{"id":2559,"date":"2021-08-05T13:36:05","date_gmt":"2021-08-05T20:36:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kathleenphipps.com\/?p=2559"},"modified":"2021-08-05T13:36:59","modified_gmt":"2021-08-05T20:36:59","slug":"guide-to-afternoon-tea-in-london","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kathleenphipps.com\/ja\/guide-to-afternoon-tea-in-london\/","title":{"rendered":"Guide to Afternoon Tea in London"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Guide to Afternoon Tea in London<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n
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\"Guide<\/a><\/div>\n
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Why travel all the way to England for afternoon tea? If you have a love of traditional British culture, then you really can\u2019t replicate the pomp and circumstance of afternoon tea in the UK.<\/p>\n

\"Afternoon
Afternoon Tea at the Drawing Room at Brown\u2019s Hotel, London<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In London alone there are hundreds of places serving afternoon tea, from small family run cake shops to the high-end hotels like the Ritz. The sheer number and variety of tea shops in London is staggering, but with a little bit of research you\u2019ll find that there\u2019s an afternoon tea for every budget and occasion. Whether it\u2019s a quick pick me up while shopping or a two hour formal tea, there\u2019s an afternoon tea for you.<\/p>\n

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Afternoon tea at Harrods, London<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Why is afternoon tea so popular in the UK? Nostalgia plays a big part of the popularity of afternoon tea, with shows like Downton Abbey which often depict characters enjoying a leisurely tea. There\u2019s also the novelty of afternoon tea. Where else can you go to have tea at a place like the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon, frequented by the Queen herself?<\/p>\n

\"\"
Afternoon tea desserts at Fortnum & Mason\u2019s Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

London\u2019s varied afternoon tea scene provides a unique opportunity to transport you out of the mundanities of everyday life into fantasy world of richness and opulence. Many of the high end hotels in London even feature special themed teas which aim to transport guests to another time and place, such as the Sanderson Hotel, which serves a \u201cMad Hatter\u2019s Tea,\u201d meant to send guests \u201cdown the rabbit hole.\u201d<\/p>\n

How to Choose an Afternoon Tea in London:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"
Chelsea Flower Show themed afternoon tea desserts at the Lanesborough, London<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

With so many wonderful options to choose from, it can be very difficult to decide where to book your afternoon tea. There are certain criteria which can be helpful in narrowing down your search.<\/p>\n

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High Tea at Fortnum & Mason\u2019s Diamond Jubilee Tea<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The top 7 things to look for when choosing an afternoon tea in London:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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  1. Quality:<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
    \"\"
    Tea sandwiches at the Lanesborough Hotel, London<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    The first thing to look for is the quality of the food. Many of the high-end hotels have menus posted online which note where their ingredients are sourced from, a good sign that the hotel is serving a high quality afternoon tea. I look for places that source their ingredients locally in the UK. Quality is important when dishing out a lot of money for afternoon tea.<\/p>\n

    2. Service:<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \"\"
    The Promenade at the Dorchester Hotel, London<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Look for tea rooms that focus on a high quality of service. The smaller and more intimate the tearoom is, the more the staff are able to focus on the guests. It\u2019s important not to feel lost in a sea of people while having afternoon tea. However, most of the high-end tearooms in London have enough staff to accommodate larger rooms of people.<\/p>\n

    3. Creativity<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

    \"\"
    Chelsea Flower Show themed desserts at Brown\u2019s Hotel, London<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Look for places that display a high level of creativity in their dessert and savory offerings. Many high end hotels serve elaborate desserts that change with the seasons, such as the violet flower macarons served at Brown\u2019s Hotel during spring or mince tarts served at Christmas themed teas throughout the city during the winter months.<\/p>\n

    4. Variety:<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \"\"
    Afternoon tea savories at Brown\u2019s Hotel, London<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Look for places that serve a wide variety of savory options with their tea, not just the typical finger sandwiches. A more substantial meal for afternoon tea means you\u2019re getting your money\u2019s worth.<\/p>\n

