The Arch

The Arch
50 Great Cumberland Place,
Marble Arch,
London,
W1H 7FD

Royal Afternoon Tea

Last week Lois and I had the pleasure of afternoon tea treat at the beautiful and swanky Arch Hotel, a boutique hotel just behind hustle and bustle ofOxford Street a short walk from Marble Arch, amidst a row of elegant Georgian Townhouses – my absolute favourite architectural style. 

The hotel is impeccable, it’s decor delightful with a nod to modern grandeur, it has impact. I liked the convivial vibe, we passed three groups of people, some arriving as others were leaving, having booked private dining rooms (there are plenty of them). Two women loaded with purchases, evidence of successful shopping spree. Three executives, suited and booted for a business meeting, others were celebrating some occasion and excitedly heading off to catch a West End play. The Arch boasts the opulent Martini Library, which is just exquisite, this is just one of the unique rooms for private dining. They even have a room where you can enjoy the most delicious afternoon tea, along with your four legged friend for company, don’t tell my pooch Coco, he wasn’t invited this time. 😉

After a little mooch around this most stunning hotel, we were shown to our very own private dining booth, complete with a thin voile curtain, offering us privacy from other guests. I was impressed by the options on the substantial tea menu, The Arch clearly wants to please and tempt every palate. I chose my ultimate favourite, Earl Grey tea. It was hot, delicious and fragrant. Other diners were enjoying a glass of fizz.

Settled into the comfy booth, it was now time for the main event. Lets just take a moment to look in awe at the brightly polished silver cutlery (in which I could see my reflection) and delicate tea set, almost translucent fine bone china cup and saucer, complete with cake stand. Together they set the stage for this work of art, in the contemporary form of afternoon tea.

I was transported away from the hectic London buzz outside by the whole experience, all cleverly woven together; the attentive waiting staff, beautiful decor and evocative ambiance…even before feasting on the impressive selection of mouth watering artisan food delicacies.

The chef was kind enough to adjust his set menu for me, he created a specially adapted gluten free selection. You will see from my photographs, there is a slight difference in the contents of both cake stands. I was very impressed with the finesse and effort that created my melt in the mouth gluten free afternoon tea. The food was divine and so light, I really couldn’t taste the gluten free difference. Thank you chef, the pride in your work and the special touches you made by meeting my requirements made the afternoon such a special event. Many customers, who, like myself have dietary needs will really appreciate his attention to detail.

The Arch stands out in so many ways, not to mention how yummy it all was! I think the crumbly, light buttery scones were my favourite, this is partly because it’s a rarity tasting gluten free scones that don’t have a texture that resembles either cardboard or concrete! I also enjoyed savouring the mini Eaton Mess Meringues, a taste explosion. It’s a tough call on the ultimate best in show winner.

If you’re looking for a lovely afternoon treat, maybe with friends, a loved one or even your dog for that matter, take a trip to The Arch, London, where the staff are friendly (and really attentive) and as you can tell, I can’t thank them enough for taking my dietary needs into consideration, I appreciated the effort they went to, they made me feel special, that nothing was too much trouble.

To revisit this pleasurable experience, I will delight in enjoying a drink of my beloved Earl Grey tea, in a delicate china cup and saucer, back in my own home, sweet home. However I encourage you to jolly well spoil yourself, step out of the hustle and bustle of busy London life and enjoy the dining pleasure of a visit to The Arch.

Thank you to The Arch London for a lovely afternoon filled with tea and yummy cake.