BOSTON— MAY 14, 2009 — On June 10, 2009, The Langham hotels around the world will pay homage to the original grand hotel with a most British tradition – the afternoon tea. Each Langham around the world from Auckland to Pasadena will take off its hat to honor The Langham, London – which recently completed an £80 million renovation. Each hotel will also turn back the clocks to 1865 and serve its signature afternoon tea for the sum of 1 shilling 6 pence (or 15 cents) to each guest that attends the event wearing a hat.

The Langham, Boston offers Afternoon Tea with a modern twist. Metropolitan Tea, is served daily in BOND restaurant and lounge and features a mix of classic and contemporary offerings. BOND’s Metropolitan Tea is served in three courses – the first course includes Scones with Devonshire Cream and Beach Plum Jelly. The second course offers miniature tea sandwiches with House Smoked Salmon with American Caviar and Foie Gras with Honey Roasted Pear. Saving the best for last, finish with a Chocolate Dipped Strawberry, Tres Leche Cake, Cranberry Apricot Tea Cake, and Checkerboard Sugar Cookies. The teas are by Tea Forté and include both hot and iced selections.

Brett Butcher, Chief Executive Officer for Langham Hotels International said, "The Langham, London has undergone a major transformation to make an enchanting debut as one of the finest hotels in London again. While most would serve a glass of champagne to toast its rebirth – we’re going back to our timeless roots and as the only global hospitality brand with a European heritage, tip our hats in respect, and enjoy a traditional British afternoon tea."

Afternoon Tea
The luxurious ritual of afternoon tea was established in 1840 by Anna, 7th Duchess of Bedford, who served it to ward off hunger pangs in the long hours between lunch and dinner. Her personal indulgence grew into an experience to be shared with her friends, and soon a tradition was born.

Acknowledged as one of the most elegant and sophisticated of dining occasions, the first afternoon tea at The Langham, London was served in the Salle À Manger, or general dining room, for the princely sum of one shilling, six pence. Billed as Teas, Plain - the first afternoon tea consisted of simple but dainty items including cakes, sweets, bread and butter and, of course, tea.

Reservations for the second annual Afternoon Tea event are at 3:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Advance reservations are required, as the event is expected to sell out quickly. For reservations, please call 617.451.1900, extension 7125.

**Menus and photos available upon request.

About The Langham, Boston
This elegant property, once the Federal Reserve Bank, is a national architectural landmark. An ideal downtown location, the hotel offers a unique blend of historic charm and urban sophistication next to the finest shopping and attractions including: Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston Common, the Freedom Trail, the Theater District and the waterfront. The hotel’s award-winning restaurant, Café Fleuri, serves breakfast, lunch, Saturday Chocolate Bar, and Sunday Jazz Brunch under lofty atrium ceilings. BOND restaurant | lounge serves lunch, metropolitan afternoon tea, small plates of global cuisine in the evenings, and distinctive cocktails. Chuan Body + Soul offers guests 24-hour access to the fitness center, an indoor lap pool, a whirlpool and spa treatments based on Traditional Chinese Medicine. The hotel is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World and has won AAA’s Four-Diamond award. For information on The Langham, Boston, please visit: http://boston.langhamhotels.com.

Media Contact:	The Langham, Boston Julie Shamrock,Communications Manager T: 617.422.5137 Email: julie.shamrock@langhamhotels.com