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Best afternoon tea in London

64 replies

IHopeYouStepOnALegoPiece · 04/06/2019 14:51

Done Claridges & The Ritz, looking for somewhere as fantastic as Claridges (or an excuse to go back to Claridges...Wink )

Any ideas gratefully received!

OP posts:
SouthWestmom · 04/06/2019 22:27

Hated the Sanderson, loved the Berkeley, Ritz was just a tourist thing, loved the langham as they were lovely when they got it wrong, beautiful setting as well. Hmm can't remember now - done loads.

HelenaJustina · 04/06/2019 22:30

I love Fortnums and the Landmark

hilbobaggins · 04/06/2019 22:40

The Milestone Hotel. It’s an absolute little gem and one of the best teas I’ve ever had. Don’t tell anyone else Smile

Fantababy · 04/06/2019 22:46

The Wolseley was lovely and didn't feel remotely touristy or 'hen night'y. Was much cheaper than the likes of the Ritz, food was replenished and service was lovely.

YouWhoNeverArrived · 04/06/2019 22:55

Went to the Lanesborough 8 years ago and really enjoyed it then.

Did Claridge's last year and LOVED it - superb.

Not had afternoon tea at Browns but I went to the bar a few years ago and was impressed.

Littlegoth · 04/06/2019 22:58

The Athenaeum, Fortnum, The Ritz, Waldorf in that order for me.

I need a trip to London now

lissie123 · 04/06/2019 22:59

Cafe Royal. Oscar Wilde room. Amazing. Was there last week.

Xenadog · 04/06/2019 22:59

The Landmark is better than The Sanderson and it is probably equal to The Langham but is overall better because of its wonderful setting.

The Dorchester on the balcony is nice as it’s quite intimate with only 4 tables (iirc) and 2 waiters.

The Ampersand does a Science afternoon tea, it’s quite fun but not posh.

My number one choice is always The Landmark - utterly love it.

AndwhenyougetthereFoffsomemore · 04/06/2019 23:09

Coming on to say Claridges: damn! Other option we really enjoyed and is a bit different is tea in the Shard - we went late so we were there over sunset and it did feel very special!

magneticmumbles · 04/06/2019 23:15

Oh The Ritz. I know you've been for afternoon tea, but do go for a meal in the restaurant one day. Best dining experience of my life.

QueenOfTheAndals · 04/06/2019 23:17

The Wyld afternoon tea at the Mondrian is amazing. You get a cocktail with each cake - we ended up with about 5 each and they weren't small either!

westendgirl780 · 04/06/2019 23:25

I think the pret a portea at the Berkeley is fabulous. They were doing a Dior theme, not sure if that’s still on. It’s unlimited refills and a takeaway box too.

Davros · 05/06/2019 00:07

Love the Langham, it's where afternoon tea was invented isn't it?
Roast in Borough Market does afternoon tea now. It's a great setting, haven't tried it yet.
Love Claridges butchave found the service juuuust about attentive enough on two occasions

dimsum123 · 05/06/2019 05:13

Afternoon tea was adopted by the British during their time as a colonial power in India, it had already been a tradition in India for centuries. It was not invented by the Langham.

redbedheadd · 05/06/2019 05:23

@dimsum123 Have you got a source for that?

Bloodybridget · 05/06/2019 05:27

Had tea at the Portrait restaurant, National Portrait Gallery, a couple of years ago - present to us from DP's brother - and that was very lovely. Glass of fizz to start, great views.

SweetPeaPods · 05/06/2019 05:42

Fortnums is amazing! So much food and tea that they just keep replenishing.

Andcake · 05/06/2019 06:02

I like the wolsey but also remember having something quite nice at libertys but not sure they do it anymore.

NotMaryWhitehouse · 05/06/2019 06:09

I also vote for The Wolesley. Have been a number of time and the service, food, atmosphere is great. Plus have seen several lovies/thesps being v low key there, which makes me feel a bit 'arty'! 😂

IHeartArya · 05/06/2019 07:27

Oh my gosh I forgot!! The Goring! Proper old fashioned - fabulous!

Deathraystare · 05/06/2019 07:41

Although that was the place I discovered I have a pretty serious caviar intolerance

Oh no! How absolutely terrible for you!!!!

Duchessofealing · 05/06/2019 07:48

Agree Claridges isn’t fabulous, we didn’t get clotted cream at the Goring so wouldn’t go back even though the rest of it was delightful. The Mandarin Oriental ( linked to above) isn’t as formal as Claridges - they let you pour your own tea Grin and you won’t spend as long there but it’s more relaxed and definitely up there with Claridges - loos are miles away though!
Don’t do the Berkeley - style over substance. I also wasn’t keen on the Ritz but agree with pp that you should go for lunch one day - they do a three course special menu for much less than the a la carte (you have to specify when you book) and it is fantastic.

Duchessofealing · 05/06/2019 07:48

Claridges IS fabulous!! Sorry - I read through as well!!!

Bunnyhop1502 · 05/06/2019 07:49

I love a traditional afternoon tea but if you want something a bit quirky try Mr Fogg’s Gin Parlour in Covent Garden. Tea, gin and cream cakes Shock