"There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.” - Henry James

May 2009: Scones with lashings of clotted cream, Lavender Crème Brulée, Rosewater Victoria Sponge cake and a garden bigger than Wimbledon centre court…who’d be anywhere else but The Goring this summer?

For the summer season, from the Chelsea Flower Show (19th May) to the end of August, The Goring in Belgravia London’s oldest privately owned hotel, introduces its new, mouth-watering Country Garden Tea for all conoisseurs and lovers of afternoon tea.

Tea at The Goring is taken on the elegant Terrace, overlooking the hotel’s private garden, which officially measures in as bigger than centre court at Wimbledon - and the largest private hotel garden in central London. And when the weather is good, the large shaded Veranda must surely be one of the most civilised places in the capital to eat al fresco.

Head Chef Derek Quelch has created a scrumptious menu starting with a Goring classic: Eggs Drumkilbo (Lobster, egg, crayfish, tomato, mayonnaise, chicken consommé jelly). This is followed by delicious finger sandwiches – don’t miss the Guinea fowl and Wild Mushroom. Next up is an array of delectable bite-size pastries ranging from Lavender Crème Brulée, Elderflower and Strawberry Tartlet…to the lip-smacking Apple Jelly and Blackberry Foam with Crumble. And of course, Chelsea Buns will be on the menu throughout the Chelsea Flower Show.

If all that wasn’t enough, as the highlight of the Country Garden Tea, Brian Kinsella, Manager of The Goring’s Bar has created the Summer Sting champagne cocktail: an irresistible fusion of Nettle Cordial, Sandringham Apple Juice, Grenadine and Champagne, served in a tall glass. All in all, a very satisfying way to relax and enjoy tea and an English country garden, right in the middle of London.

The Goring’s Country Garden Tea
(available from 19th May-31st August)
£32.50

Guests can choose tea from The Goring’s extensive tea list which includes beautiful scented Earl Grey and delicate floral teas such as Jasmine or Rosebud tea.

Amuse Bouche
Eggs Drumkilbo, a great favorite of Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother (Ingredients: Lobster, egg, crayfish, tomato, mayonnaise, chicken consommé jelly)

Finger Sandwiches
Egg mayonnaise with Watercress, Smoked Salmon, Coronation Chicken, Guinea Fowl and Wild Mushroom

Pastries
Lavender Crème Brulee, Elderflower and Strawberry Tartlet, Chocolate and Mint Slice, Rosewater Victoria Sponge Cake, Lemon curd Macaroon, Apple Jelly and Blackberry Foam with Crumble (served in a shot glass)

Scones
Fruit scones and plain scones served with clotted cream, strawberry and raspberry jam

“Not quite a trifle”
The Goring’s “Not quite a trifle” completes the Afternoon tea

Press Information

Lucinda Buxton, Mango PR - Telephone: 020 7421 2500
Lucinda.buxton@mangopr.co.uk

The Goring was opened by Otto Goring in 1910. As its centenary approaches, it is now the only five star luxury hotel in London that is owned and run by the family that built it. Jeremy Goring is the fourth Goring to run The Goring since his great-grandfather opened it. Deep in the heart of Belgravia, just behind Buckingham Palace, The Goring is within strolling distance of the Royal Parks and the best shops, theatres and galleries in town.

The Goring will celebrate its 100th birthday in 2010 and the interiors are currently being refreshed by some of the country’s finest designers. There are 71 individually designed, classically English rooms and suites, many overlooking the garden. The Dining Room, designed by David Linley, is a haven for superbly cooked English food using British ingredients. The Bar has been gloriously transformed by designer Tim Gosling in a theatrical, Empire style, with gilded ceilings, swagged curtains and bespoke carpets. Six of the hotel’s guestrooms are currently being transformed by designer Russell Sage, using historical silks from the archives of Gainsborough Silks, Royal Warrant Holders.

Above all, The Goring reflects one family’s passion for quality – whose members have prided themselves on providing comfort, good food and drink and the most attentive service for almost one hundred years.