    \"\"
    Rosebud tea with scones, clotted cream and jam at the Dorchester Hotel, London<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Also, check out the hotel\u2019s tea menu on their website ahead of time to see whether they offer an extensive tea list. Many hotels offer a list of teas that go beyond the basics like chamomile and English breakfast, such as teas infused with herbs and spices and flowers.<\/p>\n

    5. Ambiance:<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \"\"
    The Drawing Room at Brown\u2019s Hotel, London<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    I look for places that have a special or unique ambiance. Whether it\u2019s a place that focuses on British tradition, such as the cozy wood paneled walls of the Drawing Room at Brown\u2019s Hotel, or the elegant grandeur of Celeste at the Lanesborough, London has every kind of place you can think of for afternoon tea.<\/p>\n

    \"\"
    Celeste at the Lanesborough Hotel, London<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    6. Location:<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \"\"
    The Goring Hotel, London<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Location may also play a part in where you book your afternoon tea. For example, if you\u2019re visiting Buckingham Palace, it might make sense to have afternoon tea at a place nearby, such as the Goring Hotel, or Fortnum and Mason if you\u2019re shopping in Piccadilly.<\/p>\n

    \"\"
    The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum & Mason, London<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    7. Budget:<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \"\"
    Chelsea Flower Show themed desserts at the Dorchester Hotel, London<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    High-end hotels serve the most elaborate afternoon teas with the highest quality of service. The more expensive the room rates are, the more the hotel is expected to serve a high quality afternoon tea. The mid-range hotels serve afternoon tea at corresponding prices.<\/p>\n

    \"\"
    Raspberry rose layer cake with tea at Peggy Porschen\u2019s, Chelsea, London<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    The smaller cake and tea shops provide many excellent affordable afternoon tea options, as do many of the museums and other public venues around London, such as the Swan at Shakespeare\u2019s Globe Theater or the Great Court Restaurant at the British Museum. Whatever your price range is, London has an afternoon tea for you.<\/p>\n

    Is it worth the cost?<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \"\"
    Afternoon Tea & High Tea at Fortnum & Mason\u2019s Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Yes, for the sheer joy of the experience alone.\u00a0There are so many wonderful places for afternoon tea in London, it would take a lifetime to explore them all. I can\u2019t imagine a better way to explore the city than to visit its many tearooms, each one with a story to tell and a fabulous experience to offer.<\/p>\n

    \"\"
    Afternoon tea desserts and scones at the Lanesborough Hotel, London<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

     <\/p>\n

    I\u2019m sure that you will find an afternoon tea that is right for your budget and occasion from the list I\u2019ve compiled below. I\u2019ve organized the list according to personal preferences based on my research and experience. I\u2019ve also noted any teas that feature a unique or fun theme. Six of the places I\u2019ve already visited. I\u2019ve listed the other recommended afternoon teas destinations below.<\/p>\n

    The Top 40 Recommended Afternoon Teas in London<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \"\"
    Afternoon tea desserts at the Goring<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

