London is a cosmopolitan capital and the beauty of the worlds cultures can be found all over the city. Pan Pacific is one of the places that merges the customs and flavours of two countries perfectly. The Lunar New Year Afternoon Tea was an absolute delight from start to finish. From the moment we stepped into the elegant surroundings of the hotel's tea lounge, I knew I was in for a treat.

Attending with my six year old, the staff were welcoming to all guests, both big and little alike and the ambiance was sophisticated yet welcoming, with tasteful decorations celebrating the spirit of the Lunar New Year. Soft traditional music played in the background, adding to the immersive experience. The attention to detail in the decor truly set the tone for the afternoon ahead.

Upon arriving, we were handed a box with samples of teas to smell and discover. The tea selection was equally impressive, with a variety of blends to choose from, each expertly paired with the food offerings. From classic jasmine green tea to fragrant milky oolong, there was something to suit every palate. The staff were knowledgeable and attentive, guiding us through the menu and ensuring that our tea was always topped up. The tea was always kept warm, placed upon a candle and the children's Afternoon Tea offering came accompanied by hot chocolate in a tea pot!

The food was as stunning as it was delicious. The sweet selection and scones were places in a hanging birdframe - each tier of the Afternoon Tea stand was a masterpiece in itself, showcasing a blend of traditional Chinese flavors with a contemporary twist. From a fluffy bao buns, straight from China Town's famous Bun House, to savory dim sum bites, every bite was bursting with flavor and expertly crafted. The presentation was impeccable, with vibrant colors and artistic garnishes adding to the visual appeal. Traditional British finger sandwiches are also avaliable with classics such as coronation chicken and salmon and watercress, showcasing the fusion of cultures and flavours.The children's options have delicately cut flower sandwiches with softer, child friendly flavours such as cheese, ham and jam.

One standout dish was the Wild Mushroom, Winter Black Truffle, which had the perfect balance of crunchiness and succulence. Of course, no Afternoon Tea would be complete without scones, and Pan Pacific London's again showcased the fusion of flavours. The Black Sesame Walnut Scones were warm, fluffy, and served with generous dollops of clotted cream and jam to accompany the traditional plain option or Kaya Jam for the Asian offering - this was one not to miss!

There is also a variety of sweet options - from French patisserie to Asian delights. The Iced Mochi is served with cascading dry ice, and is filled with sweet red dates with a matcha case. I personally loved the Umami sando, filled with lashings of Dulce de Leche and adorned with a Dragon celebrating the Lunar New Year. 

Overall, the Chinese New Year Afternoon Tea at Pan Pacific London was a truly memorable experience that exceeded all expectations. From the exquisite food to the elegant surroundings and exceptional service, every aspect was meticulously planned and executed to perfection. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a special way to celebrate the Lunar New Year in style. The Children's Afternoon Tea was a culinary delight, expertly crafted to cater to both the discerning palates of adults and the more adventurous tastes of little ones. The selection of savory and sweet treats was impressive, with each item thoughtfully designed to reflect the spirit of The Year of The Dragon.

The Year of The Dragon Afternoon Tea at Pan Pacific London starts at £68 per person. Click here for more information and to book.