Who can resist the English ritual of a scrumptious afternoon tea! Forget dietary restrictions, warm scones oozing with jam, delicate sandwiches with traditional fillings and a choice of cakes accompanied by the immediate dilemma of which to choose or argue over!
Situated between the world-renowned music concert home of London’s Royal Albert Hall, leafy Hyde Park and the variety of museums along Exhibition Road in Kensington sits The Adria, a hidden boutique hotel with 24 rooms and suites offering quiet, refined luxury
Here afternoon tea takes a slightly different theme reflecting English afternoon in the woods. The Adria has launched whimsical Woodland Afternoon Tea from 10th August 2026 to celebrate the centenary of A. A. Milne’s beloved literary works,
Inspired by the charm and nostalgia of the Hundred Acre Wood, the menu pairs stories with seasonal patisseries and a classic British afternoon tea. With crafted treats, each detail has been designed to evoke the wonder of a cherished storybook. Highlights include Clarence Court egg and truffle mayonnaise brioche, Forman’s smoked salmon with Avruga caviar, Smoked Duck with Hoisin Mayo on Granary Bread and my favourite, Aubergine & Feta Cream on Harissa Bread. Sweets include The Little Woodland Bee, in the form of a baked honey cheesecake with mango and white chocolate crunch crowned with a cleverly crafted chocolate bumble bee or a Wild Berry Woodland Macaron filled with wild berry ganache and compote, finished with a handcrafted edible woodland illustration on white chocolate. All too attractive to eat! The warm scones served with a choice of jams and marmalades, too yummy not to bite into. Vegan and gluten-free menus are available with 24 hours’ notice.
Partnered with Newby, the luxury tea brand, the selection of teas is elegantly presented in a wooden display cabinet. The collection includes White Tea- Silver Needle from China’s Fujian Province with aromatic notes of melon and honey. Masala Chai, an Indian culinary offering which pours as a dark amber cup of full-bodied tastes spicy tea. Jasmine Pearls is made from hand-rolled green leaves infused with the scent of fragrant jasmine while Garden Berries comes as a dusky-pink cup of fruity berries infused from cranberries, redcurrant and raspberries. I selected the Strawberry & Mango, a delicately fruity tisane with a hint of honey although, admittedly, tempted by the Persian Rose made from Iranian rosebuds.
For the younger guest, there’s Archie’s Teddy Tea with favourites such as peanut butter, jam, ham and cucumber & cream cheese sandwiches, scones, sweets of ice cream cones, the Little Bee cake and macaron with juice, hot chocolate smoothie or tea. The experience is served within The Adria’s intimate dining room until late November, offering quiet retreat moments from the Victoria and Albert Museum, Natural History Museum and Harrods.
The Adria is a 5-star quintessential Victorian townhouse located in the leafy neighbourhood of South Kensington. Renovated in 2022 and retaining the building’s character and period features, each guestroom and suite along with various lounges have been restored to blend contemporary design with the elegance and intimacy of a 19th-century residence. Art At The Adria is part of the fabric of the house and rather fitting that it reflects its surroundings of world-class cultural institutions, continuing London’s tradition of living with art. Inside, there are thoughtful pieces on show across public spaces and signature suites, from contemporary to historic works. On loan from and curated by the Chitra Collection is a selection of historic silver tea ware dating back to the hotel’s original construction period – a tangible link between The Adria’s past and present.
And as for Alan Alexander Milne (1882- 1956), he was an English writer and poet. He is best known for his books about the Winnie-the-Pooh. Milne was the father of bookseller Christopher Robin Milne, upon whom the character Christopher Robin is based. It was during a visit to London Zoo, where his son became enamoured with a black bear called Winnipeg that inspired him to write the story of Winnie-the-Pooh for his son.
The Woodland Afternoon Tea is offered between 10 August to late November 2026, from £55 per person, including a choice of tea. Children’s storybook: Available to purchase for £10
To book, visit The Adria website, call 020 7118 8988 or email stay@theadria.com. It is part of the Bürgenstock Collection.
