The Ampersand Hotel is only a couple of minutes walk from South Kensington tube station so easy to get to and very convenient for combining with a visit to the Vand A or a shopping trip.
Newly refurbished, the inspiration for the stylish interiors was drawn from the surrounding museums.
The Drawing Rooms where tea is served feature an eclectic mix of art, bold patterned wall papers and colourful upholstery fabrics with an animal and bird theme.
Afternoon tea for two with bubbly was a good deal booked via Lime and Tonic.
I went with a friend and we started with a glass of Moet et Chandon Champagne and made our choice of tea menu. There was a traditional tea with little open sandwiches (tartines) or one with savoury gougeres. The day we went there was also a chocolate themed tea menu. We chose the traditional menu which I had with Darjeeling tea.
The tartines were topped with savoury honey-glazed ham with sauce gribiche; a tangy coronation chicken; Goldstein smoked salmon with dill and cream cheese; and cheese with fruit chutney.
The scone was light with a crisp exterior and the little cakes tasted as good as they looked.
We were about the last to leave and it was one of the best afternoon teas I have had.
Can you spot the Ampersand in this contemporary piece?
