One of my favourite things in the world is going to afternoon tea. Champagne, three tiers of delicious sweet and savoury treats, and copious amounts of caffeine laden hot fluid. Perfect. And where better to enjoy it than England, where the tradition of afternoon tea first originated amongst the wealthy classes. If you’re looking for the best afternoon tea in London, here we present to you three of the top spots. Chin chin!
The Ritz
The Ritz has got to be one of the most luxurious spots for afternoon tea in all of London. Served in the hotel’s Palm Court (pictured), this picturesque location is perfect to enjoy a traditional tea celebration. Prices start from just £45.00 per person, and include a much vaster range of sandwiches than your average offering, seventeen loose leaf teas to choose from, and a delectable seasonal selection of cakes and pastries. The Ritz is also a member of the Tea Council’s prestigious Tea Guild, which celebrates outlets that are dedicated to brewing and serving the finest quality tea.
Harrods
At Harrods there are two afternoon tea locations, both boasting regal surroundings and quintessentially British style. The Tea Room and the Georgian Restaurant both serve afternoon tea, the former offering a smaller, more quaint environment, while the latter boasts grandeur in all its glory. In the Tea Room, on the second floor, guests can select from one of four servings, all aptly named after four of London’s most prestigious districts, Chelsea, Belgravia, Mayfair and of course, the home of Harrods, Knightsbridge, ranging from £12 to £36. In the Georgian Restaurant, on the fourth floor, the offering is standardised, with a wide selection of teas, sandwiches, scones and pastries from the Harrods Patisserie, including chocolate hazelnut delice and lemon meringue. Priced at £29 per person, or add a glass of bubbly for just £7 (Harrods NV, of course).
The Dorchester
We could hardly take a mental tour through London’s best tea spots without passing by the infamous Park Lane, now could we. The Dorchester, being one of the most glorious hotels in London, has one of the best selections of afternoon tea around, including seasonal specials. From 22nd June – 7th July, the Wimbledon Afternoon Tea is available! Combining Wimbledon with afternoon tea is summer personified. Served at the Dorchester’s Promenade, which is a gorgeous stretch of intimate spaces the length of Nelson’s Column, with a chic leather panelled bar at the far end, the Wimbledon Afternoon Tea serves tennis themed cakes, champagne, and strawberries and cream! Priced from £55 per person, four sittings daily.
The Vintage Afternoon Tea served on The Balcony offers a delectable selection of rare teas, served in Minton china, homemade scones from the Dorchester bakery, open finger sandwiches, and a selection of cakes (including British fave, Victoria Sponge), all washed down with a glass of Laurent Perrier 2004. Priced from £51 per person, two sittings daily.
For a modern and quirky twist on afternoon tea, try the Ice Cream Tea, which offers delicious homemade ice creams in miniature cones, with a Passion de Fressa cocktail, or glass of bubbly. Also served in The Promenade. Priced from £41 per person, five sittings daily.
Finally, the Spatisserie Afternoon Tea encompasses relaxation in every sense of the word. Part of the unique and luxurious Dorchester Spa, the Spatisserie serves a selection of finger sandwiches, scones and bitesized cakes and biscuits. Perfect after a relaxing day of pampering. Priced from £41 per person (spa access not included).
If these have got your taste buds tingling enough to book yourself in, the next question is what to wear? Check back next week for part two, where we’ll be showing you afternoon tea outfit ideas that exude elegance and glamour!