T H E O R I G I N S O F A F T E R N O O N T E A

It might seem like a classic English institution, but afternoon tea is actually a relatively modern invention.

Tea drinking itself, of course, dates back much further – we can trace it back as far as the third millennium BC in China, before it was eventually

popularised in England during the 1660s by King Charles II – but it was not until much later, in the mid-19th century,

that the tradition of afternoon tea was born.

We have a duchess to thank for its eventual appearance: Anna, seventh Duchess of Bedford. In the Duchess’ era, the evening meal

was served at the fashionable hour of 8pm… a long time after lunch! The Duchess requested that a pot of tea, some bread and butter and cake were brought to her room late in the afternoon. The habit stuck,

and she began inviting friends to join her.

Society caught on to this idea and took it up with enthusiasm, turning it into a fashionable indulgence that has endured to the present day.

Illustration of The Georgian restaurant in Harrods Food News, 1924

H I S T O R Y O F T H E H A R R O D S T E A R O O M S

During the building of the Hans Road side of Harrods in 1909-1911, a new restaurant was planned, high up on the Fourth Floor. It was

completed in 1911, the year of George V’s coronation, and was named The Georgian in honour of the new king.

When it opened, the sheer scale of the restaurant amazed customers: “The largest restaurant in London, seating 1,200 persons at a time...

A charming place for lunch or tea.” – The Times, 29th May 1911.

Just after the First World War, The Georgian was famous for its tea dances. Under the direction of Miss Harding, for a fee of five

shillings, customers could try out the latest dance steps on the restaurant’s sprung dance floor (now hidden under the carpet).

In 1928, the classical Georgian-style interior was lightened by the insertion of an Art Deco skylight with ornamental wrought ironwork and plasterwork frieze of stylised ferns and fountains.

Between the wars, The Georgian was famous for its regimental dinners. Few restaurants in London could accommodate such a large

numbers of guests – the annual Royal Engineers’ Dinner, for instance, had more than 800 people attending.

In 2014, The Georgian underwent a spectacular refurbishment by designer Christopher Guy, complete with his distinctive furniture. Finally, in 2018, as part of Harrods’ Taste Revolution, The Harrods

Tea Rooms as we see them today came to be – with a magnificent tree in the centre, a new cake table at the entrance and a fine patisserie section

all creating an elegant yet welcoming atmosphere.

The Harrods Tea Rooms has priced its afternoon tea for a per person price therefore we are unable to provide a sharing experience. These products may contain nuts; please inform your waiter if you have a food allergy. A discretionary service charge of 10% will be added to your bill. Of this, 97% is paid to our restaurant and kitchen staff. The remainder is used to cover card fees, bank charges and other direct

costs; Harrods will make no profit from this charge. VAT is charged at the applicable rate. Harrods monitors suppliers and does not knowingly serve dishes containing genetically modified ingredients.

A F T E R N O O N T E A

£59 per person

S A N D W I C H S E L E C T I O N

Sliced cucumber and mascarpone cream with freshly cracked pink pepperCacklebean farm egg mayonnaise served in a brioche roll with mustard cress

Faroe Island smoked salmon with lemon cream cheese and dillPackington farm coronation chicken with cucumber raita

‘The King George’ salt beef with pickles and mustardLine caught tuna mayonnaise with capers, chive and lemon

PAT I S S E R I E S E L E C T I O N

Caramelised apple tartCaramelised apple compote, crème patisserie and a spiced frangipane

Coconut and lime petit gateauxLime curd, coconut Chantilly, coconut ganache with a vanilla sponge and sablé

Raspberry cheesecakeCrisp biscuit base, raspberry compote and a cream cheese and vanilla mousse

Harrods signature Harrods-English-Breakfast-infused milk chocolate mousse,

milk panna cotta, milk jam and a malt biscuit

F R E S H LY B A K E D S C O N E SPlain and raisin scones, clotted cream and Harrods jam

T E A

A wide variety of teas carefully selected by our in-house Tea Tailor

A D D A G L A S S O F C H A M PA G N E

O R S PA R K L I N G W I N E ( 1 2 5 M L ) Harrods Premier Cru NV £15 Harrods Rosé Brut NV £17

Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut NV £16 Perrier-Jouët Blason Rosé NV £21

Nyetimber Classic Cuvée sparkling wine, England NV £12 So Jennie Paris non-alcoholic sparkling wine £6

Vegetarian and gluten-free afternoon-tea options are also available; please ask your server for details

H A R R O D S F I N E T E A S

“Harrods Teas are of such excellence that over exclusive tea tables they are a subject of mutual congratulation and, in more homely circles,

an inexpensive luxury that no-one need forego!” (Harrods Catalogue, 1929)

For Harrods, it all started with tea. In 1834, Charles Henry Harrod began trading as a tea dealer and grocer in London’s East End, before opening a

store in Knightsbridge in 1849.

