There are moments in London when the everyday folds away, and you’re swept into a story — and for our contributing writer, Adele Cardani, stepping into the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane for The Great Gatsby: Only Afternoon Tea! was one of those moments.
Step Into 1920s Glamour in Mayfair
Tucked into the grandeur of Mayfair, opposite Green Park, this five-star Art Deco gem has partnered with The Great Gatsby: A New Musical — currently dazzling audiences at the London Coliseum — to offer a deliciously theatrical spin on afternoon tea. As a lifelong lover of Fitzgerald’s tale of hope and hedonism, I couldn’t resist the call of champagne coupes, flapper flourishes, and a Palm Court that looked plucked straight from a Baz Luhrmann dream.
From the moment I entered the Grade II-listed Palm Court — all gleaming brass, mirrored walls, and vintage glamour — the 1920s unfolded around me. The Jazz Age ambience was more than just aesthetic; it felt like Gatsby had personally invited me for tea.
A Menu Inspired by Fitzgerald’s Jazz Age
The menu reads like a love letter to the characters and decadence of the era. My savoury selection arrived with flair: a delicate smoked salmon tart with cucumber pearls and dill crème, a truffle-filled ‘East Egg’ salad sandwich, and the moreish Gatsby Club, layered with roast chicken and pancetta. Every bite told a story — a nod to the novel’s rich symbolism, translated with culinary finesse.
Then came the sweets, which were pure theatre. The Lemon & ‘Jazz-mine’ Meringue Pie was a zesty, cloud-like delight, while Daisy’s Tropical Choux exploded with exotic fruit crème and glossy passionfruit glaze. The indulgent Gatsby Forest Gâteau, soaked in kirsch and cloaked in dark chocolate, was also a show-stopper in its own right.
Raise a Glass to Gatsby at Sheraton Grand London Park Lane
Naturally, it wouldn’t be tea without scones, and they didn’t disappoint: warm, crumbly, and served with clotted cream and sweet preserves, alongside an impressive selection of fine teas. But for those channeling Gatsby himself? A glass of Champagne is a non-negotiable — and entirely worth the upgrade.
Complementing the tea is a collection of themed cocktails that feel lifted from one of Gatsby’s legendary soirées. I began with the Green Light Martini, a fresh and herbaceous mix of chive- and mint-infused gin with cucumber Lillet — symbolic and beautifully balanced. The Gatsby Gold Rush, bold with WhistlePig Rye and kumquat cordial, hits deeper notes, while the Flapper’s Fizz — raspberry and Champagne in a dainty coupe — is the epitome of playful sophistication. For those steering clear of alcohol, Daisy’s Delight, a sparkling floral mocktail, ensures no guest misses out on the decadence.
From Palm Court to the London Coliseum
Of course, the main event awaits just a 20-minute stroll (or swift tube ride) away at the London Coliseum. The Great Gatsby is a theatrical spectacle, directed by Marc Bruni and choreographed by Dominique Kelley, with a must-see cast including Jamie Muscato, Frances Mayli McCann, Corbin Bleu, and Amber Davies. This production sings with modern heart and golden-age glamour — much like the tea that precedes it.
It’s rare to find a hotel experience that so seamlessly extends the atmosphere of the theatre. At the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane, the narrative begins before the curtain rises — and lingers long after it falls. Whether you’re a dedicated theatregoer or simply craving a little escapism, The Great Gatsby: Only Afternoon Tea! is a decadent dive into the world of old money, lost love, and timeless elegance.
And as I stepped back into the present — from jazz back to June — I couldn’t help but hear Fitzgerald’s words echo in my mind: “So we beat on…” Yes, we do — but not without a martini in hand and a scone for the road!
The Great Gatsby: Only Afternoon Tea! is available daily in Palm Court from 16 May to 7 September 2025. Prices start at £65 per person (£85 with Champagne). Cocktails from £19.
For bookings: www.palmcourtlondon.co.uk
For show tickets: www.londongatsby.com
