Cup of Tea?

Located in the heart of Marylebone, is the dark and decadent Seymour’s Parlour in The Zetter Townhouse.

It is just the place to indulge in Uncle Seymour’s very own afternoon tea. Feeling more like the private residence of a notorious ancestor – whom they call Wicked Uncle Seymour!!!

The story goes that Great Aunt Wilhelmina lived in Clerkenwell all her life, in the time we now call the ‘Georgian period’. Born in 1727 to a well-to-do family and proud owners of The Zetter Warehouse in Clerkenwell, they dealt in spice accumulated from their travels all over globe. The warehouse was positioned just a stones throw away, across the historic St Johns square from their family home, The Zetter Townhouse. 

On the death of her parents, Wilhelmina inherited the family’s wealth and property and with no other family in London, aside from her troubled Nephew Seymour, Wilhelmina spent her time travelling the world and sourcing treasures from her adventures. When she returned home to London she would fill her house with dinner parties in her Dining room followed by late night soirees in her Games room. It’s safe to say the house was always full of life, however not necessarily full of people of good morals. With all the gambling, cocktails and rendezvous filling Wilhelmina’s life and her residence, it’s no surprise that she quickly became known for her love of a tipple or two, or maybe even three, something her and her Nephew Seymour had in common. 

On the death of his adored aunt, in 1816 at the age of 89, Seymour inherited Wilhelmina’s house and assets. After being corrupted by his eccentric aunt his hobbies included gambling, horses, drinking and beautiful women, but his love above all else was Art. He was very much a dandy, a Renaissance man, who loved to live, and after just a few short years of inheriting Wilhelmina’s fortune he was forced to downsize and purchased a smaller Townhouse in the west end of London on Seymour Street. You can still see his collection of watercolours in his Marylebone Townhouse today.

And this is where we had chosen to celebrate National Afternoon Tea week this year!

Both Great Aunt Wilhelmina and Wicked Uncle Seymour are partial to tiny cakes, dainty sandwiches (or baked goods) and bubbles in the middle of the day.

Afternoon Tea is a daily ritual here at The Zetter Townhouses! Afternoon Tea is served Wednesday to Sunday at Marylebone and Weekends only at Clerkenwell.

The Zetter Townhouse Marylebone, a 24-bedroom Georgian townhouse and cocktail lounge enjoys an enviable location. It is the second addition to the independently owned Zetter Group’s ‘Townhouse’ boutique hotel family. Due to the tight space in The Parlour Room, it can accommodate small dogs only.

The Zetter Townhouse Marylebone, 28-30 Seymour St, London, W1H 7JB

May’s comment: Afternoon Tea Week (8th – 14th August this year) celebrates the great British tradition of Afternoon Tea and is the perfect excuse to catch up with friends over a cup of tea and some delicacies.

These are some of the places where we’ve enjoyed teas, scones and delicious sandwiches. There are a couple of places that serves a Doggy Afternoon Tea – Egerton House and The Parlour at Great Scotland Yard.

Anya Cafe – At the heart of The Village is the new Anya Cafe. Open from 8am-8pm to dine in or for takeaway, it serves breakfast, lunch and early evening drinks. Inspired by the British cafe of old but reimagined with the finest ingredients, and some trademark Anya humour, the Cafe offers a selection of specially created AH cakes and biscuits, designed to eat in or be taken away as gifts. 9 Pont St, Belgravia, London SW1X 9EJ

Belmond Cadogan Hotel – Afternoon Tea by Adam Handling was winner of best contemporary afternoon tea in the 2019 Afternoon Tea Awards. Served in the bar area of the hotel, it is inspired by childhood memories of delicious dining at his grandmother’s house. Experience a perfect blend of history, nostalgia and show stopping technique. During the summer months, hotel guests may also request to have Adam Handling’s Afternoon Tea in the Cadogan Gardens across the street from the hotel. 75 Sloane St, Chelsea, London SW1X 9SG 

The Drawing Rooms at the Ampersand Hotel – “Part English drawing room, part ‘salon de thé’, with deep sofas and studded armchairs in scarlet velvets and kingfisher blues, The Drawing Rooms is the place to enjoy pretty pastries, exceptional teas, freshly-pressed coffees and Afternoon Tea.” 10 Harrington Rd, London SW7.  

Cinnamon Bazaar – A diversion from the quintessential Afternoon Tea, Chef  Tamal Ray, runner up in BBC’s Great British Bake Off 2015 in collaboration with celebrity chef, Vivek Singh have created a modern Indian-inspired version.  There is also a vegan version. 28 Maiden Lane, Covent Garden, London WC2E 7JS

Egerton House Hotel – A boutique London hotel set on a quiet street in a red brick 1843 townhouse. Close to Knightsbridge shopping and South Kensington tube station, traditional afternoon tea is served in the lounge. Charming and a great place to bring out-of-towners for something very English. And they even serve a Doggy Afternoon Tea. 17-19 Egerton Terrace, London SW3 2BX(Doggy Afternoon Tea at Egerton House Hotel)

The Parlour at Great Scotland Yard Hotel – The Dog Afternoon Tea is served in The Parlour Room which was inspired by the Imperial Hotel Delhi for its opulence and sense of tradition along with influences from the East India Company. The Afternoon Tea is in partnership with Talula Eats which serves handcraft gourmet organic dog food and sweet treats from their kitchen in Fitzrovia.  Great Scotland Yard Hotel – 3-5 Great Scotland Yard, London SW1 2HN

The Lanesborough serves themed Afternoon Teas in The Withdrawing Room and The Library where dog are welcomed.  Find out what their latest themes are.  Large dog and small dogs are all welcome. The hotel is at Hyde Park Corner, London SW1X 7TA

The Milestone Hotel a five-star hotel located across the street from Kensington Gardens, classic afternoon tea served in the main tea room (subject to the staff discretion based on other customers needs) or in the equally nice conservatory. We have made reservations in the past but we have also just walked in after a running session in the park, I needed a cup of tea! 1-2 Kensington Ct, London W8 5DL

The Montague is a boutique hotel set in a row of Georgian townhouse across the street from the British Museum. They serve Afternoon Tea in the conservatory. 15 Montague St, London WC1B 5BJ

Number Sixteen is one of the Firmdale Hotels. Situated in the heart of South Kensington, close to the tube station, it has its own tree-filled private garden. And back there, it is a little oasis. Dining with dogs is in the garden only, but on a good day, that’s the best place to be. 16 Sumner Place, London SW7 3EG

One Aldwych Afternoon Tea with pooches can be served in The Library.  Check out their latest themes. 1 Aldwych, London WC2B 4BZ

The Rubens at the Palace Hotel – another of the Red Carnation Hotel group.  They serve a traditional Afternoon Tea in the Palace Lounge – with a view of the Royal Mews of Buckingham Palace.  39 Buckingham Palace Road, Westminster, London SW1W 0PS

St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel – Afternoon Tea is served at the Hansom Lounge at St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London, Euston Rd, Kings Cross, London NW1 2AR

The Rosewood Hotel – A contemporary Art Afternoon Tea is served in the exquisitely designed Mirror Room, “a jewel box of a dining room.” 252 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EN