Its so quintessentially British, in fact, that when the brand launched its Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at the top of its Piccadilly building, the Queen, Duchess of Cornwall and Duchess of Cambridge all came to open it. Service is friendly and attentive, with a live pianist for added ambience. Standing tall behind the luxurious fashion stores in South Kensington is the Park Tower Hotel. Or drink English sparkling wine from Gusbourne throughout the meal if you prefer. Some could even predict instinctively which ones we would enjoy with great success! We particularly enjoyed the cream-filled brandy snaps and super squidgy brownies to finish off our afternoon tea. leeds Its the attention to detail that keeps us coming back: on the fine china designed by Kit and Willow Kemp, youll spot costume design illustrations from the theatres past ballets and operas; a trolley roams the room offering scoops of absinthe and mint chocolate chip ice cream; and if the sun is out, theres the option of sitting on the adjacent terrace which overlooks Covent Garden piazza., Carefully crafted by the hotels executive pastry chef Andrew Gravett and overseen by Michel Roux Jr, the Langhams menu is comprised of decadent treats that are riffs on the nations favourite biscuits think pink wafers infused with rhubarb, and custard creams reimagined with a chocolate shell and intense Madagascan vanilla cream. They go perfectly with the exclusive tea blends, from an invigorating combination of Assam and Sri Lankan orange pekoe to The Dorchester Rose, which features dried rose petals. All three are rich and creamy from the chocolate mousse tower to the lemon and raspberry bell with a whole raspberry hidden inside, adding some welcome freshness. There are 18 luxury teas to choose from, including everything from passion fruit and orange to chocolate mint rooibos and more. Further up, a more traditional afternoon tea is served in the Shangri-La Hotel, in Ting on the 35th floor and in GONG on level 52. Wrapped in a light and fluffy tea-infused bun, each is filled with a tantalising combination of ingredients, from smoked salmon with matcha green tea yogurt & green apple, to seared beef tataki with soy glaze, carrots tahini & seeds. The care that goes into every aspect of the creation and presentation of the dishes, as well as the knowledge and charm of the staff, make this a truly special experience. Go for the views, stay for the scones. On our visit in December, we warmed ourselves in front of an open fire and chose the festive afternoon tea, although we were more than tempted by the evergreen teas, including sake and beer. At a glancePrice: from 62.50 per person/a glass of non-alcoholic sparkling ros: 72.50pp/a glass of Lanson champagne: 72.50pp.Best for: a Jubilee afternoon teaContact details: The Park Room, JW Marriott Grosvenor House London, 86-90 Park Lane, London, W1K 7TN. The savoury course is an unusual but delicious kipper & dark chocolate quiche, with a salty-umami flavour. At a glancePrice: 35 per person/ 20 children under the age of 12Best for: A family treat or fans of HalloweenContact details: Georgian House hotel, Pimlico, London SW1. Magazine subscription your first 5 issues for only 5! The luxurious desserts are full of flavour with intricate details.

Accompanying the sandwiches were delectable warm tarts with caramelised red onion and goats cheese. The eight-storey glass atrium is adorned with leafy palm trees and full of airy sunlight. A medley of tea-infused treats are served alongside this extensive tea menu. However, youll need to leave room for sweet treats such as the Alabama lane cake, Missisippi mud pie and wild blueberry Religieuse as well a plenty of freshly baked scones. Can't settle on just one landmark to gaze on while you graze? For purists, there are sultana scones with strawberry jam, too. The selection of cakes we tried were beautifully balanced in terms of sweetness, sharpness and richness (which made it even easier to try the whole range!). The aptly named G&Tea at Mr Foggs Gin Parlour boasts an impressive list of pun-tastic champagne and gin cocktails, each infused with a specially selected tea. The selection of sandwiches ticked all the classic boxes, and we were presented with a separate plate of sandwiches for our vegetarian guest, including more adventurous alternatives such as piquillo red pepper & hummus to accompany the traditional cucumber & cream cheese. If youre looking for a magical afternoon tea for a special occasion that will inspire the imagination and excite the palate of both adults and children, then the Chesterfield is for you. The experience starts with a choice of tea brought brought to your table the Librarys own signature blend is our top pick and soon to be available to