Best Afternoon Tea in London

 
 
 
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Claridge's

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Claridge's
Claridge's
The Dorchester
The Athenaeum Afternoon Tea
Fortnum & Mason: The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon
The Goring Hotel
Corinthia Afternoon Tea
St Pancras Renaissance: Hansom Lounge
The Ritz Afternoon Tea
Aqua Shard Afternoon Tea
St Pancras Renaissance: The Gilbert Scott
Afternoon Tea at Cadogan's by Adam Handling
The Stafford: The Game Bird
The Savoy
Sanderson Hotel: Mad Hatter's Afternoon Tea
Rosewood London Afternoon Tea
The Ampersand Hotel: Science Afternoon Tea
The Langham Afternoon Tea - SeasonaliTea
 

 

This great British custom was started by the Duchess of Bedford in 1830 when she ordered a light meal to stave off hunger pangs between lunch and dinner. Now London revives the Afternoon Tea tradition to the tinkle of teaspoons, slurping of tea and swooning over scones.

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Rosewood London Afternoon Tea

Rosewood London offers an artful afternoon tea inspired by the works of Picasso.

252 High Holborn, Rosewood , London, WC1V 7EN

Tube: Holborn Station , Chancery Lane Station

 
 

Named Best Contemporary Afternoon Tea two years in a row, Rosewood London offers an artistic take on afternoon tea with a carefully crafted collection of pastries inspired by Picasso, coinciding with his exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts. Served in the elegant surrounds of the Mirror Room, this special afternoon tea recreates some of Picasso's well known artworks in pastry. Guitars made from a light sponge with a Spanish nougat flavour give a nod to Picasso's roots. The Dream, inspired by Picasso's mistress, translates into chocolate mousse with orange genoise and mango jelly with passion fruit. Pistachio crumb takes on a cubist form and the Surrealist a weeping women is printed on edible paper. These exquisite pastries are served along with freshly made finger sandwiches and scones as well as a wide selection of Mariage Freres teas.

 
 
 

Aqua Shard Afternoon Tea

A modern take on afternoon tea with unrivalled views of London.

Level 31, The Shard, Bankside, London, SE1 9RL

Tube: London Bridge Station

 
 

For afternoon tea with a view it doesn't get much better than Aqua Shard, located on the 31st floor of The Shard - Western Europe's tallest building. Head Chef Anthony Garlando has put a modern twist on the British tradition, which is served in The Tea Wing and the restaurant's atrium. Sandwich options include native lobster and lobster mayonnaise on brown bread and cured smoked salmon with dill crème fraiche in a brioche bun while further savoury options are a spinach and goat's cheese mini quiche and a black pudding sausage roll with Yorkshire chutney. The freshly baked scones are flavoured with vanilla and white chocolate chips and come served with homemade jam, toffee and Cornish clotted cream. There's also the option of accompanying your tea with a glass of Veuve Clicquot champagne.

 
 
 

Cadogan's by Adam Handling

Adam Handling presents an afternoon tea inspired by childhood feasts at his Grandmother's.

Belmond Cadogan , 75 Sloane Street, London, SW1X 9SG

Tube: Knightsbridge Station

 
 

One of the hottest chefs of the moment, Adam Handling presents an exquisite Afternoon Tea at Cadogan's by Adam Handling, the new tea lounge within the Belmond Cadogan Hotel in Chelsea, which is also home to Handling's headline restaurant. Nine months in the making, the afternoon tea is a celebration of the chef's childhood, inspired by the feasts he used to have at his grandmother's. The nostalgic yet refined menu commences with a selection of traditional finger sandwiches filled with smoked salmon and crab salad, duck egg with curry mayonnaise, and cucumber with creme fraiche while other savouries include mushroom and truffle egg and a sausage roll with brown sauce. Sweet dishes include granny smith and lemongrass cremeux, battenberg lemon drizzle, and salted caramel sacher with milk chocolate Chantilly, and plain and raisin scones come with homemade jam and Cornish clotted cream. Guests can wash it down with a fine Newby Tea and/or a glass of Adam Handling's Own Label Sparkling.

