REVIEW: THE QUEEN’S PLATINUM JUBILEE AFTERNOON TEA AT KONA
Disclaimer: We were invited for a press stay in exchange for an honest review.
My sister and I visited Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites & Residences the other week to sample the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Afternoon Tea. The luxury hotel, a stone’s throw from Buckingham Palace, has played host to the Queen and various members of the royal family, and numerous dignitaries over the years. It’s safe to say that this is an excellent spot for a truly authentic afternoon tea.
The afternoon tea is served at Kona, located within Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites & Residences, a 5-star hotel in St James’s. This eye-catching hotel is elegant to the core and it’s certainly worth exploring - the tropical courtyard is particularly charming. Do remember to make a wish in the central fountain, but toss your coin with care, as the resident fish would much rather continue living lavishly / avoiding concussion.
Upon arrival, we are seated at a delightful window seat overlooking the courtyard. We ring a silver bell (such fun) and a pot of Earl Grey, the Queen’s favourite tea, appears, closely followed and two miniature royal carriages. Encased within each carriage is Bombe Glacée Princess Elizabeth; a tribute to the strawberry and chocolate dessert that was served at Princess Elizabeth’s wedding to Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten in 1947.
Two gold tiered stands appear, adorned with edible royal tributes. Royal Residence Sandwiches are first to be engulfed, made with British ingredients and inspired by the Queen’s various residences and estates: The Windsor, The Buckingham, The Sandringham and The Balmoral.
Annie gravitates towards The Crown Jewels, a chocolate biscuit cake said to be the Queen’s favourite. Valrhona chocolate has been artfully shaped into the orb and sceptre used for the Queen’s coronation in 1953. The Garden of Britain catches my eye - a delicate chocolate and rose cake with edible flowers representing all four territories; a tribute to the national flowers at the Queen’s coronation ceremony.
The history lesson continues with Peaches a la Reine Alexandra, a frangipane, peach and apple tart, popular at Royal Banquets. An edible feather lies on top, a replica of the brooch the Queen received at her Gold Jubilee. In a sweet nod to the Queen’s love of brightly coloured millinery, we have A Royal Collection - Earl Grey and orange mousse served on a sable Breton biscuit in the shape of a hat.
Annie and I engage in the obligatory Devon Vs Cornwall scone debate and I am, of course, correct - the warm Cornish Scones, traditional, plain and fruit, are to be served with jam first, then cream. Given our Cornish heritage, I am surprised at Annie’s Devon rebellion and, stressed, I glance around to check no one is watching her ruin a perfectly good scone.
This charming afternoon tea is made all the more thrilling by the sight of a chilled bottle of Champagne Bollinger walking towards us, a perfect choice due to the brand’s Royal Warrant. As we raise a toast to Queen Elizabeth II, we agree that it has been a truly sparkling afternoon tea, worthy of any royal that has retained their title.
Afternoon tea sittings: Friday at 12pm & 2pm, Saturday & Sunday at 12pm, 2pm and 4pm.
Pricing: £70 or £95 with half a bottle of Champagne Bollinger.
For vegetarian & vegan versions, please request 48 hours in advance.
To book The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Afternoon Tea, please click here.
