'I had unforgettable afternoon tea in one of West London's poshest hotels - it's not just for guests'
'I had an unforgettable The Adria, situated in the heart of South Kensington, is one of the most luxurious boutique hotels in West London, and indeed, the whole of the city. The hotel is situated in a 19th-century Victorian townhouse, symbolised by the building's stucco façade.
The hotel is conveniently only a 5 minute walk away from both South Kensington and Gloucester Road Underground Stations which have services that run directly into the bustling city centre areas of Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus. There is also a bus stop right outside the hotel's front door which brings you into the city centre and to the wider areas of London.
The hotel is also only a few minutes walk away from the highly acclaimed Natural History, Victoria & Albert and Science Museums whilst also being within walking distance to one of the world's most famous venues, the Royal Albert Hall. The Adria was renovated only 2 years ago, with the striking interiors designed by the renowned Hirsch Bedner – the designers who are also behind some of the world’s most elegant hotels, such as Hotel Indigo in Tokyo and the Waldorf Astoria in Doha.
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The hotel has 5 different accommodation options, ranging from superior rooms to signature suites. During my stay, I was in on of The Adria's executive rooms, which was called Parliament.
In relation to this, there are no room numbers, and instead each room is called something which relates to the city, for example Victoria and Wimbledon. My room comprised of a wooden, 4-poster bed with top-quality linens, plus a bathtub and separate waterfall shower in the Cipollino Marble bathroom.
Some of the extras in the room included a Nespresso machine, flatscreen tv, underfloor heating, blackout curtains and premium Penhaligon toiletries. Despite the hotel being in a busy area, I was pleasantly surprised at how quiet it was inside my room, and around the hotel as a whole.
During my stay, I had the opportunity to try The Adria's Afternoon Tea Experience. This would turn out to be an unforgettable dining experience, and one I would highly recommended people to book a table for, even if they aren't staying in the hotel. This meticulously crafted menu, adorned with delicacies inspired by centuries of tea culture, transports you through time with a showcase of historic tea-ware, on loan from the renowned Chitra Collection and curated by Evelyn Earl. Founded by Nirmal Sethia, Chairman of the esteemed Newby Teas, the Chitra Collection stands as a testament to the enduring allure of tea. With nearly 3000 exquisite objects meticulously curated to preserve and honour tea cultures of the past, it is the world's most remarkable and comprehensive collection of its kind.
The food items included are 4 types of finger sandwiches (Cucumber and Cream Cheese on White Bread, Pastrami & Parmesan with Rocket & Mustard Mayonnaise on Multi-seed Bread, Smoked Chicken, with Spring Onion and Tarragon Mayonnaise on Granary Bread and Aubergine & Hummus on Harissa Bread), 2 types of open sandwiches (Foreman’s Smoked Scottish Salmon with Crème Fraiche, Dill and Avruga Caviar on Brioche and Clarence Court Egg Truffle Mayonnaise and fresh Chives on Brioche), a Plain and Earl Grey Golden Raisin Scone, which comes with Cornish Clotted Cream, Strawberry, Raspberry & Apricot Jam and Seville Orange Marmalade.
Four of the sweet delicacies that finish off the afternoon tea are Black Forest Gateau, Apricot Pebble Rice Pudding, Lemon Poppy Cake and a Strawberry Macaron. I also had a Glass of Lanson Le Black Reserve Champagne which can be included for an additional cost, finished the experienced off perfectly.
Next to the tea selection, which is done in a very innovative way where you can see all the different ingredients used in the various tea options and get a chance to take in all the intoxicating aromas of each one before ordering your preference. Some of the teas I chose to try were the comforting & spicy apple strudel and the fruity, sweet & sour blend of strawberry and mango.
The Adria partners with Newby, the world's most awarded luxury tea brand, to bring this to life and to present the epitome of tea sophistication. The service on offer from the staff was exemplary and another plus is that The Adria can tailor the afternoon tea menu to suit people that are vegan or gluten free, whilst also having an Archie's Teddy Tea for Children.
For breakfast the following morning, I had the sumptuous Eggs Benedict which contained an English muffin, ham, poached eggs & a deliciously, creamy Hollandaise sauce which were all of the highest quality.
The Adria reaches the highest standards of service, comfort and quality, and in this hotel you will have a luxury stay that is well worthy of the price. To book and for more information visit www.theadria.com.
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