Langham Afternoon Tea with Wedgwood and How to Make a Perfect Cup of (British) Tea
Langham Afternoon Tea with Wedgwood in Pasadena is a definite must when you’re in Los Angeles. You don’t have to travel 6000 miles for a British afternoon tea experience.
When you live in a country other than the one where you grew up, there are things you definitely miss from home.
The Langham Huntington, Pasadena hosted me for afternoon tea in exchange for a review. As always, all opinions are my own.
As an expat Brit, I can tell you that we miss things like the real Cadbury’s chocolates that we used to have as children. Marks & Spencer (a department store) and the smell of freshly cut grass (it’s different than in the US) are two other examples.
We miss fish and chips with loads of vinegar, pickled onions and HP Sauce. And we miss afternoon tea. Luckily, we can do something about a few of these issues. Having family send us those beloved chocolates and going for afternoon tea at places that will not disappoint us are a couple of cures.
There’s just something about the entire experience of going out for tea that can’t be recreated at home, especially when it’s a special treat like afternoon tea at a Langham hotel.
Langham Afternoon Tea with Wedgwood
Recently, I joined my friend Cynthia from What a Girl Eats for Langham Afternoon Tea with Wedgwood at The Langham Huntington, Pasadena, and fortunately for us, we’re in very close proximity to this outstanding, historic hotel.
We arrived a little early for our reservation, and I immediately felt relaxed in the luxurious surroundings. How can one not feel relaxed here? We chatted in the elegant lobby before before going in for tea.
The Langham Huntington Lobby
We were seated in the beautiful, airy lounge and asked if we’d like an aperitif to begin the service. We each decided to have a Kir Royale, and it was the perfect way to begin our afternoon! You can find out exactly how to make a Kir Royale at home from Cynthia.
We perused the Langham Afternoon Tea with Wedgwood menu and made our tea selections. Soon our tray was served to us, our teas were being poured and we began to enjoy all the incredible creations set before us. Our server was excellent from beginning to end, she even put on her photographer hat for us!
I was especially impressed with the fact that when Cynthia advised the server that she couldn’t eat a certain food, the server wanted to know how severe her reaction would be. Having a daughter with life-threatening allergies has taught me that this kind of service is not only crucial, but often rare. I was elated that the wait staff took the information seriously and handled it as conscientiously.
There were 17 teas to choose from, which included Langham house blends and black teas (as well as flavored black teas). As you might guess, I’m pickier than most about my tea, so I was happy that the English Breakfast was strong and hot, and tasted really good.
The Wedgwood China
Did you notice the beautiful Wedgwood china? I know it’s not really polite, but I just had to turn a plate over to peek, and guess what?
It’s Langham’s own Wedgwood pattern! In 1865, the original Langham in London was named the first “Grand Hotel”, and now there are many more in Asia, North America and Australia. The reputation of quality in the Langham name speaks for itself, as does Wedgwood. It is my own favorite china brand–you’ll see it in some of my recipes like this cream of mushroom soup.
As for the food, Cynthia and I were impressed at the variety of finger sandwiches, miniature desserts, and more.
We were served finger sandwiches such as chicken salad with orange and cranberry on White Bread. Ham & egg, and Prosciutto di Parma, green onion, red pepper on potato peppercorn bread was another choice. Smoked salmon on sourdough with caramelized shallot caper cream with caviar was a third. They were all assembled to perfection, and most importantly–were delicious.
I definitely had some favorites out of the array of desserts which we were served. At the top of my list was the chocolate praline mousse cup, which is in the center of the photo above. It wasn’t too sweet and it had a dark chocolate flavor, along with half a raspberry which was adorned with gold leaf.
I was hesitant about the cream puffs as I was unsure of its pink filling, but it too, was wonderful. The afternoon tea scones were all devoured, by the way.
The passion apricot cone was very unique and we loved the presentation. The only disappointment was the macaron, as it crumbled apart when I took a bite. However, with all the other French-style pastries on the tray, we were definitely not lacking for sweets.
The Langham Huntington’s Gardens
Eventually, after our leisurely tea, we gathered ourselves for a walk around the property. The Langham Pasadena’s grounds are nothing short of stunning, as you can see from the view out of the lounge window.
We left completely satiated and relaxed, but wondering when the next time would be that we would return!
And now for that link on how to prepare the perfect cup of British tea. I specifically say, British, because there are some teas which should not be prepared using boiling water.
How to Make a Perfect Cup of British Tea
If you are fortunate to live in the Southern California area, or near one of the other Langham hotels, afternoon tea is a lovely escape from our daily schedules. It really is a wonderful de-stressor and a gift card would be an absolutely perfect present for Mother’s Day.
I’m looking forward to going back to The Langham very soon, maybe next time for dinner!
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Disclosure: I received the Langham Afternoon Tea with Wedgwood in exchange for a review without conditions. As always, all opinions are my own; I am disclosing this in compliance with FTC regulations.
Langham Afternoon Tea with Wedgwood
I love any chance to enjoy afternoon tea! When I travel, I always try to find a place that serves tea and the Langham Huntington looks like the perfect place to spend the afternoon. Thanks for sharing your experience with us!
Me too! I love the experience of afternoon tea, Ashley! Thank YOU! CC
And I have just added experiencing a proper afternoon tea to my travel/culinary bucket list! How beautiful this all was! :) Every detail was so immaculate.
Oh my goodness, definitely, Carrie! It’s really a wonderful experience! CC
I just had their beautiful tea with my parents and we all loved it. The sandwiches were our favorite. Such a lovely place for tea. Your photos make me want to go back tomorrow. Great job.
Thank you, Cathy! I think it’s wonderful that you were able to enjoy the Langham Hotel Afternoon Tea with Wedgwood with your parents! What lovely memories you’ll all have from that day! CC
This is GORGEOUS! What a beautiful place and the perfect Afternoon Tea! You did a fabulous job of capturing your experience and I’ve made a note of the Langham to include in a future visit, thank you!
So happy to hear this! Wonderful, Kimberly…you’ll fall in love! CC
Lucky us here in Buffalo. It’s a ten minute drive to Canada to get real Cadbury’s, real tea, etc. Plus our Wegman’s has all that too. Even some of our local convenience stores carry Coffee Crisp. But I love reading your essays (better than posts)!
You ARE extremely lucky, Jean! It’s really hard when you have to do without so many things you miss! Thank you for your lovely compliment! I’m so happy that you enjoy my writing! Have a great week! CC
I’ve always wanted to visit the Langham, it’s a stunning hotel. It seems that they’ve gotten the afternoon down very well. I don’t usually enjoy the tea that is served most places because it’s never strong enough and usually tastes ‘woody’, but I’m glad to hear they have good tea and good china too. Well done to them and thank you for sharing this, it looks like you all had a lovely time. You’re so right about the grass too! :)
Oh Janette, you are really missing out! You need to make the trek to Pasadena to visit the Langham Huntington! The photos don’t do it justice, and I’m so glad you agree about the grass! :) CC
What a lovely afternoon in beautiful Pasadena having tea with ladies! So pretty there and the teas, finger sandwiches and sweets all look so special (right out of my Tea Time magazine!). :)
You are so right, Cristina! You might very well see this afternoon tea in that magazine! Thanks so much! CC
I want to move right in…that place is spectacular, and I had a wonderful time with you, Christina!
I’m with you, Sue! I don’t think I’d have one minute of stress! ;)