Easter Afternoon Tea at Hyde Park Corner: Lanesborough or Peninsula?
Easter weekend runs from Good Friday on 3 April to Easter Monday on 6 April, and two of London's most celebrated hotels have timed their seasonal afternoon teas to match. The Lanesborough and The Peninsula London face each other across Hyde Park Corner, a few minutes' walk apart, yet they could hardly offer more different experiences. Here is how to choose.
The Lanesborough: Bridgerton with a chocolate gift
The Lanesborough's afternoon tea has been given a Bridgerton theme this season, inspired by the Regency era and the characters of Bridgerton Season 4. The core menu features finger sandwiches, home-baked scones with clotted cream and jam, four signature sweet treats and a long list of teas and infusions, with a Forbidden Love cocktail in a nod to Lady Whistledown.
For Easter, the hotel is serving an Easter Bridgerton Afternoon Tea from 3 to 6 April at £120 per person. The price includes a choice of Champagne or a Bridgerton-themed cocktail, plus a chocolate gift to take home. Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and children's menus are available, with dietary requirements to be flagged at least 48 hours ahead. Dress is smart casual, and there is live piano at weekends. Full details are on the hotel's afternoon tea page.
The Peninsula: The Lobby, built for families
Across the junction at 1 Grosvenor Place, The Peninsula London serves its tea in The Lobby, an airy room with hand-painted de Gournay murals, crystal chandeliers and live music. Its Easter version, also running from 3 to 6 April, is priced at £89 per adult and £58 per child. Expect savoury finger sandwiches, scones and pastries, a glass of Coates & Seeley English sparkling wine for adults and a handcrafted chocolate egg for the table to share. Children get their own menu of child-friendly dishes and take home a Peninsula Page Bear, which tends to make the day.
Which to book
- For a theatrical treat with adults: The Lanesborough, where the Regency theme, Champagne and parting chocolate make it feel like an occasion.
- For a family outing: The Peninsula, with a dedicated children's menu, a lower child price and the bear to take home.
- For value: The Peninsula's adult price is lower, though The Lanesborough includes Champagne or a cocktail in its price.
Make an afternoon of it
Both hotels sit at the corner of Hyde Park, so a walk is the obvious companion: through Wellington Arch and Green Park, or west along the Rotten Row towards the Serpentine. In early April the park's spring planting should be at its best, weather permitting.
Booking tips
Easter Sunday slots go first at both hotels, so book early, and mention any birthdays or celebrations when you reserve. Allow around two hours for a relaxed sitting. Hyde Park Corner station on the Piccadilly line is right beside both. For more places to stay and dine nearby, see our hotels guide.
Lead image: Leonard Bentley via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0.
