HotelChatter

Among the 56 teas currently on offer, there are seven green teas, iced options, and several special blends created especially for the Lanesborough including "Rose of the Orient," a  green tea blend rich in anti-oxidants with jasmine, cornflower blossoms and rose.

Karl admits that in his "tremendous amounts of tasting," he has procured the "best Darjeelings out there," and continues to be an innovator in the business of high tea. In fact, Karl notes the growing trend of doing business over high tea as a more pleasant exchange, where instead of prolonging meetings through dinner, tea "ends the day earlier, on a good note."

Hopping across the pond to London in June? Absolutely add high tea at The Lanesborough to your itinerary as Karl will be debuting his new pastry selection based on the evolving idea of complimenting tea to food (Earl Grey panna cotta - yum!).

When it comes right down to it, and in the eyes of the judges from the UK Tea Council, The Lanesborough is tops for "the whole experience, reflecting the history while showing the freshness." Judging for the Tea Council's top award is anonymous, with 4-5 visits made and critiqued before a winner emerges from the brew.

As the Lanesborough sits right at Hyde Park Corner in the central SW1 district, competition is especially tough from its neighbors The Dorchester and Mandarin Oriental. However we say there is no contest and Karl's record speaks for itself. After 15+ years as Tea Sommelier at the Lanesborough , Karl still manages to get giddy over even the small delights of his job, such as a recent auction acquisition of a rare White Assam:

They only produced 10kg of it, and it's completely hand-picked! Completely without processing!

There you have it: simplicity made most desirable at The Lanesborough, London.