Recommendations for a brilliant afternoon tea in London?

[Rosehip10]

I'm looking to gift an afternoon tea in London to two family members who have had a really tough time over the last few months.

I know the "tourist" type favourites (Ritz maybe) but can anyone recommend a really lovely place? Cost not really a factor (within reason!!!)

Thanks!

The Ritz is good or the Shard

I recently went to the Montague, had a great time and they offer free refills on any additional food you want :-)
montaguehotel.com/dining-and-drinks/afternoon-tea

Brown's Hotel in Mayfair. They are the best..and believe me I've had a few.

A smallish cosy place with impeccable service and great food.

The Wolsey, absolutely.

Sketch is quirky and I thought the food was good
The Savoy is pretty old school and a lovely experience
I would avoid the Alice in Wonderland tea at the Sanderson if they're still doing it - I thought the food was horrible and the service was rude. Also if you're vegetarian they just..remove the things with meat / gelatine and don't offer an alternative. Same price 😒
Claridges same sort of vibe at the Savoy - bit more intimate maybe.

Petersham nursery in Covent Garden, not ra ra like anything you’d find in Mayfair. Bit more rustic but still exquisite.

Brown’s is lovely. You do usually need to book well in advance, though.

IIRC the Joan Hickson Agatha Christie - At Bertram’s Hotel - was filmed there.

The Shard.
Been twice.

Fortnum & Mason

We've been twice, faultless

Had a lovely one at the St. Pancras Hotel - the building is beautiful, my favourite in London and it felt really special.

If you want something a bit more cool and intimate, Dean St Townhouse - I've not done the afternoon tea but I used to be a regular there

Claridges and Dorchester are my faves and v deluxe

F&M is a lot cheaper its still nice and feels like a treat but not the same level.

Ritz or shard - been to both and both great but Ritz is more touristy definitely.

A friend of mine went to The Goring Hotel for afternoon tea this autumn and she really recommended this, absolutely loved it.

Fortnum & Mason or the Ritz are my favourite, both amazing service & beautiful food

For luxury, the Savoy. For chic novelty, Sketch. For understated and good value in a beautiful building, the Wolseley.

Another vote for Brown’s (as a comparison I found Fortnum’s very disappointing!). Have done others that were ok but Brown’s has been the best!

The winter gardens at The Landmark Hotel is my all time favourite. Went for my 40th and the handmade cakes were sublime

Second the recommendation for the St Pancras hotel!

My mum said Claridge's was really nice too.

I would avoid the Ritz - so touristy it feels tacky.

If it were me I'd go for the bottomless champagne one at the Montague like pp suggested.Just had a look and as much Lanson as you want sounds very appealing!

For me it would be all about location and wow and I like high.....so restaurants in Skygarden or the shard, or here searcysatthegherkin.co.uk/homepage/helix-restaurant/menus-2/

The Langham

The Goring Hotel. My DH took me there a few years ago. Pricey but absolutely worth every penny. Apparently it is the Queen's favourite place to go for afternoon tea in all of London!

Claridge’s was incredible. They gave us as much sandwiches as we wanted, service was impeccable and they sent us off with some cake, fudge and jam all packed in a lovely Claridge’s box

Horseguards Parade Hotel.

The Oscar Wilde room at Hotel Café Royale. Oh my goodness, it was wonderful.

The Dorchester is pretty special. I had a terrible experience at The Goring. Really substandard.