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What could be more quintessentially English than afternoon tea? A great location helps, and they don\u2019t come much more iconic than London\u2019s Covent Garden. Add a little French je ne sais quoi and one is looking at a rather delicious package.<\/p>\n
Covent Garden was buzzing with life before it became such a tourist hub. The central square is often called “Covent Garden Piazza” and was designed in 1630. A produce market started, and 200 years later the present market hall was built. These days Covent Garden is popular with street performers, and visitors looking for antiques and London souvenirs.<\/p>\n
The story of the famous Parisian tea is part of the Ladure\u0301e family legacy. It started 1862, when Louis Ernest Ladure\u0301e created a bakery in Paris. Now, Ladure\u0301e has a prime location in ![\"laduree](\"https:\/\/www.mostlyfood.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/laduree-11-web.jpg\")
Covent Garden at 1 The Market. The ground floor terrace has a spectacular view of the area\u2019s magnificent architecture as well as those who have come to enjoy this picturesque and historic neighbourhood \u2013 people-watching is, after all, an international pastime.<\/p>\n
Ladure\u0301e has a chic patisserie on the ground floor of its property. It tempts with ranks of their celebrated macarons as well as other beautifully presented pastries; patrons wait to have gift boxes filled with sweet delights. But those who are looking for a treat for themselves will head upstairs for afternoon tea.<\/p>\n
Afternoon tea in England has a formula. Ideally there should be a three-tier stand with finger sandwiches on the bottom plate, and scones and in this case, macarons, in the centre. The crowning glory is usually the array of cakes and pastries on top, and Ladure\u0301e do it well.<\/p>\n
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Rose Religieuse Generous is a regal fancy of delicate rose custard cream and raspberry. Its pastel pink exterior is appealing to those ladies who enjoy the refined tradition of afternoon tea. Plaisir Sucr\u00e9 is made with chocolate lovers in mind. Dacquoise Cake with hazelnuts, praline and milk chocolate, topped with milk chocolate whipped cream, will gladden the heart of gentlemen who accompany those aforementioned girls. Both will appreciate the M\u00e9lange Ladure\u0301e tea, which is a delicious partner to both sandwiches and sweet treats.<\/p>\n
The Ladure\u0301e tearoom is somewhat hidden up an anonymous flight of stairs, but it\u2019s well worth seeking out. It\u2019s a small and intimate space but the decor just speaks of gentler times, an extravagant cake and a nice cup of tea.<\/p>\n
Ladure\u0301e Covent Garden
\n1 The Market
\nCovent Garden
\nLondon WC2E 8RA<\/p>\n
Hours: 10am\u201311pm<\/p>\n
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