buy and take home with you, too. The menu begins with a glass of Champagne Laurent-Perrier La Cuve and a wide selection of teas including darjeeling, assam, English breakfast, organic rose grey and sencha aloe vera. At a glancePrice: 39 per person / 49 with a glass of champagneBest for: chocolate lovers and those after a unique menu with a beautiful and inviting roomContact details: The Park Tower Knightsbridge, 101 Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 7RN. The third course was a selection of French patisserie served tableside on a silver platter. This is a generous afternoon tea and the waiting staff were extremely knowledgeable about their extensive list of teas on offer. At a glancePrice: from 65 per person / 80 with a glass of Gusbourne Brut Reserve or Blanc de blancsBest for: exceptional serviceContact details: The Langham, 1c Portland Place, London W1B 1JA. Breathtaking views of the London skyline at Aqua Shard, one of London's popular tea rooms. See our best afternoon tea reviews including classic establishments like The Ritz, Fortnum & Mason, The Savoy and more. If you have some time spare, its well worth perusing the expansive tea emporium on the ground floor, called the Compotoir de Th. SIX Brasserie on the 6th floor of the Varsity offers super views over Cambridge whilst taking tea. Theyve been serving afternoon tea since 1865, so theyve had plenty of practice. The real stars of the show are the spectacular desserts. The scones are light and fluffy, paired with a unique earl grey tea jelly. Flemings is the quintessential afternoon tea for the modern traditionalist. The list changes regularly; on our visit we ordered two varieties of teapot cocktails, the dry and delicate Et chai, Brute? and the sweeter cherry bakewell gin cocktail. Book your seat on a specially kitted out double decker, and board at either Northumberland Avenue or Victoria Coach Station. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free menus are available and there is a childrens menu for smaller visitors. From the custom crafted ship that holds the food, to the story behind each component (the cod brandade is in the shape of a hook, as Peter calls him a codfish, for example), everything is meticulously designed and pure magic. For the scone course (both plain and fruited), we liked the added touch of being able to choose your own jam from a wide selection we opted for a classic raspberry and tangy gooseberry, but were tempted by the intriguing rose petal jam. The room itself even has royal history, being where Queen Elizabeth II learnt to ice skate when she was young. When its time to leave youll be escorted to a traditional sweet shop stand where you can select a bag of your favourite pick and mix sweets to take home, any treats you couldnt quite finish will be beautifully boxed up for you to take away too. We chose the classic Ritz Royal English - a breakfast tea with a blend of Golden Kenyan, Assam and Orange Pekoe. Its a sweet tooths dream: rainbow layers of bubblegum-flavoured panna cotta, mysteriously flavoured candy floss and honeycomb cake pops take centre stage, but our favourite was a chocolate egg filled with vanilla cheesecake and fruit pure. Scones arrived in baskets; they were okay, but not as light and buttery as we had hoped. A crayfish cocktail in a brioche bun was an enjoyable twist on a traditional prawn cocktail. Offering unrivalled views over the Piccadilly Gardens. Overall, this is a truly unique experience not to be missed by art lovers or those celebrating a special occasion.

If you opt for the champagne tea, you can take your pick from the champagne trolley that circles the room. As an extra touch, each pastry has been illustrated on a postcard so you can take it home as a souvenir. Located in the heart of Marylebone, The Landmark London offers a phenomenal afternoon tea with classic British dishes and flavours. The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum & Mason has to be one of the top locations for a classic afternoon tea. When it comes to timeless elegance, The Savoy knows how to do it right. The Charlie and the Chocolate Factory-themed afternoon tea at One Aldwych starts with a magical opener a chocolate, whisky & cherry cocktail complete with dry ice smoke and poured from a glass teapot. The heavily draped lounge could easily feel oppressive, but theres a relaxed atmosphere and a nice buzz without being intrusive. Either way, you wont be disappointed. It's a real chocolate feast, and a charming experience that's not to be missed. We managed to sample everything, from the chocolate delicacies and cakes given a festive spin (Santas hat, caramel & chocolate log, festive Battenberg) to the light and fluffy scones complete with homemade lemon curd and rose petal jelly. Luckily, a