The recently opened third property under the Zetter umbrella offers a boutique hotel hangout that feels like a home from home
Zetter Bloomsbury’s afternoon tea offers a traditional menu with flair
Bloomsbury has been a gathering spot for intellectuals, artists and writers since the 17th century. Many a plan has been hatched there over fine food and wine – and the establishments found in the area today still channel this spirit. Zetter Bloomsbury’s afternoon tea is one such opportunity to wax lyrical.
The background
Early adopters of doing hotel stays differently, the Zetter portfolio has become synonymous with sustainable boutique hotels and bars that are hard to forget. No sterile, corporate rooms here. With locations in Clerkenwell, Marylebone and now Bloomsbury, these are properties with a commitment to character (the interiors are often themed around eccentric “family members”) paired with local history.
The space
Zetter Bloomsbury is a living, breathing Pinterest board of beautiful design touches; every corner is filled with an eclectic collection of books, artworks, interesting knick-knacks and furniture. From the moment you arrive, the space calls you further in to ‘come and look at this. And this!’ The afternoon tea is served in the orangery, a glass-roofed interior full of sunlight and happy foliage. Punchy colours play alongside cosy neutrals, patterned fabrics and dappled lighting – it’s the kind of room where long stories are told to good friends.
Delicate patisserie steals the show
The food
As afternoon teas go, this is a strong classic. As is tradition, a crustless sandwich selection arrives – a flavourful Coronation chicken on Viennese bread, and Chapel & Swan smoked salmon with preserved lemon and caraway rye bread are the favourites. The assortment of homemade scones includes a blackcurrant and sultana variety for a fruity touch, all topped with a choice of (in no particular order) Cornish clotted cream and strawberry preserve.
A plate of bite-size edible artworks tops the tower on the table: a glossy strawberry and elderflower entremet complete with tiny pansy offers a burst of summer picnic, while a chocolate délice with salted caramel and cocoa nib brings a punch of decadence. For a fresh but sweet finish, a flower-sprinkled coconut and mango cheesecake is the perfect final hurrah.
Wash it all down with a pot of tea from London’s Newby fine tea company. Opt for a pot of fragrant jasmine and enjoy the sweet summery scent as it gently drifts across the table.
The verdict
The Zetter Bloomsbury hotel is a great place to channel the thrilling conversations of the Bloomsbury Set over dainty sandwiches and indulgent sweet treats.
Later this month guests can catch a screening of the Wimbledon games in the secluded garden and enjoy a special Wimbledon afternoon tea in the orangery.
Afternoon tea starts at £75 per person, £90 with a glass of Lanson Pere Et Fils; 2-7 Montague Street, London WC1B
