Where: Chicago, Illinois
Style: Elegant traditional
Tea Selection: 14 loose leaf teas
Teatimes: Saturday to Sunday, 12 to 4
Reservations: Required
Contact: Reserve here
Cost: $150 Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea with Perrier-Jouët; $130 Afternoon Tea
Destination Tea Tips: The Langham creates themed menus throughout the year, so you may like to plan your teas in different seasons to experience new menus. You’ll proceed to the second floor to reach Pavilion off The Langham main lobby. Bring cash to tip the valet if you drive in.
Prices and teatimes are subject to change. Please see our Illinois afternoon tea directory for the latest details.
Destination Tea Notes: Bravissima! Admittedly, our expectations were the highest going into The Langham Chicago, one of only two Langhams that offer an afternoon tea in the U.S. Given that the original Langham London, which opened in 1865, claims to serve “the longest standing afternoon tea in London,” we hoped to experience a proper afternoon tea in every way. It nearly was…save for the fact that we suspected their “Devonshire cream” was not a true clotted cream, and they leave the sachet of loose leaf tea in the teapot. This is a common mistake that even the most upscale venues often make, which we remedied by pulling the tea sachet above the water level.
While the venue is relaxing with a harpist playing, a view of the river (and LondonHouse Chicago across the way, which we also highly recommend) and service is impeccable, the craft and lavishness of the afternoon tea menu elevates this experience to dream status. If you are looking to truly spoil someone, this is the afternoon tea to reserve. Ironic, as Willy Wonka definitely did not abide by spoiled children, and we were here for the last of The Langham’s Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea, an homage to all of the Wonka films. This inspiration was perfectly suited to creating a magical afternoon tea menu for kids of all ages, part of the fun being recalling the referenced movie scenes.
What made this teatime very special was Angela’s guest: author, speaker and food historian Cynthia Clampitt. It was Cynthia’s afternoon tea article in Newcity that led the two to correspond and plan to meet. In her beautifully written review of our teatime, she rightly said, “Among the chiefest joys of any afternoon tea are slowing down, changing focus, and talking—ideally, with those who are with you.” That comment (a quip about our “no cell phones at tea” rule) is so Cynthia, whose wit delights even while it makes you think: “We have two seasons in Chicago: winter and construction.” Having published more than 500 articles and several books, she is a font of food culture knowledge, particularly focused on America’s Heartland. It was a gift to meet her in person. Go here to order Cyntha’s books or invite her to speak at your event – you’ll be glad you did!
Source: The Langham, London
Tea Selection
Scones & Spreads, Savories and Sweets
Of course, we had to finish with a trip to the chocolate waterfall (featuring a dark chocolate and a white chocolate in The Langham pink), where we each dipped our homemade marshmallow, pound cake and fresh strawberry.
If you want to view paradise
Simply look around and view it
Anything you want to, do it
Wanna change the world?
There’s nothing to itThere is no life I know
– Pure Imagination, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, 1971
To compare with pure imagination
Living there you’ll be free
If you truly wish to be
Lovely recreation of a splendid afternoon. And thank you for the kind words about my reporting on the outing. The setting was elegant, food was splendid, the conversation was sparkling. Hope your efforts to expose people to the joys of afternoon tea continue to succeed.
Thank you Cynthia! The conversation was my favorite part of the experience. Grateful that you could meet up. It was a lovely afternoon.