Anyone whos always wanted a sneak peek through the hallowed doors can combine tea with a tour (and history lesson), as guests are guided around the auditorium, the gallery and the usually off-limits Royal Retiring Room before being greeted with three tiers of taste.
Youll soon notice that the crockerys colour scheme precisely matches the Art Deco interiors. Then soft, warm plain and fruit scones are accompanied by clotted cream, strawberry jam and lemon curd Fortnums own, naturally. Afternoon tea here is not about theatrics or gimmicks. The Wolseleys afternoon tea is delicious, and you will, undoubtedly, leave feeling uncomfortably full, as with all of the teas on this list. Big Ben is a tasty lemon curd tart, while the iconic red telephone box is a tasty rhubarb mousse. Take a trip to the enchanting world of Neverland and enjoy panoramic views of the London skyline while you nibble on sweet and savoury treats served on a tea-stand resembling Captain Hooks infamous ship. Cheesecake is soaked in yuzu juice. Tea is, of course, the most important element of the Fortnums tradition, given that the brand has been producing its own (and, later, serving it) for about 300 years. Reservations: Book here. Another Shard-based afternoon tea here this time at Oblix on the 32nd floor. Still thirsty? Are you sitting comfortably on your blue-velvet or patterned-fabric chair? Dainty sandwiches come with properly British fillings (cucumber and cream cheese, honey-roasted ham and Coronation chicken), but its the cakes and miniature puddings, with their adorable musical decorative touches, that are the highlight. Price: The tea costs 42 per person or 54.50 with a glass of champagne. Sit back in among the fashionable young things taking a break from sightseeing, and then cross the river and walk it off with a stroll along the South Bank. Price: 45 per person. Doormen in top hats stand sentinel by the ever-revolving doors of The Connaught, which deposit guests into the hallway of one of Londons smartest hotels. Tea is served in the lounge, with its handsome velvet arm chairs in sage green and ketchup red, jade-painted wooden panelling, jazz soundtrack and curated art the collection in Dean Street includes pieces by Tracey Emin, Peter Blake, Fiona Banner and Mat Collishaw, alongside a number of emerging artists such as illustrator Dan Hillier. Just like the detective and his accomplice, youll need to work together as a team to crack a puzzle and solve a mystery all whilst indulging in Sherlocks boozy afternoon tea of course. The Berekleys afternoon tea offering gets the award for the most fashionable in London. Possibly even more of them. When: Mondays Fridays (2 4.30pm). On to the food itself, which, as you might expect, is proudly traditional. The six-month revolving menu inevitably ends up as a greatest hits of the latest fashion trends, featuring accessories or motifs from all the top designers Gucci, Balenciaga, Chanel and Schiaparelli served in delicious and dainty edible treats. Choose to sit by the roaring fire or under one of the bay windows that flood nearby tables with light. Price:Starts at 35. By Tabitha Joyce and Cond Nast Traveller. Price:Starts at 52 per person. Where: 181 Piccadilly, St. Jamess, W1A 1ER. Boutiques sit beneath huge arches; the newest, a mini Fortnums, now takes up three shop fronts. But whatever youre here for, first things first: Champagne. A trip to London often includes browsing Selfridges, which is why its Brasserie of Light restaurant is such a popular weekend afternoon destination. Sandwiches are served with flavour twists such as egg mayo and truffle, more of which youll seriously consider forgoing the cakes for, and a tandoori take on coronation chicken. Theres also a tea-tox option featuring low-carb, low-fat snacks, including miso-glazed salmon, beetroot crpe and matcha-raspberry cheesecake. Afternoon tea is held in the theatres spectacular newly-refurbished Grand Saloon which boasts sparkling chandeliers, ornate ceilings and neoclassical columns surrounded by pastel panelled walls. Featuring delectable sandwiches and Alice In Wonderland-themed cakes and pastries (plus optional champagne), the tea also comes with tickets to Londons wonderful Alice exhibition at the