Selling and serving the finest teas remains a core part of Harrods’ heritage. Over the centuries, we have preserved the visionary spirit of our founder

by maintaining exacting standards and stocking only the finest teas in the world.

All teas come from the same plant, camellia sinensis, with different varietals according to the region of provenance. Classification – white, green, blue (oolong) or black – is determined by how the leaves are picked

and processed. Every stage of this complex operation contributes to the final taste (though the main difference is created by the oxidation level

applied to the leaves).

The end result in your cup represents thousands of miles travelled across the globe, and centuries of skill.

B L A C K T E A S

Black tea is fully oxidised and was originally created not more than three centuries ago to preserve the quality of tea shipments during the long journey

across the sea from China to Western Europe. It is the most popular type of tea served in the UK, traditionally enjoyed

with a splash of milk.

No. 16 Afternoon Ceylon Special BlendDIMBULA (SRI LANKA)

Using leaves picked in the prime months of August and February, this blend combines high- and medium-elevation teas from the pristine Dimbula region of Sri Lanka. TASTING NOTES: subtle sweet, medium-bodied

No. 18 The Georgian Restaurant Blend ASSAM (INDIA), DARJEELING (INDIA), DIMBULA (SRI LANKA)

A famous Harrods classic created for The Georgian restaurant, this house blend brings together Assam for body, Darjeeling for flavour and Ceylon for fragrance. TASTING NOTES: creamy, full-bodied

No. 42 Harrods Earl Grey ANHUI (CHINA)

Drawing on two centuries of English tradition, this distinctive black tea, infused with a touch of bergamot oil, is Harrods’ most popular and distinctive scented blend. TASTING NOTES: smooth, floral, subtle citrus, medium-bodied

No. 14 Harrods English Breakfast INDIA, SRI LANKA, KENYA

The full-bodied flavours of Assam complement the pungent Kenyan tea and the subtle sweet Ceylon to produce a strong but balanced renowned English breakfast tea. TASTING NOTES: malty, robust, full-bodied

No. 49 Blend 1849ASSAM, DARJEELING, KANGRA VALLEY, NILGIRI, SIKKIM (INDIA)

Created in 1999 to celebrate Harrods’ 150th anniversary, this blend encapsulates the flavour of India, mixing leaves from five historic tea-growing regions. TASTING NOTES: rich flavour, distinctive aroma, full-bodied

No. 189 Harrods Bari Imperial DARJEELING (INDIA)

From the Harrods tea garden in the Mirik valley of Darjeeling, these sparkling white-tipped leaves are carefully picked in the summer season; when infused, they create a beautiful saffron-orange coloured liquor with a distinctive taste. TASTING NOTES: captivating floral aroma, medium-bodied

B L A C K T E A S ( c o n t i n u e d )

No. 131 Lapsang Souchong FUJIAN (CHINA)

True to the nature of a traditionally smoked black tea, Lapsang Souchong challenges the senses with a strong fragrance. TASTING NOTES: smoky pinewood fragrance, subtle cooling aftertaste

No. 160 Harrods Royal Breakfast Blend ASSAM (INDIA)

This elegant and distinctive limited-edition blend, abundant in fine golden tips, is sourced from the Moran region from one of the best tea estates in the upper Assam. TASTING NOTES: malty, full-bodied

H a r r o d s P r e m i u m E x c l u s i v e C o l l e c t i o n ( l i m i t e d a v a i l a b i l i t y )

No. 163 Hawaiian Black (suppl. £65) HAMAKUA, BIG ISLAND (HAWAII)

Made exclusively for Harrods as a part of its edit of Rare Finds, this organic black tea is grown in the mineral-rich slopes of Big Island, a region in which large-scale tea production is impossible. The leaves are painstakingly hand-picked and pan-fired on an intimate five-acre family-owned farm. Created in 1kg batches, just 12kg of the tea are made each year, making it one of the rarest brews in the world. An unforgettable tasting experience to be reserved for only the most special occasions. TASTING NOTES: Medjool dates, honey, delicate suggestion of nutmeg

O O L O N G T E A S

Oolong (blue tea) is partially oxidised and falls somewhere between black and green tea. Oolong preserves the health benefits of green tea

(antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, etc), but contains less caffeine and tannins.

