Leaves have started to change colour and as the temperature starts to fall and autumn sets in, Intercontinental Park Lane have created a stunning seasonal Afternoon Tea to cosy up to.

Served in the Wellington Lounge overlooking The Arch of the same name and standing on the site of Her Majesty the Queen’s former childhood home, the venue has a really royal air to it.

There are two options for this new Autumnal menu, the standard and vegetarian and we opted for one of each to cover details on the large variety of sandwiches on offer.

The tea menu, by the East India Company, is extensive and were informed that we could choose a selection of teas to complement the different courses available. There was such a variety to choose from it was difficult to make a decision but staff were able to assist, informing us of which blends work well with the variety of flavours.

To start, a deliciously warming spiced butternut squash velouté is served in an espresso cup with a spoon of butternut cubes. We were advised to stir the pieces into the velouté to fully enjoy the flavours. The spices came through wonderfully and it was a unique way to start the service.

Arriving on a glass box filled with autumnal orange leaves, hand picked from neighbouring Hyde Park, the sandwiches are a variety of traditional finger sandwiches and delicate canape style pieces. The slow-cooked asparagus is topped with a deliciously tart apple chutney and placed upon a charcoal crostini with a spread of horseradish cream.

The flavours are some that I would never have paired, but they work so very well. The citrus gravlax is complimented by pickled radish, crème fraiche and placed upon a fennel bread, whilst the smoked eel rillettes mixed with fennel & saffron aioli is sandwiched between a soft turmeric bread.

There are two varieties of scone: the classic plain and a raisin version, served with a homemade preserve. The flavours are subject to the British season, but we thoroughly enjoyed our raspberry jam.

Finally a selection of four delicate pastries arrived. Each piece clearly had been created with a lot of care to attention and I especially loved the detail on the Manuka honey and pear choux bun. The craqulein was transformed into a pink shell covering the choux, with a white chocolate hat and piped cream to top.

The Kentish blackberry tart was beautifully sharp, and the blackberry cream piped on top cut through the flavours well. The sugar butterfly added to the elegance. The Black Forest pave and chocolate opera were classic pieces that were done well. Comforting, it further emphasises the sentiment of the season, releasing a warm, homely feeling.

This autumnal menu at InterContinental Park Lane is a lovely, elegant experience. The perfect place to shelter from the cold and indulge in a warming treat whilst watching the iconic London buses pass by infront of Wellington Arch.

Afternoon Tea at InterContinental Park Lane is served 1pm to 5pm Thursday - Sunday and is priced from £48 per person. Click here for more details on how to book.