From the keyboard of Dr Jan

I went to The Dorchester with Ruth and Martyn for afternoon tea last Saturday afternoon.

Ruth and I drove in to King’s Cross and parked close to Martyn’s boat. We collected Martyn and then caught a cab to The Dorchester.

We had made a reservation (certainly recommended for Saturdays during the summer), and arrived at 14:30.

We were seated in the The Promenade in three comfy chairs arranged around a low table.

We all started off with a Strawberry Rossini, which is stawberry puree and champagne and completely fabulous.

Martyn and I ordered sparkling water and Ruth wanted still water. When Ruth apologised to the waiter for being awkward, he replied that he preferred us to be awkward – this was The Dorchester and everything should be perfect.

We chose our beverages, Martyn had Dorchester blend tea, I had Russian Caravan tea and Ruth went for coffee.

A waitperson appeared with a large platter of delicate looking square sandwiches, with five different fillings. Salmon and cream cheese, cucumber and creme fraiche with mint, ham and mustard mayonnaise, egg mayonnaise and tomato, rare roast beef and mustard. We were encouraged to have one of each

Just when we were thinking ‘Gosh, we could do with some more of those’, as if by magic a waitperson appeared with a fresh tray

Tea and coffee arrived in the meantime, and when we’d had our fill of sandwiches the scones, jam and cream arrived. We declined the offer of further scones, as we were feeling rather replete by then.

Of course, the final phase was little squares of gorgeousness masquerading as cakes. There was a very good selection and we were encouraged to eat as many as we liked.

The whole experience was fabulous. The service was amazing and the food and drink were equally good.

Ruth tells me that the ladies conveniences were rather undersized, both in terms of cubicle size and total number of cubicles. Although small, they were very nice

The cost of the teas was 34.50 each, including the champagne.

Definitely a place to return to.