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Antique looks, fresh revenue at Corinthia London’s tea

After nearly six months of preparation, Corinthia Hotel London launched its new afternoon tea on April 11. “We did not want simply to hand out individual tiered stands, called curate stands, as so many others do,” said General Manager Thomas Kochs. Instead, sit at a linen-covered table, under the 8-foot Baccarat sunburst that dominates the hotel’s 50-seat central Crystal Moon Lounge, and a progressive experience starts. 

An antique trolley serves up bite-sized cakes.
An antique trolley serves up bite-sized cakes.

First, you are brought plates with five different finger sandwiches, including egg mayo truffle and watercress on spinach bread. Next, individual bento boxes hold a plain and a sultana scone, both warm; these come with Cornish clotted cream and, to avoid the usual strawberry preserve, rhubarb and tonka bean jam. Finally, a giant three-tier antique silver trolley, at least 125 years old, is wheeled up for you to choose four of Pastry Chef Loic Carbonnet’s bite-sized cakes (you can also add canelés, lemon drizzle cake and pink or white marshmallows). 

There is a selection of teas from bespoke blends to single estates, black, green or white, plus oolongs and caffeine-free herbal infusions. Corinthia hot chocolate, in a pot with marshmallows, whipped cream and chocolate splinters, is also part of the basic £45 (US$64) cost, which includes VAT at 25% but not service. A £55 (US$79) tea includes a large flute of Laurent-Perrier Brut Champagne, while the £65 (US$93) alternative comes with Laurent-Perrier Rosé: All Champagne is served in 12-inch-high Baccarat glasses, chosen to complement that sunburst chandelier.

Investment also went into exquisite new table top by England’s king of bone china, Richard Brendon: The outsides of the hemispherical cups are mirrored, to reflect patterns on saucers. Kochs also employs a talented pianist to play even longer than tea-service hours of 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. 

“Of course we bought a Steinway,” he laughs. After one week of this new service, and with no serious promotion, afternoon tea covers are up 50%, largely because people see the trolley and want to know more, and try. The majority of those buying the new afternoon tea also have a glass of Champagne.

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