Best afternoon teas in London

I thought this would be of interest to our American cousins who often ask this question.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/united-kingdom/england/london/articles/the-best-quirky-afternoon-teas-in-london-hotels/?WT.mc_id=e_DM527028&WT.tsrc=email&etype=Edi_Tra_New_18Aug&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=DM527028&noLightbox=true&email=travelcommerce_2017_08_20Edi_Tra_New_18AugDM527028&utm_content=Edi_Tra_New_18Aug

 

 

 

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No mention of the Ritz, in Piccadilly, which is surely the (over-priced) benchmark at something over £50 pp

 

Nor of the cab-drivers' green huts dotted around central London, where a big mug of char and a sticky bun will cost less than £2. :)

https://www.timeout.com/london/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-cabmens-shelters-070516

Takeaway service for anyone, though only cabbies are allowed to sit inside.

And no dress code. ;)

 

JB :)

No mention of the Ritz, in Piccadilly, which is surely the (over-priced) benchmark at something over £50 pp

 

And no dress code. ;)

 

JB :)

 

We had afternoon tea at the Ritz a few years ago and we were very disappointed. Too many tourists so it had lost the ambiance we expected

I guess that Fortnum & Mason isn't quirky enough to make the list either. Oh well, I have good memories of a tea there and of the one at the Ritz, spent with cousins who are no longer earthbound.

Take the train to Kew (local). The gardens are wonderful and there's a near teahouse , Newell. They have a great cream tea and hold claim to a secret recipe tart much beloved by Henry the 8th.

 

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I did read somewhere that HenryVIII was rather fond of tarts...:)

Lots of upmarket coffee shops in the West End and Knightsbridge do afternoon teas. Also many Museum coffee shops/ restaurants do it too. All a lot cheaper than the Ritz. I read recently that Fortnum and Mason had either stopped theirs or it is very poor. Sorry, can't remember which.

 

I was recently in the coffee shop at the lovely Kenwood House and people on the next table were having afternoon tea and it looked good.

 

 

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Wish I had this last a month ago. We went to a French restaurant across from the Ritz, can't remember the name but it was good. In 2013 we went to the Georgian restaurant at Harrods, it was amazing.

 

 

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Wish I had this last a month ago. We went to a French restaurant across from the Ritz, can't remember the name but it was good.

 

 

 

Caffe Concerto, I suspect. A small chain, with several in the West End. They look very elegant and the food's OK, but I have never found particularly good service the few times I have used one.

 

 

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Caffe Concerto, I suspect. A small chain, with several in the West End. They look very elegant and the food's OK, but I have never found particularly good service the few times I have used one.

 

 

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Actually it was Cafe de Pierre, just down the street.

 

 

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I guess that Fortnum & Mason isn't quirky enough to make the list either. Oh well, I have good memories of a tea there and of the one at the Ritz, spent with cousins who are no longer earthbound.

It's a list of just hotels that hold teas. But I was disappointed with F&M last month before our cruise. Back when I lived in London (1984-85), I went there frequently after getting off work at 4. Back then having a scone and a pot of tea was reasonably priced. Now tea and a scone apiece for the two of us was 20 pounds. Service also wasn't that great.

Actually it was Cafe de Pierre, just down the street.

 

 

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Ah, OK. But, as it happens, Cafe de Pierre is part of the Caffe Concerto chain :)

 

 

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Ah, OK. But, as it happens, Cafe de Pierre is part of the Caffe Concerto chain :)

 

 

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Oh, there you go then! I should really just have a cream tea, I’m only there for the scones and cream!

 

 

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I had an nice afternoon tea at the Orangery at Kensington Palace two weeks ago. Three tiers of treats and a great atmosphere.

I should really just have a cream tea, I’m only there for the scones and cream!

 

 

This and cricket are Britain's finest civilising contributions to the world [emoji3]

 

 

 

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This and cricket are Britain's finest civilising contributions to the world [emoji3]

 

 

 

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I fully agree. What could be more civilised than a sport that takes a break so that you can take tea then resume the match.

 

 

Selswick.

Brown's Hotel for a great authentic experience!