After an incredibly enriching morning, it was time to experience the first proper English Afternoon Tea of our Trafalgar trip. Honestly, this was the thing I was most excited about, as it is quite difficult to find good tea in my hometown and I am a huge fan of it. En route to the restaurant I admired the gorgeous architecture that we encountered along the way. I have always had a fascination with windows and doors. I suppose it is because I love to daydream about what is happening behind them. Are the people inside about to partake in an Afternoon Tea as well?
The restaurant in which we were visiting was located in The Chesterfield Mayfair. This hidden treasure is part of the Red Carnation Boutique Hotel Collection — an assortment of luxury properties that Trafalgar has a deep and personal connection with.
A member of the prestigious organization, The Tea Guild, The Chesterfield Mayfair is committed to only serving tea that is of the highest specifications according to the United Kingdom Tea Council. In fact, they have received an ‘Award of Excellence’ every year for the last three years in recognition of their superb quality of tea and standards of tea service. What sets them apart from the rest is that while they still pay respect to the longstanding ritual of Afternoon Tea, they do offer some exciting variations on the original as well. The menu consists of various teas with homemade cakes, scones, and pastries all prepared by Tom, the Chef Pâtissier. Our special guest during this unforgettable experience was Gavin Tollman, Trafalgar’s global CEO, who shared with us his own insider tips and favorite spots throughout Britain.
Some of us were not ready to end the day just yet and decided that we should visit another Red Carnation property, the Egerton House Hotel, for what we were told were simply the best martinis in London. I knew we had come to the perfect place, when Antonio, the infamous Italian barman, greeted us with a huge smile and said, “Would you like your martini dirty or filthy Signora?”
We chose a seat next to the fireplace and snacked on the best grilled cheese I have ever tasted. Antonio prepared his ice cold martinis in front of us to assure our satisfaction. He warned us, “Two is not enough and three is too many.“ It is because of him that James Bond always orders a “shaken not stirred” martini, since he first served to Ian Fleming, James Bond’s creator, at a bar before it became the libation of choice for the world’s most famous spy.
What better way to end my short time in London, than with delectable drinks served by “Mr Martini”? Antonio pours more than forty years of experience and charm into every single glass.
I love that hand door knocker!
Me too! 🙂
Such a picturesque city!!! I love the details on the windows, doors and walls. I´d love to live in a place like those!!
So beautiful, right? I’d love to live in a place like that too! My house is too modern for my taste haha.
Ok, I need to get a martini from “Mr. Martini”! He looks like such a fun-loving person. Of course, I wouldn’t mind a visit to the Chesterfield Mayfair either! 🙂
He is amaaaaaazing! You MUST get a martini from him. And the hotel is to-die-for!!!
I love experiencing London through your eyes! I went to Afternoon Tea not too long ago and it was a great experience that I hope to repeat in the future – this place is going on my list! 🙂
Please let me know what you think of your Afternoon Tea there. I think you’re going to LOVE it!!!
I would have loved a drink from Mr. Martini hehe. Too cool!
He’s so fabulous beyond words. He alone should be a reason to visit London!
What a fantastic adventure, Andi! 🙂 The tea looks absolutely delicious and beautifully presented. 🙂
Yes yes yes! Couldn’t have said it better myself. 🙂
I haven’t done proper high tea in the UK yet! I sorta did it at one of the department stores but not the same at a beautiful hotel. I have done it in many other countries oddly though (maybe cause its so much cheaper there 🙂 )
Hahaha probably! Although the one place I can do it in my hometown is insanely expensive, because it’s at the Ritz.
I think if I was to have actual James Bond martinis, I would be able to go home and count the trip as a success no matter what happened.
Love it! You so need some James Bond martinis!!!
Your pin it button is awesome – I usually read in a reader and it’s just the normal pin. High tea looks awesome!
Hahaha thank you dear! High tea was beyond awesome!!!
I would love to have that tea with that dessert right next to that fireplace!!!
Yes, perfect spot!
Oh Andi, you always take your readers on the most amazing journey!
Awww I’m SO happy you feel that way!!!
awesome photos! I still have yet to have tea in england, after 2 visits, AND my boyfriend is english! how could that happen!? looks amazing and yummy!
OMG you must make it happen PRONTO!!!!!!
I love afternoon tea! I haven’t had it in London in far too long since I’m usually with Rodolfo, and his idea of a good time is not necessarily dropping serious cash on tiny sandwiches 🙂 Next time I’ll have to make it a priority.
Hahaha our hubby’s are so alike! 😉 I wish we could get Afternoon Tea together!!!
High tea looks amazing and so fitting in London! I will make it a priority when I visit next year. And martinis with “Mr. Martini” is not a bad way to cap off the day. Great post!
Thank you, glad you enjoyed! Let me know if you end up meeting Mr. Martini!!!
Darn that plate of high tea goodies looks good! So do the martinis. I love how dapper the bartender looks.
Soooo good, all of it! 🙂
When I lived in London, I treated myself to afternoon tea at least once a month! I never went to the Chesterfield Mayfair but it’s certainly going on my list. Thanks for sharing!
Happy travels 🙂
Oh I’m so jealous you did it at least once a month!!! How fabulous! And yes, you must stop by The Chesterfield you’ll love it!
I love the decadence and poshness of England when done right, and you, my friend, have DONE it RIGHT! I love LOVE the James Bond story. That is just too cool.
Awww thank you what a sweet thing to say!!! XO
Right. Now I want my martinis served by Mr. Martini too!! I have loved all your images from the UK, my husband is British and we have spent lot of time together there. Next time, if you have the chance, don’t miss Devon and Cornwall in the west, they are the most beautiful counties in my mind… 🙂
I will make sure to visit those towns next time I’m there and if you ever get drinks from Mr. Martini PLEASE let me know!!!
Now that looks like a delectable way to spend an afternoon! I would love to have Mr. Martini serve me up one, I bet it would be amazing 🙂
Hahaha perfect word to describe it!!!! You would LOVE his martinis yuuuuum!
Great photos! I’ve been craving high tea in London since the last time I went to tea was in Taichung, Taiwan. It was great, but nothing like the real thing!
Thank you so much!!! I bet there are some great places in Taiwan, but definitely it doesn’t get better than in London!
I’ve never actually heard of this hotel for afternoon tea in London but judging by the cake stand it looks like a pretty good version.
Hahaha it’s amazing, a must-visit!
Antonio seems like my kinda man! I think I’ve said it a few times now but your photos are always just so incredible. I feel like I could put them in a pile and close my eyes and grab one and be happy to frame it and throw it up on my wall. I love the shot with homes all lined up. I hope you turn all these into a coffee table book one day
OMG what a compliment!!! You have no idea how much that means to me!!!!!!!! THANK YOU! Antonio is AMAZING!
some great pics! very Brittish
Thank you!