A Renovation Worthy of Admiration
Stepping into the Theatre Royal on Drury Lane after its remarkable £66 million renovation by Andrew Lloyd Webber is like entering a realm of decadence and luxury. The grandeur of expansive marble floors, captivating busts and sculptures depicting literary greats such as Shakespeare, and paintings befitting the Royal Academy, transports visitors to a world of refined elegance. With a bar that rivals the Theatre’s Royal Box and a terrace overlooking Covent Garden, complemented by chandeliers reminiscent of those seen in episodes of Bridgerton, this extraordinary transformation leaves visitors in awe.
The Lane’s Regency Afternoon Tea
Amidst this architectural splendour, The Lane offers a culinary masterpiece that surpasses being merely part of history — the Regency Afternoon Tea. This exquisite collection and collaboration of sweet treats, savoury delicacies, and an unrivalled tea selection make for an unparalleled experience. Indulge in bitesize English crumpets topped with Earl Grey-infused crème fraîche and smoked salmon — an absolute delight for salmon enthusiasts.
The Regency Afternoon Tea at The Lane introduces its newest summer variation, featuring savoury madeleines with whipped English feta and pickled carrots — a unique take on the traditional British pie. Highlighting their commitment to honouring fresh British cuisine, The Lane’s menu is designed to evolve and adapt through the seasons. One cannot overlook the Coronation Chicken Pie with caramelised onion chutney — a true reason to visit. As the incredibly attentive staff revealed, there are plans to introduce mushroom and steak variations in the future, leaving guests eager for return visits.
The Artistry of Lily Vanilli: A Chef Extraordinaire
While the delectable creations at The Lane are enchanting, the true star of the show is Lily Vanilli — an elegant and decadent chef whose skill matches the elegance of her treats. Warm fruit scones, accompanied by jam and cream, offer a delightful burst of flavour. The fluffy vanilla cake filled with passionfruit and buttercream becomes an instant hit, especially during the summer months. However, the miniature sticky toffee pudding, filled with a luscious custard centre, drizzled in salted caramel, and crowned with crunchy caramel popcorn, stands out as a personal favourite — a delicacy that demands multiple servings. For those who prefer a sweet indulgence, Lily Vanilli’s summer menu at The Lane is nothing short of extraordinary.
Rare Tea Company Blends and Bespoke Fine China
To complement the tea experience, The Lane presents a wide selection of teas from the esteemed Rare Tea Company. Served on bespoke fine china designed by Kit and Willow Kemp, the tea service is elevated to new heights. Inspired by illustrations of costume designs from iconic ballet performances, pantomimes, operas, and Edwardian musical comedies, the china celebrates mythical characters and pays homage to the rich history of the theatre. For enthusiasts of theatre, history, and bespoke chinaware, the option to purchase these evocative pieces ensures a lasting memento of this experience.
The Lane’s Regency Afternoon Tea is more than just an Instagram-worthy event — it is an experience to be enjoyed, much like enjoying a theatre performance from the King’s Box.
To discover more, visit: thelane.co.uk
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All imagery courtesy of Theatre Royal Drury Lane.