well-versed team of staff are on hand to offer a wealth of knowledge on everything from flavour profiles to oxidation states, allowing us to narrow down to a beautifully floral Formosa blue tea and earthy Namring high mountain darjeeling. You can imagine F Scott Fitzgerald himself reclining languorously in this Art Deco-inspired hotels sumptuous Gatsby Room, an oasis of dark woods and esoteric artwork where afternoon tea is served while a baby grand piano tinkles in the background. We sampled its Parisian afternoon tea in the elegant salon with a gallery overlooking the ground floor tea shop. At a glancePrice: 48, 63 with a glass of champagneBest for: 1920s decadenceContact details The Beaumont, Brown Heart Gardens, Mayfair, London, W1K 6TF. The same menu is served in both establishments (a summer special, at time of writing), at the same price in each, so if higher is better in your book, head for GONG. Freshly baked eye of newt scones are served with curdled cream and crushed strawberries after which a fresh bird cage is brought out with an abundance of sweet treats, a favourite had to be the web topped passion fruit jelly which almost looked too good to eat. The best afternoon teas outside of London, 10 scone recipes youll fall in love with. Copyright 2022 Afternoon Tea Online | Disclaimer | Privacy. The themes here are taken very seriously, and there is excellent attention to detail, but never at the expense of flavour. The atmosphere is luxury from the beginning and service is extremely attentive throughout (including offering us a blanket after we got caught in the rain en route). Here, trays of sandwiches devilled egg with mature cheddar, mustard and mango chutney; coronation chicken with apple and ginger arrive topped with watercress and edible flowers, followed by raisin scones, lemon meringues and carrot cakes with blood orange mousse. Choose the type of message you'd like to post. Make sure to book in advance as the parlour is a snug fit, with limited space available for walk-ins. Each pot of tea comes with an infusion card to keep track of optimum brewing times. At a glancePrice: from 65 per person / 75 with champagneBest for: wonderful views, tourists, treat for friendsContact details: Ting, Level 35, Shangri-La Hotel, 31 St Thomas Street, London SE1 9QU. Combine Britain's favourite culinary tradition with one of the most beautiful London settings. Begin with a round of warm plain scones or bourbon vanilla & golden raisin scones both are served with a fragrant tea-infused jelly. Treat yourself and a loved one to special afternoon tea in the capital city with our top afternoon tea in London recommendations. You wont have to lift a finger in your opulent surroundings, not even to pour yourself a cup of The Gorings very own blend. At a glancePrice: 56 per person for traditional afternoon tea / 75 for sake afternoon teaBest for: special occasions and dessert gourmandsContact details: The Rosebery Lounge at Mandarin Oriental, 66 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7LA. Add to that classic finger sandwiches, sweet and savoury scones, and the tranquility of the setting the plush Palm Court and you have an unforgettable afternoon. This would be a great offering for those looking for a classic afternoon tea with top-notch service. The Rosebery Lounge, where the service is sleek yet never stuffy, is accessed via the hotels grand staircase. There are delicate Reuben and chicken caesar sandwiches as well as still-warm scones, but the pastries are the main attraction: a chocolate macaroon infused with peanut butter and jelly, a cheesecake topped with slivers of rhubarb, a key lime and matcha-stuffed religieuse, and an elegant slice of Boston cream pie., Following its afternoon tea menus paying tribute to the likes of Picasso, Van Gogh and Rodin, the Holborn hideaways latest is a love letter to Japanese legend Yayoi Kusama, whose Infinity Mirror Rooms exhibition has been dominating Instagram feeds since it opened at the Tate Modern. More than 150 years after the seventh Duchess of Bedford began serving a meal between lunch and dinner, the best afternoon tea in London is still difficult to narrow down. Travers' book, itself set in and above London, the menu contains nods to various characters who Mary and the Banks children meet on their adventures. The must-read London articles. Accompanying the sandwiches are endless fluffy scones, Drumstick macaroons, strawberry liquorice allsorts cheesecake, blue raspberry & bubblegum Battenberg, giant jazzie lollipops, coca cola slice and a decadent take on a Reeces peanut butter cup. TheLevel 8ight Skybar at the Hilton offers the best views of Bournemouth. If you've never ventured to the top of the huge Waterstones on Piccadilly, you won't know about 5th View.

