THE LANGHAM, LONDON WINS THE TEA GUILD'S TOP LONDON AFTERNOON TEA 2010 AWARD

Palm Court at The Langham, London is delighted to announce it has been awarded The Tea Guild’s Top London Afternoon Tea 2010 Award.

With a 145 year history of promoting the very best of the English tea tradition, Palm Court has won the tea world’s highest accolade in The Tea Guild’s Top London Afternoon Tea 2010 award.

Palm Court is renowned as the birthplace of the afternoon tea tradition, serving tea to the cream of London society since 1865. Following a remarkable £80 million transformation, Palm Court is the dazzling new centrepiece of The Langham, London and with a relaxed yet refined atmosphere enhanced by a resident pianist, this is a modern day haven with a traditional heritage. With more than 30 varieties of tea, including the Langham’s signature blend and a wide range of finger sandwiches, cakes and miniature pastries, afternoon tea takers at Palm Court are spoilt for choice. The hotel’s tea sommelier helps customers find the perfect blend, while a variety of menu options fit any occasion or taste.

This Tea Guild event, now in its 25th year, is considered the ‘OSCARS’ of the tea world, with world-famous London hotels and tearooms competing for the highly coveted honour. The judges awarded points for the variety, excellence and knowledge of the teas offered, together with the quality of food, service, décor, ambience, and presentation.

The Langham was voted into the top spot after its Palm Court tearoom gained a near perfect score from The Tea Guild’s inspectors. The judges praised it for its attractive “light and airy” setting and “beautiful furnishings”; friendly and efficient staff giving “exceptional service” and an “excellent selection” of delicious scones, sandwiches and pastries.

The judges summed up: “This is an impressive place to have tea. Tea is obviously taken extremely seriously here and considerable care and attention is given over the ordering and serving. One is definitely encouraged to enjoy the experience.”

Commenting on The Langham’s top award, Irene Gorman, Head of The Tea Guild, says: “Taking tea at Palm Court at The Langham is nothing short of a delight, with a beautiful, luxurious and very tranquil environment, combined with a very high quality of tea, food and service. Palm Court manages to combine a luxurious and elegant ambience with service that is not only friendly and efficient but also extremely knowledgeable. Our judges found that the food and teas were delicious and the presentation was perfect. For anyone caught in the bustle of London’s West End, afternoon tea at Palm Court is a perfect retreat – an oasis of calm and tranquillity.”

Paul Skinner, Director of Food and Beverage at The Langham, said: “As proud members of The Tea Guild we are absolutely delighted and honoured to receive this prestigious award. This award means a huge amount to all the staff at the Palm Court who are dedicated to providing the very best possible experience for all our guests.

Ever since The Langham opened in 1865 as Europe’s first Grand Hotel afternoon tea has been the very foundation of this hotel. We pride ourselves on continuing that tradition, giving customers the best possible experience with attentive but friendly service, the very best tea, food with total attention to detail.”

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