     <\/p>\n

      \n
    1. The Dorchester\u2014The Promenade\u2014<\/strong>One of the most gorgeous and sophisticated afternoon tea experiences in London (check out my review here<\/a><\/strong>)<\/li>\n
    2. Brown\u2019s Hotel\u2014The Drawing Room\u2014<\/strong>The traditional British afternoon tea experience you\u2019ve been looking for (check out my review here<\/a>)<\/li>\n
    3. Fortnum and Mason\u2014The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon\u2014<\/strong>Afternoon tea fit for a queen at one of London\u2019s oldest luxury department stores (check out my review here<\/a><\/strong>)<\/li>\n
    4. The Goring\u2014The Dining Room\u2014<\/strong>A classy afternoon tea served in a family run hotel near Buckingham Palace (check out my review here<\/a>)<\/li>\n
    5. The Lanesborough\u2014Celeste\u2014<\/strong>An elegant afternoon tea served in a spectacularly beautiful room (check out my review here<\/a>)<\/li>\n
    6. Harrods\u2014The Harrods Tea Rooms on the Fourth Floor\u2014<\/strong>Afternoon tea served in one of London\u2019s oldest department stores (check out my review here<\/a>)<\/li>\n
    7. Claridge\u2019s\u2014The Foyer & Reading Room\u2014<\/strong>One of London\u2019s most celebrated and award-winning teas, served in a beautiful art deco setting<\/li>\n
    8. The Savoy\u2014The Thames Foyer\u2014<\/strong>The Traditional Afternoon Tea <\/em>or The Traditional High Tea\u2014<\/em>Also an award-winning afternoon tea served in yet another grand art deco style room<\/li>\n
    9. The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park\u2014The Rosebery Lounge\u2014<\/strong>A sophisticated Asian inspired tea served on whimsical hanging trays in a colorfully decorated lounge<\/li>\n
    10. The Langham\u2014The Palm Court\u2014<\/strong>The SeasonaliTea<\/em> or the High Tea<\/em>\u2014A gorgeous tea served on Wedgewood fine bone china in an art deco setting<\/li>\n
    11. The Corinthia Hotel\u2014The Crystal Moon Lounge\u2014<\/strong>A classic afternoon tea served under a spectacular crystal chandelier with a dessert cart to remember<\/li>\n
    12. Cadogan\u2019s by Adam Handling\u2014<\/strong>A creative and inventive afternoon tea for foodies designed by an award-winning British chef<\/li>\n
    13. Sketch\u2014The Gallery\u2014<\/strong>Modern elegance and whimsy in a \u201cpretty in pink\u201d room<\/li>\n
    14. The Sanderson\u2014<\/strong>The Mad Hatter\u2019s Tea<\/em>\u2014<\/strong>A delightful rendering of Lewis Carroll\u2019s famous story, one of London\u2019s most whimsical afternoon teas<\/li>\n
    15. The Berkeley\u2014The Collins Room\u2014<\/strong>The Pret-a-portea<\/em>\u2014A sophisticated fashion themed tea served in the gorgeous surrounds of the Collins Room<\/li>\n
    16. Hotel Caf\u00e9 Royal\u2014The Oscar Wilde Lounge\u2014<\/strong>The Queen of Afternoon Teas<\/em>\u2014A dazzling lounge with an art deco design frequented by the likes of David Bowie, the Beatles and its famous namesake and playwright, Oscar Wilde<\/li>\n
    17. The Rosewood\u2014The Mirror Room\u2014<\/strong>The Art Tea<\/em>\u2014A modern art inspired tea with intricate dessert interpretations of the works of famous artists (Picasso and Van Gogh) in a classy setting near the British Museum<\/li>\n
    18. Aqua Shard\u2014<\/strong>The Mary Poppins Afternoon Tea<\/em>\u2014The perfect tea for families or adults who enjoy spectacular views & whimsical themed teas<\/li>\n
    19. TING at Shangri-La Hotel at the Shard\u2014<\/strong>The POP Art Tea<\/em>\u2014A sophisticated take on mid-century pop art with an unbeatable view<\/li>\n
    20. The JW Marriott Grosvenor House London\u2014The Park Room\u2014<\/strong>Anna\u2019s Afternoon Tea<\/em>\u2014A classic afternoon tea with excellent service in a beautiful room facing Hyde Park<\/li>\n
    21. Four Seasons Ten Trinity Square\u2014The Rotunda\u2014<\/strong>The Runway Afternoon Tea<\/em>\u2014An inventive tea inspired by the photography exhibition \u201cKarl Lagerfeld: the Chanel Shows\u201d<\/li>\n
    22. The Ritz\u2014The Palm Court\u2014<\/strong>One of the most classic afternoon tea experiences in London<\/li>\n
