NEW Afternoon Tea at The Saatchi Gallery | Review

Kensington Mums reviews

Kensington Mums were invited to an Afternoon Tea at The Saatchi Gallery: A welcome break while juggling back to school, work and family routine during this unusual time. After all, self care comes in many forms, and this maybe one of them.  If you are looking for a nice break and meet up with a friend during the day, this is your destination. The Saatchi gallery is quite spacious and has both indoor and outdoor space in order to maintain safe distance*

This isn’t your typical London Afternoon tea considering the wonderful indoor/outdoor location of the Saatchi Gallery. Most importantly it is the concept behind the NEW afternoon tea itself. The Saatchi Gallery Bar & Brasserie by Searcys launched a new Afternoon Tea experience from 7th September 2020. In a celebration of British iconic brands, the new Afternoon tea sees one of the Britain’s oldest caterers, Searcys, partner with one of the original British potters Wedgwood, for a decadent Chelsea Afternoon tea collaboration, bringing art to the table.

Set to the backdrop of the gallery, guests can dine on crowd-pleasing classics and sweet treats, all served on bright and colourful tea ware from Wedgwood’s Wonderlust collection, and paired with a Louis Pommery England, the award-winning sparkling wine produced along the South Coast.

We were greeted by Mary who was very hospitable and made sure our experience was enjoyable. We began by choosing from the different types of teas available. Then we were treated to a glass of Louis Pommery sparkling wine.

We started with The John Ross Jr Smoked salmon mousse with crème fraiche (not typical to an afternoon tea but definitely a winner). Then we had a selection of fresh sandwiches including Coronation Chicken, classic Cucumber, Ham and smoked salmon sandwiches along with Earl Grey and Strawberry Tea.

We finished with indulgent pastries include Passionfruit mousse tart, Black Forest cheesecake, and Lemon macaroon, as well as classic freshly baked scones (served warm and fresh) with strawberry preserve and clotted cream.

There also is a smaller version of the menu for Children. The portions are generous for both children and adults.

Adding a touch of wonder, discovery and art, every element is set upon striking tea ware, each piece adorned with detailed and distinctive patterns from the Wonderlust collection by Wedgwood. A British institution with over 260 years’ experience, Wedgwood’s Wonderlust collection pays homage to the wonders of travel, from Europe through to Asia, with contemporary floral motifs and bright colours designed to delight and inspire.

The fine touch of elegant and artistic tea ware with festive and happy colors made the experience quite special for us. When it comes to afternoon tea we like it fancy (every once in a while!).

Overall we had a wonderful time and we will definitely be back. The only thing we would suggest is to have more variety of sandwiches, especially for kids (which we understood is already being considered).

This is a good opportunity for a friend meet up, a well deserved me time, a couple’s date, a family’s day out, a gift or special occasion celebration. All at the heart of Chelsea and overlooking the lovely garden at the Duke of York Square.

The Chelsea Afternoon Tea runs from 3pm-5pm from Wednesday until Sunday at the Saatchi Gallery Bar & Brasserie by Searcys. Located in the ground floor of the renowned Saatchi Gallery, Searcys took the reins in early 2020, reimagining the all-day dining menu for Brasserie and Champagne Bar, as well as introducing new event packages for parties and group bookings.

Limitless Sparkling Chelsea Afternoon Tea is priced at £79 per person, with free-flowing Louis Pommery English Brut for 90 minutes. Alternatively, choose from Chelsea Afternoon Tea (£35 per person) or upgrade to the Sparkling Chelsea Afternoon Tea at £45 with a glass of one of the best English sparkling.  The packages are available to book online at Searcys or as a gift voucher.

Booking is necessary, please visit Searcys online store to secure your place here.

You can read more of our reviews here.

Chelsea Afternoon Tea Menu Options

Limitless Sparking Chelsea Afternoon Tea – £79 per person

Includes a starter, two-course afternoon tea with a selection of sandwiches, scones, pastries, Louis Pommery England and tea or coffee for 90 minutes.

Sparkling Chelsea Afternoon Tea – £45 per person

Includes a starter, two-course afternoon tea with a selection of sandwiches, scones, pastries, a glass of Louis Pommery England and tea or coffee.

Chelsea Afternoon Tea – £35 per person

Includes a starter, two-course afternoon tea with a selection of sandwiches, scones, pastries and tea or coffee.

Children’s Afternoon Tea – £17.50 per person

Includes a selection of sandwiches, scones, pastries, tea or a soft drink.

*Please stay safe, always check and practice Covid safety guidelines at all times and especially when out at shops and restaurants.