The tradition of afternoon tea—with all its sweet, savory and uplifting treats—was born at the Langham, London more than 140 years ago.
Being the first hotel to honor the tradition, The Langham followed the lead of Anna Maria, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, lady in waiting to Queen Victoria, who was said to need a pick-me-up in the middle of the afternoon one day in 1865 and asked her footman to deliver tea brewing equipment and bread and butter to her private room. The experience was so fulfilling that she started inviting her friends to join her regularly during afternoons going forward. She continued her parties and the teas evolved to include sandwiches, scones, muffins, cakes, biscuits, gateaux and fruit desserts.
You can indulge in this high tea tradition today at The Langham Huntington, Pasadena. The luxury hotel has just partnered with pottery house, Wedgwood to use bespoke “Langham Rose” Wedgwood teaware in their service.
Your experience begins in the breezy lobby lounge where you can gaze out the floor-to-ceiling windows onto the manicured grounds of the Horseshoe Garden. Begin with a glass of bubbly and one of the menu’s specially blended teas, whether it’s the Langham’s signature blend of Indian Assam leaves, the Wedgwood original black tea blend or a wide variety of flavored teas, blends, green teas and more.
Once drinks are in place, you’ll be presented with a three-tiered tower brimming with a selection of savory tea sandwiches, scones with Devonshire cream and tea cakes. Save room, because a dessert tower follows with a variety of decadent sweet treats like French macaroons, creme brulee tarts, cream puffs, Earl Grey tiramisu gateau, chocolate praline mousse cups and more.
Here’s a closer look:
Afternoon Tea with Wedgwood kicks off at the Langham on Feb. 19 and is offered Mon.-Sat, noon-4 p.m. 1401 South Oak Knoll Ave., Pasadena, 626.585.6218. langhamhotels.com