TEA AT THE ROYAL OPERA HOUSE

The Paul Hamlyn Hall (originally known as The Floral Hall)was enthusiastically greeted when it opened in 1860 with a

wonderful gas-lit Grand Volunteers’ Ball. Originally intended for selling fruit, vegetables and flowers by day, it was famously depicted

by George Bernard Shaw in Pygmalion and subsequently as theCovent Garden market setting for the musical My Fair Lady.

It was used as a concert hall in the evenings for entertaining guests with music recitals, Promenade Concerts, and dances to the music of, among others, T.H. Rowbotham, who composed special

Floral Hall Waltzes for such occasions. This tradition continues today with the Royal Opera House Tea Dances, Lunchtime Recitals and

now Tea at the Royal Opera House.

The ornate cream-painted iron frame made by the Regent’s Canal Ironworks in 1858 was restored in 1999, when the barrel vault

roof was reinstated. Once described as a mini Crystal Palace, the space has an air of lightness and elegance, and is the

most popular foyer space in the Royal Opera House.

Illustrations ©Royal Opera House Collections

Severn & Wye smoked salmon blini

Salt beef, cornichon and sweet mustard sandwich

Free-range egg and cress sandwich

Cucumber and cream cheese sandwich

Traditional and fruit scones with Dorset clotted cream and strawberry and plum jams

Pistachio éclair with praline grains

Opéra Gâteau

Mandarin and kumquat amandine

Apple and blackberry tart

Share the experience #ROHtea

Our gift vouchers make an ideal present.