The fourth-floor space is huge its no surprise to learn that it was formerly the biggest restaurant in town, with capacity for 1,200 and beautifully Art Deco: it has an intricate, light-splashing skylight with wrought ironwork, a mixture of lush booths and round tables, adjoining Perrier-Jouet Champagne terrace and a long-haired pianist tinkling out classics perfectly on a grand. Its not a coincidence either Prt--portea has been drawing fashion fans for years now with its edible edit of the hottest ready to wear shows. Price:Starts at 52 per person. After a dainty amuse-bouche of butternut squash and savoury granola come unfussy, crustless finger sandwiches filled with smoked salmon, pastrami or cheese and pickle. This is a great place to try something new - go with a recommendation from the knowledgeable staff. Extravagance is the name of the game here. Afternoon tea doesnt get prettier than this the hand-picked wild bouquet takes centre stage at the top of the hand-blown-glass tiered stand, its seasonal blooms paired with the sweet and savoury bites (which are also sprinkled with petals). Are you sitting comfortably on your blue-velvet or patterned-fabric chair? Add a glass of Louis Roederer Brut Premier NV for 10 extra. With its quiet elegance, sense of timelessness and British sensibility, there are few places quite like it. The tea service is being delivered within a four-mile radius of the deli, but you need to pre-order with 24 hours notice so plan ahead for this one. Savouries come in the form of pillowy milk buns that are delicate enough to ensure the focus is firmly on the punchy seasonal fillings. Afternoon-tea stands are brought down a flight of stone steps from a faraway corner of the courtyard, almost off stage; as they are set down on the table, its clear this is the main event. The staff are dressed to impress in their suited uniform, which makes it feel as if youve stepped into a Fifties, diner-style coffee bar. William Drabble's the chef at the restaurant here, the Michelin-starred Seven Park Place, and his new afternoon tea is inspired by the year 1840. Traditionalists will be happy to find perfectly fluffy scones with jam and clotted cream, which are finished up with bright blue fish-shaped Champagne ice creams we dare you to eat them without making a mess. But afternoon tea is one of the most beloved things to do in London on the weekend and usually more affordable than la carte that the restaurant is now serving its own offering in the light-flooded space overlooking Stoney Street and the stalls below. The Stafford Londons afternoon tea follows an edible journey through the streets surrounding this classic hotel, built in 1912. Youll also get to sip on the perfect cup of tea if we say so ourselves with some mouth-watering pastries that are heavily influenced by the House of Windsor.
Savoury dishes include a lobster, mango and avocado salad and red-pepper and feta puffs, followed by chocolate mousse and a golden apple a sort of cinnamon apple doughnut covered in gold. (Sadly not in the shape of City Hall, but theyre an essential part of afternoon tea so well let them off). Your majesty. 1840 is a pretty big date for the afternoon-tea aficionado: it's the year that it was supposedly invented by the Duchess of Bedford, a close friend of Queen Victoria's. Highlights from our visit included a generously fat wedge of salty Montgomery cheddar with spiced chutney, and a rich and buttery egg mayonnaise topped with a bright burst of theme-fitting edible flowers. Begin by selecting your drink. Where:Collins Room at The Berkeley,Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RL. Before the carbs, a plate of strawberries arrives which goes perfectly with the glass of pink Bollinger poured at the table from a huge magnum. Sophie Knight, Address: The Coral Room, The Bloomsbury Hotel, 16-22 Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3NNWebsite: thecoralroom.co.ukPrice: 40 per person; 48 with a glass of sparkling wine, Best for: a relaxed Sunday afternoon followed by a walk along the river. Coronation-chicken sandwiches are lined with mango and coriander in a nod to Brick Lane, and the cheese in the ham and cheese sandwiches comes from a local urban cheesemaker. Address: The Lanesborough, Hyde