The magnificent eighteenth-century Orangery, situated within the grounds of Kensington Palace where Queen Victoria was born, is a busy and bustling place for tea, but one which still manages to retain its sense of history and grandeur. Sitting here, amidst the tranquil haven of Kensington Gardens, you can almost imagine Queen Anne and her aristocratic guests dining here in the summer months.
A heavily laden table of mouth-watering homemade scones, shortbreads, fruit slices and wholesome cakes greets you as you walk in the door and you’ll find it quite a challenge deciding what to eat. You could always go for one of the set teas rather than ordering a la carte. Besides the Signature Orange Tea, the Enchanted Palace Tea and the Royal Champagne Tea, there is the superlative Tregothnan English Tea, resplendent with tea sandwiches, mini scones with clotted cream and jam, afternoon tea cakes and dainty pastries, Champagne and, to complete the event, a choice of teas from the Cornish Tregothnan Estate. These, and a good selection of other bagged and loose leaf teas, are also on offer a la carte. The staff here are friendly and helpful, and this, as well as the close proximity of the Princess Diana Memorial Playground, helps to make the Orangery a very popular destination for families with children.
Kensington Palace London Photo Gallery
The only slight drawbacks of the Orangery are that it’s so popular you may have to queue outside at busy times. This aside, you can expect to pass a very pleasant couple of hours, and you could always visit the palace afterwards.
Address: The Orangery, Kensington Palace, Kensington Gardens, London W8 4PX Tel: +44 (0)20 7938 1406 E-mail: orangery@digbytrout.co.uk Web: www.theorangery.uk.com
Afternoon tea served: 12-5pm or 6pm dependant on the season
Set teas: Signature Orange Tea, Enchanted Palace Tea, Royal Champagne Tea, Tregothnan English Tea
Nearest underground stations: Queensway, Gloucester Road, High Street Kensington
Places of interest nearby: Kensington Palace, Serpentine Gallery, Princess Diana Memorial Playground, Kensington Gardens
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