Tale As Old As Time Afternoon Tea Review

We review the sold-out Beauty and the Beast afternoon tea on its return to the five-star Town House at The Kensington.

Pinkies at the ready! The sell-out Disney-inspired afternoon tea is back for another year.

Set in Town House at The Kensington, in West London, this magical tea proved massively popular last year with tourists and Londoners, so much so that the hotel has decided to run it for a second year. And bookings are already being taken for Christmas.

Without spoiling the surprise, here’s what to expect and why you’ll want to get booked in ASAP.

Afternoon tea with a fairytale twist
The ‘Tale as Old as Time’ afternoon tea is served in two parts, which makes a nice change, I think, as you don’t feel you need to scoff at the savoury items to get to the sweet stuff. You can really take your time.

You’ll start with a trio of savoury bites, including a dainty venison pie, delicious arancini and a heavenly cheese and onion soufflé.

A three-tier stand will arrive next, and you’ll be joined by figurines of the movie stars: Mrs. Potts, Cogsworth and Lumiere.

There’s a plate of posh sarnies and another of sweet brioche baguettes, plus a selection of rich pastries and puds, all inspired by characters and scenes of the movie.

The tea selection is sublime. The Town House source their leaves from independent farms.

Some teas on the menu are very rare, and it’s all served in bone china and poured from a height the proper way. You can also order a glass of fizz or a champagne cocktail.

The library where the afternoon tea is served is gorgeous. The interiors are perfectly plush, and it’s the sort of place where you could get carried away and wonder where the time had gone.

You’re free to do so, too. The waiting staff are incredibly attentive, topping up your tea and offering to take photos. They make it a memorable occasion for every guest, and at no point do you feel rushed.

It’s also worth pointing out that the afternoon tea costs a very reasonable £42. Other teas of a similar standard charge as much as £100 and in my opinion, this one has the edge.

The ‘Tale as Old as Time’ afternoon tea is more than just exquisite teas and delectable pastries – it’s an unforgettable experience that will have even the burliest of beasts smiling from ear to ear.

Tale As Old As Time Afternoon Tea – Where and How?

The Tale as Old as Time Afternoon Tea costs £42 per person or £54.50 with a glass of champagne.

For bookings or to find out more, visit townhousekensington.com or call +44 20 7589 6300.