‘Hidden gem’ comes to mind when describing 11 Cadogan Gardens. It’s nestled on a row of townhouses on Cadogan Gardens in the heart of Chelsea. Eagle-eyed Made in Chelsea fans will feel immediately at home - many of the show’s pivotal moments were shot there.

Afternoon Tea guests can get cosy next to the fire in the drawing room or relax in the ‘Secret Garden’ during the warmer months. We had our Afternoon Tea in the drawing room. Combining elegance and comfort, it’s an intimate space dotted with giant armchairs and period furniture.  

We sipped Laurent Perrier rosé Champagne whilst we perused the tea menu, which features a classic selection including English Breakfast and fresh mint.

The Afternoon Tea arrives on an attractive three-tiered stand decorated with a twisting faux leafy vine. We had one Vegetarian and one Traditional menu Afternoon Tea.

We started with the sandwiches, as per tradition. On both the traditional and vegetarian offerings, there is a sandwich with a choux bun. The bite starts with a delightful umami outer and the puff pastry is airy light. For the omnivores, a creamy coronation chicken and for the vegetarians a decadent mushroom duxelles. The overall effect - a delicate outer exposing an explosion of flavour.

The rest of the sandwiches were delicately cut finger sandwiches with old favourite fillings, like ham and mustard on white, smoked salmon with cream cheese on tomato bread, and cucumber with mint cream on spinach bread.  

The freshly baked scones come with strawberry jam as well as Chef’s lemon curd and clotted cream. The lemon curd was particularly moreish, so good that it would entice you to have a sneaky teaspoonful when no one is looking, not that we did, wink.

From the pâtisserie, the most standout piece was the Jaffa chocolate quenelle, which was decadent and rich without being overpowering. Another favourite was the crown, with delicate tropical fruit flavours.

If you’re looking for a fine traditional Afternoon Tea experience off the beaten track in one of Chelsea’s best postcodes, 11 Cadogan Gardens is a delightful choice.

Find out more about the Afternoon Tea at 11 Cadogan Gardens here