V&A. (Sadly not in the shape of City Hall, but theyre an essential part of afternoon tea so well let them off). The bright yellow mango-and-coriander tart with pink peppercorn meringue instantly catches the eye, while the rich chocolate mousse sprinkled with cashew praline and prune compote lingers on the tongue. Nor is there any faulting the foodstuffs. It's small and tucked away. Even on a non-market day, its a lovely area for a wander, and for a pit-stop right in the heart of it, Roast is in a hard-to-beat, elevated location inside the Floral Hall. When: Wednesdays to Sundays. Scones arrive like prized possessions in their own wooden box, with clotted cream and a surprisingly savoury rhubarb and tonka bean jam. Very Gatsbyesque Art Deco lighting, rustic mirrors, shiny maroon leather and tiny floor tiles that shimmer like a mermaids tail. You are greeted by the sound of the Orient, as a musician plucks away on a Chinese guzheng zither- and yet there's no escaping the fact that you are in London. Around you are thirtysomething couples sharing bottles of ros, media types getting creative over cappuccinos, and groups of friends pondering another round of G&Ts. Price:Starts at 65. Perfectly baked scones a vanilla and lemon variety and a golden raisin option are slathered with Devonshire clotted cream and a dollop of Scottish raspberry jam. The finale is a trio of patisserie cakes: a tangy red-velvet cube with cream-cheese layers, topped with a cherry-powder crumb and transparent droplets that could be mistaken for pomegranate seeds; a vanilla-cheesecake sphere in smooth white-chocolate casing that sits atop a delicate, buttery biscuit; and a choux bun filled with vanilla cream and adorned with pastel-pink icing and a rose petal. Afternoon-tea stands are brought down a flight of stone steps from a faraway corner of the courtyard, almost off stage; as they are set down on the table, its clear this is the main event. The Great Court Restaurant is perched at the top of the former reading room, a rotunda in the central courtyard of one of London's best museum. It remains a traditional affair and, located on the fourth floor of the iconic Fortnum & Mason shop (where London afternoon teas have been served for almost 100 years), it's a delightful place to while away an afternoon. Terrifically knowledgeable 'Tearistas' are on hand to help narrow down the choice. Never one to miss out on the talk of the ton for all therightreasons, of course The Lanesborough caughtBridgertonfever in summer 2022 thankfully to fabulous effect.
Whether you want to indulge in Afternoon Tea at one of London's most famous tourist attractions at Wembley Stadium or a luxury traditional Afternoon Tea in an elegant hotel, there is an experience within West London to suit every occasion or pocket. And a whizz round the beautiful Parthenon Marbles is a must. Reservations: Book here. Becky Lucas, Address: The Ritz London, 150 Piccadilly, London W1Website: theritzlondon.comPrice: From 58 for adults and from 35 for children. It was in 1840 that the Duchess of Bedford shared her guilty secret of enjoying tea and snacks a few hours before dinner, setting a trend that would evolve to become a national tradition (more of which in our afternoon tea etiquette guide). It's not just the view from here that draws visitors from all around the world. Our favourite, however, is the Liberty: a rich peanut butter and jelly (in this case, apricot jam) clair. Reservations: Book here.
Our top 15 destinations, FREE delivery+FREE digitaleditionswith INSTANT ACCESS to the current issueORDER NOW >>, Afternoon tea at Dalloway Terrace, The Bloomsbury Hotel, Afternoon tea at St James's Hotel & Club 1840, Afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason at the Royal Exchange, Afternoon tea at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Afternoon tea at Petersham Nurseries, Richmond, Afternoon tea at Brasserie of Light, Selfridges, Afternoon tea at The Petersham, Covent Garden, Afternoon tea at Great Court Restaurant, British Museum, Afternoon tea at Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard. Khia teams his incredible eye for patterns, sculptural shapes and signature items, with his talent for innovative textures and flavours.
