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You are here: Home / Featured Lifestyle / Afternoon Tea amidst art at The Wallace Collection

Afternoon Tea amidst art at The Wallace Collection

February 29, 2016 by manjirichitnis 12 Comments

One of the things I love about London is the many free museums and art galleries that one can go to and spend a few happy hours at.

Hertford House which houses The Wallace collection is nestled in a quiet street just off the buzzing Oxford Street. The stunning historic townhouse is home to 25 galleries housing everything from the world-class armoury to Old Masters paintings.

Grand entrance stairwell at The Wallace Collection

In 1871 thanks to the political upheaval in France, Comte de Nieuwerkerke was looking to sell off his huge collection of French art collection. Which happened to be around the time that Sir Richard Wallace came into money and was looking to expand his inherited art collection. This is how The Wallace Collection came into being. Thanks to this turn of events, a spectacular and renowned collection of medieval and renaissance works of art and arms and armour are available for viewing to us to this day

Amongst the many galleries, not to be missed is The Great Gallery which has been described as “the greatest picture gallery in Europe.”

Though this national museum has free admission, I was invited as a guest by The Wallace Restaurant courtesy of my friend Fiona MacLean who blogs at London Unattached, to sample their delicious afternoon tea in the magnificent in-house restaurant. A huge central glass-covered courtyard is a haven, minutes away from the crowds and noise of one of London’s busiest shopping areas. Flooded with natural light the atrium restaurant offers an alfresco dining experience.

A huge central glass-covered courtyard is a haven, minutes away from the crowds and noise of one of London’s busiest shopping area. Flooded with natural light the atrium restaurant offers an alfresco dining experience.

Glass enclosed central courtyard at The Wallace Collection,Lodon

A group of us food bloggers (Madeleine, Heidi, Jess, and Emma)  were seated at a large table inside the stunning courtyard. I loved the experience of sitting in a large open space yet not being exposed to the elements – almost like a secret hideaway. The natural light made clicking pictures that much more enjoyable experience.

The seating arrangement at the restaurant at The Wallace Collection

I choose to have a pot of fruity herbal tea, my pick was the orange rooibos – a blush pink coloured, light, and fragrant tea. I think it was a perfect accompaniment to the freshly prepared finger sandwiches.

Fruity Tea at The Wallace Collection

I managed to devour most of the large scone with a blob of clotted cream and some Peyton and Byrne preserve. We were also served an eclair with burnt caramel and creme’ chantilly, lemony madeleines, and amaretti biscuit with orange zest. I nibbled at all of the sweet treats but enjoyed the eclair the most although I must admit the burnt caramel topping was too sweet for my taste buds. I most enjoyed the sandwiches and the tea and a glass of Champagne.

Fresh large scone with clotted cream and preserve at The Wallace Collection

For £26 with Champagne, this afternoon tea is an absolute treat, especially since one can really relax in the enclosed courtyard after a spot of gazing at paintings and gawking at magnificent Objets d’Art.

Afternoon Tea at The Wallace Collection

Curious to explore more options for Afternoon Tea in London? Why not browse through my blog and read about my experiences in various places:

  • Boyds Brasserie, Charing Cross
  • Honey Afternoon Tea at St. Ermin’s, Westminster
  • Moroccan Afternoon Tea at Leila, Ealing
  • Chocolate Afternoon Tea at The Landmark Hotel, Marylebone

*With thanks to The Wallace Collection and Fiona for the invite. No monetary compensation was offered for a positive review.  As always all opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

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Filed Under: Featured Lifestyle, Lifestyle, Restaurant Reviews Tagged With: afternoon tea, alfresco dining experience, amaretti biscuit, art, Champagne, clotted cream, comte de Nieuwerkerke, eclair with burnt caramel and creme' chantilly, Hertford House, large scone, lemony madeleines, Old Masters paintings, Peyton and Byrne preserve, Sir Richard Wallace, The Great Gallery, The Wallace Collection, world class armoury

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Comments

  1. Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche says

    February 29, 2016 at 7:07 pm

    Wow what a stunning location! Looks like a lovely afternoon tea as well – that pink tea is so pretty!

    Reply
    • manjirichitnis says

      March 1, 2016 at 11:58 am

      Yes am in love with the location and that fab fruity rooibos!

      Reply
  2. Emma @ Supper in the Suburbs says

    February 29, 2016 at 7:51 pm

    I love, love, love the Wallace Collection! You’re right we are so lucky to have so many free art galleries and museums in London. It’s one of the things that makes this city great. Though I’ve been to the collection many times I’ve never had afternoon tea. I will have to make sure I stop for a bite to eat next time. Great post 🙂

    Reply
    • manjirichitnis says

      March 1, 2016 at 11:59 am

      Thanks Emma 🙂 I absolutely adore London for all its fab freebies. I a definitely going back to The Wallace Collection sometime soon for a god dose of art and fruity tea!

      Reply
  3. Camilla @FabFood4All says

    February 29, 2016 at 11:11 pm

    What a magical looking place along with a tea that looks totally divine – bet you had a fab afternoon with all those lovely bloggers:-)

    Reply
    • manjirichitnis says

      March 1, 2016 at 12:00 pm

      Yes Camilla, we all had a really great afternoon. The venue has an undeniable old-world charm and the beautiful courtyard just makes it even better!

      Reply
  4. Choclette says

    March 6, 2016 at 6:35 pm

    I love my Cornish home, but sometimes, when I read posts like this, I do wish I lived a little closer to London. Sounds like a fab afternoon and a delicious tea too – I’m not envious – really!!!

    Reply
    • manjirichitnis says

      November 26, 2019 at 6:03 pm

      Hey Chocolette, I totally understand what you mean, it really was a luxurious experience and a really delicious tea.

      Reply
  5. Janie says

    March 7, 2016 at 10:44 am

    What a lovely time you must have all had! The food looks exquisite and the atrium is just beautiful.
    Janie x

    Reply
    • manjirichitnis says

      November 26, 2019 at 6:04 pm

      Yes Janie, a greta time was had by us all. The place is really beautiful and a great setting for a relaxed afternoon tea.

      Reply
  6. Nayna Kanabar says

    March 7, 2016 at 9:08 pm

    What a beautiful place with such pretty surroundings. The afternoon tea looks delicious.

    Reply
    • manjirichitnis says

      November 26, 2019 at 6:06 pm

      It was such a nice afternoon tea, the surroundings add an extra charm to the whole atmosphere and make the experience all that more immersive

      Reply

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