16-05-2025
Why The Montagu Kitchen's Far East-inspired tea is worth the trip
The Montagu Kitchen at Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill has unveiled the latest destination in its travel-inspired afternoon tea series and this time, it's heading east.
Launched on May 1, the newly themed Asian afternoon tea offers diners a refined and flavour-packed culinary journey through the Far East, with the kind of polished presentation and thoughtful details you'd expect from a five-star hotel.
From the outset, the experience feels immersive.
Personalised touches and global flavours define this standout London tea (Image: Holly Brencher) Guests are welcomed with a symbolic boarding pass, a chilled towel, and a refreshing drink, setting the tone for a leisurely escape from the bustle of London.
The dining room itself is calm and elegant, with a stylish, uncluttered atmosphere.
During our visit, it was notably uncrowded, which was a welcome change from many of the city's packed tearooms.
Curated by executive chef Carlo Martino and his team, the menu celebrates Asian ingredients with a clever British twist.
Savouries include a soft and flavourful pork belly and kimchi bao bun, a well-balanced duck bánh mì, a spiced Bombay sandwich, and a delicately crisp prawn paniyaram.
Pork belly bao and duck bánh mì steal the savoury spotlight (Image: Holly Brencher) Each dish is neatly presented and packed with character, offering a satisfying range of textures and tastes.
The sweet course arrives in a handcrafted luggage box, tying neatly into the jet-set theme.
Highlights include a rich and surprisingly balanced chocolate and miso lucky cat, a fragrant sakura and cherry blossom cake, and a vibrant green pandan sponge.
Sweet treats arrive in a handcrafted luggage box, rich with detail (Image: Holly Brencher) Even the scones — a non-negotiable in any afternoon tea — come with an exotic twist, served with papaya and mango jam, as well as the classic strawberry and clotted cream option.
Elegant sweets reflect the tea's travel theme and refined execution (Image: Holly Brencher) Equally impressive is the extensive tea selection, featuring rare blends and inventive flavours.
During our visit, we sampled three varieties.
The lychee snow flowering was delicate and floral, with marigold and jasmine notes that paired beautifully with the desserts.
The rooibos tiramisu offered something richer, with soft hints of coffee, chocolate, and vanilla, resembling a dessert in liquid form.
To finish, a brisk and cooling peppermint tea provided the perfect digestive — strong, cleansing and refreshingly simple.
Thoughtful extras like personalised luggage tags and a Polaroid photo add to the experience, giving diners a souvenir to remember their 'journey.'
Guests receive a Polaroid keepsake to remember their tea journey (Image: Holly Brencher) At £65 per person, including unlimited tea and coffee, the experience offers excellent value given the attention to detail and high-quality ingredients.
Champagne, rosé, or non-alcoholic sparkling upgrades are available from £75 to £85.
The Montagu Kitchen's latest offering is more than a meal — it's a well-crafted afternoon escape through flavour, culture, and presentation.
For those seeking an elevated tea experience with an international flair, this is one stop on the London afternoon tea trail that's worth booking a ticket for.
