After a busy start to the year, I decided to treat myself to cream tea at Fortnum and Mason's at Piccadilly, London. I reserved a table for two the evening before and found myself at The Parlour on Sunday at noon in the middle of March. The Parlour is situated on the first floor of the Fortnum and Mason building, and it is located at the front, behind the giant working clock on the facade of the building. With its position at the front corner of the building, the Parlour has excellent views of Piccadilly Street.
The cafe was fairly empty when we arrived shortly after mid-day, and after we were shown to our seats, we were treated to two miniature ice cream cones (chocolate and vanilla). The ice cream is delicious, and we ended up having ice cream at the end of our meals. (Note that the ice cream portions are generous, and the "ice cream flights" we ordered with the selection of three flavours came in its own cone. This was enough to share.) There are many flavours to choose from, and I had the coconut, pistachio, and a lemon sorbet. The pistachio ice cream is divine.
For the main tea, I opted for the cream tea, (Jubilee Tea) though I asked for the "Royal Blend" tea instead. The tea came with mini ice-cream desserts, two scones (one fruit scone and one plain scone) with the trimmings and a pot of tea served in a silver kettle with a strainer to put over the teacup to remove the large bits of leaves. The scones were smaller than traditional scones, but they tasted home-made, and scones are filling enough. The mini ice-cream desserts were light and delicious with the fresh blueberries and raspberries served. I also really recommend the "Royal Blend" tea.
My date did not want afternoon tea for lunch. (Despite being English, he does not care for tea.) He opted for a chicken sandwich with cheese and bacon, and this also looked tasty. Yes, they do serve a small selection of open sandwiches at The Parlour.
I wish that I had known about this cafe when various friends and relatives visit me from abroad. (I've had an expensive and terrible tea experience before at a hotel on Marylebone Street.) The next time a visitor visits me, I will be taking them to The Parlour for a light lunch and cream tea.
Leave a comment