If you think there is any incorrect or out-of-date information in this guide, please email us at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk. There's no better way to celebrate a birthday, holiday or special occasion. From start to finish, this afternoon tea is a display of enchanting storybook delicacies in a stunning, picturesque setting. Celebrating a special occasion? Tempted? Aside from the replenishable plates of fresh sandwiches, light scones and perfectly presented patisserie, the true standout feature is without a doubt the service. Overall, the service is a fantastic option for a special occasion with friendly and attentive staff and a gorgeous ambiance. For the scone course, unusual fresh basil scones were paired with lemon curd and clotted cream and were a surprise hit, a winning combination that tasted well balanced. The best things to do in London. Fillings cover all the classics including cucumber, smoked salmon, ham, prawn, beef with punchy horseradish and, of course, coronation chicken for a royal tea. If youre looking for a traditional afternoon tea in luxe surroundings with unexpected homemade goodies thrown in, the Royal Lancaster London is for you. Needless to say, the choice of speciality teas is staggering, spanning a range of herbal, fruit, vintage and rare blends from across the globe. If you want to feel like youve stepped into a film, a trip to Knightsbridge and the acclaimed Mandarin Oriental is one for your bucket list. What a beautiful spot this is for afternoon tea overlooking the river, a must try! Going against the usual standard of eating savoury to sweet, we follow the advice of the menu and start with the pastries. The tea selection itself was explained to us by attentive staff, who were as knowledgeable as any sommelier. Enjoy great views of the Thames whilst taking afternoon tea near Blackfriars Bridge. The afternoon tea menu is entirely chocolate themed. Generous staff, to-die-for patisserie and supremely scoffable sarnies in an intimate and stylish setting Flemings gets big ticks all round. The Library boasts amazing views over some of London's best landmarks. See multiple London sights on an afternoon tea bus tour. Leave some room for the trio of exquisite tea-infused patisserie: we were especially impressed with the strawberry cheesecake fashioned to look like a vibrant red glazed mushroom, plus a finely layered matcha & chocolate opera cake. A word of warning there are no toilets on board, so go easy on the tea. Fortnum & Mason is a classic afternoon tea experience with an ever-evolving menu thats subtly inventive. The coolest London events from our partners. Fresh plain and fruit scones come with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry preserve, and the pastries and cakes, which are the real stars of the show, have delicate details and stunning finishes.

Children and adults alike will love the nostalgic treats and artistic touches included in this afternoon tea. While the luxurious Promenade remains closed as the grande dame undergoes its biggest renovation in three decades, its renowned afternoon tea has moved to the equally impressive, flower-filled Orchid Room. The venue doesn't really seem to know whether it's a cafe, restaurant or cocktail bar, but we find its at its best on a weekday morning, when you can pop in for a coffee and have the place to yourself. Save some space, as youll be wanting to replenish this selection to your hearts content. The perfectly cut sandwiches are light, soft and fluffy, with flavoursome fillings of chicken, bacon and mustard, along with the standout truffle egg mayo (more vegetarian options are available). Let us know here. Our first bites were six mini sandwiches, and as soon as we started eating we realised why the portions were controlled. To say this tea is generous is an exaggeration, but we can think of no better way to while away an afternoon. Classic sandwich fillings, including ham & mustard, egg mayonnaise and coronation chicken, are served in fresh, soft bread, and are replenishable, but theres plenty of other bites to enjoy. Situated next to Westminster Bridge, bag a window table for views of the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and, of course, the river to watch boats come and go whilst you sip your tea. The staff were attentive, relaxed and fun and theres plenty of quirky decorations and spooky music for an authentically ghostly experience. Service is seamless without being stuffy, and we found the waiting staff charming, relaxed and exceptionally well informed with 92 teas on offer, they need to know their stuff. The food is traditional with classic British flavours and generous servings; savoury sandwiches include Scottish smoked salmon, chicken with tarragon creamed mayonnaise, cheddar cheese with chutney, and more. Read on for Vogues definitive guide to the best afternoon tea in London. Tea kicks off with an iced granita version of the Queens favourite tipple, gin with a fortified wine aperitif, as a refreshing palate cleanser before the indulgence begins. The finishing dessert course brings in the Big Ben element, with each intricate pastry impressively designed to represent a different part of this London icon. At a glancePrice: from 55 per person/71 free flowing English sparkling wineBest for: riverside viewsContact details: The Library, London County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PB.

