The Palm Court

£26 / British

Piccadilly, London

Awards

Excellent Scones 2024

Opening hours

9AM-1AM

Sunday 9AM-11:30PM
Monday 9AM-12AM
Tuesday 9AM-12AM
Wednesday 9AM-12AM
Thursday 9AM-1AM
Friday 9AM-1AM
Saturday 9AM-1AM

Elegant Ambiance and Delightful Afternoon Tea

Nestled behind the art deco folds of the Sheraton Grand on Park Lane, lies a dining experience that hovers delightfully between time and taste—welling up fond memories of classic elegance paired with the intricacies of modern dining. Venturing in for an afternoon tea can escalate from a mere meal to a retreat into an era where refined decorum meets culinary precision. From the moment one crosses the threshold, staff like Maria, Kim, and Birat exchange knowing smiles and encouraging gestures, setting the tone for an attentive service that does not falter, even amid the flutter of teacups and hushed conversations. If you're celebrating or simply living through an ordinary day, candid notes are struck when their pianist courts delight, producing a luminescent afternoon warmth as you cradle a cup of freshly curated tea.

The culinary offerings sway between simplicity tethered by taste, as finger sandwiches cascade on porcelain plates showing off artisan care, particularly ideal for vegetarians who've appreciated the well-considered selection. While whispers echo of discernibly dry sandwiches reported by a rare disillusioned guest, my experience pointed to crisp edges that pleasantly contribute texture—a testament to the high tea’s versatility along the spectrum of scrutiny and appreciation. Scones emerge warmly embracing lashings of clotted cream, standing sentry to petite pastries that shock the tongue with surprising palates of fruit and almond. Moments may mislead a lone dissenter lamenting lobby-like settings and diluted treats; however, these sporadic sentiments disappear into the backdrop as praises echo timelessly for the Palm Court's homage to tradition, its rejuvenated tactility, and those unerringly upbeat staff who bear witness to myriad splendid afternoons. Eating here dances close to relic treasures hinted at by designs, conversations, and tastes intricately woven into the tale of an ongoing hospitality saga. — Clarissa Cuisinier