There are few things more typically English than afternoon tea, with its cucumber sandwiches, Earl Grey and warm scones.
Many people think of the Ritz as a first choice, but its policy of herding takers of tea together and operating a strict turnaround on tables has prevented it becoming our members' favourite.
So, for people who want to keep this refined tradition alive, we’ve put together a selection of London’s best tearooms.
Brown's Hotel
Albermarle Street, Mayfair, London W1S 4BP
The English Tea Room serves warm scones, Pimm’s jelly and freshly made sandwiches in a cosy and intimate atmosphere. Arrive with an appetite – our restaurant expert Hernan Castro-Vidal says that they ‘just keep on bringing out the sandwiches.’
Guide price: £39.50 (£49.50 with champagne)
The Lanesborough Hotel
Hyde Park Corner, London SW1X 7TA
The Lanesborough is another traditional option, but with more pomp: its high ceilings, large, light rooms and impressive hotel lobby make for an opulent atmosphere that creates a sense of occasion. It even has its own tea sommelier to help you choose between the Assam and the Darjeeling.
Guide price: from £38 (£48 with champagne)
Claridge's
Brook Street, Mayfair, London W1K 4HR (pictured)
Winner of the Tea Guild’s Top London Afternoon tea award, Claridge's has long been popular with our members, who come for its special tea-infused jam and French pastries.
It hosts themed teas throughout the year to mark occasions or events: as well as Mother's Day and Valentine’s Day teas, it has a festive special including Christmas cake and stöllen. Call us to make a booking.
Guide price: £38 (£49 with champagne; £55 for special occasion teas)
The Berkeley
Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7RL
The Berkeley's Prêt-à-Portea takes its inspiration from the catwalk. Changed every six months to follow the seasonal collections, past delicacies include a Miu Miu winter spice high-heeled shoe biscuit, a Stella McCartney polka-dot sponge cake dress, and a Bottega Veneta pink and gold pear mousse and clementine cremieux coat – all served on fine china by Paul Smith.
Guide price: £37.50 (£47.50 with champagne)
L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon
13-15 West Street, London WC2H 9NE
With its vampish red and black decor and seductively low lighting, L'Atelier's Salon Bar is far removed from the chintzy clichés associated with tea. There are French pastries and savoury finger food to accompany loose-leaf teas such as classic Darjeeling or subtle infusions of rose or verbena leaves. And there's not a doily in sight.
Guide price: £14
The Dorchester
Park Lane, London W1K 1QA
As well as its impeccably traditional afternoon tea, held in the marble expanse of its Promenade and featuring scones made to the hotel's 50-year-old recipe, the Dorchester holds special teas throughout the year. In 2012, the hotel is celebrating its 80th anniversary and has created an exclusive champagne afternoon tea to mark the occasion.
Guide price: £38.50 (£48.50 with champagne; special event teas are around £50 per adult with champagne)
The Gilbert Scott
St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, Euston Road, King's Cross, London NW1 2AR
‘Taking tea with George’ is served under the ornate, chandeliered ceilings of the Sir George Gilbert Scott room. Its unexpected twist on tradition involves tea-inspired cocktails such as Earl Grey with brandy, Amaretto and cream, chamomile with cachaca and champagne and white tea with gin, pineapple and honey. Instead of sandwiches and cakes, try jaffa and Eccles cakes, peanut butter choc ices and Mrs Beeton-inspired cheese butterflies.
Guide price: £29
The Savoy
Strand, London WC2R 0EU
Served in the restored Thames Foyer – its reinstated glass cupola flooding the space with natural light – guests can enjoy a traditional afternoon tea, accompanied by the hotel’s resident pianist. At the centre of the room is the new winter garden gazebo. In addition, on Sundays, a new Art Decadent Tea is served in the black and gold-leaf Beaufort Bar, featuring Tipsy Tea cocktails.
Guide price: £40 (£51.50 with champagne)
The Connaught
Carlos Place, Mayfair, London W1K 2AL
Hélène Darroze’s take on English afternoon tea is served in the Espelette, with its carved glass conservatory. The French chef has put together an infusion of flavours, ranging from smoked salmon and wasabi cream finger sandwiches to pastries filled with rhubarb compote, infusion Samba jelly and ginger foam. There is also an accompanying jam menu featuring 16 artisanal Christine Ferber jams.
Guide price: £35 (£45 with champagne)
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