Step into 108 Pantry’s Quintessentially British Afternoon Tea Experience

108 pantry is an inviting, modern and chic Marylebone dining space and there’s no better place to experience Quintessentially British afternoon tea.  If you are anything like me I am always on the search for the perfect afternoon tea as an opportunity to catch up with friends for a birthday celebration, a baby shower, or wedding shower…’Here Comes the Bride’!

108 Pantry perfect for any of these occasions and is located in The Marylebone Hotel’s Edwardian townhouse and you’re immediately greeted with a warm atmosphere, comfy and colourful sofas and distinctly vintage green decor.

The Marylebone Hotel belongs to the Doyle Collection.  Stemming from the Irish family ownership of the Doyle and Beatty families whose origins go back 50 years, the company was founded by well-known Irish hotelier Pascal Doyle.  108 Pantry exudes a personality which celebrates its neighbourhood, in chic and trendy Marylebone which is immersed in classy, independent and well known brands – you will be tempted to shop…don’t say I didn’t warn you!

There is nothing better than walking through a beautiful English Country Garden with the smell and array of colours captivating your every sense.  Walking into 108 Pantry Marylebone there was a sense of peace just like being around autumn nature.  As we walked through the Edwardian style doors, on display was the cutest grass meadow serving boards and under a glass cake stand, the most mouth-watering layered cake.

Greeted warmly by our host – a friendly, well-versed waiter, we were taken to our table – a very comfortable half moon style sofa in a beautiful deep red.  Created by Executive Chef Russell Ford and Pastry Chef Moinal Islam, the English Country Garden high tea offers a classic or gluten free experience, with dairy free options available alongside traditional afternoon tea favourites such as classic scones, mouth-watering pastries and quintessential sandwiches.

I love to explore and couldn’t help myself in such a delightful restaurant, and while wandering around, I noticed the most delightful cakes, macaroons and tempting pastries.  Heading to the powder room I glimpsed a vintage style branded 108 Pantry bicycle, which even included a flowered filled basket on the front.  The setting was most definitely reminiscent of an English Country Garden.

Heading back to my table the experience started with cold glass of English sparkling wine from the most beautiful vintage glass.  Loving a good story the waiter gave us the background to the wines on offer, recommending the ‘Balfour’ wine as the man behind the brand named his wines after family members.  We got to enjoy the ‘Leslie’s Reserve’ which had been named after his wife.  Truly heart-warming.

Designed to capture the four British seasons, the new Autumn menu sandwiches included Coronation chicken tartlet, Smoked salmon served on Guinness bread; Truffled Brie with Jerusalem artichoke crisp, and my favourite, the Dorset crab crumpet Apple with watercress.  These were served alongside Pear and Cardamon and Plain homemade scones served with irresistible Devonshire clotted cream and strawberry jam.

Tea was provided courtesy of The Rare Tea Company – an independent London tea company.  Founded in 2004, they source the world’s best tea.  The tea choices were English breakfast sourced from India and Malawi – the flavour had depth floral in nature and light.  The second choice China White Leaf (White Peony) my favourite fragrance note and flower – the flavour was delicate and sweet with a hint of apricot.

Afternoon Tea was served impressively with grass meadow serving boards, terracotta pots, edible flowers, fork and spade-fashioned cutlery and surroundings adorned in freshly cut lavender.

108 Pantry’s English Country Garden Afternoon Tea captures the true essence of an English garden afternoon experience with rare teas, a choice of menus (both classic and gluten free), mouth-watering sweets and traditional English sparkling wine.  Pure indulgence in a stylish pantry in the very heart of Marylebone.

Click here for more info 108 Brasserie.