Sated, we admitted defeat and asked for a doggy bag for the chocolate orange sphere and strawberry macaron tower. The black garlic Aberdeen Angus roast beef sandwich is the standout of the savoury options, with a light dash of fresh horseradish and flavourful tomato bread. Cloud 23 has an amazing view over the Manchester skyline. Set in a grand, Georgian hotel on a smart Mayfair street, the service is exceptional from the moment you step into their large marble hallway. Dress for the occasion and head to The Ritz to dine in the lavish Palm Court or savour treats in the spectacular Thames Foyer of The Savoy. To make your own dishes at home, see our afternoon tea recipes for all things scones and sandwiches. 2022 Londonist, All rights reserved. As Frances oldest tea house, Mariage Frres is renowned as one of the worlds most exclusive purveyors of fine teas an afternoon spent at its Covent Garden branch is an absolute must for any tea enthusiast. Indulge yourself with afternoon tea at Skylon on the banks of the River Thames. It may not be as conventionally appealing as some of the other views on this list, but we could spend hours gazing out, trying to identify every building in the panorama. Another favourite was the minted dark chocolate ganache with a satisfyingly crunchy shortbread base. The magic continues into the desserts. It's a budget-friendly option, and views of London's rooftops towards Westminster are thrown in. The Petersham Restaurant offer some super views of the Surrey countryside. Here, nearly 1000 varieties of rare teas are displayed in antique wooden shelves alongside a range of packaged products, such as tea-themed gift sets, teapots, cups, strainers, books and more. There are a generous seven sandwiches each, so those with a more savoury tooth will be happy. Our favourites include delicate macarons, rich chocolate mousse and fruity tartlets. We werent offered extra sandwiches or a change of tea, but the menu is plenty filling enough that you wont need extra. You'll be spoilt for views as you head to theTower Hotel, being close to the Tower of London. The menu consists of sandwiches, mini Yorkshire puddings, choux buns and traditional scones, followed by elderflower and strawberry mousse and chocolate and cherry bakewell. The Palm Court at The Langham is a haven of comfort and luxury in which to enjoy afternoon tea. OXO Tower Restaurant offers amazing views of London and a great afternoon tea too. The menu is seasonal for us, it started with classic sandwich fillings including ham & mustard and egg mayonnaise in neat fingers of soft white and nutty wholemeal bread, followed by two dainty, warm scones with large portions of strawberry jam and thick clotted cream. We opted for lemon drizzle and it made the perfect pick-me-up when you eventually start to get hungry again. Choose from either 'darling tea', which has delicious floral notes, or 'adventure tea', made from black tea with citrus, mango and ginger. An impressive self portrait of VanGough comes in the form of a coffee mousse with a crunchy pecan base, complete in a mini easel for display. Get transported to Neverland with magical views, as if you're Peter Pan flying over the rooftops of London. Price: 35 per person, + 49 extra with a bottle of champagneContact details: Mariage Frres, 38 King Street, London WC2E 8JSBest for: An extensive menu of speciality teas and tea-infused treats. Overall, this boozy, cocktail-filled tea was a relaxed, very enjoyable experience. All of the following venues serve afternoon tea with views to make your visit worthwhile. This makes for a special afternoon that kids will remember forever, or an excuse not to act your age whatever your reason for visiting, its a sweet treat not to be missed. The Drawing Room provides stunning views across the Berkshire countryside. Enjoy unsurpassed London views of the River Thames and St Paul's Cathedral. We enjoyed a selection of light choux buns, tart raspberry pastries and creamy lemon mousses. You might be too busy watching the world go by to even tuck into your traditional afternoon tea, but do take time to look inside the window too the gorgeous, book-lined establishment is like a great big hug. At a glancePrice: 59 per person/69 per person with a glass of champagneBest for: airy ambience and classic flavoursContact details: The Landmark London, 222 Marylebone Rd, London NW1 6JQ. They come with pastrami sandwiches, poached salmon on malted cocoa bread, devilled egg buns, lemon scones and an array of irresistible desserts, from a saffron custard tart to a dark chocolate dome with a cherry mousse centre. Offering a luxury afternoon tea experience in stunning surroundings, Hotel Caf Royal is one to remember. It begins with a selection of inventive sandwiches chicken teriyaki with spring onion, smoked salmon with wasabi cream, yuzu avocado with keta caviar before moving to pastries that range from a chocolate cup filled with tonka cream to a vanilla cheesecake with cherry blossom gel. Each element of the tea has its own story that's told by the waiter as it arrives at your table, and its evident a lot of time and love has gone into the creation of the menu. The sandwiches are traditional and moreish, with lapsang souchong smoked Scottish salmon, organic egg mayonnaise and mustard cress, classic cucumber and coronation chicken on walnut bread. Choose your seat carefully for views of the ever-rotating wheel, or across to the splendid buildings of Westminster. Watch traffic chug by on the River Thames, and gaze across at (the currently-scaffolded) face of Big Ben at The Library, inside The Marriott at County Hall, which is located right next to the London Eye. Tea is served in a gilded mirrored tea room dating back to 1865, set to the sound of a live pianist and with a choice of more than 25 tea infusions and three champagnes. For anyone in search of a quintessentially traditional English afternoon tea, The Goring tops the list.

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