Hidden Gem for London Afternoon Tea

A royal-approved tea room in the Richmond area, serving desserts fit for Henry VIII since 1850. 🍃 📍 **The Original Maids of Honour** Tucked away in Richmond, just a stone's throw from the main entrance of Kew Gardens, this charming tea room is renowned for its "Maids of Honour" pastry—said to have delighted Henry VIII at Hampton Court Palace in the 16th century. This classic treat remains the star of the menu! 🎉 Ordered: - Black Forest Cake Roll + Earl Grey Tea The cake roll, with its chocolate-covered exterior and delicate cream, paired with sour cherry sauce, is just the right amount of sweetness—perfect for those with a Chinese palate. The Earl Grey tea has a subtle, high-quality aroma, comparable to Fortnum & Mason. 🍂 Also available are classic afternoon tea staples like scones and sandwiches. The majority of patrons appear to be local middle-aged and elderly folks, and the overall atmosphere is delightfully retro, transporting you back to a bygone British era. 🕰️ 💡 **Tip:** Takeaway is cheaper than dining in. I bought two pasties (6 pounds for dine-in, but only 3.5 pounds to go) and some Maids of Honour tarts to enjoy as dinner. 🥧 If you’re visiting Kew Gardens or exploring Richmond, this is the perfect spot for an afternoon tea experience steeped in over a century of history. 🍵 #HiddenGem #HighTeaRecommendation #LondonFood #AfternoonTea #BritishCuisine #LondonLife #LondonExplore #CafeFood #TeaTimeTreats