Afternoon Tea in London
Tea in a pot, scones with cream and jam, finger sandwiches and dainty cakes… nothing could be more British than afternoon tea in London, England.
From The Ritz to The Savoy, the tourist info site Visit London considers these as the top afternoon teas. Note: advance booking is often essential and smart dress codes may apply.
In Fortnum & Mason‘s St James’s restaurant you can choose from a range of teas selected by Fortnum’s tea taster. The afternoon tea menu includes sandwiches, scones and pastries. There’s also a Champagne Afternoon Tea; a Birthday Afternoon Tea; and vegetarian, gluten free and diabetic teas.
Afternoon tea at The Langham has been a tradition since 1865. In the luxurious surroundings of the hotel’s Palm Court, you can enjoy finger sandwiches, fresh scones with jam and cream, French pastries, mini cakes and specialist teas. The Langham’s afternoon tea is so good, it was named the Tea Guild’s Top London Afternoon Tea in 2010.
If you’re a fan of fashion, head to The Berkeley‘s Caramel Room for the Prêt-à-Portea tea. The éclairs, cakes and fancies are all inspired by the latest fashion collections, and are served in miniature mouthfuls for the figure-conscious. Madonna, Gwynneth Paltrow and the Beckhams have all been spotted here.
Afternoon tea is served at 2:30 p.m. and 4:45 p.m. in The Dorchester‘s famous marble and gilt Promenade. Treat yourself to the Laurent Perrier Rosé Champagne Tea, enjoy the classic Dorchester Afternoon Tea, or opt for the Dorchester High Tea, which is served until 8pm and is the perfect pre-theatre meal.
The award-winning afternoon tea at The Lanesborough includes freshly baked scones, thick clotted cream and homemade fruit preserves. If you have trouble choosing from the wide range of teas on offer, you can call on The Lanesborough’s Tea Sommelier – the first in England – who will be happy to advise you.
Tea at The Ritz is nothing less than an institution. It has become so popular that there are now five sittings every day at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Booking at least four weeks in advance is essential. Afternoon tea is served in the elegant Palm Court with music by a pianist or a harpist.
The Savoy‘s tea is served in the historic Thames Foyer, accompanied by a pianist playing on one of the hotel’s traditional white pianos. Expect a selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked raisin and plain scones, French pastries and Thames Foyer signature cakes, plus a huge selection of teas.
Claridge’s was awarded the Tea Guild’s Top London Afternoon Tea in 2011. The luxurious tea includes finger sandwiches, sweet pastries, freshly baked raisin and apple scones with jam and cream, and a choice of 30 teas. This popular afternoon tea is served daily at 3pm, 3.30pm, 5pm and 5.30pm.
Brown’s Hotel‘s award-winning afternoon tea is served in the English Tea Room, complete with wood panelling, fireplaces and original artworks. Relax to the sounds of the baby grand piano as you enjoy finger sandwiches, pastries, scones and cakes from the trolley. There’s a choice of 17 teas, and two Tea Sommeliers to help you choose.
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(Photo courtesy of The Berkeley)
