Hello Beautiful Souls,
Today’s English grammar moment: “Time well spent is a luxury all its own.” And let me tell you, Afternoon Tea at Searcys Gherkin is time very well spent.
This wasn’t my first visit. The first time I came here was with my cousin during the Queen’s Jubilee in 2022, a celebration in every sense of the word. This year, I brought my mum, who hadn’t experienced it yet, and let’s just say, it was just as lovely, if not lovelier.
We had the first seating of the day, around 12:30 pm. A pro tip: go for that first slot. You’ll be among the first to arrive, and that means prime window seats with spectacular panoramic views right in the heart of London. From up there, the city looks golden and somehow soothing.
We chose the Ultimate Provence Afternoon Tea, £55 per person, which came with a sparkling twist. Rather than the usual bubbly, we opted for Wild Life Botanical Sparkling Blush, a non-alcoholic alternative that’s both floral and refreshing. I’m a big fan of floral notes, so it was perfect.
Our tea journey began with a caramelised onion tart and a Braeburn apple spring salad, light, elegant, and beautifully balanced. The kind of start that gently opens your appetite, promising more delights to come.
Then came the classic savouries and scones. The sandwich selection was timeless, and those handmade scones? Divine. Still warm, with a slight crust on the outside and pillowy soft within. I’m firmly team-clotted cream first, then jam. (But no judgment if you do it the other way around.)
When it came to the sweet layer, the indulgent pastries, we sadly couldn’t finish them all. We’re not the biggest sweet tooths, but that didn’t stop us from admiring their artistry. Each one looked like a miniature celebration in itself.
I sipped on a chamomile tea, calming and aromatic, which paired beautifully with the experience. It’s one of those details that makes you pause and breathe a little slower, appreciating where you are and who you’re with.
On the note of gratitude, the staff were lovely, polite, warm, and quietly attentive throughout. They made my mum and me feel genuinely welcome. And just when you think it couldn’t get any better, you can head upstairs after your tea to enjoy a breathtaking 360-degree view from the very top of the Gherkin. It truly is the cherry on top of an already unforgettable afternoon.
Final thoughts?
If you’re looking for something refined yet relaxed, with beautiful views and equally beautiful service, Afternoon Tea at Searcys Gherkin is a gem. Perfect for a celebration, a catch-up with someone special, or just a quiet escape above the city buzz. And yes, I’d go back in a heartbeat.