No. 226 Wen Shan Pouchong TAIPEI (TAIWAN)

Pouchong, meaning ‘wrapped tea’, is produced using an ancient paper-wrapping technique to enhance the development of the smooth but intense flavour. It is the greenest type of oolong. TASTING NOTES: floral, smooth, buttery

No. 223 Arishan Tai Milky Oolong (suppl. £4)CHIAYI (TAIWAN)

The most famous of the flavoured oolongs in Harrods’ collection, this tea is processed over milk steam, creating a unique lingering and creamy taste. TASTING NOTES: delicate, sweet, floral, vanilla-milky notes, refreshing aftertaste

No. 224 Tie Guan Yin Supreme (suppl. £8)FUJIAN (CHINA)

Known as the Iron Goddess of Mercy, Tie Guan Yin is one of the most revered Chinese oolongs. Rich and complex, it offers a creamy texture and imparts a lingering sweet aftertaste. TASTING NOTES: white flowers aroma, smooth, creamy

G R E E N T E A S

To make green tea, freshly picked leaves are pan-fired (Chinese method) or steamed ( Japanese method) at a temperature hot enough to inhibit the natural oxidation process and encapsulate in the processed leaves all the richness of the

fresh ones. This ensures distinctive and sophisticated tasting notes with major health benefits due to the preserved high level of antioxidants

and active principles.

No. 129 Jasmine Chun Hao FUJIAN (CHINA)

Smooth and rich whole-leaf green tea flavoured with natural jasmine oils. TASTING NOTES: refreshing, jasmine

No. 109 Genmaicha KAKEGAWA (JAPAN)

This Japanese tea offers a unique and irresistible taste, thanks to its blend of sencha tea leaves and organic roasted brown rice. TASTING NOTES: green freshness, roasted-nutty accents, full-bodied

No. 213 Gyokuro Green (suppl. £5)KAGOSHIMA (JAPAN)

Refreshing and elegant, this ‘shadowed’ green tea offers a vibrant and sweet liquor with a seductive and unique umami flavour. TASTING NOTES: mild, grassy, hint of green apples and pears

No. 210 Superior Sencha SHIZUOKA (JAPAN)

This premium sencha has soft and well-shaped emerald-green leaves with a needle appearance. Offers a refreshing cup with a delicate astringency. TASTING NOTES: marine, vegetal, grassy

H a r r o d s P r e m i u m E x c l u s i v e C o l l e c t i o n ( l i m i t e d a v a i l a b i l i t y )

No. 214 Hawaiian Green (suppl. £65)HAMAKUA, BIG ISLAND (HAWAII)

A connoiseur’s favourite, this green tea is produced exclusively for Harrods. With a high level of antioxidants, a vibrant and harmonious character and subtle astringency, this organic orthodox tea is an indulgent delight for fine palates. TASTING NOTES: vegetal, sweet floral, delicate fennel and anise

W H I T E T E A S

White tea is the least processed type of tea and requires selective picking of the best young buds. The name is probably derived from the appearance of the fine white ‘down’ on the unopened leaves of the bud. It is the most delicate in taste

and has the most antioxidants.

No. 230 White Peony FUJIAN (CHINA)

Produced by the Heng Yuan Chun tea farm in the mountains outside the city of Fuding, this high-quality white tea is created with the first bud and two leaves from the peony plant; these are hand-selected and delicately dried to create a beautifully natural, unprocessed tea. TASTING NOTES: light, refreshing

No. 235 Yin Zhen Silver Needle FUJIAN (CHINA)

The precious thick silver buds deliver a refreshing, sweet and mellow liquor that is tremendously rich in antioxidants. More than 70,000 buds must be carefully hand-picked to make 1kg. TASTING NOTES: delicately sweet, floral, hint of artichoke

No. 101 Flowering Jasmine & Lily ANHUI (CHINA)

This refreshing tea is not only rich in antioxidants, it’s also a pleasure to the eye when served in a glass teapot. In contact with hot water, the hand-crafted bulb blossoms to reveal beautiful orange lily petals and sweet jasmine flowers. TASTING NOTES: floral, hints of apricot and jasmine

T I S A N E S

No. 112 Camomile Flowers Organically grown in Egypt, this tea is bright with a mellow floral depth of flavour, and delivers soft, refreshingly bitter vegetal complexities in the finish.

