Afternoon Tea at The Milestone Hotel — Restaurant in London

I usually visit this hotel twice a year, but this is my first time writing a review, prompted by a particular experience during my recent visit. I came for tea on the afternoon of 31 July 2025. First, I would like to commend the older gentleman standing near the entrance. When we asked whether we could have tea without a reservation, he kindly and professionally directed us to the bar and tea lounge. At the same time, he maintained an air of quiet authority that gave the impression he would not hesitate to turn away guests who were not appropriate for the hotel’s standards. I found this both reassuring and professional. After having lunch at a nearby hotel, I remembered this hotel and decided to stop by. As we had just finished a meal, we did not order the three tiered afternoon tea set. Our tea experience itself was smooth and pleasant overall. However, towards the end of our visit, I noticed something that left a less positive impression. The tea room is small, and we had a clear view of the entrance area. At one point, a person who appeared to be the manager gathered approximately four staff members near the entrance and seemed to be giving instructions—or possibly a reprimand—within clear view of the guests. From our perspective, the exchange appeared tense, and it left us feeling somewhat uncomfortable. Shortly afterward, that same manager processed our payment. Unlike what one would expect at a hotel of this calibre, there was no polite inquiry—at the very least something like "Was everything fine?"—or even a simple “Thank you.” He completed the card transaction without a word and walked away promptly. I have visited this hotel dozens of times over the years, and this was the first time I experienced such indifferent treatment. I was genuinely taken aback. I do not know whether this was because we came without a reservation or because we did not order the full afternoon tea and were therefore seen as less valuable customers. However, such dismissive behaviour feels inappropriate and unwelcoming, and I felt compelled to share our experience. Thankfully, as we were leaving, the older gentleman at the door asked, “Did you enjoy the tea?” and wished us a pleasant day. That was the one redeeming moment in an otherwise disappointing visit. We had come for tea following a celebratory birthday lunch, so it was disheartening to end the day with such a sour impression. For the sake of maintaining the high standards and reputation of this otherwise excellent hotel, I sincerely hope that the management will address this matter. A single negative encounter can significantly affect the guest experience and, over time, may harm the hotel’s image. I trust that steps will be taken to ensure all guests feel equally welcomed and valued, regardless of their reservation...

The Milestone Hotel is a luxurious five-star hotel located in the heart of Kensington, and their Afternoon Tea is a must-try for anyone looking for a quintessentially British experience. The hotel's elegant and sophisticated atmosphere, combined with its impeccable service, made for an unforgettable experience.

As I was seated at my table, I was presented with an extensive tea menu, featuring a wide selection of teas from around the world. I decided to go for the traditional English Breakfast tea to accompany my food.

The food arrived shortly after presented beautifully on a tiered stand. The bottom tier featured a variety of sandwiches, including cucumber & cream cheese, smoked salmon & dill, egg mayonnaise & cress and their signature (my fav) chicken mayonnaise and toasted almonds. Each sandwich was freshly made and tasted delicious.

On the top tier was an array of sweet treats, including a selection of cakes and pastries. My favourites were the hazelnut creme choux pastry and the toffee apple tart, both of which were beautifully presented and tasted amazing.

Finally, I was presented with warm, freshly baked scones, served with clotted cream and homemade strawberry jam. The scones were perfectly baked, with a crispy exterior and a soft and fluffy interior.

Throughout my meal, the service was exceptional. The staff were attentive, polite and knowledgeable, and made me feel very welcome.

Overall, the Afternoon Tea at Milestone Hotel was a truly wonderful experience. The food was delicious, the tea was perfect, and the service was outstanding. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a Halal British Afternoon Tea experience.

Big thank you to Dorina for her excellent service throughout...

Very impressed with The Milestone Hotel! First class establishment all the way. It's a cozy and romantic place in great location in Kensington. The staff is very friendly, attentive, calls you by your name, and makes you feel like family. We've traveled all around the world and the customer service here is arguably one of the best we've experienced. Let me give you an example. We had tea time scheduled across town one night. The dress was formal. An hour before we were supposed to leave I realized I forgot the navy blue tie that went with my suit. So, I called down to the concierge, Andrea, and asked for stores nearby that sold ties. I even asked if the hotel had something that I could borrow. He said he was going to speak with the general manager. Three minutes later I heard a knock at my door. It was Andrea holding a tie that matched perfectly with my suit. Talk about fast! I mentioned to him I'd return it after we came back. He then said I could keep it and there was no charge. It was compliments of the Milestone. I was floored. I would've bought the tie. Not a big deal. However, the fact they went the extra mile so quickly and got me out of a jam was extraordinary. The thing is... all the employees we encountered were like this. Their concern was authentic and genuine. You can't teach that. This speaks volumes of how well the hotel treats their team. By the way, we also had dinner there one evening. The salmon, halibut, and tuna sashimi and the Wagyu beef were outstanding! When we come back to London we will absolutely stay at the Milestone again. I really can't say enough great things. Highly...