Mad I know ..but where could I take my DD (10) for an afternoon tea treat in central London?

[Finbar]

Am popping up to London this Saturday on the way through to see a friend. Want to show Dd the lights and then have a spot of afternoon tea. I know its the busiest weekdn of the year but hey ho. Any ideas?
i have been to the Dorcester - very nice.
Anywher else you can reccommend?

P.S. I can spell Dorchester - jsut can't type!

and recommend!!!

What about Patisserie Valerie (Marylebone High St or Soho)? Not as expensive as the Dorchester but quite quaint (been going since the 30's I think). I think most places will be hideously busy then. Maybe some of the other hotels?

perhaps the wolseley on picadilly, just down from the ritz. its an incredible room, and you probably would be able to book without too much trouble.

just as posh as a hotel, but actually nicer io think.

Is there somewhere that overlooks a nice landmark? The only place I can think off the top of my head is the restaurant at the Tate Modern which has a fab view.

Maison Bertaux?

Thanks for the ideas so far ..now to try and book and plan itinery.

Not mad, lovely!

Can't help though. Sorry

Harrods is nice but v pricey for afternoon tea. The tea-room doesn't overlook any landmarks though.

There is a restaurant at the top of the National Gallery that overlooks Trafalgar Sqaure and down Whitehall toward Big Ben/Houses of Parliament. No idea if you can go there just for tea though.

Fortnum and Masons..yummy tea.Or I second the Wolsely.(Every time I have been I have seen some sleb or other there too so that might add to it)You do have to book there though..

The restaurant in St James' Park is supposed to be lovely and does afternoon teas. Not that central, but a nice walk through Green Park from Picadilly, and near Buckingham Palace. here

Marriot next to the London Eye - overlooks Big Ben & Houses of Parliament, probably need to book though - its called the Library.

Argh.. the Wolseley is booked for afternoon tea!

i was going to say the Ritz,but i remember when we went we had to book months in advance!
my kids love china town! ok,not posh,or a good idea for afternoon tea,but an alternative.....we ordered every single dessert on their menu when we went,as nobody knew much about chinese deserts.....they found out they weren't keen!!
selfridges?
somewhere in covent garden maybe?

The British museum has a restaurant at the top, that overlooks the lovely reading room and courtyard, that does a fab afternoon tea.

here

Orthe Landmark hotel does a very nice tea in its winter room. [http://www.landmarklondon.co.uk/dining/afternoon_tea.htm here]

[http://www.landmarklondon.co.uk/dining/afternoon_tea.htm meant this one]

or even

Claridges? Browns Hotel? (the Wolseley would be my first choice though.Love Maison Bertaux but it is not as Glam as a big open room like the W.)Rules is wonderful but I don't know if they do afternoon tea,doubt it somehow.How about Fortnums ?

Try Aubaine on Heddon Street (just off Regent Street). Its beautiful - a little slice of parisienne chic in Central London .

Fortnum and Mason is wonderful

I really enjoyed taking dd to Liberty's afternoon tea room. The cupcakes were to die for.

Maison Bertaux, no contest.

Liberty's would be very close for the lights in both regent street and oxford street (tho' oxford street the saturday before christmas sounds like hell to me).

They used to do wonderful coffee at Liberty's.... [hitches quilt over her knees and starts on long boring ramble,,,]

Thanks for the Wolsley suggestion - never knew about it and I've been in London nearly 30 years! Going to take me mum sometime