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Looking for suggestions for special elegant high tea in london with fabulous food!

I have been reading about the Ritz and Savoy for high tea. Which do you prefer and I am open to other suggestions as well!

Posted by
11606 posts

We have been to Fortnum and Mason twice, the last time for Christmas Eve Brunch. Wonderful.

Posted by
7052 posts

If you're really looking for high tea I assume there are many pubs that can help you.

If you're looking for afternoon tea, that is something completely different.

Posted by
8134 posts

Re Badger's comment we've had this sterile and unhelpful discussion before. For whatever reason lost in history what we call afternoon tea the Americans call high tea, and establishments themselves differ in their own namings of what what in Britain was historically called high tea and historically called afternoon tea. Only yesterday I saw in Cumbria (at the Wild Boar Inn, Winster, Cumbria) the most amazing 'afternoon tea' [their word] which had so many hot savoury items first that, in old useage, it was high tea par excellence (and at only £30 a huge bargain). Served with a flight of beers as well as tea/coffee.
It's not my job to 'correct' that pub.
We all know what the OP means, it would be more productive to actually answer the OP's questions.

Posted by
590 posts

Another vote for Fortnum and Mason. Definitely worth it!

Posted by
1453 posts

The only really fancy tea I’ve had was at the Ritz and it was an amazing experience. Lots of bling and impeccable service.

Somewhere that I don’t recall seeing mentioned on here before, but is well known for its beautiful interiors and is the kind of place people go for a special occasion is the Mayfair restaurant Sketch. I have not eaten there but I’ve been in for a cocktail and the room where the tea is served was absolutely buzzing.

By the way, when I say ‘people’, going for afternoon tea is predominantly a female activity- hen parties, baby showers, mother and daughter. That kind of thing.

Posted by
20 posts

I've read that Claridges is excellent. I'm looking forward to trying that out this August.

Posted by
304 posts

I don't think it's so much that we Americans have a different "high tea" term for afternoon tea, rather, it's that either one is a very foreign term for a foreign meal we don't usually have. And when we think of the concept, we tend to think of something "high class" enjoyed by Downtown Abbey characters and such. So "high tea" understandably seems like the term that should apply to that meal, as it fits, and it takes quite a deep knowledge of British language and culture, which most Americans don't have, to know that in fact it means the opposite, a typically working-class meal not found at the Ritz or Savoy. I think it's worth pointing out, although ideally done politely and in an understated (i.e., typically British) way, so travelers can better accomplish their goals, much as we might politely tell British people that they will be better understood in the States if they refer to "renting" rather than "hiring" a car, and so on.

Posted by
4627 posts

We loved Fortnum and Mason's tea. There was lots of food and they had a pianist. It was an elegant tea that didn't require us to dress up(which is why I would never go to the Ritz).

Posted by
5 posts

I have never been to London so I appreciate the knowledge about high tea versus afternoon tea. I believe what I am looking for is afternoon tea! I tried to change the title but couldn't figure out how to change it. I will start a new post but also appreciate those who made other suggestions. Will add Fortnum and Mason and Sketch to our list. Thanks you to everyone who responded!

Posted by
10633 posts

You might want to check dress codes before making a final decision. Friends wanted to take us to the Ritz for an anniversary dinner. When I checked the dress code it was a no go because we didn’t want to bring clothing/shoes that would just be worn once on a 6 week trip with carry on only. At the Ritz the only meal with a little more relaxed dress code was breakfast.

Posted by
2418 posts

hey hey IIradner
so many places do the afternoon tea, some have specials 2 for 1. like andrea says check the dress code, the cost you want to pay, some are themed, what exactly they serve, what part of london do you want to be, and what interests you.
afternoonteaonline.co.uk
look under london
afternoontea.co.uk
many different areas of london, take your pick
b-bakery.com
red double decker bus that travels around the main attractions of london
wowcher.co.uk
register for free and search afternoon tea. many have 2 for 1 offers with many places to check out
good luck, we had a great time and lots of fun with whatever you decide on. have fun
aloha

Posted by
3398 posts

Don't go to one of the overpriced, touristy places like the Ritz or F&M. I love the Wolseley, which is right next to the Ritz and 1/5 the price. Beautiful ambiance and excellent food and tea (of all kinds).

