspberry tea sounds quite delicious. I think I would have really enjoyed the desserts. They look perfectly decadent!
The peach and raspberry tea went so well with the Italian pastries, which were a real treat
Awesome, I’m going to visit London in 2 weeks so maybe I’m also able to visit this fabulous hotel!FYI Champagne is the best part at Tea-Party’s ;D Love the food pics!I see you had an excellent time
xo
Yaya
www.yayavanchique.com
I’m sure you’ll love it there Yaya, and I agree that champagne is essential with afternoon tea 😉
I’ve walked past this hotel so many times but have yet to venture inside. I love the decor very understated chic
OOh I’ve had the afternoon tea here! It was delicious!
Mmmm I love the sound of an Italian afternoon tea, especially one involving Sicilian cannolo chocolate chips! x