Afternoon Tea at The Landmark is one of those experiences which is sheer delight from start to finish. A little something for the transport and history fans alike, the hotel was originally a railway hotel and still retains its original Victorian arching from Marylebone station. Pass through the very elegant lobby dotted with period pieces and purple orchids. Afternoon Tea is served in the Winter Garden. The space is so beautiful, it feels like a destination within itself. Set in an atrium in the middle of the hotel, with balconettes and windows facing inwards, it’s flanked by towering palm trees, foliage everywhere and plenty of natural light afforded by the glass ceiling.

You feel transported to another country. There’s an air of celebration as well, on our visit there was a wedding party at a neighbouring table. Despite the otherworldly atmosphere, this is a wonderful example of a traditional Afternoon Tea, but with a few modern touches here and there to keep things exciting, like the teas inspired by luxury perfumer ARgENTUM’s alcohol-free archetype fragrances. Scan a QR code on your menu and a virtual tarot recommends which tea you should have.

The sandwich selection arrives first, each cut with elegant precision. Our table’s favourite was the sage chicken with herb mayonnaise and crème fraiche on walnut bread. The others were a truffled egg and mayonnaise with chives, Scottish salmon with horseradish cream and finally the classic cucumber.

Next the scones and patisserie selection arrives. The scones are one each of plain and lavender, and come with strawberry jam, Cornish clotted cream and silky lemon curd. They strike the balance of being decently sized without being too much.

Last but not least, the patisserie. Each piece is inspired by fragrances in the ARgENTUM core collection – Fire, Air, Water and Earth.

Fire is a raspberry tartlet with a fresh raspberry grenache, with just a touch of rose and heat from pink peppercorn, finished with a buttery pastry base.

The bergamot orange pavlova is Air, and airy and light it is. The lightest meringue gives way with a delicate crisp to reveal whipped mascarpone whipped with a zesty orange bergamot gel.

The Valhrona chocolate choux is Water. The fluffiest choux bun, flavoured with rich dark chocolate and black cherry, with just a hint of mint, perfectly marrying together traditional flavours and then finishing with a bit of intrigue.

Finally, the almond Swiss roll which is inspired by Earth. This pastry tethers the experience, with warm cinnamon and honey marrying together to make the ultimate ‘comfort pastry’.