Park Corner, London SW1X 7TAPrice: 65 per personWebsite: oetkercollection.com. Perhaps its the leaded windows that make the room seem like a throwback to Dickensian London, or the single candles flickering in Wee Willie Winkie-style brass holders on every table, or the clink-clink-clink of silver on china. Champagne is also on offer, plus a seasonal and refreshing mocktail. Price: 47 per person (54 with a glass of Champers, or 31 for kids). Reservations:Book here. Londons appetite for Alice remains undimmed over 150 years after Lewis Carrolls tales were first published, and boutique hotel The Franklin London is satisfying that appetite with a charming Alice-themed tea. The vegetarian selection is just as varied and delicious: no endless egg-and-cress here. Traditional sweets are spiked with more exotic flavours. A long early-evening walk across Hyde Park is recommended to walk off the cake. Reservations: Book here. Price: From 21.95 per person. Its no surprise that this menu changes seasonally depending on whats growing, keeping in line with the brands ethos of using responsibly sourced produce. Reservations:Book here. Or perhaps, more than all this, its the notion that youve ducked out of the humdrum for a while; afternoon tea here feels comforting and fun, like youre joining the others living it up in Soho at 4pm on a Tuesday. The game is afoot. Top off your afternoon by exploring the museum collections. Home to Heathrow Airport, West London is a vast area made up of many districts each possessing their own distinct charm that offers a wealth of unique Afternoon Tea experiences. Price:90. The atmosphere is lively and diners err strongly on the smart side of the smart-casual dress code although, truth be told, everyone will be too busy staring out the windows to take much notice that youve made an effort. Hibiscus and red berry is dark and fruity, while The Petershams own blend, is lightly perfumed and sweet. Where:Aqua Shard, Level 31, The Shard, St. Thomas Street, SE1 9RY. The Corinthias light-flooded Crystal Moon Lounge is a grand setting for the hotels recently relaunched afternoon tea, which is all about choice. Price: 45 per person. Its no surprise that the 5-star hotel also offers a stunning afternoon tea experience in the beautifully decorated Lounge. For the sweet offering, the scones are anything but simple. But onto the good stuff: the highlight was the freshly-baked scones, plain, and raisin, with stick-to-your-spoon clotted cream and Marco Polo jam. We've rounded up some of the very best afternoon teas in London - so why not try some of them before they're scone? Where: 109-113 Queens Gate, Kensington, SW7 5LP. And noise. Where: 2 Whitehall Court London SW1A 2EJ. Youll note the running theme of F&Ms famous pale blue and the selection of finger sandwiches and cakes is traditional, as expected. Dressed in trademark eau-de-nil, right down to the tea plates, Fortnum & Mason's Tea Salon is a peaceful oasis (accessed in a lovely wood-panelled lift) off Piccadilly. It was in 1840 that the Duchess of Bedford shared her guilty secret of enjoying tea and snacks a few hours before dinner, setting a trend that would evolve to become a national tradition (more of which in our afternoon tea etiquette guide). Lilys dark chocolate sponge cake takes centre stage, with intricate piping and a gilded cherub making it *almost* too pretty to eat. Chinese restaurant Ting Lounge is part of the Shangri-La hotel, which occupies floors 34-52 of The Shard - now Europe's tallest building. The menu, which changes weekly, is a creative take on the traditional: classic cucumber sandwiches with a basil twist, beetroot-tartare tarts with cauliflower pure and Ortiz tuna, caper and spring-onion croutons. Cordelia Aspinall and Becky Lucas, Address: Dalloway Terrace, The Bloomsbury Hotel, 16-22 Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3NNWebsite: dallowayterrace.comPrice: Afternoon tea, 35; Champagne afternoon tea from 53, Best for: stretching out for a long afternoon beside the Thames. The food itself is an unusual offering, but delicious nonetheless. Address: Berners Tavern, The London Edition, 10 Berners Street, London W1T 3NPWebsite: bernerstavern.comPrice: 39.50. Dainty sandwiches come with properly British fillings (cucumber and cream cheese, honey-roasted ham and Coronation chicken), but its the cakes and miniature puddings, with their adorable musical decorative touches, that are the highlight. While the afternoon tea was undeniably pleasant, its the historic surroundings that truly make the new Fortnums a worthwhile pit-stop. But the stars of the show have to be the Chubby Heart, a rich, chocolatey mousse cake with fresh raspberries covered in glossy red, and the mocha Chubby Cloud, with coffee and chocolate ganache. Price: 45 per person (55 with exhibition tickets), or Champagne Afternoon Tea for 55 (65 with exhibition tickets). Reservations: Book here. Each season, Head Pastry Chef Mourad Khia, has the dream job of taking inspiration from the latest runway shows and recreating them in sweet form. Reservations: Book here. Almond shortbread, dressed in a Henry Poole and Co tuxedo, and a top hat made with white chocolate and lime jelly, inspired by Lock and Co Hatters the worlds oldest hat shop, are both fun and quirky eats. Jeans and trainers will be confiscated on sight. There are unlimited refills on dozens of brews including iced coffee, matcha and turmeric lattes, jasmine silver tip and lemon verbena tea all served in sturdy silverware and poured into gold-rimmed (obviously), grey- and white-striped fine china. When: Mondays Sundays. Much like Jenny from the Block herself would no doubt do, youll also get to indulge in a classic Big Apple-themed cocktail that is a cosmo or a lychee martini. Youll leave inspired to redecorate your home and garden. The Collet Brut Champagne (if youre boozing) comes in a cut-glass coupe, the tea of which there are 10 varieties from lapsang souchong to rooibos in black-and-white floral-print Burleigh Pottery (a special commission for the Soho House group). Price:Starts at 65. Oh and, of course, there are scones with jam and clotted cream. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission. On the afternoon-tea menu, classic finger sandwiches include smoked salmon and smoked chicken. But you wont find its breakfast blend on the menu here; instead, opt for the Royal Exchange, a light Sri Lankan and Kenyan loose-leaf tea that represents this cool new base, or better yet Champagne. As the matre d' explained with a smile and a sweep of his arm, There is a theatre to it! But Browns does just that, with its modern take on tried-and-tested classics and a glass of Mot & Chandon Champagne for those wanting to make things a little more grown-up. The desserts are just as decadent with the star of the show (the cassis and hibiscus macaroon) replenished many times before we were ready to move on. Expect typical British delights: smoked salmon and cucumber, egg and cress, ham with farmhouse chutney and coronation chicken. When the brains behind a restaurant are hotelier Ian Schrager (the man behind Studio 54) and chef Jason Atherton (the Michelin-starred chef behind Pollen Street Social and Social Eating House), its obvious the Berners Tavern was never going to be a wallflower. Reservations: Book here. Price: The tea costs 42 per person or 54.50 with a glass of champagne. A sense of discretion wafts around the silk wallpaper and narrow corridors. And once youre high on sugar, theres a cocktail list to work your way through too even better if youre one of the lucky ones in possession of a ticket and time to kill before the performance starts. London is the home of the Royals, so what better place than to wine or dine like a king or queen? Address: The Goring Hotel, 15 Beeston Place, London, SW1W 0JWWebsite: thegoring.comPrice: From 50 per person; from 62 with a glass of Bollinger. But in any case and under any circumstances The Savoy would have to be very, very, very near the top of such a list. The London Edition hotel arrived in Fitzrovia with a bang back in 2013, and its restaurant quickly became its heart. Reservations: Book here. As for the cakes: a pillowy soft choux bun is filled with Earl Grey-and-orange cream, next to a raspberry macaroon and wedge of bitter chocolate delice. The tea kicks off with the classics: three sandwiches fresh cucumber and cream cheese, honey-roast Wiltshire ham and mustard, and smoked salmon all finger-sized and joyously resembling those of your childhood. Head to