 
 
 

Claridge's Afternoon Tea

Utterly English award-winning afternoon tea

Brook Street, Mayfair, London, W1A 2JQ

Tube: Bond Street Station

 
 

Named the Tea Guild's Best Afternoon Tea in 2006, 2011 and 2012, and presented with an Award of Excellence an impressive five times, Claridge's is one of the top locations for Afternoon Tea in London. Served in the Foyer and Reading Room, the hotel boasts all the details needed for the traditional British custom. The Art Deco interior of Claridge's saw a stunning refit in 1999, bringing it back to its awe-inspiring former glory and worthy of its affectionate title "the extension to Buckingham Palace". The centre piece of the Foyer is a huge glass chandelier by Dale Chihuly, adding to the magic of the venue, and the Reading Room is ideal for intimate occasions. Diners are accompanied by a pianist and harpist while they choose between more than 40 different blends of tea from around the world and devour classic finger sandwiches, pastries and moist, fluffy homemade raisin and apple scones served with Marco Pollo jelly and Cornish clotted cream. There are three delectable options: the traditional Afternoon Tea, the Champagne Tea and, for really pushing the boat out, the Rose Champagne Afternoon Tea. Seasonal options for the Chelsea Flower Show, Lawn Tennis and Christmas are also available, as well as a Children's Afternoon Tea. If you want to join the ranks of princes, politicians and personalities, this is the only place to sup afternoon tea.

 
 
 

Corinthia Afternoon Tea

Feast on quintessentially British cakes under a magnificent crystal chandelier.

The Lobby Lounge, Corinthia Hotel , 10 Whitehall Place, Westminster, London, SW1A 2BD

Tube: Charing Cross Station , Embankment Underground Station

 
 

Served in the grand Lobby Lounge, afternoon tea at the Corinthia is a classy affair. Diners are initially greeted by the magnificent sight of the 'Full Moon' chandelier, created by Parisian designer Chafik Gasmi and made up of 1001 glistening Baccarat crystals. The menu focuses on quintessentially British cakes, including Battenberg, Eccles cake and Bakewell tarts. Taking into consideration Londons major events, special seasonal options are also often added, such as floral fancies inspired by the Chelsea Flower Show or couture biscuits in honour of the latest catwalk trends from London Fashion Week. Sandwich options include smoked salmon, coronation chicken, Lancashire cheese and piccalilli, and cream cheese and chive while a selection of plain and fruit scones are served with house preserves and clotted cream. Guests can choose between an array of teas, including bespoke blends created especially for Corinthia London's Tea Palace, and there is also the option to enjoy a glass of Laurent-Perrier Champagne.

 
 
 
 

L'oscar Saint and Sinner Afternoon Tea

L'oscar's afternoon tea takes inspiration from the Baptist Bar with a Saint and Sinner theme.

L'oscar Hotel, 2-6 Southampton Row, London, WC1B 4AA

Tube: Holborn Station

 
 

Inspired by the L'oscar hotel's Baptist Bar, which is housed within a former chapel dating back to 1903, Cafe L'oscar takes on a Saint & Sinner theme for its decadent afternoon tea. Served against a richly decorated backdrop of mirrors, gilded panels, original art and a striking illuminated onyx bar, the afternoon tea commences with Religieuse buns followed by finger sandwiches filled with devilled chicken, rare roast beef and poached salmon. The suitably themed sweet treats include Adam and Eves pudding, Devils food cake and Saint Nectaire and blood orange cheesecake, and no afternoon tea is complete without traditional scones served with cream and jam. To wash it down, saints can choose from an extensive tea selection while sinners can sip on indulgent tea-based cocktails, including the Charon au champagne with Rooibos tea infused Ketel one, blood orange and champagne.

 
 
 

Fortnum & Mason: The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon

A tranquil heaven hidden within London's famous department store.

Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly, Fitzrovia, London, W1A 1ER

Tube: Green Park Station , Piccadilly Circus Station

 
 

From the day Fortnum & Mason opened its doors to the nation back in 1707, tea has been one of their main concerns and the St James's Restaurant opened just a few years after the British discovered their now beloved cuppa. However, in 2012 the restaurant was given a grand refurbishment and, opened by Her Majesty the Queen, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Duchess of Cambridge, was renamed The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon. Fortnum's is the original London tea house. The fabulous food hall downstairs stocks over a century of blends including India, Nepal, Japan, Sri Lanka, along with their own in-house infusions, green teas and all sorts of fruity numbers. Tea tasting really is a fine art and these are the experts with nearly 300 years' experience. The calm atmosphere, pacifying piano and broad view of Piccadilly makes the fourth floor Tea Salon a tranquil haven away from the sea of shoppers outside. The reputation of the food hall precedes it, and the sandwiches and pastries live up to expectations. Choose from a Traditional Tea, a Savoury Tea or the more substantial High Tea.

 
 
 

Sanderson Hotel: Mad Hatter's Afternoon Tea

Indulge in some mad and delicious afternoon tea at The Sanderson Hotel.

The Sanderson Hotel, 50 Berners Street, Fitzrovia, London, W1T 3NG

Tube: Goodge Street Station , Oxford Circus Station, Tottenham Court Road Station

 
 

The Sanderson Hotel gives visitors the chance to climb down a rabbit hole and explore the wonderland beneath at their Mad Hatter's Afternoon Tea. Creating a twisted version of the traditional British afternoon tea, menus are hidden inside vintage books and napkins are wrapped with riddles, while teapots adorned with kings and queens and sandwich plates featuring birdcages, carousels and ticking clocks play host to wondrous fare. Re-launched in 2015 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, the menu is a heady mix of colourful savoury dishes and striking sweets. Offering something more than just finger sandwiches, the savoury options include a crab éclair and a croque-monsier, while traditional flavours still feature with a smoked salmon and caviar scotch egg and a cucumber and cream cheese sandwich on fresh lime bread. Each of the sweets are beautifully intricate, with every aspect carefully constructed and perfectly matched with the Alice in Wonderland theme - the menu took four months to finalise and the level of detail is apparent. From the red velvet ladybird and blue caterpillar to the Queen of Hearts Oreo cookie soldier and magic marshmallow mushrooms, each addition tastes as good as it looks. Scones are light, delicious and generously portioned, the themed teas perfectly balanced, and the Alice drink me potion a refreshing conclusion. It's all gloriously bonkers.

 
 
 

Sketch - Afternoon Tea

Afternoon tea is served in two contrasting rooms at Sketch.

9 Conduit Street, Mayfair, London, W1S 2XG

Tube: Oxford Circus Station , Bond Street Station

 
 

There's one traditional afternoon tea menu at Sketch but it's served in two very different locations: Glade, a fairytale dining room that features ethereal woodland murals and earthy wicker furnishings, and the Gallery, designed by India Mahdavi. Originally featuring work by Martin Creed, the Gallery now displays work by David Shrigley as part of a long-term programme of artists-conceived restaurants. The afternoon tea menu is the same for both experiences with towering assortments of sketch sweet pastries, dainty macaroons and delicious savouries offering true afternoon tea innovation. Diners can also choose to add either a glass of champagne.

 
 
 

St Pancras Renaissance: Hansom Lounge

Afternoon tea is served within the former taxi rank at this grand hotel.

Euston Road, King's Cross, London, NW1 2QR

Tube: King's Cross Station

 
 

The Hansom Lounge at the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel occupies the former cobbled driveway where Hansom cabs used to drop off and pick up their passengers. With glass panels and a vaulted high glaze ceiling, the lounge combines Victorian splendour with contemporary style and offers a unique location to enjoy afternoon tea. Served daily from 1.30pm, the Classic Afternoon Tea menu comprises of a range of sandwiches that put a modern twist on the traditional selection. Options include roast turkey, chipolata and smoked bacon cranberry in brioche; lobster and clementine mayonnaise in brioche; and smoked salmon and lemon crème fraiche on brown bread. Blueberry and white chocolate scones are served with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry jam, and sweet treats include an Oreo choux bun, pear and pistachio layer cake, ginger crispy marshmallow and salted caramel macarons. Guests can also choose to opt for the St Pancras Afternoon Tea, which provides the option of enjoying either a cocktail or a glass of Perrier Jouet Champagne with their tea.

 
 
 
 

St Pancras Renaissance: The Gilbert Scott

Sip on champagne and nibble on finger sandwiches while surrounded by gothic design.

