Afternoon Tea at Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Did you know that Theatre Royal Drury Lane is the only theatre with a royal patent and is the the only theatre to have an afternoon tea? Trust us: it’s one afternoon tea you’ll want to add to your list of things to do in London.

ONIN first reviewed the afternoon tea one year ago and were delighted to be welcomed back this summer to sample the new savoury items created by Theatre Royal chefs and new sweets created by baker to the stars Lily Vanilli. Instead of traditional sandwiches, there are three savoury items. One is the bite sizedEnglish crumpet topped with Earl Grey infused cream cheese and John Ross Jnr smoked salmon, which was light and a good way to start the afternoon tea. There’s also a savoury madeleine with whipped English feta and pickled heritage carrot though this was our least favourite item on the menu. The highlight was the seasonal British pie, which appropriately for 2023 is coronation chicken with caramelised onion chutney, to celebrate the coronation of Charles III. It had a good crunch with the pastry, was warm and delicious. The idea is the pies will change throughout the year to keep it seasonal and honouring British cuisine with chicken and mushroom, and steak and ale to come soon.

A vanilla cake filled with zingy passionfruit and buttercream, topped by a handmade golden chocolate cupid, a signature of Lily Vanilli. The mini sticky toffee pudding with its thick custard centre and drizzled in salted caramel topped with caramel popcorn was indulgent without being overly sweet. The favourite was a strawberry ice cream sandwich layered with marshmallow, strawberry parfait, brown sugar biscuit and dark chocolate.

Of course, what’s an afternoon tea without scones and tea. The warm triangular fruit scones were served with whipped cream and homemade jam. There is a wide selection of Rare Tea Company teas served in fine bone china designed by Kit and Willow Kemp. The Mythical Characters collection celebrates the rich history of the theatre and is inspired by illustrations of costume designs created for ballets, pantomimes, comic operas and Edwardian musical comedies. Each is able to be purchased in the shop.

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s £60million renovation has returned this Georgian theatre to its heyday whilst adding a bar and restaurant space and reshaping the auditorium. Admire the marble foyer, red carpeted staircases, chandeliers and regency furnishings as well as the stunning artwork on display.The Grand Saloon, where the afternoon tea is served, dazzles with its chandeliers, piano and elegant seating.The terrace is a lovely space overlooking Covent Garden to enjoy a champagne or cocktail before or after your afternoon tea. The venue is absolutely stunning and you’ll feel like royalty or a member of the Bridgerton clan just by entering.

The glitzy, glamorous afternoon tea starts from £59 per person.Vegan, gluten free and child options are available, and you can upgrade to Champagne Afternoon Tea on arrival.

Address: Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Catherine Street, Covent Garden, London

WC2B 5JF (the theatre where ‘Frozen’ is performing).

Website: https://thelane.co.uk

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Written by Caitlin Neal