the hotels Thames Foyer for a traditional afternoon tea consisting of fine finger sandwiches and handmade pastries and cakes, or opt for the fancy high tea with an extra main dish on the menu. Very Gatsbyesque Art Deco lighting, rustic mirrors, shiny maroon leather and tiny floor tiles that shimmer like a mermaids tail. Bang in the centre of busy Soho is the colourful Ham Yard Hotel from Tim and Kit Kemp, whose portfolio includes the splashy Whitby in New York. Treat yourself to an assortment of finger sandwiches, cakes, and fruit scones with homemade jam and clotted cream, and add a glass of Pommery Brut Royal NV to make it even more extravagant. Shimmy past the sharp-suited doormen, across the imposing colonnaded lobby of the hotel, and youll find yourself in a room festooned with paintings hung in gilt-edged frames and oversized, over-the-top chandeliers hanging from an 18ft-high stuccoed ceiling. This offering at the Town House at The Kensington is inspired by Londons most famous and historic landmarks. Reservations: Book here. Sandwiches are served with flavour twists such as egg mayo and truffle, more of which youll seriously consider forgoing the cakes for, and a tandoori take on coronation chicken. Katharina Hahn, Address: Roast, The Floral Hall, Borough Market, Stoney Street, London SE1 1TLWebsite: roast-restaurant.comPrice: 25 per person; 30 with a glass of Champagne, Best for: affordable treats inside a breathtaking British institution. (Luckily, these can be bought in the shop downstairs.) Where: 8 Lancashire Court, Brook Street, W1S 1EY. The obligatory finger sandwiches, scones, pastries and cakes are impeccable; the teas, from the house blend to the splendidly named Iron Buddha Oolong and Flowering Osmanthus, likewise. Soft, warm scones are served with lashings of Somerset clotted cream and the most delicious raspberry, strawberry and wild blueberry jams which left us scraping the bottom of the jar. Mainly from the many smart diners still enjoying long lunches all around you. Its almost worth skipping the scones (though they do come with a yummy Haye Farm strawberry jam) and moving straight to the cakes where traditional Italian treats steal the limelight. Nominating the best of the lot would be an impossible and unrealistic task, since so much depends on mood and whim and the exigencies of the moment. There are thoughtful extra touches to be found on the drinks menu too. To simply take a few snaps is not to fully appreciate the sight; better to sit down for a leisurely afternoon tea. Be sure to share so you can try them all theres not a dud among them. As one of the best bars in London, there's no need to move to a second location the cocktails here are a knockout. Even on a non-market day, its a lovely area for a wander, and for a pit-stop right in the heart of it, Roast is in a hard-to-beat, elevated location inside the Floral Hall. Its a dramatic affair that suits this swanky institution, where over-the-top chinoiserie is combined with ocean-inspired art by Damien Hirst and Frank Gehry. Taken amid the elegant surroundings of The Petersham a secret-garden hideaway and one of the best restaurants in Covent Garden this is one of the prettiest afternoon teas in London. From the extensive menu we chose a Tregothnan Earl Grey, blended with a blend from an ancient Cornish estate that has been around since 1335; and Darjeeling, the 'Champagne of teas'. The Great Court Restaurant is perched at the top of the former reading room, a rotunda in the central courtyard of one of London's best museum. Shoemakers Foster and Son get a white-chocolate shoe horn and polish tin filled with a seasonal fruit trifle topped with Chantilly cream, while cigar aficionados James J Fox have a chocolate-and-hazelnut cigar tribute that comes in a smoky case. The restaurant above is open on all sides to expose the surrounding feats of architecture, old and new. Delicate pastries that correlate toBridgerton's gossiping families are prepared according to head pastry chef Kevin Miller's direction. At the top of the stand are miniature creations so elegant youll feel guilty for demolishing them so quickly. Follow in the footsteps of JLO herself with this afternoon tea, which includes a selection of unlimited teas, an array of sweet