No. 55 RoseLight and graceful notes of sweet-edged rose create a refreshingly light, leafy liquor and a perfumed, languid aftertaste.

No. 121 Rooibos This tea possesses a soft, gentle, tangy flavour with a hint of bitter Seville oranges.

W E L L N E S S T E A S

CleanseAn aromatic blend of peppermint, ginger and fennel to aid digestion.

DefenceBlended with moringa, ginger and echinacea – ingredients known to support the body and its natural defences.

RadianceA naturally antioxidant-rich blend of hibiscus, rosehip and berries.

EnergiseAn invigorating blend of cinnamon, bitter orange and stimulating guarana.

UnwindA sumptuous calming and relaxing blend of camomile, lemon balm and lavender.

SootheA delectable and refreshing blend of lemon verbena, ginger and turmeric.

H A R R O D S F I N E T E A S & T H E T E A T A I L O R

Tea is a serious matter, so whether you’re a fan of a spicy blend, lean towards a more floral category, or have yet to discover your perfect brew, the Tea Tailor is

here to help.

The Tea Tailor has selected some of the finest teas in the world for you to enjoy as part of your afternoon tea in The Harrods Tea Rooms.

Here are some classic Tea Tailor combinations to try:

Blackcurrant and Hibiscus Vivid, intense and lively, this fruity infusion is made from whole blackcurrants, berries and hibiscus petals.

Spiced ChaiA distinctive symphony of black tea and spices – from cardamom, clove buds and dried ginger to chilli flakes and red peppercorns.

Moroccan MintThis luxurious blend is a combination of whole peppermint leaves and organic Gunpowder green tea.

Lemongrass & GingerA refreshing blend combining spicy dried ginger with zesty lemongrass.

Peach GreenFruity flavoured green tea with pieces of dried fruits.

Lemongrass & LimeA citrussy, floral green-tea blend with lemongrass, ginger, rhubarb, lime, summer flower petals and a touch of jasmine.

Enjoy the full Tea Tailor experience in the Roastery & Bake Hall.

C O F F E E

All our coffees are carefully brewed using Harrods’ signature coffee blend, the Knightsbridge roast, which is composed of four distinctive coffees:

BRAZIL - pulp natural - brings sweetness, body, chocolate and nutty notes.COLOMBIA - washed - brings sweetness, gentle bitterness, body, caramel and cocoa notes.SUMATRA MADHELING - washed - brings spicy notes, low acidity, thick body, rustic flavours that can often be described as earthy.COSTA RICA - honey process – brings clean base, gentle lingering acidity of melon, low to medium body.

Espresso Single or double

Macchiato Single or double

Latte

Americano

Cappuccino

Iced Americano or latte

Classic lemon iced tea

Harrods Grand Cru hot chocolate

Harrods Grand Cru chocolate mocha

@HARRODSFOOD

B E V E R A G E S & C O C K T A I L S

COCKTAILS £16 each

Kir Royale Harrods Brut Champagne and crème de cassisBellini Harrods Brut Champagne and white peach purée Elderflower or Aperol Spritz Harrods Brut Champagne with elderflower liqueur or Aperol, topped with soda waterStrawberry and Hibiscus Rossini Harrods Brut Champagne with strawberry purée and hibiscus-flower infusion

Pimm’s Cup Pimm’s No. 1, lemonade and traditional garnishEspresso Martini £15 Espresso, vodka and coffee liqueur

C H A M PA G N E & S PA R K L I N G W I N E

Glass 125ml Bottle

Harrods, Premier Cru Brut, France NV £15 £88Harrods, Rosé Brut, France NV £16 £98Villa Marcello, Prosecco Millesimato Brut, Italy 2018 £8 £45Nyetimber, Classic Cuvée Sparkling, England NV £14 £60Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut NV £16 £90Perrier-Jouët Blason Rosé NV £21 £120Perrier-Jouët Blanc de Blancs NV £23 £135Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque Brut 2011 £35 £195Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque Brut 2011 £35 £195Dom Perignon Brut 2008 - £260Krug Grand Cuvee NV - £320

N O N -A L C O H O L I C

Still / sparkling water 330ml £4.50 750ml £6.50

Orange juice, apple juice, cranberry juice £5.50

Luscombe Wild Elderflower Bubbly, Raspberry Crush, Cranberry Crush £6

So Jennie non-alcoholic sparkling wine £6