There are few London rituals quite as quintessentially British as afternoon tea, and tucked away in the elegant surroundings of The Kensington Hotel, the Townhouse provides a wonderfully refined setting in which to enjoy it. Stepping inside, the bustle of South Kensington feels a world away, replaced by the warm, residential charm of this beautifully appointed hotel.

Our experience began in suitably celebratory style with a glass of Nyetimber Classic Cuvée English sparkling wine, a beautifully crisp and elegant start to an afternoon of indulgence. It feels like the perfect introduction to a Great British experience, with one of England’s finest sparkling wines setting the tone for what follows.

The Great British Afternoon Tea itself is a celebration of timeless British classics, served with a polished contemporary touch. Settling into the Townhouse, we were presented with a beautifully crafted afternoon tea stand, laden with delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and an irresistible selection of sweet treats.

The savouries deliver all the familiar flavours you would hope for, while the warm scones are wonderfully light and buttery – practically demanding a generous helping of clotted cream and jam. And yes, we were firmly in the cream-first camp!

Then comes the sweet selection: beautifully presented, wonderfully indulgent and almost too pretty to eat. Almost.

With a perfectly brewed pot of tea to accompany the experience, this is afternoon tea designed to be savoured rather than rushed. The Townhouse itself adds to the charm, with an intimate, elegant atmosphere that feels more like being welcomed into a rather stylish private home than a London hotel.

For a quintessentially British afternoon with a touch of glamour, The Kensington Hotel’s Great British Afternoon Tea is a delightful escape – from that first glass of Nyetimber to the final sweet treat.

Prices start from £85pp.

townhousekensington.com/afternoon-tea