St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, Euston Road, London, NW1 2AR

Tube: King's Cross Station

 
 

With striking gothic architecture as the backdrop, afternoon tea at The Gilbert Scott is a glamorous affair. Nibble on finger sandwiches and sip on champagne while surrounded by gothic bells, a grand painted ceiling and marble pillars. With Marcus Wearing at the helm, you can expect the food to be as impressive as the surroundings. Choose between the Classic Afternoon Tea, with homemade scones, sweet treats, sandwiches, savouries and your choice of tea (there are variations available); the Champagne Afternoon Tea, with the addition of a glass of Gosset Brut Excellence Champagne; and the Temperance Afternoon Tea, served with a glass of Green Lady sparkling green tea. If you really want to splash out, treat yourself to a stay at the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, which The Gilbert Scott is housed within.

 
 
 

The Ampersand Hotel: Science Afternoon Tea

An out of this world, award-winning afternoon tea experience.

The Ampersand Hotel, 10 Harrington Road, London, SW7 3ER

Tube: South Kensington Station

 
 

Inspired by its neighbour, The Science Museum, The Ampersand Hotel presents an out of this world, award-winning afternoon tea experience. The Science Afternoon Tea aims to inspire children and adults alike with a universally pleasing menu of science themed treats. Served in The Drawing Room, the tea starts with a selection of savouries such as smoked salmon and avocado blinis, a crayfish and Mary rose sauce toasted focaccia and a seasonal quiche. Homemade white chocolate and plain scones come served with Devonshire clotted cream and homemade strawberry preserve while the choice of pastries includes a mint and chocolate planet mousse with a spaceman, Prosecco mint jelly, kiwi, lime and pineapple jam petri dish, and a passion fruit macaroon. There's also the chance to dust for a collection of short bread dinosaurs and use test tubes to sprinkle toppings on your scones.

 
 
 

The Athenaeum Afternoon Tea

The Galvin Brothers present a modern take on traditional British afternoon tea.

116 Piccadilly, Mayfair, London, W1J 7BJ

Tube: Green Park Station , Hyde Park Corner Station

 
 

The Athenaeum Hotel in Mayfair is renowned for its afternoon tea having previously been awarded the Tea Guild's prestigious Top London Afternoon Tea accolade. Now that the Galvin Brothers have taken over, serving finger sandwiches and scones in their British restaurant, Galvin at The Athenaeum, we suspect that the standard has been kept suitably high. Their modern take on British afternoon tea sees them serve a selection of sandwiches, scones and sweet treats made from the very best British ingredients. Expect smoked salmon from Severn & Wye, Cumbrian beef and Coleman's horseradish on onion bread, Kentish strawberries and Devonshire clotted cream. Diners can also opt for the Gentleman's Afternoon Tea, Royal Afternoon Tea or, to make the occasion extra special, the Bottomless Bubbles Afternoon Tea. You are dining in Mayfair, after all.

 
 
 

The Berkeley Prêt-à-Portea Afternoon Tea

Contemporary cuppas for forward thinking fashion darlings.

Wilton Place, Belgravia, London, SW1X 7RL

Tube: Hyde Park Corner Station , Knightsbridge Station

 
 

Served in the Collins Room, afternoon tea at The Berkeley is a modern, stylish affair. From the contemporary design of the room to the unusual, striking design of the cakes and pastries this is an afternoon tea experience for those who like to mix tradition with innovation. While the traditional elements of the meal still remain, the Berkeley has added its own creative twists to the ritual, bringing this century's old institution into the 21st century by producing cakes and pastries inspired by each fashion season's catwalk designs. Eclairs, cupcakes and shortbread biscuits are all set for a makeover in the styles of top fashion designers such as Emanuel Ungaro and Diane von Furstenburg. Prêt-à-Portea - the Fashionista's Afternoon Tea - consists of a choice selection of loose leaf teas and herbal infusions together with a delectable selection of cakes, pastries and savouries all presented in a cutting-edge style to match the current catwalk. Past Prêt-à-Portea collections have included a Stella McCartney polka dot sponge cake plus Lanvin's bavarois dress with crème de mûre jelly topped with folded meringue. A gold Dolce & Gabbana chocolate éclair sprinkled with festive stars and Miu Miu winter spice sparkly shoe biscuits. For those true fashionistas, it pays to upgrade and follow a warming cup of tea with an invigorating taste of Moet & Chandon NV Champagne served in a Baccarat crystal glass. 

