Celebrate Afternoon Tea Week With Searcys

In the immortal words of Henry James, “There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea” and Searcys could not agree more. In fact, it all started in 1847 with John Searcy, a confectioner by trade and a Royal Warrant holder. Over the last 174 years, Searcys has always led the way in offering the most beautiful of afternoon teas, served in some of the UK’s most unique and historic settings.

Searcys afternoon teas are also a bubbly affair, all served with glasses of fizz from well-established houses, alongside options for limitless pours. Here’s a round-up of some of Searcys’ magnificent teas:

The One with The View: The Gherkin

 The Gherkin put the ‘high’ in high tea with its stunning 360-degree views across the City of London; and with limitless Moët & Chandon, this afternoon tea is extra special. Enjoy a selection of mini savouries, including a smoked salmon, fennel, and dill roll; Welsh rarebit; and salt beef Reuben brioche buns; as well as a Coronation chicken terrine. Sweet treats include homemade Jersey fruit and plain scones, served with Cornish clotted cream and fruit preserve, followed by three pretty as a picture indulgent pastries.

www.searcysatthegherkin.co.uk

Monday-Friday from 2-4pm, Saturday 2.30pm-4pm. Priced from £49.

The Instagrammable One: Afternoon Tea in a Suitcase at St Pancras Champagne Bar 

With travel still uncertain, let Searcys ‘pack’ your bag for you, with its afternoon tea in a suitcase! Available at Europe’s longest Champagne bar, the Staycation Afternoon Tea includes a selection of savouries, freshly baked scones served with strawberry preserve and clotted cream, along with decadent sweet treats including a Passion fruit éclair, Yuzu chocolate tart, and Pistachio cherry slice. Sit back in one of the individual booths, complete with the original ‘Press for Champagne’ buttons and enjoy with a glass of Veuve Clicquot, with the option to upgrade to a limitless pour.

www.stpancrasbysearcys.co.uk

Monday-Sunday 3pm-5pm. Priced from £39.

The Musical One: The Pump Room, Bath

The Pump Room, an iconic Georgian building that inspired the likes of Jane Austin and Mary Shelley, is serving a new Champagne afternoon tea, complete with live classical music by England’s oldest professional trio. Tuck into savouries such as Crayfish rolls; Salt beef and gruyere cheese toasties; and a dainty Chicken and tarragon pie; alongside homemade Buttermilk scones and a selection of pastries, including signature Bath buns (naturally). We’ll raise a glass of Searcys selected Cuvée Champagne to that!

www.thepumproombath.co.uk

Monday-Sunday 12pm-close. Priced from £36.50.

The Historic One: Churchill Afternoon Tea at Blenheim Palace

To celebrate the British Bulldog himself, The Orangery at Blenheim Palace has a dedicated Churchill afternoon tea to accompany its Winston Churchill exhibition. Beginning with his favourite champagne – Pol Roger Brut Réserve, the tea features savouries of Swiss rarebit and pickled onion; and Smoked salmon and caviar muffin; homemade Buttermilk plain and fruit scones. Cakes and pastries following including one inspired by Churchill’s personal cook, Georgina Landemare, made from local fruit from Oxfordshire. Running until the end of September, guests can also take their tea in specially created marquee pods overlooking the Italian Gardens.

www.blenheimpalace.com/visitus/cafes-restaurants/orangery

Monday-Wednesday 1pm-4.30pm, Thursday-Sunday 10.30am-4.30pm. Priced from £29.75.

The Confectioner’s Afternoon Tea at 116 Pall Mall – From September

The prestigious 116 Pall Mall, home to the Institute of Directors, is opening its doors to the public for the first time. Guests will enjoy the Confectioner’s afternoon tea, which is inspired by the founder of Searcys, John Searcy, who started as a head confectioner to the Duke of Northumberland and went on to establish Searcys in 1847. Set under the ornate ceilings of the stunning hall on the ground floor, overlooking Pall Mall.  Start with a tour of the prestigious building, including the sweeping staircase, before settling down for a selection of savouries including Smoked salmon rillette, horseradish, pickled fennel, and keta; and a Salt beef Reuben brioche bun, alongside freshly baked scones and pastries of Chocolate, cherry and pistachio delice; Passionfruit éclair; and Searcys signature Victoria. For little ones, there will also be a Children’s Tea with a Galia melon, orange and blueberry salad, rolls, scones, and special sweet treats.

www.116pallmall.com

Every Saturday from 11 September