Afternoon Tea in London

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. Afternoon Tea prices start at £42.

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 either a Traditional, Champagne or High 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. 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 afternoons 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. Awash with light this is no place for those who want to hide away in the shadows. It is, however, 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 Dorchester's Afternoon teas start at £39 per person.

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 'Chic and Shock' afternoon tea is served in the Espelette, a pretty room overlooking architect Tadao Ando's water feature. Delicate finger sandwiches are served alongside a wide range of classic and modern teas. Scones come fresh from the Connaught Bakery, and are joined by an incredible menu of over 16 home-made jams and a spread of cakes and pastries. 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. Afternoon Tea prices begin at £35 a head.

Earning the Award of Excellence more times than it would be polite to mention in recent years, an afternoon brew at The Lanesborough is a bit of a treat. The stylish early 19th century hotel sits right on Hyde Park Corner and tea is served in its recently redecorated restaurant, Apsleys, with its beautiful glass roof. The formal ceremony of afternoon tea here takes on an undisputable air of sophistication with the steaming tea served from silver pots - a Russian samovar if you need to know - and poured into fine bone china cups, a stack of crustless finger sandwiches to accompany it. They don't mess around here, employing a dedicated 'tea sommelier', Karl Kessab, who takes the job of tea buying very seriously - most are purchased at auction. Green, black and white teas are all on the menu, from Gunpowder to Jasmine Pearls - it's a bewildering choice so don't be afraid to ask for advice. There are several different types of afternoon tea price packages to choose from (starting at £35) all of which come with a freshly baked scones, thick clotted cream and home made fruit preserves. Opt for the Belgravia Tea (£45) and you'll get fresh strawberries and a glass of Taittinger Champagne as well as tea to sip on. Or, if you want all the trimmings order the Prestige Champagne Tea (£80) - and a glass of Krug Grand Cuvee arrives to top off an afternoon of elegant indulgence.

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. As well as the traditional afternoon tea, The Savoy now also offers an indulgent alternative Art Decadent Tea in the Beaufort Bar where the delicate tea and accompanying sandwiches can be enjoyed with chilled champagne or a cheeky tea time cocktail. A Traditional Afternoon Tea at The Savoy costs £40.

Served in the appropriately themed Caramel Room with its low-lighting, chocolate coloured wall coverings and snappy faux-crocodile fabrics, afternoon tea at The Berkeley is a modern, stylish affair. From the contemporary design (courtesy of Alexandra Champalimaud) 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 “A 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. The Winter 2011-12 Prêt-à-Portea collection includes 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 are also on the menu. 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. Prices begin at £39 per person.

The Sanderson Hotel is giving visitors the chance to climb through a rabbit hole and explore the wonderland beneath at their Mad Hatter's Afternoon Tea. Served in the hotel's Courtyard Garden; an open-air retreat with flowering trees, fountains, mosaics and a reflecting pool, diners will be fully encompassed in the magical affair. Creating a twisted version of the traditional British afternoon tea, the chefs at the hotel have mastered an unconventional and adventurous experience for all taste buds. Offering an 'Eat Me' Queen of Hearts which holds strawberry and cream mousse as well as an intriguing 'Drink Me' bottle containing a concoction of Apple Pie, Lemon Curd and English Toffee this brew will engage your senses in a bizarre yet enjoyable sensation. Further gastronomic adventures will include blueberry lollipops that turn your mouth from hot to cold, hazelnut praline ice cream, chocolate rabbit clocks and finger sandwiches presented in a rainbow of colours. Taking a step back towards tradition, scones with clotted cream and jam will also be on the menu enabling visitors to enjoy a slice of familiarity. The full Mad Hatter experience costs £35 a head.

The name says it all; Not Afternoon Tea at the Oxo Tower is an eccentric alternative to the traditional afternoon tea. With a tasting plate of four indulgent desserts accompanied with either a cocktail or a glass of bubbly, these unique packages are perfect for anyone with a luxurious sweet tooth and love of cocktails. Guests can choose from three packages, 'I believe in pink', 'Hopeless Romantic' or 'Something to Celebrate', offering a range of desserts, cocktails, champagne and even a little goodie bag to take away. Served in the Oxo Tower Brassiere this dining experience will boast one of the best views in town; the commanding panorama rivals the views from the London Eye and has a slick and sophisticated décor that comprises sparkling blue neon lights embedded in a sloping, slatted ceiling with leather banquettes and cool slate tables. With the combination of spectacular views, mouth watering desserts and colourful cocktails, this alternative to the traditional afternoon tea oozes glamour and decadence and won't break the budget with its £22.50 price-tag (which includes a cocktail).

If you want to join the ranks of princes, politicians and personalities as you elegantly sup afternoon tea head for the sumptuously decorated foyer at Claridge's. The Art Deco interior of this hotel 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 - where tea is served - is a huge glass chandelier by Dale Chihuly. A pianist and harpist accompany diners devouring over 30 different blends of tea from around the world, classic finger sandwiches, pastries and moist, fluffy homemade scones served with the hotel's exclusive tea-infused jam and clotted cream. There are three delectable options, the traditional Afternoon Tea (£38), the Champagne Tea (49) or if you really want to push the boat out go for the Rose Champagne Afternoon Tea option (£62). Dress code is smart casual.

There's a long tradition of taking tea at the Langham Hotel. Afternoon Tea has been sipped here since the mid-19th century, originally served for the princely sum of 1/6d (now 7 1/2p) to the cream of Victorian society. Following a lavish £80m refurbishment, this landmark hotel - the first grand hotel in London - serves up tea, once again, at the Palm Court restaurant. Lavish is an appropriate word. Thanks to elaborate designs by architect David Collins, you can enjoy your tea and cake in sumptuous crystal chandelier lit surroundings, perched on plush velvet seats. An almost ridiculous level of attention to detail means the day's progression is marked by subtle changes in lighting, linen, chinaware and the staff uniforms. An aroma of ginger flower wafts over perfumed teas and delicate cakes while live piano music plays in the background. There are over 30 blends of tea to choose from including home grown tea and pre rain Jun Shan (Imperial Mountain) silver needle yellow tea. With a nod to the year the hotel was first built and the date of its subsequent re-opening, Champagne Hour then runs from 18.55 hours to 20:09 (roughly 7-8pm). The transition from day to evening is marked with candle light and the discrete pop of corks - with over 40 Champagnes by the glass featured. Utterly decadent and delightful with prices to match, Afternoon Tea starts at £40.

Spice up your afternoon tea with a naughty but nice trip to this intimate early 20th century style salon, cabaret and vaudeville club. Appropriately entitled “Afternoon Tease” visitors’ fancies will be tickled with a range of burlesque entertainments, while sipping delicately on the finest tea infusions and champagnes cocktails. Tea-leaf reading, gateaux vivants, cabaret singers and more than the odd (in the true sense of the word), unexpected form of distraction are on the menu alongside the traditional afternoon tea fare. Served up by the titillating Teasemaids, heaving platters filled with sticky buns, cream-filled cakes and dollops of jams provide suitably indulgent refreshment. Not for the afternoon tea traditionalist (the burlesque tradition of lampooning the rituals and rites of the upper classes is only too evident here), this is a truly fun and fabulous alternative to this potentially stuffy, age-old ceremony. There’s no dress code but this is a tea best enjoyed as glammed up and gorgeous as possible. Afternoon Tease runs every second and fourth Sunday of the month, pre-booking is essential and costs £42 per person.