treats including lime drizzle cakes and rich, chocolate brownies and smoked salmon or egg and cress sarnies for veggies. The Lady Whistledown is a pistachio nut financier and pistachio mousse coated in milk chocolate and cocoa butter, while a classic layered Charlotte sponge cake is inspired by the meddling Queen. Everything here has been carefully considered and gives a nod to the brand, with its comical edge and trademark humour shining through the cheeky but chic menu. The tea itself comes from further afield. The Savoy all but invented the th dansant in its Thames Foyer, as it has become known. Tickets purchased through Fever may earn Secret London commission. When: Various dates and times. Address: Dean Street Townhouse, 69 71 Dean St, Soho, London W1D 3SEWebsite: deanstreettownhouse.comPrice: Afternoon tea 31; Champagne afternoon tea with a glass of Collet Brut NV 42. Theyre fluffy, powdery and squishy, served with classic clotted cream and strawberry jam. A mini sticky toffee pudding with a surprise custard and salted caramel centre is an afternoon tea addition wed happily see more of (even if it does almost tip us into too-full-to-eat-anymore territory). Theres also a tea-tox option featuring low-carb, low-fat snacks, including miso-glazed salmon, beetroot crpe and matcha-raspberry cheesecake. With five sittings a day, from 11.30am to 7.30pm, The Ritz tea operation is extremely well-oiled, whilst managing not to rush diners helped by the fact that the time you need to vacate your table is made clear when you book it. Pair it all with piping hot loose leaf teas, sip on Champagne or gofor the special Pall Mall cocktail a nod to the original regency gin punch. Its a lively place on a bank-holiday afternoon there was animated chatter all around, and although the area where afternoon tea is served, just by the bar is slightly separated from the main dining space, it actually has the best seats in the house. Come hungry everythings swiftly replenished the moment theres space on the plate but staff are more than happy to pack you off with a doggy bag if youve overdone it. This is a more-than-stylish spot to sit and people-watch. As you sip tea beside the curling Ionic capitals of stone columns, its hard not to be impressed by the majesty of the British Museum. Just like the detective and his accomplice, youll need to work together as a team to crack a puzzle and solve a mystery all whilst indulging in Sherlocks boozy afternoon tea of course. Reservations: Book here. Feast on finger sandwiches, scones, pastries, and cakes, all inspired by an old fashioned sweetshop. Flutes of Champagne and pretty pastries are a given, while exotic nibbles and potent cocktails mean that what now constitutes this most genteel of refreshments might well shock the Duchess of Bedford. The tea has its own dedicated station manned by a sommelier who will weigh and infuse your selected brew to achieve the best possible flavour.
bloody knife blood death fake dagger hunting sentenced children american standard worry sure must don listverse Enjoy panoramic views and some of the tastiest cakes in town with a selection of three different afternoon teas. And, if youre feeling particularly bold, the Coral Room will replenish your tier of choice for free. Tunes from the 1920s played by a pianist and cellist create the perfect backdrop, while the incredible Dale Chihuly chandelier hovered above our heads as a modern-day talking point. Where: The Savoy, The Strand, WC2R 0EZ. When: Mondays Sundays. As soon as youve sat down, over trundles a suave waiter pushing a trolley laden with chilled Ruinart. The menu is as lavish as the interiors its the perfect fusion of afternoon-tea classics and Asian favourites. It's small and tucked away. The Berkeley is back with a vibrant seasonal makeover of their fashion-fabulous afternoon tea, the Prt--Portea. Just like the detective and his accomplice, youll need to work together as a team to crack a puzzle and solve a mystery all whilst indulging in Sherlocks boozy afternoon tea of course. Oh darling! Anna Prendergast, Address: The Dorchester, 53 Park Lane, Mayfair, London W1K 1QAWebsite: dorchestercollection.comPrice: Afternoon tea, 65. Tucked away on an unassuming side street in Belgravia, there are even rumours