There is always an excuse for afternoon tea, but when it also involves a trip to London with your best friend, culture, cocktails and cake, it becomes an occasion in its own right. Last week, my friend Emma and I made a day of it, beginning with the stunning Lee Miller exhibition at Tate Britain (an absolute must-see), before braving the January drizzle in an Uber across the river to the grand yet wonderfully welcoming Green Parlour at the Royal Horseguards Hotel for afternoon tea. And when I say “tea and cakes”, that is a very modest understatement.
From the moment we arrived, the experience felt elevated. We were greeted by Darahini, the doorman, whose dazzling warmth and impeccable manners instantly set the tone, before being escorted into The Green Parlour, the hotel’s intimate, botanical-themed afternoon tea lounge. Our soggy winter coats were whisked away to the cloakroom, and we were shown to a plush corner booth, generously sized, delightfully cosy and absolutely perfect for a girly catch-up fuelled by prosecco and pastry.
To make things even more magical, we were told there was a tea-leaf reader in residence that afternoon — an unexpected additional treat. Slightly giddy already, we sipped our first glass of English sparkling wine while soaking up the whimsical surroundings. The wallpaper alone deserves a mention: dreamy, fairytale-like and faintly Alice in Wonderland, with botanical motifs that echoed the garden-inspired theme of the afternoon tea itself.
The Tea & Cakes
We began with a refreshing welcome mocktail, swiftly followed by something with a little more sparkle, as we perused the extensive tea menu. Each tea was accompanied by a detailed description and sniffable tubs of the actual leaves, a thoughtful touch, especially for those of us who aren’t tea experts but like to know exactly what we’re ordering.
Shortly after, the full tea ritual began. Two beautiful china teapots were delivered to our table, complete with charming egg timers to ensure the perfect brew, allowing us to alternate between tea and fizz in true indulgent fashion. Then, finally, the star of the show arrived: the three-tiered afternoon tea stand.
It was a feast for the eyes before it was a feast for the tastebuds. Each tier was a miniature work of art, carefully curated and elegantly presented. On the top tier, beneath a silver-plated cloche, sat the scones. Alongside classic plain scones were fragrant star anise and orange zest versions, deliciously aromatic and perfectly in keeping with the setting.
The middle tier delivered the savoury element: perfectly cut, crust-free sandwiches that felt both luxurious and satisfyingly hearty. Fillings included beetroot-cured smoked salmon with lemon-parsley cream cheese, peppered pastrami with mustard aioli, truffled egg mayonnaise with chives on tomato bread, and minted ricotta with cucumber ribbons. I had made an earlier request for vegetarian sandwiches, which were equally delicious and served thoughtfully on a separate plate.
The scones were accompanied by organic raspberry and blackberry preserves and generous Cornish clotted cream. Soft, flaky and perfectly sized (thankfully avoiding the oversized, muffin-like versions some places serve), they were utterly divine. I was even asked if I would prefer vegan cream, but as a vegetarian who still enjoys dairy, I happily indulged — and it did not disappoint.
Sweet Treats Inspired by London’s Parks
This is where The Green Parlour truly comes into its own. The desserts are inspired by London’s green spaces, and each felt like a tiny, edible homage to the capital’s parks.
I was immediately drawn to the lavender-kissed cheesecake — delicate, floral and beautifully light. The pineapple and yuzu entremet, inspired by Holland Park’s Kyoto Garden, was bright and zingy, though slightly crumbly in texture. Emma opted for the chocolate éclair, rich and indulgent, while we both sampled the spiced choux bun topped with gold leaf, which was impossibly creamy and wonderfully decadent.
With two of everything between us, it truly was a sensory overload — in the best possible way. Despite our best efforts, we couldn’t quite finish everything, but the lovely staff kindly boxed up the remaining treats for us to take home, which felt like the most glamorous doggy bag imaginable.
Style, Service & Atmosphere
The Green Parlour at the Royal Horseguards Hotel strikes a beautiful balance between classic elegance and contemporary charm. It feels luxurious without being stuffy, intimate without being cramped, and playful without losing its sense of refinement.
Service throughout was warm and professional, although our cosy, tucked-away booth meant we occasionally had to catch a waiter’s eye. That said, everyone we encountered was friendly, knowledgeable and keen to make the experience special.
The atmosphere was ideal for a relaxed catch-up: gentle background music, softly bubbling conversation, botanical cocktails, English sparkling wine and a dazzling selection of teas. And finally, the tea-leaf reader. Spending ten minutes having my teacup read was an unexpectedly magical end to the experience, one that left me feeling inspired, uplifted and oddly optimistic about the months ahead.
If you’re looking for an afternoon tea in London that feels indulgent, whimsical and wonderfully memorable, The Green Parlour at the Royal Horseguards Hotel is a beautiful place to do it.
The Green Parlour at The Royal Horseguards Hotel
2 Whitehall Court
London
SW1A 2EJ
United Kingdom
