Any visit to London should include afternoon tea, even if it is just an overnight stay, as was my recent trip to the city. I still carved out time for the tradition at The Kensington Hotel.

Its on-site restaurant Town House hosts a new London Landmarks Afternoon Tea, a fitting tribute to a city I love.

     I made my way to the hotel on a dreary January afternoon, but I was immediately warmed by my cozy corner booth and pot of traditional English breakfast tea. The restaurant felt more like hanging out in a chic home than a stuffy hotel eatery.

The tea honors some of London’s most recognizable sites, particularly with the desserts: “The Gherkin,” a white chocolate-covered dark chocolate ganache; “The Shard,” carrot cake with milk chocolate; an iconic red telephone booth of rhubarb mousse; and a Big Ben lemon curd tart.

Displayed on a London Eye-themed serving tray alongside tea sandwiches and warm scones (one raisin, one plain, perfect when paired with the clotted cream), everything was delicious! An appetizer course starts the experience.

Visitors to London will be thrilled with the special touch of London served at Town House!

— Kimberly Krol, editor in chief