of a secret tunnel linking the hotel to Buckingham Palace, so the Queen and co can slip in unnoticed. Where:The Shard, 31 St Thomas Street, London, SE1 9RY As well as being easy on the eye, the delightful treats including quails egg finger sandwiches, puffy macaroons and pastries are sure to please your tastebuds. Scones stay cossetted in a thick napkin to keep warm, with lashings of clotted cream and strawberry jam. Heres our rundown of the best afternoon teas in London. There are also plenty of herbal infusions for those looking for an option without caffeine. Were featuring their Jasmine Indian afternoon tea today, but we wouldnt be able to mention this place without telling you about their other intricately-themed offering, the Queens Platinum Jubilee Afternoon Tea. Savoury is by no means a second thought and it was refreshing to see a new take in the form of madeleines topped with glazed salmon, cannels with goats cheese and pickled beetroot and a puff pastry sausage roll packed with pleasingly salty Cornish sausage meat and roast bacon lardons. And while the teas themselves are quite standard (from English breakfast to chamomile by way of jasmine and chai because, who would mess with tea in London? Traditionalists will be delighted to know that scones warm and golden feature heavily, which you can enjoy alongside your choice of Rare Tea Company teas or Taittinger Champagne, depending on how flamboyant youre feeling. Tea is served in the lounge, with its handsome velvet arm chairs in sage green and ketchup red, jade-painted wooden panelling, jazz soundtrack and curated art the collection in Dean Street includes pieces by Tracey Emin, Peter Blake, Fiona Banner and Mat Collishaw, alongside a number of emerging artists such as illustrator Dan Hillier. Its fed A-listers (Rita Ora, George Clooney), fashion icons (Erin OConnor, Jourdan Dunn) and royalty (Meghan Markles known to be a fan). The too-cute-to-eat pastries, sandwiches, and scones are delightful treats that go perfectly with a glass of bubbly. An utterly fetch, all-pink tributeto the eminently quotable film, you can expect cakes, chocolate-dipped strawberries, and cookies, all furnished with an appropriately kitsch name. But theres also a cheddar version that comes with airy, whipped soft cheese and chives for spreading. This afternoon tea is taken in the sublime Kona tea room of the St James Court Hotel, which is sure to seriously impress your guest. Tea is served in the many-mirrored Palm Court salon, deliciously grand and swimming in gold. Green Park is just a scone's throw away - but if you have time, seek out the statue of Beau Brummel on Jermyn Street and spare a thought for the great Georgian dandy, who passed away in 1840 and was therefore unlikely to have eaten many Victorian sponges.
If we cant visit Willy Wonka in his chocolate factory to lick the wallpaper and eat everlasting gobstoppers, then this is certainly the next best thing. If we needed yet another excuse to visit Berners Tavern, this is it. Choose to sit by the roaring fire or under one of the bay windows that flood nearby tables with light. For those who prefer their tea more traditionally non-alcoholic, theres a good selection with, appropriately, lots of floral-based options. So, whether youre after a quirky afternoon tea, a casual affair, or a flamboyantly fancy day out, theres something here for everyone. Finely sliced sandwiches of spinach bread are stuffed with marinated cucumber and cream cheese; or malted cocoa bread with poached salmon and crme frache; a brioche bun with devilled egg mayonnaise and pastrami. The scones are fluffy, the Burford Brown-egg-and-mayonnaise sandwiches dainty and the cakes brilliantly retro: chocolate Swiss roll, mini Victoria sponges with strawberries and cream, Battenberg in hot pink and egg-yolk yellow, tooth-rasping lemon tart with a blueberry on top. Cordelia Aspinall, Address: Anya Caf, 9 Pont Street, London SW1X 0ADWebsite: anyahindmarch.comPrice: 35 per person, Le Comptoir Robuchon, named for the late French chef Jol Robuchon who earned 32 Michelin stars at his restaurants across the world, and opened by former members of his team, is where those seeking smart French food in W1 end up.
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