‘Afternoon tea at the Playboy Club; they do that?’ The answer is yes, they do, and it’s a great place to go for a new twist on the classic treat..
The Playboy Club and its Bunnies aren’t usually what you would associate with such an English past time, however the mix of a traditional English custom with American glamour actually works surprisingly well.
Stepping into Salvatore’s bar, the only part of the club open to non-members, feels like stepping into an episode of Mad Men. Big leather chairs, subdued lighting and laid back funky soul all add to the relaxed atmosphere. Then of course there are the Bunnies, who along with the famous tails and ears are friendly, attentive and most importantly, never let your glass run dry.
Despite concerns that the only women in the venue would be wearing corsets and ears, the venue attracts a surprisingly wide mix of people, from the expected groups of business folk, to couples and mixed groups of friends.
The experience starts with a choice of five tea-based cocktails to suit every taste, including a non-alcoholic version. The Floral Teapot is like drinking honey; light, floral (as the name would suggest) and utterly addictive. The Spicy Teapot is equally delicious with a lemongrass and cardamom zing, perfect to cut through the rich desserts.
The food is plentiful and varied, from Roast beef baguette to Salmon, chive and onion cream cheese blinis, to gooey macaroons and Guinness and chocolate cupcakes with chocolate butter cream, popping candy and of course bunny ears (because what’s a cupcake without bunny ears?!).
At £30 a head, there’s more than enough food to satisfy most appetites.
The Playboy Club has surprisingly more to offer than what meets the eye and its great twist on the usual afternoon tea makes for an unusual new day out with the girls, post work or pre-theatre drinks. So if you want to feel like you’ve just stepped off your Hollywood set after being serenaded by Frank Sinatra, this is the place to be.
Afternoon tea is served between 5 and 7pm Tuesday’s to Friday’s.
14 Old Park Lane, London W1K 1ND
To book email reservations@playboyclublondon.com or call 0207 514 9000
Words by Kat Lear
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