 
 
 

The Connaught Afternoon Tea

Enjoy traditional afternoon tea in the Jean-Georges restaurant.

Carlos Place, Mayfair, Mayfair, London, W1K 2AL

Tube: Bond Street Station

 
 

The Connaught in Mayfair was originally intended as an oasis of calm for the landed gentry of England to retire to during their hectic visits to the capital. Little has changed since the opening of the hotel in 1897 - doormen in top hats and white gloves still usher guests into the majestic entrance hall with its magnificent mosaic floor and grand wooden staircase, and the age-old tradition of afternoon tea is still re-enacted daily. The Connaught's afternoon tea is served daily in the Jean-Georges restaurant. Choose from a selection of fine teas served alongside a menu of finger sandwiches, pastries, and plain and raisin scones serves with homemade strawberry jam, lemon curd and Cornish clotted cream. For an extra dash of luxury, opt for the Champagne Afternoon Tea experience. If you're feeling a little over-indulged, then skip the lifts and enjoy the traditional country house feel of the mahogany staircase that winds up through this grand century-old hotel. The Connaught is a traditional slice of Mayfair grandeur that takes its design cue from the English country house while offering facilities that are absolutely up-to-date. 

 
 
 
 

The Dorchester Afternoon Tea

With over 70 years experience, and a closely guarded scone recipe, The Dorchester is the cream of the crop

53 Park Lane, Mayfair, London, W1K 1QA

Tube: Hyde Park Corner Station

 
 

Winner of numerous awards, this hotel has been a byword for style and comfort for over 70 years. Served in the famous marble and gold Promenade entrance lounge of The Dorchester, diners can chose to indulge in a Traditional or Champagne Afternoon Tea before drinking in the extravagance of the lavish setting. Palm tree fronds flutter above elegant couches while bright sun-light streams through the windows. There's also the option of a Vintage Afternoon Tea, served on the intimate balcony overlooking the iconic lobby, or a selection of themed afternoon teas, such as Wimbledon or Mad Hatter's.  Choose from a varied selection of 20 imported teas, or go for the Dorchester's very own delicate blend. The hotel employs its very own tea chef, solely in charge of the afternoon's selection of finger food, not to mention the 15-strong team of pastry chefs who intricately fold together the mouth-watering range of sweets. Their scones have been made to the same delicious recipe for over 50 years, and we can tell why. The Dorchester is perfect for those traditional afternoon tea takers for whom glamour and glitz coupled with eyeing up fellow diners is part and parcel of the whole ritual.

 
 
 

The Goring Afternoon Tea

Continuously voted the best place for Afternoon Tea in London by The British Tea Guild.

15 Beeston Place, Victoria, London, SW1W 0JW

Tube: Victoria Station

 
 

Continuously voted the best place for Afternoon Tea in London by The British Tea Guild, The Goring Hotel sits cheek by jowl with Buckingham Palace and has been owned by the same family for three generations. Appropriately, given its royal neighbour, Kate Middleton spent the night before her wedding here and David Linley is responsible for the decor in the restaurant, his signature classic yet elegant style making the dining room surprisingly unstuffy. The Goring was praised by The Tea Guild judges for the flexibility of the venue where guests can enjoy tea by the fire in colder winter months or take tea in the garden outside when the sun shines. But it's The Goring's "elegant surroundings, faultless presentation and friendly, efficient and knowledgeable staff" that really impress.

 
 
 

The Langham Afternoon Tea

Lavish and luxurious, the perfect way to wind down the afternoon.

