Kind of S&B question: Claridges, The Ritz or The Savoy for Afternoon Tea?

[ujjayi]

So ladies, any experience of afternoon tea at any of the above? DH and I are organising a day to ourselves and we can't decide which place to go for. We want somewhere chic but relaxed. I love a little formal service but don't like to feel on tenterhooks whenever we so much as chink our cutlery!

My feeling is that The Ritz may be a little stuffy. Love the idea of Claridges because of the fact that they recently appointed David Downton as the Artist in Residence (v famous fashion illustrator) and not been to The Savoy since it was refurbished, and not for afternoon tea anyway.

[cyb]

Been to Claridges. It was okay I suppose. I find it a bit olde worlde tbh

[redllamayellowllama]

None of them - go to The Wolseley instead. Have been to Claridges and The Ritz and would choose it over both. Always nice to combine it with popping into the Royal Academy or the ICA, depending on your tastes.

[ujjayi]

Wow that was quick! Thank you all so much.

cyb - I like a bit of olde world as am a true vintage girl at heart. However, don't like olde world combined with stuffy behaviour from either staff or fellow guests.

birdsofshoreandsea The Savoy is sounding good although DH may prefer Browns as he is a big eater :)

"redllamayellowllama* - I would like to try The Wolseley however DH has been several times for breakfast & lunch meetings and doesn't really rate it (funny how he keeps going back....just to make sure ). The Royal Academy is on our agenda though so might be worth at least getting him to stop for coffee or so there? (am assuming tis okay to pop in for drinks only?)

[MrsSnow]

I'd suggest The Landmark. They serve in the Winter Garden so a lovely surrounding and not formal.

[Mytholmroyd]

I went to the Ritz for afternoon tea at Christmas and it was very beautiful with all the mirrors, gold, decorations and candles. The service was great and the ladies in the cloakroom a hoot. Wherever it is, I like it best when they have a harpist or piano player!

[peggyblackett]

Claridges :)

[chickydoo]

Fortnum & Mason!
Lovely for afternoon tea. Tea room on 4th floor is beautiful, decor stunning, service fabulous, can combine with a little retail therapy.

[umiaisha]

Claridges gets my vote.

Far better, attentive staff and unlike the Ritz, you are not made to feel uncomfortable if you stay for more than an hour!

[EmLH]

For atmosphere and cosyness I'd say the Dorchester but I actually preferred the food and service at the Langham. Also, when getting the mini desserts at the Langham they gave you two of each type (I.e. one for each person) whereas the Dorchester gave only one. I suppose we could've asked for more but didn't want to appear rude (and were pretty stuffed already!)

They're the only two I've experience of but both very nice and worth the £40ish expense! Hope you have a nice afternoon :)

[polyhymnia]

Claridges of those you mention. Find them all a bit stuffy tbh. Ritz too much like a theme park. Prefer the Wolseley - more relaxed but if your husband not keen for tea have a drink and see what you think. Browns good .

[polyhymnia]

Ps have also had a nice tea at the Haymarket Hotel. And a fab cocktail at Dukes in St James though haven't tried their tea. Avoid Fortnums - real theme park !!

[TheCountessRoyalofBlood]

Have only been to the Ritz for tea - there were so many people there that although formal it wasn't stuffy as far a cutlery clinking was concerned - infact it was just lovely. Even better that it was one of the guys at the ritz that hosted us..........so twas free!

[polyhymnia]

Pps Oh and second the Goring. My friend and I 'discovered' it pre
Middletons!!

[wompoopigeon]

Claridges of the three you list.

[LaPruneDeMaTante]

Claridges for the interiors.
I would live there if I could. HTH.

[theladylovescupcakes]

Have been to Claridges - absolutely beautiful inside, staff attentive and pleasant (our chap was happy to take our photo). Food was beautifully presented, plenty of it and was asked if we wanted more. Would recommend. Enjoy!

[NewChoos]

Second The Langham. Lovely mini cupcakes!

[twittertotter]

charlotte street hotel do a mad hatters high tea- great fun and quite relaxed

[MooMinCow]

In order of preference:

browns
Landmark (Marylebone)
The Lanesborough
the Atheneum, Piccadilly
Butlers @ the Chesterfield
Claridges

I found that some of the smaller hotels are actually better (and cheaper). The larger, more famous hotels feel like conveyor belts with all their 1.5/2 hour 'sittings'!

[takeonboard]

Claridges definitely - enjoy

[HipHopOpotomus]

Ritz is nice but full of bus loads of ladies of a certain age taking photos of themselves & each other. Not that there is anything wrong with that but it felt like a tourist destination rather than a classy tea.

[worldgonecrazy]

I've only been lucky enough to visit the Ritz and Claridges from your list. I think the Ritz may be too stuffy, seems a bit theme-park, that they are doing you a favour, and there will be hordes of tourists all doing the same thing.

I adore Claridges but that's because I love Art Deco.

The Goring is nice too, as mentioned, only drank there, not eaten though. Was very nice, shame about the company I was with but that's another story!