On an autumn night in Central London, with Christmas lights twinkling to life on every corner, we slipped away from the hustle and bustle to toast the start of the festive season somewhere that couldn't be more fitting for the occasion.

Enter Afternoon Tea at The Savoy, one of London’s most iconic hotels and a place where history seems to linger in every corner. Served in The Gallery, where the elegant sounds of the piano, the warm chatter of happy guests and the occasional clink of bone china form the soundtrack to Afternoon Tea.

We were welcomed warmly by our server and settled in among other blissfully content diners. The glass chandeliers and stonework might be as grand as ever, but the staff put you at ease within minutes. The lights dimmed for the evening service as we arrived, adding an extra sense of occasion.

We opted for the Vegetarian High Tea, which mirrors the Traditional Afternoon Tea but begins with a seasonal hot dish. While our server talked us through the menu and poured the Champagne (an excellent start), we got lost in their extensive menu of teas from JING. After some serious deliberation, we landed on Earl Grey and Organic Darjeeling 2nd Flush.

The hot dish arrived shortly afterwards: Riverford Organic Cauliflower. It was a playful melange of flavours and textures, with the crisp cauliflower and crunchy crumb contrasting beautifully with the silky mushrooms.

Next came the sandwiches and savouries: butternut squash and houmous savoury bites, alongside dainty finger sandwiches of smoked cheddar, egg mayonnaise, falafel, and cucumber with cream cheese. Our server kindly offered to replenish anything that took our fancy. With such delicious savoury options, it would've been rude not to.

No Afternoon Tea is complete without a tiered stand of patisserie, and The Savoy’s turned heads at neighbouring tables. It was easy to see why. Each dessert looked like a tiny work of art, glowing in its own colour with a glossy gel finish. Almost too pretty to eat... Almost.

The flavours were just as inventive: hibiscus and blackberry mousse, a mango and jasmine tea mousse on crunchy shortbread, a salted caramel chocolate tart, and a pear and ginger creation with lemon cake and bourbon vanilla chantilly.

But the scones stole the show. Golden, warm and perfectly proportioned, they arrived with clotted cream, sweet strawberry jam and a gloriously tangy lemon curd. They also reignited the great debate. Jam first or cream first?

If you’re after elegant yet comfortable surroundings, service that makes you feel like the only table in the room, and beautiful patisserie that prove a classic can still surprise you, look no further than The Savoy.