It will come as no surprise that here at AfternoonTea.co.uk, we have a huge sweet tooth. And nothing says sweet tooth like an Afternoon Tea in collaboration with Charbonnel et Walker – Britain’s first and finest chocolatier. This match made in heaven was created by the team at The May Fair Hotel and it’s fair to say that it’s every chocoholic’s dream.

Sitting in the serene and intimate surroundings of the May Fair Kitchen, you’d have no idea this 5-star hotel is located right in the heart of London’s vibrant and bustling West End. The May Fair’s unbeatable location is certainly one of the draws of the hotel, with Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park within easy walking distance.

After settling into our seats, we soaked up our surroundings and sipped on a chilled glass of Moet & Chandon. From start to finish, we were well looked after by our host and weren’t left wanting for anything.

The May Fair’s extensive tea selection did not disappoint, and after perusing the menu we decided to go classic with an Earl Grey. With its fragrant citrusy aromas and sweet hints of bergamot, it certainly whet the appetite for the Afternoon Tea to come.

Merging traditional and contemporary, the finger sandwiches draw inspiration from flavours of Italy. We particularly enjoyed the Robata-grilled courgette & basil pesto on sourdough bread, and the Cucumber & cream cheese on focaccia bread. The pillowy focaccia with delicate olive oil and herbs were complimented by the minty cream cheese, all elevating the delicate cucumber of the sandwich. Delicious!

Another highlight was the Chicken & truffle sandwich. The tangy lemon-roasted chicken was perfectly balanced with the truffle mayonnaise, all nestled between slices of spongy, soft white bread.

No Afternoon Tea would be complete without freshly-baked scones, and May Fair Kitchen’s are as soft and buttery as they come. Their delectable strawberry jam is infused with vanilla, adding a sweet and earthy flavour that kept us going back for more.

The Charbonnel et Walker theme is carried throughout the cakes, with each sweet creation using the chocolatier’s chocolate. Guests can expect a deliciously silky Tiramisu with Charbonnel et Walker chocolate shavings, and a flourless chocolate and orange cake – our personal highlight of the sweets, packed with zesty orange and topped with salted caramel sauce and walnuts.

It’s not very often that you come across doughnuts on an Afternoon Tea, but these are most welcome. The most luxurious donuts that you’ll encounter, these are sugared and complete with Charbonnel et Walker dipping sauce, capturing the fun and nostalgia of childhood trips to the fairground.

To round off the experience, the sweet plate is adorned with accompanying Charbonnel et Walker truffles, which carry the luxury feel of the Afternoon Tea from start to finish.

Afternoon Tea at The May Fair Hotel is served every Thursday – Sunday from 12:30pm until 4pm. Enjoy 20% off when you book via AfternoonTea.co.uk until 1^st September 2024.