Melissa Hoyer
The Langham Hotels and Resorts (“The Langham”) have introduced themed Afternoon Tea sets at select hotels worldwide to mark the publication of The Langham Afternoon Tea Book.
For the first time the chic and classic hotel group reveals the recipes behind the brand’s most beloved sweet and savoury creations.
The initiative features various items from the book in a move designed to both delight and inspire guests globally.
“Afternoon Tea has been an integral part of The Langham’soffering since our London flagship opened its doors in 1865, becoming the first Grand Hotel to present the experience to the public,” Langham Hospitality Group CEO Bob van den Oord said.
“That same spirit guided the creation of The Langham Afternoon Tea Book and now informs this global tribute, which brings selections from the book to life in our hotels and invites guests to share in a tradition that has defined our namesake for generations.”
Published by White Lion Publishing, The Langham Afternoon Tea Book offers readers the chance to bring many of the creations that have become synonymous with The Langham’s signature offering into their homes.
I remember being in London last year and having afternoon tea at the Langham Palm Court and it really was one of the most beautiful couple of hours of that trip – elegant, classic and for me, it was the absolute perfect precursor before we went off to see the ABBA Voyage show.
The beautifully illustrated book celebrates the elegant art of Afternoon Tea, presenting recipes that range from classic cucumber sandwiches and freshly baked scones to refined patisserie creations.
With a foreword by Michel Roux Jr., the book also includes tea-pairing guidance and a section dedicated to patisserie fundamentals, allowing readers to master the techniques behind one of The Langham’s most enduring culinary traditions.
To mark the book’s publication, a selection of Langham hotels around the world – including in Melbourne, where Langham Pacific’s marketing & communications boss Andre Jacques had Dannii Minogue as the star guest, who introduced themed Afternoon Tea sets inspired by its recipes.
Each participating property’s set will include one or more featured items, served alongside additional varieties of cakes, scones and sandwiches.
Participating hotels include:
• The Langham, Hong Kong
• The Langham, Shanghai, Xintiandi
• The Langham, Shenzhen
• The Langham, Jakarta
• The Langham, Melbourne
• The Langham, Gold Coast
• The Langham, Chicago
• The Langham, Pasadena
• The Langham, London
*Origins of Afternoon Tea
The custom of Afternoon Tea is widely associated with Anna Russell, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, who is often credited with introducing the mid-afternoon ritual of tea accompanied by sandwiches, cakes and scones to bridge the long hours between luncheon and dinner. What began as a private refreshment among Britain’s aristocracy, however, soon evolved into a cherished social occasion.
When The Langham, London opened its doors in 1865 as Europe’s first Grand Hotel, it helped bring the tradition beyond aristocratic drawing rooms and into the grand public spaces of luxury hotels. Served in the hotel’s Palm Court restaurant, Afternoon Tea quickly became a defining feature of the property and a gathering place for London society.
More than 160 years later, the ritual remains closely associated with The Langham and continues to be enjoyed by guests around the world.
Guests can book an afternoon tea that also includes the book right here.