    23. The Milestone\u2014The Park Lounge\u2014<\/strong>Traditional British tea served in a cozy and intimate setting<\/li>\n
    24. The Connaught\u2014Jean Georges at the Connaught\u2014<\/strong>A creative and elegant afternoon tea menu served in a striking art deco room<\/li>\n
    25. The Landmark London\u2014The Winter Garden\u2014<\/strong>The High Palms High Tea<\/em>\u2014an exquisite traditional tea served in a dramatic tree-lined eight-story atrium<\/li>\n
    26. Rubens at the Palace\u2014<\/strong>The Rubens Royal Afternoon Tea<\/em>\u2014A royal tea fit for the queen located right at the walls of Buckingham Palace<\/li>\n
    27. The Sheraton Grand London Park Lane\u2014The Palm Court\u2014<\/strong>The Nineteen Twentea<\/em>\u2014A 1920\u2019s inspired tea served in a gorgeous art deco room<\/li>\n
    28. The Intercontinental London Park Lane\u2014The Wellington Lounge\u2014<\/strong>The Royal Tea<\/em>\u2014A classic afternoon tea with impeccable attention to detail<\/li>\n
    29. The Stafford London, St. James\u2014The Bird Game Room\u2014<\/strong>A Journey through St James\u2019s Afternoon Tea<\/em>\u2014A creative afternoon tea inspired by famous destinations in the St. James neighborhood<\/li>\n
    30. 100 Queens Gate Hotel\u2014The Botanica\u2014<\/strong>Afternoon Tea Scentsation<\/em>\u2014A floral perfume inspired afternoon tea<\/li>\n
    31. The London Marriott Park Lane\u2014Lanes of London Restaurant\u2014<\/strong>The Botanical Afternoon Tea<\/em>\u2014A floral inspired afternoon tea<\/li>\n
    32. The Franklin London Hotel\u2014The Franklin Restaurant\u2014<\/strong>The Wonderful Things Afternoon Tea<\/em>\u2014A whimsical and creative afternoon tea inspired by the Tim Walker art exhibition at the nearby V & A Museum<\/li>\n
    33. Kona at Taj 51 Buckingham Gate\u2014<\/strong>The Queen of Hearts Afternoon Tea<\/em>\u2014An Alice in Wonderland inspired tea & The Jasmine Afternoon Tea\u2014<\/em>An Indian inspired tea<\/li>\n
    34. The Intercontinental London\u2014The 02\u2014The Meridian Lounge\u2014<\/strong>The \u201cLe Voyage\u201d Afternoon Tea<\/em>\u2014A travel themed tea inspired by Jules Verne\u2019s novel \u201cAround the World in 80 Days\u201d with a spectacular view of the Thames River<\/li>\n
    35. Le Meridien\u2014The Terrace on Piccadilly\u2014<\/strong>The Peter Rabbit Afternoon Tea<\/em>\u2014An adorable family friendly afternoon tea inspired by Beatrix Potter\u2019s famous children\u2019s story<\/li>\n
    36. One Aldwych\u2014<\/strong>The Charlie & The Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea<\/em>\u2014A family friendly tea full of whimsical sweets inspired by Roald Dahl\u2019s famous children\u2019s story<\/li>\n
    37. The Conrad London St. James\u2014Emmeline\u2019s Lounge\u2014<\/strong>The Broadway Afternoon Tea<\/em>\u2014An elegant afternoon tea inspired by Broadway\u2019s greatest hits<\/li>\n
    38. The Town House Kensington Hotel\u2014<\/strong>The London Landmarks Afternoon Tea<\/em>\u2014Inspired by famous London landmarks such as the London Eye, Big Ben and the red London telephone box<\/li>\n
    39. The Chesterfield Mayfair\u2014<\/strong>The Original Sweetshop Afternoon Tea<\/em>\u2014Inspired by nostalgic candy shops of the early 20th century<\/li>\n
    40. The St. James Hotel & Club\u2014<\/strong>The \u201c1840\u201d Afternoon Tea<\/em>\u2014Inspired by the birth year of the afternoon tea tradition<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Check out the reviews for Afternoon Teas in London I\u2019ve already visited:<\/strong><\/p>\n

        \n
      1. The Dorchester<\/a>\u2014The Promenade<\/li>\n
      2. Brown\u2019s Hotel<\/a>\u2014The Drawing Room<\/li>\n
      3. Fortnum and Mason<\/a>\u2014The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon<\/li>\n
      4. The Goring<\/a>\u2014The Dining Room<\/li>\n
      5. The Lanesborough<\/a>\u2014Celeste<\/li>\n
      6. Harrods<\/a>\u2014The Harrods Tea Rooms on the Fourth Floor<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

         <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n

         <\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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