It’s odd.

As a community we’re totally on board with the idea of a high tea. Why else did we invent bridge rolls? And smoked salmon — that I’ve recently declared a Jewish superfood – was made for finger sandwiches.

So the lack of opportunities for a kosher afternoon fress are a mystery.

London is awash with hotels offering various themed teas but options for those keeping kosher are extremely limited.

Even if you’re happy to turn a blind eye on the ham-filled sarnies, leaving them to curl on the tiered plate, while you feast on the egg or salmon-filled ones, who’d want to miss out on the patisserie and cakes many of which rely on (non kosher) gelatine for their set and glossy looks?

So I’ve rounded up a few kosher and vegan options which are guaranteed to be treife-free so we can all make like the Duchess of Bedford — who famously invented the concept when she was peckish between lunch and dinner.

Kosher:

Reuben's Cafe's kosher high tea Photo: Karela

Reubens Café:

The only central London option, this bright, modern Baker Street-based venue sits a little closer to Selfridges than its meaty cousin, which was being refurbished after a fire earlier this year, but has today sadly suffered another blaze .

The tea here had been incredibly popular. Chef Hodaya Cohen shared that since opening they had to increase their original number of cake stands sevenfold, so popular has the concept been. On those three-tiered platters are a selection of their delicious mini bagels (baked in house) with different toppings which include the most popular, the Reubens — filled with smoked cheese, pickles and honey mustard sauce. There are also bite-sized bakes — we tried the (outstanding) peanut butter and jelly brownie; raspberry and white chocolate blondie. Mexican wedding cookies — were a tasty surprise. The simple-looking spheres tasted like the deliciously addictive love child of a cinnamon ball and a flapjack. 

Booking essential. More info here.

Pumpernick’s Bagel bakery:

Owner Nick Stern told me that they’re the OG of English kosher tea venues. The Borehamwood bakery on London’s fringes (a 20-minute train ride from London St Pancras) has, for some years, been serving a Kosher afternoon tea on the classic tiered stands and polka dot crockery on Sunday afternoons.

On their menu are a selection of finger sandwiches filled with smoked salmon, smoked salmon and cream cheese, tuna mayonnaise, and egg mayonnaise. They also offer mini scones with jam and fresh cream, and a selection of fresh cream cakes.

Pre-booking — which involves pre-payment — is essential. And they can also deliver tea as part of their catering package.
More info here 

Hermolis

The last two options will also come to you. This one, from the kosher caterer best known for supplying kashrut compliant airline meals. The north west London based operator will deliver an extensive kosher high tea to your door. On the menu are six plates per person, which include finger sandwiches with various fish and vegetarian fillings; 2 scones with parev cream and jam; fresh strawberries and parev cream and a plate of cakes that include opera slice, carrot cake, chocolate eclair, pink macaron, green macaron, mini lemon tart. If you still have room there are 2 large fruit tarts with parev cream garnished with fresh fruit. Comes with tea and coffee and condiments

More info here

Exquisite Kosher Gift

Another at-home option that’s a real treat — and a lovely gift — is delivered in a tea cup shaped wicker basket wrapped in cellophane and ribbons. Perfect for a special celebration as it’s filled with treats which include a range of bakes from Grodzinski, including two large scones; two large muffins and six bridge rolls. To fill them is a tub of cholov Yisroel cream cheese, 100g of smoked salmon; two pots of Tiptree jam and butter. There are also sachets of herbal teas.

More info here

Vegan:

If you’re comfortable with a vegan version are some more options:

The Lanesborourgh – Bridgerton tea, vegan version

Bridgerton fans rush to this luxe hotel for the Rolls Royce of vegan teas. Sandwiches include organic cucumber with herb cream; crushed spiced chickpeas and coriander and grilled courgette with lemon ricotta, basil and olive. There are homemade scones with vegan cream and preserves and a list of the society drama’s characters, including Colin’s Travels; The Book of Eloise and The Lady Whistledown. There are cocktails and mocktails as well. as fizz and a list of fancy teas. 

More info here 

Brigit’s Bakery:

This London based bakery offers the fun option of tea on a double decker bus. Enjoy your meat-free feast as you view the sights of the city. If you prefer eat your tea in one place, take your tea in their Covent Garden bakery. Tuck into cucumber and minty Philadelphia Plant Based finger sandwiches;  on white bread; hummus and roasted red peppers on granary bread and mini vegan quiches with diced peppers, vegan cheese and cherry tomato. There are also mini homemade cakes and tarts including lemon curd and lavender; carrot cake and vegan rose macarons as well as freshly baked, plain scone with a selection of vegan spreads

More info here