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
What a glorious hotel and fantastic tea! I’m feeling for you now knowing you are an exPat. I’m sure finding a well made cup of British tea is not an easy task. However this looks like the perfect venue to give it a go!
Haha! Thanks for your empathy, Toni–yes, it truly is a glorious hotel! Thanks for stopping by!
I love tea time! This looks like a relaxing and delicious getaway! Especially for Mother’s Day!
Apparently everyone else thinks so too, Murissa–they’re completely booked up for Mother’s Day tea already! It is truly a delicious getaway, that’s the perfect description! CC
Oh, how i LOVE tea. My mum’s mum taught us how to prepare and serve a proper tea. Heaven forbid we’d ever use bagged tea. Alas, tracking down a sterling or bone china strainer proved almost impossible my last visit to the UK. The shopkeepers and many others said they’d gone with mod-cons.
Though I drink PG Tips Special, when my sis visits I pull out the good stuff and we enjoy a civilized visit. I’d better polish a few sterling spoons….tomorrow.
The two places you’ve written about are now on my MUST VISIT on my next trip to LA. Come to think of it, almost all the must see list includes food and drink! Thanks, pc
Thank you so much for your lovely message, pc! I’m so happy I’ve inspired you to visit places that I love myself- it’s wonderful to know that someone else will share the same experience!
I have a tip for you on your next visit to the UK regarding the sterling or bone china strainers: go to charity shops, and boot sales. I think you’d have better luck at a boot sale, and will probably find other “treasures” while you are there. Thanks again and good luck finding your strainer! :) CC
I’m not seeing any of your recipes on my FB did they take them away
Hi Margaret, Facebook loves to hide our posts because they want us to pay :( Usually, when a reader likes and comments a lot, then they will keep the page in their newsfeed (which I know you do) so I’m not understanding why you aren’t seeing my posts. You can go to my page and click the option to follow or get notifications, that might help, but knowing Facebook, they might just be trying some new tactic. So sorry, wish I could do something to help. Good luck! Hope to see you on FB! CC
Hi Christina,
I am back from some much needed R & R and I had to see this post. I do hope that you and your family had a wonderful Easter. I have missed a few of your recipes but will look back when I have a moment. That shrimp dish is calling my name. This particular post is right up my alley. I love tea and love high tea as well. The Langham Huntington, in Pasadena looks so beautiful and regal. A perfect place to enjoy tea with your friends. The china I would expect no better and the way your tea was presented is so ladylike and old fashioned…Just lovely. The food looks awesome all so pretty, you hate to eat it, but I am sure you enjoyed. I just recently had a Kir Royale and loved it. So refreshing…The grounds look so pretty for a leisurely walk. A wonderful day, I am sure that you will remember for a long time. Thank you for sharing…Have a terrific week….
Dottie :)
Hi Dottie! Glad you took a needed rest, we all have to do that once in a while! We had a very nice Easter, and hope you did too! So glad you loved the Langham Afternoon Tea with Wedgwood post…I hope you are able to experience a tea at a Langham sometime! Thanks again and hope you have a lovely rest of the week, too!
Afternoon tea is my favorite and this looks like it was quite an experience. Going on my little tea bucket list! Great photos. Loved reliving this ladylike little experience!
Wonderful! Thank you so much! CC