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The best thing about taking ‘afternoon tea’ in London is that it’s a fantastic chance to peek inside the lobbies and restaurants of some of the capital’s most luxurious hotels. Feel a million dollars as you step back in time and savour a traditional treat - remember to ask about dress codes before you go.
The Ritz
123a Piccadilly ,St James’s ,W1 Tel: 020 7493 8181 The Ritz is perhaps one of the most popular and famous places to take afternoon tea. Its interiors and splendid outlook on Piccadilly have graced the screens of many feature films, including the recent blockbuster ‘Notting Hill’. The Ritz offers 3 sittings at 1.30pm, 3.30pm and 5.30pm at a cost of £27 per person. The price includes a selection of sandwiches, scones, pastries and a choice of teas or coffees.  Claridge's
Piccadilly, St James’s, W1 Tel: 020 7629 8860 For Art Deco in all its original glory, head to Claridge’s where the interiors will whet your appetite for the tantalising tea served each day between 3pm and 5.30pm. For £25 per person you will be offered a selection of teas and coffees, sandwiches, tea cakes and scones. Or you may prefer to upgrade to a £35 sitting and sip champagne in the 1920s surroundings. The Dorchester
54 Park Lane, Mayfair, W1 Tel: 020 7629 8888 The Dorchester invites you to The Promenade - the main entrance lounge at the hotel, where guests can relax and recuperate in style. Between 3pm and 6pm afternoon tea is served amidst the atmospheric music. For £23.50 per person you can enjoy finger sandwiches, scones, French pastries and a choice of tea or coffee. Add a glass of champagne to this for £29.50. Or you may prefer to take ‘high tea’ where, for £32, you will be served champagne and sandwiches, with a choice of main course until 8pm. Reservations are advised. The Lanesborough
Hyde Park Corner, Belgravia, SW1 Tel: 020 7259 5599 Mimicking the style of the ostentatious Brighton Pavilion, The Conservatory Restaurant at The Lanesborough features ornate Chinese décor, interspersed with stately statues. During the week, tea is served between 3.30pm and 6pm and slightly later on Sundays 4-6pm. For £24.50 per person you can expect finger sandwiches, scones, French pastries and tea or coffee. You can upgrade to £29.50, which will gain you strawberries and cream plus a glass of champagne. The Savoy
Strand, Covent Garden, WC2 Tel: 020 7836 4343  Founded by the owner of the nearby Savoy Theatre, this hotel has been at the centre of entertainment and celebrity in London for over a century. Down the years silver screen idols from Elizabeth Taylor to Nicole Kidman have stayed here. Right in the heart of Theatreland, on the banks of the Thames, the hotel’s setting is imposing. Fabulous views of the river even have Monet’s seal of approval – he painted them during a period of residence there. The Thames Foyer, where tea is served, is surrounded by a fabulous collection of Art Deco mirrors. 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. Don’t forget to try the Savoy Blend tea either, it’s quite unique. The resident pianist finishes off the ceremonial atmosphere. If you are heading out to the theatre later on, why not go for the Theatre Tea? A selection of savouries including welsh rarebit, shrimps and quiche, followed by scones, apple crumble, trifle and carrot cake, is a pleasant way to fill up before the performance. |
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