Langham Hotel, 1C Portland Place, Regent Street, Marylebone, London, W1B 1JA

Tube: Oxford Circus Station

 
 

There's a long tradition of taking tea at the Langham Hotel - the first grand hotel in London - where the mid afternoon meal has been served in sumptuous surroundings since 1865. Follow the strains of the piano to the lavishly designed Palm Court where you can enjoy the SeasonaliTea (so called because the menu changes according to the seasons) in crystal chandelier lit surroundings. An almost ridiculous level of attention to detail - the hotel won the Best Tea Service award at the 2018 Afternoon Tea Awards - means you can choose from 30 different types of tea... and you're invited to try every one. We sampled two. The special 150th anniversary Langham blend, described as "the most complex tea blend in the world", combines 150 ingredients for a drink so delicate it doesn't need milk - the perfect accompaniment to precisely cut finger sandwiches. The English flower blend - a chamomile tea with rose petals and lavender - goes particularly well with scones, served with lemon curd as well as the more traditional cream and jam. Perfect pastries are not just visually appealing - with gold leaf balanced on caramelised puff pastry - but make use of the fruits of the day and executive pastry chef Andrew Gravett ensures that the cakes are lighter and healthier but you wouldn't know it from the taste. If you can't manage to eat it all (we couldn't), leftovers are presented in a beautifully decorated Liberty print box and every tea-taker can enjoy a discount of 10 per cent at the Regent Street store.

 
 
 

The Ritz Afternoon Tea

It doesn't get more British than afternoon tea at The Ritz

150 Piccadilly, St James's, London, W1J 9BR

Tube: Green Park Station

 
 

Tea at The Ritz has to be the London equivalent of Breakfast at Tiffany's - a world-famous brand that captures the essence of each city's history and culture. Synonymous with the comfortable colonialism of the old British aristocracy, for Londoners afternoon tea at The Ritz conjures an image of luxury, indulgence, formality and impeccable service. Detailed in delicate shades of gold, pale green and pale pink, the Palm Court, where afternoon tea is served, is an exemplar of soothing sophistication combined with lavish Louis XVI luxury. Lofty ceilings, glittering chandeliers, gilded trellises, marble columns, deep cornices and draped floral curtains all combine for a visual treat of the old Establishment. Waiters, dressed immaculately in tails, serve up tea in fine bone china with exact precision while a pianist tinkles the ivories and a harpist plucks away in the background. Views of the Green Park royal gardens are a stunning reminder of a time when King Edward VII, Winston Churchill and Charles De Gaulle formed part of the regular stream or royal, aristocratic and noble visitors taking tea at the hotel's Palm Court. It hardly needs saying but dress smartly - a jacket and tie are essential for men. Early booking (as far in advance as 12 weeks for weekend sittings) is essential.

 
 
 

The Savoy Afternoon Tea

High tea is served, accompanied by the Savoy's resident pianist.

The Savoy, London, WC2R 0EU

Tube: Holborn Station , Covent Garden Station, Tottenham Court Road Station

 
 

Tea time at The Savoy brings a choice of two teas. New for summer 2019 is a seasonal afternoon tea serving six light, floral pastries specially created by executive pastry chef, Daniel Pearse. A fruit tartlet whose filling varies as different fruits come into season is brought to you on a tiered plate with tropical roulade biscuit joconde, banana cremeux and warm pistachio madeleines. This afternoon tea is the result of a close collaboration with The Savoy's official tea supplier, JING, so the tea is an integral part of the experience. Notes of jasmine tea come through in the tea-poached apricot compote topped with white chocolate feuilletine served with a floral jasmine mousse. The Thames Foyer, where tea is served, is surrounded by a fabulous collection of Art Deco mirrors so you can watch yourself tuck into a delectable afternoon's worth of bite-size delights, reflected in their highly-polished surfaces. Served on delicate Royal Doulton bone china, the attention to detail is superb. As well as the traditional afternoon tea, The Savoy also offers children's afternoon tea for the first time in its 130-year history, inspired by Judith Kerr's much loved picture book The Tiger Who Came to Tea.

 
 
 
 

The Stafford: The Game Bird

The hotel takes diners on a culinary journey through the well-heeled St James's neighbourhood.

