Waldorf Hilton to recapture 20’s glamour

As part of the build up to its 100-year anniversary celebration, the Waldorf Hilton is reintroducing what was one of London’s most famed events in the 1920s. Tango Tea is being brought back to Palm Court, the hotel’s unique and grand centrepiece room where people have socialised, danced and indulged their senses since the hotel’s opening in 1908.

As the popularity of TV shows such as Strictly Come Dancing highlight a growing interest in dance, a one-off event is planned for Sunday 10 June, after which the hotel hopes to make it a more regular event from the autumn.

Daniel Van Wyk, Operations Director at the hotel, said: “The Waldorf is a London institution which throughout its history has held close ties with London society.

“In the past two years the hotel has undergone a £35 million refurbishment to restore the property to its former glory with a contemporary feel for the modern day guest.

“We are planning a host of exciting events in the build up to our main centenary celebration party in January next year and with Tango Tea we’re offering people the chance to step back in time to an age of elegance.”

The main event will run from 2-5pm with an electric atmosphere created by a five-piece percussion band from Jazz not Jazz Productions. Guests will also be entertained with shows from professional dancers before being invited on to the dance floor themselves.

Simply Dancing Partners, the ballroom event company, will be bringing its team of male and female dance partners to the event.

In addition, the company is introducing its unique style of lessons to the Waldorf so that guests attending Tango Tea can learn or practice some of the dances in advance.

Lessons will be available in two one-hour sessions from 12-2pm covering a selection of Ballroom and Latin dances.

As part of the afternoon, the Waldorf Hilton’s famous afternoon tea will be served. The tea includes finger sandwiches, Waldorf baked scones and clotted cream, one of Patisserie Chef Colin Bennett’s exquisite cakes accompanied by a selection of fresh leaf teas and a glass of champagne.

Tango Tea will be priced at £55 including afternoon tea, while dance partners will be available at £35 per person. Each one-hour lesson will cost £10 per person for those in a couple, or £20 for singles requiring a dance partner.

Further information is available and bookings can be made by visiting Hilton.co.uk/waldorf.