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“While away an afternoon with the Tiffany Tea, featuring dainty finger sandwiches (with a luxury twist), freshly baked scones and a beautiful selection of patisserie inspired by Tiffany & Co.’s heritage.” Harrods

If you fancy a bougie afternoon tea in London, look no further than The Tiffany Blue Box Cafe at Harrods in Knightsbridge, London. The history of the iconic jewellery store is combined with a modern space bedecked in the brand’s trademark blue hue. 

Accessed via its own external entrance in Hans Road (also accessible in-store), the cafe pays tribute to Audrey Hepburn and the ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ movie in a series of photographs displayed along the entrance corridor. The space itself is more intimate than I expected with a limited number of tables, booths and a well-stocked bar. Splashes of Tiffany blue, officially known as light medium robin’s-egg blue are used throughout in the decor, accessories and ceramics. Glass boxes filled with sparkling jewels are dotted around the space.

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There are three Tiffany Tea options; the regular tea served with a selection of hand-picked loose-leaf tea* (£69 per person), the highest tier with a glass of Moët & Chandon (£92 per person) or our choice paired with a glass of Harrods Brut NV Champagne (£88 per person). Proceedings started with an amuse-bouche, avocado and tomato for vegetarian diners and with the addition of tuna for regular guests.

The tea itself comprised of an array of sweet and savoury options. The savoury selections were crustless finger sandwiches, replenished when required and warm parmesan madeleines served with sour cream, chives and caviar. The sandwiches had different flavoured breads and fillings included egg & black truffle and cucumber & cream cheese both served on white pain de mie, Faroe Island smoked salmon on tomato bread and coronation chicken on turmeric bread. The two additional vegetarian options of cauliflower with hummus and pesto vegetables were quite frankly unappealing.

The much photographed individual Tiffany box cake is disappointingly no longer served but its replacement the Tiffany Blue Egg, while visually not as pleasing, did taste good. Once we managed to crack the coconut chocolate shell without shooting it across the table we were treated to a tangy key lime and vanilla mousse. Other sweet treats included a classic New York passionfruit cheesecake, the Central Park blueberry tart with lemon mascarpone mousse and my personal fave the delicious summer berry roulade. The selection of plain and fruit scones, served with clotted cream and preserves, were freshly baked, light and enjoyable. Any leftovers can be boxed to take home.

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The sweet choices were much better than the savoury options which were somewhat uninspired, especially for vegetarian guests. Personally I prefer well presented classic fillings with fresh, seasonal ingredients and question the lack of a good old-fashioned cheese option. The cafe also serves a daily ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’ where you channel your inner Holly Golightly while feasting on a menu of New York-style bagels or pancakes, eggs florentine, Cornish crab muffins, avocado toast, pastries and fresh fruit accompanied by a glass of bubbly.

The original Tiffany Blue Box cafe was opened by the famous jeweller on the fourth floor of its Fifth Avenue flagship in New York City back in 2017 (currently closed until 2022). The Tiffany Blue Box Cafe in Harrods was the first European venue that opened in 2020. It’s an elegant location for a special occasion or somewhere to take a Tiffany jewellery lover but as expected it’s not cheapest. Keep your expectations in check as the food is ok but not mind blowing especially for the price and the additional 12.5% service charge. 

Overall I enjoyed the experience as I was catching up with my friend for an early birthday celebration and loved the fact that we could just wander around Harrods when we finished. However to be honest I’ve had many better afternoon tea experiences in London at half the cost.

The Tiffany Blue Box Cafe at Harrods

Location: Ground Floor, Fine Jewellery, Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Road. London SW1X 7XL

Telephone: +44 (0) 20 72256800

Website: www.harrods.com/en-gb/restaurants/the-tiffany-blue-box-cafe

Afternoon Tea is served from 11.30am to 6pm daily and on Friday and Saturday from 11.30am to 8pm. Book HERE

Opening Hours: Monday – Thursday 10am – 7pm, Friday 10am – 9:30pm, Saturday 8am – 9:30pm and Sunday 10am – 6:30pm (call the restaurant for the last seating times)**

*Alongside the extensive tea menu you can also choose from a variety of coffees and hot chocolate served with regular or nut milk. The cafe serves a Free From Menu that can be nut free, gluten free or vegan but cannot cater for soya free allergies.

**The Tiffany Blue Box Cafe at Harrods is currently serving Breakfast and Afternoon Tea.