Where: The Savoy, The Strand, WC2R 0EZ. When: Mondays Sundays. The selection of open and closed sandwiches include Aberdeenshire smoked salmon with pickled fennel served on caper-buttered onion bread and a fancy ham number piled high with air-dried black Coombe ham. The game is afoot, Bottomless Champagne Afternoon Tea Fit For a Royal, Bottomless Sushi and Fizz Afternoon Tea at Inamo, Heres Everything Worth A Watch On Netflix In August 2022, An Orinoco Womble Bench Commemorates The Wombles Of Wimbledon Common, This Bright Land Is Transforming Somerset House Into A Welcoming Wonderland of Cultural Celebration. Theyre decadent without leaving you feeling like youve overdone it on the sugar. Try to get a table in the front section of the restaurant, where light filters through the stained-glass windows by Parisian artist Jean-Michel Othoniel and you get a great view of passers-by. Tea-takers select from a list of 18 types, and can learn as much or as little about the teas as they wish from the friendly but reassuringly formal staff, who not only know the correct way to make tea (milk first, obviously), but have spent many months in Sri Lanka, tasting and experimenting to bring back the perfect blend. Where: Doyles Opticians, West 12 Shopping Centre, Shepherds Bush, W12 8PP. One warning: youll need to order scones, cream and jam separately if you want to stick to tradition. Address: Browns Hotel, Albermarle Street, London W1Website: roccofortehotels.comPrice: Traditional afternoon tea, 55; Champagne afternoon tea, 65. But you wont find its breakfast blend on the menu here; instead, opt for the Royal Exchange, a light Sri Lankan and Kenyan loose-leaf tea that represents this cool new base, or better yet Champagne. Olivia Holborow, Address: Corinthia Hotel London, Whitehall Place, Westminster, London SW1A 2BDWebsite: corinthia.comPrice: 60 per person, from 70 with champagne. 7 Venues Just to see these edible works of art is a treat in itself, to eat them is a delicious adventure. For those who prefer their tea more traditionally non-alcoholic, theres a good selection with, appropriately, lots of floral-based options. Where: 45-47 Hoxton Square, London, N1 6PD. Address: Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly, London W1Website: fortnumandmason.comPrice: Fortnum's Afternoon Tea 52.50 (56.50 with Rare Tea). Address: The Lanesborough, Hyde Park Corner, London SW1X 7TAPrice: 65 per personWebsite: oetkercollection.com. Savouries come in the form of pillowy milk buns that are delicate enough to ensure the focus is firmly on the punchy seasonal fillings. Ox-tongue with mustard butter sandwich is a favourite from the savoury front, along with crayfish mayonnaise and watercress. Address: The Petersham, 2 Floral St, London WC2E 9FBWebsite: petershamnurseries.comPrice: Afternoon tea, 45. With Laurent-Perrier Champagne, from 75. Propped up on the corner of Pont street in the smart Kensington and Chelsea neighbourhood as part of accessories designer Anya Hindmarchs five neighbouring stores, this is a quintessentially British affair filled with coffee, tea and cakes galore. The food itself is an unusual offering, but delicious nonetheless. It is served in a dedicated English Tea Room with snug armchairs and floral china; book in advance to bag one of the larger corner spots for extra privacy if you are looking to catch up over a scone (or three). Reservations: Book here. This afternoon tea is about paying tribute to the city spread out like a fantastic brick carpet below.
When: Mondays Sundays. Add a glass of Louis Roederer Brut Premier NV for 10 extra. You can spot The Royal Horseguards Hotels grand exterior from miles away, overlooking the River Thames on the Embankment. Home to Heathrow Airport, West London is a vast area made up of many districts each possessing their own distinct charm that offers a wealth of unique Afternoon Tea experiences. When: Wednesdays and Thursdays But the sweet treats are the real highlight: the yuzu and grapefruit posset will have you studiously scooping up every last drop, while the orange and chocolate cake is refreshingly citrusy. From the extensive menu we chose a Tregothnan Earl Grey, blended with a blend from an ancient Cornish estate that has been around since 1335; and Darjeeling, the 'Champagne of teas'. In all its grandeur, the Promenade is sink-into-the-cushions comfortable too; those Chesterfields are ever so inviting, and the high-ceilinged ballroom-sized space is designed so that every table is positioned to prioritise privacy. When: Mondays Sundays. The tea kicks off with the classics: three sandwiches fresh cucumber and cream cheese, honey-roast Wiltshire ham and mustard, and smoked salmon all finger-sized and joyously resembling those of your childhood. When: Mondays Sundays. From scones