‘Tis the season for unashamed indulgence, and that is exactly what The Guardsman is promising as it unwraps its much-anticipated Christmas Afternoon Tea. Enjoyed in the luxurious surrounds of this five-star pied-à-terre, the hotel’s regular afternoon tea has already become a firm favourite with residents and visitors alike, so much so that it was recently shortlisted for the 2023 Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence.
Now The Guardsman has given a festive shake-up to this most quintessential of British rituals. Combining traditional Christmas flavours with enchanting little seasonal touches, the result is a gorgeous offering that will delight all ages. An absolute treat for all the senses, this journey of discovery begins with a quintet of savouries, among them Smoked turkey, spinach, cranberries, Emmental & turmeric loaf; Puff pastry sausage roll with sage, apricot & walnuts and Fresh fig bruschetta prosciutto.
Then it’s time for the talents of The Guardsman’s amazing Head Pastry Chef Natalia Cebotari to take centre stage, with five inspired creations that range from Dark chocolate & orange Christmas hat to Milk chocolate Mousse and Choux with figs, walnuts & honey. And we defy anyone not to fall in love with her Vanilla mousse & chestnut snowmen, the only problem being that they might be too good to eat!
Finally, whilst The Guardsman offers a Yuletide twist on a much-loved tradition, there are certain things that really can’t be changed. Thus, this bountiful spread will also include freshly baked fruit and plain scones served with Dorset clotted cream and preserves.
When it comes to the beverage itself, The Guardsman is proud to serve Canton Tea, widely recognised as one of the world’s finest suppliers. Most of their teas are beyond organic; some are biodynamic, and several can be traced to abandoned tea farms where the plants now grow wild. Others are from ancient tea trees in the forests of Yunnan and Vietnam.
The Guardsman’s Afternoon Tea is priced at £65 per person, inclusive of a glass of Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut Champagne or a Christmas cocktail. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten- and nut-free alternatives are also available, at the same price per person. The Guardsman Christmas Afternoon Tea is available from 30 November to 8 January, Wednesday to Sunday from 12 noon until 5 pm. Reservations should be made in advance by emailing afternoontea@guardsmanhotel.com. www.guardsmanhotel.com The Guardsman, 1 Vandon Street, London SW1H 0AH
