If You Want A Unique Take On Christmas Afternoon Tea In London Then Hithe + Seek At The Westin London City Hotel Is the Place To Be
Plus, join the hotel’s December 9th live music event.
Hithe + Seek at the Westin London City Hotel is a sleek bar and restaurant. It doesn’t have the feminine tones that The Painters Room at Claridge’s has, it’s a masculine space and very adult-like in the aesthetic with the wood tones, emerald furnishings, and gold accent. Their Winter Candyland Afternoon Tea is no different. It’s unlike the afternoon tea experiences you would find at another London hotel, and plus the kind and impeccable service, makes this one of our best afternoon tea experiences in London.
As soon as you enter, you’ll notice the Christmas installation by floral designer, Veevers Carter. It’s like if a tutu and Christmas tree ornaments had a baby. It cascades down with its grapefruit color tones and various sized ornaments hanging from the tutu-like structure. An original and festive touch, it’s nice alternative to a Christmas tree.
A trio of sandwiches | Photo Credit: Weston London City
Citrus Dill Mayo Infused Cornish Crab on a Mini Bun | Photo Credit: Weston London City
Horseradish Crème Fraiche on a Charcoal Bun | Photo Credit: Weston London City
The Scones and pastries | Photo Credit: Weston London City
A limited-edition offering, the menu by head chef Fabio De Paolis of finger sandwiches like the Citrus Dill Mayo Infused Cornish Crab on a Mini Bun to a Burford Egg is to die for. Not overpowering, it has the best consistency of mayo with crab. The Burford Egg with Black Truffle on Rolled Brown Bread has a kick to it, but is just as tasty. And, the Roasted Turkey with Cranberries on Beetroot Bread, the Grilled Vegetables with Hummus on Tomato Bread, and Dorset Beef with Horseradish Crème Fraiche on a Charcoal Bun have their own unique touches that will make your taste buds pop.
Freshly Baked Gingerbread Flavored and Raisin Scones come with Cornish clotted cream and apricot jam. And served in a birdcage-esque 3-tier stand are the pastries: Hazelnut Praline Mousse with Dark Chocolate Glaze, Pistachio & Pomegranate Popping Candy Cupcake, Pear & Winter Spiced Gingerbread Tart, and Cranberry & Orange Macarons.
Served with the afternoon tea experience is Hithe + Seek’s newly launched ten loose-leaf teas that are sourced from JING Tea, and that come from gardens in Asia, and filled with classic blends and new flavors. And for an extra $19 (£15), guests can have one of the restaurant’s winter candy land cocktails, which are inspired by the rich colors of childhood. The Cherry Spice Delight comes with bourbon and red cherry purée; the Apricot Frist Fizz comes with vodka and apricot purée; while the Candy Apple Sour includes Mezcal and green apple syrup.
The afternoon tea is $57 (£45) per person and comes with a selection of JING tea. If you want a glass of mulled wine, the cost is £55 ($70), if you want the Candyland Cocktails, the total cost is $76 (£60) per person, or if you want a glass of Taittinger Brut Champagne the cost is $82 (£65).
Sofar Sounds
On December 9th, Hithe + Seek will host an intimate live music event with Sofar Sounds, a startup music events company that brings together community and music discovery. For $32 (£25), guests are able to listen to 3 local musicians, while sipping on cocktails and draft beers from: the
Lady Rosa, a gin-based cocktail with flavors of strawberry and lime, or The Corn Harbour, featuring Woodford Reserve whiskey and corn-infused syrup. Braised Mangalitza Pork Belly or Portobello Mushroom Bao Buns are an extra $11 (£8).
New Year’s
Until 3am and for $250 (£199), Hithe + Seek will host their New Year’s Eve party with an 8-course dinner by Chef Fabio. The dinner includes half a bottle of Taittinger Rosé Champagne, as well as a glass of the Brut for a midnight toast. Falmouth Oysters with Aperol Granita and Oscietra Caviar and Carabinero Tartar with Romesco Aioli, Bergamot, and Rice Crisps to a Selection of British Cheese, Crackers, Chutney and Quince, and a New Year’s Panforte will be on the menu.
Hithe + Seek is located at 60 Upper Thames St., London EC4V 3AD. If you have questions, you can call +44-020 3988-0141.