and cups of tea to egg and cress sarnies and bubbly, we like to think weve got the whole afternoon tea thing down in our beloved capital city. And now, theyve just shaken up the weekend routine: its out with brunch, in with afternoon tea. As for the tea, among the standard Earl Grey, Assam and mint are some more exotic options such as Pai Mu Tan and jasmine pearls. Price:Tends to vary based on seasonal offers. Make like the City crowd and stop here for a sweet reviver following an afternoons hard work, then browse the foodie delights in the enticing shop. Served in The Game Bird, a room that marries duck-egg walls with shiny, plush velvet sofas and where gilded columns complement the grand bouquets of yellow flowers. You are in Soho after all. A fitting venue, then, for afternoon tea. Four types of bladed sandwiches arrived (our favourites were samphire and smoked salmon, and cucumber, chamomile and buttermilk); once we'd polished those off, more appeared. Lots of noise. Blooms take pride of place here, even on the glass cake stand, which arrives flourished with a posy of wild flowers spilling out of a vase. Sarah James, Address: The Wolseley, 160 Piccadilly, St. James's, London W1J 9EBWebsite: thewolseley.comPrice: Afternoon tea, 29.75; Champagne afternoon tea, 40, Best for: a classic afternoon tea and still one of the best. Scones (fruity and plain) are kept warm under a silver cloche and served with dainty ramekins of clotted cream and strawberry jam. These are the best spots to enjoy a leisurely afternoon treat, The 20 prettiest outdoor restaurants in Europe, Where is hot in October? There is a dress code (we would be disappointed if there wasn't): men must wear a jacket and tie, women have to appear at least smart-casual. Where: Inamo Soho, 134-136 Wardour Street, W1F 8ZP, or Inamo Covent Garden, 11-14 Hanover Place, WC2E 9JP. If youre more fond of a savoury meal, this non-traditional afternoon tea is for you: Come to Inamofor delicious sushi and Asian tapas, and enjoy everything from fresh sashimi and maki rolls to gyoza and futomaki. Crispy cannoli are filled with a pistachio cream and dipped in the darkest chocolate, and brutti ma buoni perhaps best described as a sort of meringue/biscuit hybrid are soft and chewy. With five sittings a day, from 11.30am to 7.30pm, The Ritz tea operation is extremely well-oiled, whilst managing not to rush diners helped by the fact that the time you need to vacate your table is made clear when you book it. Pair the sugary treats with an iced coffee or creamy cappuccino, or choose from a selection of tea infusions to create your own afternoon-tea experience. Treat yourself to an assortment of finger sandwiches, cakes, and fruit scones with homemade jam and clotted cream, and add a glass of Pommery Brut Royal NV to make it even more extravagant. With 10 curatorial and research departments spanning from Asia to the Americas, no one will judge you if you choose to focus on the more famous exhibits, be that the Rosetta Stone or Ginger a 5,500-year-old naturally mummified man with gingery tufts of hair.
It seems as if it hasn't changed in decades, in a wonderfully old-world way, but in fact was refurbished and subsequently reopened by the Queen in 2012. Price:Starts at 39. Theres also chocolate and caramel tea, and a wacky cocktail made with whiskey, chocolate bitters, cherry, and grapefruit. Youll get to indulge in sandwiches, scones, sweet treats and tea or coffee, as well as 90 minutes worth of bottomless prosecco. Inevitably, there is an element of performance that accompanies the service at a hotel like The Dorchester. Where: 9 Conduit Street, Mayfair, W1S 2XG. Savoury is by no means a second thought and it was refreshing to see a new take in the form of madeleines topped with glazed salmon, cannels with goats cheese and pickled beetroot and a puff pastry sausage roll packed with pleasingly salty Cornish sausage meat and roast bacon lardons. We recommend splashing out and adding a glass of Petershams rose-petal prosecco. When:Mondays Sundays. The ClassicAfternoonTeaincludes a selection of sandwiches such as the smoked salmon, cream cheese and ryeand the free range egg and truffle,an array of sconeswith seasonal jam, fresh honeycomb and clotted cream. With a rich history of over 300 years producing and selling tea, theres arguably no better place to go for a classic and elegant brew. On top of it all, youll also be greeted with a magical welcome drink of homemade pink lemonade, floating within a cloud of dry ice and flying saucers. Pre-book your afternoon tea to guarantee seating in the hushed, old-school gilded dining room, decked out with thick gold curtains, whimsical tree-like Swarovski chandeliers and a roaring fire in the winter.
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