Afternoon Tea in London

I had the savory tea at F and M-it was my dinner that night. You can have as much as you want to eat. The atmosphere was very relaxing after arriving in London that morning, pianist playing. We enjoyed it enough that we will probably do it again sometime on the day we arrive, despite the high cost. I do want to go to the Wolseley sometime too. The store at F and M is definitely something to see.

Thank you for your response. Even if I decide to go to the Wolseley I will make sure I go to the store portion of Fortnum and Mason. I did go but back in 2005 and really don't remember it. The two establishments are only a short distance away from each other.

Thanks again! And yes, like you, I will use it as my dinner.

F&M is very traditionally British and the retail areas an experience . I didn't have the tea there, but did have dessert and ice cream in The Parlour. It was very pleasant, but nothing memorable in terms of the food. I did have tea at Highclere Castle and that was amazing, although a day's trip from London. I'd probably try another venue in London for High Tea.

I have to say my impression of Fortnum & Mason was different. We went because a family member highly recommended it. I didn't think it was traditionally British. We were there for lunch, not tea, but the menu was trying hard to be continental and I didn't think the actual food was particularly good. Also (this is going to sound prejudiced) for me a traditionally British experience would involve a British waiter/waitress, and our waiter was Spanish. It was expensive. For my taste the shop area was unbearably glassy and shiny and modern. Overall, I wouldn't bother going back.

Check TripAdvisor since it has photos of each of those places + reviews. I've been to Fortnum and Mason but didn't have tea. We usually go to the Orangery by Kennington Palace.

I've been to some very expensive teas in London.

But, there is a very good small tea room with all the teas, scones, sandwiches etc that you could want.
It is Tea & Tattle - across Russell Road from the British Museum. It has excellent reviews on TripAdvisor and other review sites. I've also been to tea at the Ritz for close to $100 and this small place is much better IMHO.
If a small tea room is "not your cup of tea" you can splurge on the Ritz or Brown's - both are pricey and the Ritz has a dress-code.

Tea & Tattle has web site and reservations are recommended.