I'm looking for a recommendation for a good afternoon tea spot to take my mom and sister when we are in London later this month. I want somewhere that feels traditional and fancy, and also has good food. My last afternoon tea experience was at Selfridges, which I found to be mediocre both food-wise and ambiance-wise. Cost is immaterial. Thanks in advance for your help!
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
Article here from a few months back.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/united-kingdom/england/london/articles/Londons-ten-best-afternoon-teas/
Claridges and The Ritz are widely acknowledged at the top (pricy) end.
Posted by
London
233 posts
My current fav is the Library Lounge unlimited bubbles offer at Marriott County Hall. I took my mum for her birthday and it was really lovely. They're very generous with the cava too...no sooner had we taken a sip then someone was there topping up our glasses.
Posted by
Land of La
9265 posts
Depending on your love of formality or willingness to try something less traditional I'd opt for either The Ritz or The Bulgari hotels afternoon teas.
Posted by
Tunbridge Wells
6113 posts
I like lunch or afternoon tea at RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) on Portland Place, just north of Oxford Circus. It's a great Art Deco building and often has free exhibitions to visit. http://www.ribavenues.com/Hospitality/RIBA-Bistro-and-Cafe.aspx
Liberty, the department store also has a good afternoon tea in a great building just off Regent Street.
Posted by
Atlanta
2512 posts
What does ISO mean?
Just curious...
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
34010 posts
It is an old expression which has developed all capital letters - in search of.
Or it can be used in photography for the speed of film.
Posted by
Los Angeles
220 posts
I thought The Goring wasn't too bad. The service was excellent and they had a nice selection of teas and cakes which were brought out.
Posted by
Bristol, UK
619 posts
I thought ISO referred to the International Standards Organisation, and that there was some sort of international standard for an afternoon tea. Sandwiches cut just so, cakes of a certain sort, jam on the scone before the cream (or is it the other way round), etc.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
34010 posts
jam is such a vague word. Surely ISO would have standards, turning their collective noses up at Raspberry Jam, siding with the Strawberry Jam faction, setting their eye against Wild Strawberry.... not even considering Rhubarb and Ginger....
Posted by
Manchester
497 posts
ISO 3720 covers how to make a cup of (real, not decaffeinated) tea.
I don't think it extends to finger sandwiches though.
Posted by
Arlington, WA
993 posts
Browns Hotel is one of our favourites. Agatha Christie used to stay there. Also, wasn't Oscar Wilde arrested there??
Posted by
Troy, Oh, USA
2805 posts
I would highly recommend The Orangery at Kensington Palace. I have afternoon tea at The Orangery every time I'm in London. It's beautiful inside and great food.
Posted by
OP
London
254 posts
Thank you, everyone, for your replies. I settled on the Ritz. And--ISO means "in search of," like someone said :)
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
34010 posts
I know you have an all female party going to the Ritz, and the fact that men are required to be in jacket and tie won't apply, but it is worth checking what the dress code is there for women.
They stick quite close to the dress code at the Ritz (which is across the street from one of my favourite London hotels, the Holiday Inn Mayfair).
Posted by
San Diego
1540 posts
I had tea at the Ritz several years ago with 3 girlfriends I grew up with . We loved it and it was a memory we will have forever. It was expensive, but well worth making a lifetime memory.