Palm Court – The Historic centrepiece of The Langham, London re-opens for Champagne afternoon tea

May 28, 2009 - PRLog -- At the heart of the newly-refurbished Langham, London, Palm Court ( http://www.palm-court.co.uk/?/afternoon-tea ) lives on today in a modern era but with due reverence to its fine heritage.

By retaining its original name, Palm Court is a direct link to The Langham, London’s illustrious past that dates back to 1865. Here, in the mid-19th century, the cream of Victorian society gathered to enjoy the indulgent splendours offered by The Langham and famed as the place where Afternoon Tea was born, originally served for 1/6d (now 7 1/2p).

The periods of the day are subtly acknowledged with changes in lighting, linen, chinaware and the understated uniforms. Morning service is quiet and peaceful, the rustle of newspapers being read with fresh viennoise pastries and cappuccinos. Mid-morning service is business-like, guests taking a quick espresso or a light lunch between meetings. In the afternoon, the service is calm and unhurried, a counterpoint to the chatter of ladies partaking in delicate cakes and pastries with exotic perfumed teas set to mellow tones of live piano music.

A comfortable haven at the heart of the hotel, Palm Court is a place to see and be seen. Passing through the dazzling new hotel lobby, guests step through hand-crafted iron gates, their senses immediately captivated by the slightest scent of ginger flower fragrance, as they enter an enchanting wonderland of deep reds and indigo, plush fabrics and glamorous surroundings with exquisite hints of art deco. The stunning contemporary crystal chandeliers cast a sparkling light that is reflected from the glistening mirrored walls.

Afternoon Tea – a tradition since 1865
Palm Court has been the home of Afternoon Tea http://www.palm-court.co.uk/?/afternoon-tea  for over 140 years. Now the afternoon tea devotee can celebrate this timeless ritual with creative, delectable delights and a few unique twists with service the way it was always meant to be.  

The Wonderland Afternoon Tea – the classic afternoon tea. Delicate finger sandwiches include: blue fin tuna and pickled cucumber; smoked Scottish organic salmon with horseradish and watercress; Castle of Mey Beef with Savora mustard. A selection of home baked scones – plain and seasonal fruits. Miniature French pastries and English classics such as mille feuille, Victoria sandwich, Bakewell tart and chocolate gateau. Devonshire clotted cream and preserves including Duchy Originals Strawberry Preserve and Tregothnan Plum Jam. Served for £ 33.00 per person.

The Bijoux Tea - a twist on afternoon tea, The Bijoux Tea is luxurious, irresistible and indulgent with menu items inspired by the collections of top jewellery designers, in recognition of the hotel’s proximity to the boutiques of Bond Street. Guests can relish: “Baccarat” crystal drops; “Cartier” Love Collection cookies, “Asprey” Black & White Battenberg. Sandwiches of Cornish crab and avocado; fois gras with passion fruit; cream cheese with truffle. Served from £40.00 per person

The tea blends served in Palm Court has been meticulously selected for their finest qualities and attributes.  Four teas are offered from Tregothnan – the only estate to produce tea grown in England, owned and run by Viscount Falmouth, who claims the Earl Grey as an ancestor, where the Cornish microclimate replicates those areas in the world where tea is normally grown.

With a Tea Sommelier, Palm Court has created two bespoke tea blends, The Langham Blend, a traditionally styled breakfast tea and the signature Palm Court Blend, a more perfumed and aromatic infusion perfect for the afternoon. Both will be available for purchase in a tin tea caddy.

Also, a wide selection of Jing Teas are available, sourced from the world’s most skilled tea farmers in China, India, Sri Lanka, Japan and Taiwan, their leaves are hand picked and produced by Artisans, packed at source and bought direct from authentic terroir. Jing is a member of the Ethical Teas Partnership.

In total, over 30 blends are served, featuring organic, decaffeinated and herbal infusions, including pre rain Jun Shan (Imperial Mountain) silver needle yellow tea at £40.00 per pot.

The 18.65 Champagne Hour – a sparkling new tradition.
At 18.65 hours (five past seven – a nod to the hotel’s birth year), the change from the work day to evening is marked with the twinkling of candle light and the discrete pop of Champagne corks as guests enjoy a complimentary soupcon of Champagne with canapés.

Champagne aficionados may indulge their passion by choosing from one of London’s widest list of over 40 Champagnes by the glass including some rare and unusual offerings. The list includes: Krug 1995, Billecart-Salmon Cuvee Elisabeth Salmon 2000, Louis Roederer Cristal 2002 and the lesser-known Ulysee Colin Blanc de Blans NV. Home made truffle chips and parmesan crisps are the perfect accompaniment to every glass.

The fuller styled Champagnes are served in The Langham Champagne Coupe, a bespoke glass specially commissioned from John Jenkins & Sons of Petersfield Hampshire, handmade crystal glass makers since 1901, costing £55 per stem. Every detail has been considered in its design, the particular length of the stem and the size of the bowl making the coupe the centrepiece of the table.  The coupe’s history can be traced back to Marie Antoinette and allows fuller bodied Champagnes to open more.

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Langham has a legendary hotel heritage dating back to 1865 when The Langham in London originally opened as Europe’s first Grand Hotel. For over 140 years, this flagship hotel has been at the forefront of sophisticated and gracious hospitality.