The Kensington Palace Orangery is the ideal place for a traditional afternoon tea. In this place, travelers can dine in a palace and wear slippers at the same time. Known as one of the best places for afternoon tea in London, the professionals at this establishment are long overdue. From the beautiful location to the wide variety of teas and coffees, travelers will find that Kensington Palace has friendly service, quick seating, and a casual atmosphere filled with everyone’s favorite delicacy – cake. While the luxury of this restaurant may be considered a bit pricey, it is well worth the price.
The greenhouse is located within the grounds of Kensington Palace, at the west end of Hyde Park. Travelers should visit the website for details such as hours and phone number, however afternoon tea is generally served between 3 and 5 p.m. Reservations are not accepted, but travelers have generally been seated immediately. The dress code is “Come as you are” so travelers will notice that some guests are dressed while others are in jeans.
A look at the menu, from food to coffee
There are several options on the menu for afternoon tea. Travelers can go with the traditional orange tea, which consists of a selection of tea or coffee, cucumber sandwiches, a fruit muffin with clotted cream and jam, and a slice of the signature orange cake. Each meal option is taken out separately, which works well as each individual’s cup of tea contains enough for three cups. There are a wide variety of teas to choose from, so there is something for everyone, even if travelers don’t consider themselves a heavy tea drinker.
Cucumber sandwiches are served with a mild cream cheese and can be a bit bland, but the real joy comes with the pastries. Fruit scones, which is the code for raisins, are served hot and are not the traditional dry, crumbly scones that travelers can expect. They are surprisingly moist and delicious with the accompanying strawberry jam. Orangery cake is a basic yellow cake with a thick, sugary frosting that has just a hint of orange flavor. It’s the perfect sweet ending to afternoon tea, but travelers should be warned that it can put them in a temporary sugar coma once finished.
The menu also offers a variety of other cakes and cookies, and while they all look delicious, the orange tea will be too filling to even entertain the thought of trying more.
The actual location
Travelers cannot imagine a more pleasant place for a relaxing afternoon. The Orangery is at the west end of Hyde Park (near the Round Pond), so travelers should make sure to walk through the park on their way there. Located a few meters from the entrance to Kensington Palace, the greenhouse was built in the early 1700s for Queen Anne as a kind of greenhouse for her gardening. However, it was converted into a dining room that was used for various parties and entertainments.
The path leading to the greenhouse is surrounded by lush green lawns and elegantly trimmed trees, and travelers will truly feel like royalty as they approach. The interior is just as impressive, with its intricate carved details and arched doors. The casual and friendly atmosphere keeps anyone from feeling out of place or naked.
The friendly service
The service at the Orangery is very friendly and knowledgable. Waiters will answer any questions travelers have about teas or food, and even take a picture at the table when prompted. Each plate of tea will be brought out after travelers have finished the previous one, and travelers will never feel rushed to leave the table.
An afternoon at the Orangery is the perfect way to cap off a week-long London vacation. The tea options may seem a bit pricey, but travelers should keep in mind that they are also paying for the atmosphere. After all, it is not every day that travelers can say that they have dined in a palace.
