Why not enjoy one of London’s most splendid and indulgent teas in one of its most beautiful dining rooms, inspired by some of Britain’s greatest writers? The Literary Afternoon Tea at Hotel Café Royal offers exactly that.
The experience, however, goes well beyond tea. Just a few steps from the bustle of Regent Street, Mayfair and Soho, Café Royal has been a haven for writers and artists for well over a century. Virginia Woolf once observed her fellow diners, gathering inspiration for her characters and stories. John le Carré attended the Detection Club’s candlelit dinners at the Grill, while Oscar Wilde held court here with his lover, Lord Alfred Douglas, when he was one of London’s most celebrated playwrights. If rooms could talk, the gilded mirrors of this beautifully opulent dining room would surely spill a secret or two.
This autumn, Café Royal is celebrating these literary patrons with an afternoon tea that brings the drama of their novels and plays to the table. Each chapter has been carefully crafted by Head Pastry Chef Maxence Blondelle.
From the moment we sat down, the experience felt indulgent. We were thoroughly spoilt by the charming staff while a piano played gently in the background. We started by gazing at the extensive tea menu and decided that we each needed to try something different. Café Royal’s own Custom Gold Assam Blend, served with a choice of cold, warm or hot milk, was wonderfully refreshing and a perfect companion to such a decadent afternoon.
Great writers provide the inspiration for the edible creations of Café Royal’s Literary Afternoon Tea.
With a glass of Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée Brut alongside our tea, a tower of sandwiches arrived and the discussion quickly turned to which was our favourite. The W.B. Yeats-inspired smoked salmon was excellent, while Oscar Wilde’s ham, truffle mascarpone and marinated fig was delicious.
The final decision was a tie. The English cucumber and elderflower was an inspired twist on an English classic, while the coronation chicken offered the perfect combination of savoury with a hint of sweetness. But the sandwich debate quickly gave way to our delight at the arrival of warm scones, clotted cream and a choice of strawberry or fig jam. Although normally a fan of strawberry, the winner for me was the subtle, slightly richer flavour of the fig jam. I would happily have taken a jar or two home.
Like any great novel, the tea reaches its climax with the chapter of cakes, each one a beautifully sculpted work of art.
‘Mrs Dalloway’s Hat’ is a flower-adorned creation inspired by Clarissa Dalloway’s famous flower-buying errand before her party. The tiny pink hat hides layers of hazelnut, orange marmalade and praline, melting in the mouth and gently introducing each new flavour. ‘Dorian’s Gilded Mirror’, inspired by Oscar Wilde’s Gothic masterpiece The Picture of Dorian Gray, combines honey mousse, almond sponge and plum in a surprisingly delicate combination. Then comes ‘The Secret Letter’, a sculpted classified document and confectionery nod to John le Carré’s espionage novels, with Earl Grey tea mousse, Pink Lady apple compote and cheesecake sablé.
Everything is brought together in the closing chapter: the Café Royal Library, a dark chocolate stack of books that provides the ultimate West End grand finale. Rich, velvety chocolate mousse is wonderfully set off by salted caramel, leaving us slightly dazed by the final taste sensation.
Overall, an exceptional afternoon tea that I would love to repeat — and one not to be missed.
Literary Afternoon Tea at Hotel Café Royal
Until 4 November 2026.
Book your table, HERE.
Author: Rebecca Dickson
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