The Stafford , St James's Place, London, SW1A 1NJ

Tube: Green Park Station

 
 

The Stafford London takes inspiration from its well-heeled St James's neighbourhood for Afternoon Tea at The Game Bird. Created in partnership with the high-end boutiques, delis and shops that surround the 17th-century hotel, the indulgent afternoon tea takes diners on a culinary journey through the area, stopping by infamous independent retailers via a selection of carefully crafted pastries and delicacies. The oldest hat shop in the world, Lock & Co, is referenced through a charming white chocolate and lime top hat while Savile Row tailor Henry Pole & Co. is appreciated with a smart almond tuxedo shortbread. Executive Pastry Chef, Magdalena Kubanska, has used A Rose For from the Floris fragrance collection as inspiration for the English strawberry and rosewater cupcake, and shoemakers Foster & Son are given a nod with a seasonal fruit trifle served in a traditional shoe polish tin. The most notable feature, however, has to be the spectacular chocolate and hazelnut cigar in honour of timeless cigar shop James J. Fox. Prepared using the hotel's very own smoke machine, the rich cigar cleverly evokes the scent of the real thing. Before all this, diners can tuck into a selection of traditional finger sandwiches, a Westcombe Cheddar scone created using cheese from Paxton & Whitfield, and a Game Bird sausage roll aptly made with a range of game meat. Of course, no afternoon tea is complete without warm scones, served to perfection here with clotted cream and strawberry jam, and a selection of Camelia's Tea House teas and Moet & Chandon Imperial Brut Champagne are available to complete the regal dining experience. Successfully striking the perfect balance between a creative concept and a traditional menu, Afternoon Tea at The Game Bird is no doubt one of the best afternoon teas in London.

 
 
 

The V&A: Victorian Afternoon Tea

One of the capital's top museums serves a traditional Victorian afternoon tea.

The Victoria and Albert Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 2RL

Tube: South Kensington Station

 
 

Providing the chance to enjoy a quintessentially British experience within one of London's most beautiful buildings, Benugo has partnered with the Victoria and Albert Museum to serve traditional Victorian Afternoon Tea. The award-winning British food business and the renowned museum invite visitors to feast on sandwiches and scones within the lavishly decorated Morris Room, which boasts a historic interior that was part of the V&A's original refreshment rooms. Curated by award-winning food historian Tasha Marks, the menu is filled with dishes inspired by 19th-century recipes, subtly tweaked to suit the modern palate. Think Mrs Beeton's cucumber sandwich, first seen on menus in 1859; iced orange cake, circa 1891; lemon and caraway poppy cake, circa 1895; and the traditional Victoria sponge which first appeared on Victorian tables in the 1800s. The feast is served with a selection of organic loose leaf teas and an optional glass of prosecco.

 
 
 

Afternoon Tea or High Tea

What's the difference?

 

Afternoon tea is not to be confused with high tea. Afternoon tea is served around 4pm and was originally introduced as a stop-gap between lunch and dinner at a time when dinner was served at 8pm. The original intention has become somewhat lost as today we treat afternoon tea as a treat, an excuse to eat scones laden with clotted cream, pastries and cucumber sandwiches. High tea, by contast was, for many workers, the main evening meal of the day. Taken between 5pm and 7pm, or after work was finished, it consisted of savoury dishes such as pies, cold meats, cheeses and bread. Many people still call their evening meal 'tea' - which they take instead of a later supper. The one thing afternoon tea (low tea) and high tea have in common is that they're both accompanied by a pot of hot, freshly brewed tea. 'Low' and 'high' refers to the table height at which tea is taken. While afternoon tea was typically taken on low seating, high tea was at the main kitchen table.

 
 
 

The History of Afternoon Tea

 

Anna Russell, the 7th Duchess of Bedford is often credited as the person who started the trend for taking afternoon tea. Eating habits in the 1830s meant it was usual to have a long gap between the relatively light 'luncheon' served around midday and dinner served around 8pm. So, feeling a bit peckish, The Duchess of Bedford, who was a close friend of Queen Victoria and a prominent figure within London society, requested that light sandwiches, tea and cake be brought to her boudoir in the late afternoon because she had a 'sinking feeling' due to the long gap between meals. Other social hostesses followed her lead and the pause for tea became a fashionable social event. During the 1880s upper class and society women would change into long gowns, gloves and hats for their afternoon tea which was usually served in the drawing room between 4pm and 5pm. This centuries-old tradition has been revived lately and London's top hotels are among the best places in the country to enjoy an award-winning afternoon tea.

 

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