When it comes to the holidays, there are few cities in the world more merry and bright than London. Famous for its mirthful holiday traditions, the English capital knows how to add a bit of pomp to every circumstance and The Langham London hotel exemplifies the jubilant spirit of the season. Located in the heart of chic and picturesque Marylebone, at the heart of London's West End, The Langham London is quintessentially British and one of London's most storied and historically significant landmarks. With a history dating back to 1865, The Langham London has hosted some of the world's most prominent figures and recognizable names, including Oscar Wilde, Mark Twain, Diana – Princess of Wales, and more recently, pop starlets Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift.
Prominently positioned on a stately corner, the Langham London is home to two marvelous restaurants that represent the best of London’s culinary scene, the highly buzzed about Roux at the Landau and the perennially elegant and historic Palm Court. For sophisticated food enthusiasts looking for a special way to celebrate the holidays, both Roux at the Landau and the Palm Court have created two culinary experiences designed to impress the most festive of foodies.
Palm Court at The Langham London holds the distinction of being the birthplace of the most British of rituals, afternoon tea. Throughout the holiday season and into the new year Palm Court is featuring a deliciously indulgent afternoon tea in collaboration with the iconic brand and West End neighbor, Liberty London. A celebration of Victorian heritage and 21st century innovation, the Festive Afternoon Tea is an all-encompassing visual and culinary experience complete with trees decorated in partnership with Liberty London gracing the Palm Court entrance. The one-of-a-kind trees are uniquely decorated with a palette of purple, white and gold with ornaments referencing the carved wooden animals that adorn the balustrades of the iconic Liberty store. It is the food however that takes center stage at this very special tea.
As is tradition, the tea begins with a glass of champagne and continues with a selection of fine teas and an array of seasonal savories, including classic combinations such as roast turkey with apricot and marjoram stuffing on cranberry bread and smoked salmon with whipped Brie de Meaux on beetroot bread. Those opting for the more elaborate High Tea service may choose between local supplier, La Latteria’s burratina with radicchio and hazelnuts, a quiche made with fresh Dorset crab, or a delectable venison sausage roll. As if that weren’t enough, the tea continues with with an assortment of sweets that are the highlight of the meal. Inspired by the idea of purity, the freshest of ingredients are central to the preparation of each dish––think Madagascan vanilla and fresh fruits from the South of France. The tea concludes with the presentation of Palm Court’s famous patisserie and fresh, light-as-air scones served with clotted cream and Langham’s housemade jam––which can be purchased as a very special holiday souvenir. Guests have the option to choose between the lighter Afternoon Tea or High Tea, which is an ideal pre-theatre dining option or suitable alternative to a late lunch.
The festivities continue with a New Year’s Eve celebration at The Langham's freshly revamped restaurant, Roux at The Landau. The glamorous and refined space, designed by award-winning London-based interior architect David Collins is the setting for an elegant celebratory tasting dinner in the restaurant's main dining room. Complete with jazz music and elegant holiday-themed decor, New Year's Eve at Roux at the Landau is one of the best places in town to welcome 2019 in style.
The highlight of the night is a very special New Year's Eve menu created by renowned chefs Michel Roux and Nicolas Pasquier. The masterfully curated feast is comprised of simple yet refined dishes prepared using classic French cooking methods and only the best seasonal ingredients. The 7-course dinner can be served with an optional wine pairing and begins with a selection of canapés before indulging in a sensational multi-course menu that includes dishes such as Orkney scallop carpaccio served with Meyer lemon and cauliflower, quail and foie gras ballotine with Jerusalem artichoke and black truffle, poached native lobster, fregola, sauce ‘chateâu-chalon’ and roast saddle of venison.
Reservations for both the Festive Afternoon Tea at Palm Court and New Year's Eve dinner at Roux at the Landau can be made online at www.langhamhotels.com
