Remembering being English......a trip to Westminster Public Infirmary for afternoon tea, March 3rd

Early March saw a birthday for Gannet 2. She was obviously feeling joyous at the thought of being another year older, and wanted to share the experience with friends and family. “I know just the place to go”, said Gannet 2. “Please come and have afternoon tea at the place of my birth, I'm sure there’ll be a plaque somewhere”. What a fantastic invitation! We were going up west, right posh! There were five of us in all-Gannet 2 and her mum; Mr Gannet 2, Gannet 1, and Mrs Plover.

St Georges Hospital, Hyde Park Corner, started as Westminster Public Infirmary, back in 1723; the imposing building that stands there now was built in 1844, and served as St George's Hospital until it closed its doors for the last time in 1980. The hospital was important to 3 of us there; Gannett 2 was born there ( no plaque, we discovered), but more importantly her mum had trained there as a nurse in the early 60s. Gannet 1  is a proud alumnus of  St George's Hospital Medical School, but her only visit to the Hyde Park Corner site was to the sexual health clinic (as a student she hastens to add).

Afternoon tea in the now Lanesborough Hotel was a real treat. The room was magnificent, the menu diverse, and the delicacies sublime.

We had a range of different teas, some highly perfumed, all served in the best bone china; however the experience was slightly marred by the waiting staff, none of whom appeared to know how a cup of tea ought to be made. They hadn’t heard of letting it brew by the looks , and taste, of things. There were several people sitting at the table able to put them right, and boy didn’t we do just that. The second lot of tea was a vast improvement.

The tea was accompanied by beautifully constructed finger sandwiches- Gannet 2 is partial to a spot of coronation chicken, Gannet 1 loved the cucumber, with a smidgen of cream cheese, on delicate white rye. When the sandwiches ran out, more followed, to everyone's delight (especially Gannet 2 and the  coronation chicken; for someone of such a slight build, she certainly put enough away).

And in case we were still hungry, there were the delicate pastries, and-of course-scones, jam and cream. And lemon curd, yummy.

And a birthday cake!

Scores:

Value-Can’t possibly say as Gannet 2 picked up the tab, but it was not cheap...... However, Gannet 2 was happy paying for the experience, and the trip down memory lane.

Authenticity- it was certainly a classic afternoon tea, with everything in keeping with what we expected.

Atmosphere- This could not have been better; the room was beautifully decorated, classic in style, relaxing and the service was spot-on.

Taste-there weren't any empty plates at the end of the afternoon, and indeed several of us left with doggy bags full of yummy pastries, and scones. The sandwiches were delicious.

And on the way home, as we lightly sprang across Green Park in the late afternoon spring sunshine (actually it was dark  by that time), Gannet 1 insisted that we paid homage to Bomber Command, by looking at the statue. (Gannet 1 was a bit sad at that point......)