THE HIDDEN GARDEN AFTERNOON TEA AT TEMPLETON GARDEN REVIEW

Here at Onin.London, we love an afternoon tea and Templeton Garden hotel in Earls Court had us excited to try their new Hidden Garden Afternoon Tea. Taking inspiration from the hotel’s elegant central garden and combined with quintessential British tradition, the Hidden Garden Afternoon Tea is a celebration of classic flavours and seasonal produce.

Upon arrival at the restaurant, the weather did not permit us to sit outside but we did get to enjoy it in the gorgeous Pippin’s inside. Set upon floral Fleur Des Alpes by Rosenthal bone china, the Hidden Garden Afternoon Tea has three layers. Sweet treats include Freshly baked scones, seasonal berry jam and Cornish clotted  cream always a winner and quintessential for a lovely afternoon tea.

Dessert wise, we couldn’t choose what was our favourites as each one… from  the Raspberry and pistachio dome to the English strawberry and chocolate choux bun using seasonal strawberries from Hugh Lowe farms and the Foraged elderflower and lemon macaron were all delectable. My parents did tend to favour the Carrot cake; and fig roll with blackcurrant jam. I loved the desserts weren’t overall sweet and just had that perfect balance.

Now this might be a big claim but I’m going to say it! The Finger sandwiches were the best I’ve ever had at an afternoon tea. All were freshly made…. O dry bread in site! We loved the classic Glazed gammon with English mustard; St Ewes egg mayonnaise and cress and Devon Smoked salmon and lemon on beetroot bread. As my mum and I aren’t fans of cucumber, the Restaurant was happy to exchange our Cucumber, mint and cream cheese sandwich for a lettuce and tomato sandwich which for something so simple, tasted damn good! 

Afternoon tea is accompanied with – of course – a pot of English Breakfast or whatever tea you fancy. I went with the Earl Grey which was fragrant and hit the spot. You can also upgrade your afternoon tea with a glass of Nyetimber Sparkling wine like I chose to do or with three cocktails from Templeton Garden’s bar, Sprout, such as Jam Bramble: a balanced blend of Beafeater gin, seasonal jam, citrus sherbet; the English Rose: Lakes vodka, Rare tea rose cordial, citrus, bubbles; or Strawberries and Cream comprising Lakes pink grapefruit gin, clarified cream, strawberry and bubbles. My parents chose to do this and throughly enjoyed each of them. I would have joined them in the cocktails if I’d been able to but I was able to taste test theirs and I did miss out! They were delicious.

The 56 room hotel has a verdant oasis in the middle, with two beautiful terraces, English plants and herbs, and has most recently has become home to the hotel’s four pet rabbits. We were able to meet two of these gorgeous little critters and my twins loved looking at these.

To mark the introduction of the Hidden Garden Afternoon Tea, Templeton Garden has collaborated with British textile studio, Colours of Arley, who have designed bespoke picnic blankets from their mill in Cheshire. Using signature stripes, the blankets are designed in Sawdust and Pine striped wool: a celebration of earthy and easy neutral colours. Guests are invited to pick up a blanket, and head to the garden for leisurely afternoons in the sunshine. We couldn’t do this unfortunately but will be back to do this as honestly, this afternooon tea was one of the best I’ve been to.

The Hidden Garden Afternoon Tea is available  and is served between 12:00 – 19:00 daily.

Bookings can be made HERE. Afternoon tea is £55 per person, with the option to add a glass of Nyetimber Demi sec at £65 per person, or a trio of Sprout’s bespoke cocktails at £70 per person. The children’s afternoon tea is £25 per child and is available from 12:00-17:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.

Address: Templeton Garden, 1-15 Templeton Place, London SW5 9NB, United KingdomWebsite/Instagram: miirohotels.com/templetongarden / @templeton.garden / @pippinsrestaurant / @sprout.bar

Bookings: miirohotels.com/templetongarden/rooms for rooms or Mirrohotels.com/templetongarden/eat-and-drink for dining

Pippin’s opening hours and covers: Monday to Sunday, 7am-10:30am, 12pm-9:30pm (House Menu available daily from 12pm / á la carte service Wednesday to Sunday from 12pm) / Covers: 62

Photographers credit: Templeton Garden