On June 10th each year, every Langham Hotel serves afternoon tea for the same price it was back in 1865 to commemorate the opening of its first Grand Hotel. That price was one shilling, six pence, which is approximately 15 cents today. This year, a celebratory 100-Year Anniversary Tea was held by The Langham Huntington, Pasadena on June 10, 2014, at 1865 pricing and to feature pastries inspired by the jewelry collection of one the hotel’s early co-owners, the glamorous Arabella “Belle” Huntington. Belle Huntington’s famous jewels were purchased in 1926 by acclaimed jeweler Harry Winston, and they continue to inspire luxury pieces today.
And what a regal event it was! I’ve been to many tea houses across Southern California, usually the highlight is enjoying the company of friends and family and noshing on sweet eats and treats is secondary. But the highlight of the of t the Langham’s Afternoon Tiffin Tea is the definitely the food — it’s exquisite, each bite is absolutely mouthwatering and delectable, leaving you yearning for more! It’s surprisingly affordable too, prices are comparable to other more humble local venues, at $39 per person, or $56 per person with Champagne.
[A beautiful presentation of savory and sweet eats from the Anniversary Tea spread, see full menu below]
[The sweet treats pictured above were so beautiful we didn’t want to eat them!]
[We were greeted by the host and hostess above in traditional English attire dating back 100 years]
[Belle Huntington’s famous jewelry collection were the inspiration for many of the pastry designs]
Tiffin Afternoon Tea – This selection is available daily at the Langham Pasadena Lobby Lounge.
Your Choice of Tea
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A selection of finger sandwiches:
Cucumber & Watercress, Mascarpone Mousse, Crispy Shallots, on Squaw Bread
Asian Pear on Potato Bread, Blue Cheese Mousse, Toasted Pistachios Raspberry
Smoked Salmon Profiterole with Caramelized Shallot Caper Cream, Dill Sprig & Caviar
Ham & Egg, Proscuitto de Parma, Green Onion, Red Pepper on Potato Peppercorn Bread
Watercress Pesto Marinated Caribbean Shrimp on Herb Garlic Bread with Cilantro & Lemon Zest
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Selection of warm scones with Devonshire clotted cream and lemon curd
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A selection of French pastries and specialty sweets:
Checkerboard Cookie
Passion Apricot Cone
Crème Brulée Tart
French Macarons
Chocolate White Café Torte
Strawberry Pistachio Gateau
Chocolate Raspberry Financier Cupcake
Orange Cranberry Tea Bread
Tiffin at The Langham is served Monday through Saturday from 12:00pm to 4:00pm.
Royal Tiffin Tea
$56 per person (includes Champagne)
$28 per child under 12
$14 per child under 3
Traditional Tiffin Tea
$39 per person
$19 per child under 12
$9 per child under 3
1401 S Oak Knoll Ave, Pasadena, CA 91106