Posted by
1453 posts

Afternoon tea is always ‘touristy’ in that it’s not something people do routinely or out of habit. It’s always a special occasion. Even if I went to one locally it would be for a birthday celebration or something like that. Today is Mother’s Day here and there are no shortage of Mother’s Day afternoon teas being advertised.

The expensive, upmarket ones are super popular with the British for these type of events. It’s not just for overseas visitors. You get a fantastic sense of occasion going into a grand hotel.

Posted by
2805 posts

I think you mean Afternoon Tea, High Tea is an evening meal.

Posted by
8159 posts

You might want to check dress codes before making a final decision.

I do know that Fortnum & Mason has no dress code. That's where I went for tea one afternoon and loved the experience. The food and atmosphere were absolutely wonderful.

And don't be put by people who claim it is touristy - as Helen said above, places like this are for everyone's special occasions. :)

Posted by
9436 posts

Helen said it very well.

Despite what Anita wrote (have you been to Fortnum&Mason?) my all-time favorite was Fortnum & Mason and i’ve been to many Afternoon Teas all over England and in Edinburgh over the decades. It was not touristy, it was fantastic and it was worth every penny. The experience on every level was amazing. The quality of the food is superior, it’s all you can eat (many are not, although i’d bet The Ritz and other high end places are), the service, the room, the piano player… the best. I dream of going again next trip.

Posted by
370 posts

Hannah Ricketts vlogs on Youtube and has some great videos of afternoon tea at Fortnum and Mason and the Ritz (other places too). I love her videos of London. You might want to check it out and then decide. I'm going to London in May/June with my daughters and have booked afternoon tea at Fortnum and Mason. Can't wait!

Posted by
249 posts

I don't get the hang up on the quest for no dress code, as it adds to the experience - it is normally smart causual and no sports wear and jeans - so, nothing too onerous. I'm not a smart or snappy dresser, however when I was working in the UAE I had to to have afternoon tea on QE2 as it is a zeitgiest of British engineering and it just addded to the occasion dressing appropriately when I dipped for afternoon tea on board the ship. I disagree with Stuart from the lakes, that the distinction of high and afternoon is important as its all about making a difference together and having ones own identity. If New York and London was the same why visit if you are from the other side of the pond?

Posted by
8134 posts

I just think it's a shame as was written way up thread that any answer has to debate what the meal is called. As I originally wrote there seems to be a difference across the pond.
I don't really think the OP needed to change the title, and end up with having two threads running on the same question.
If we all know what we are talking about it would be more useful to answer the question. A similar thread a few weeks ago degenerated into an unnecessary semantic debate, which wasn't unduly helpful or instructive.
Whatever the previous comment says, in misinterpretation, I couldn't care less what it's called, just as I don't care about the supposed difference between Devon and Cornish cream tea- just have that how you like it.
I find it very interesting how important it is to Americans to have afternoon/high tea here, as explained by someone else up thread maybe because it's a meal you don't really have in the States.
You can even have afternoon tea in supermarkets now in the UK (hardly an "occassion"), and apparently one of our local fish and chip shops does it!!
What is really stark is the difference in price between London and "the Provinces". Up in the Lakes I don't think that, even in the smartest places, you'll pay more than £35. Armathwaite Hall Hotel (the most up market place to me, an "occassion place") is £29, or £42 with fizz. In town on Sunday one of our cafes was doing the full works for £14.
I keep getting offers for the Lindeth Howe at Windermere- £35 there, a very nice hotel.
Armathwaite Hall is one of 3 places within 2 or 3 miles (the others being in a distillery, and in a converted rail car) to do afternoon/high tea and the three menus could not be more different or eclectic. It'd be interesting to spend a week or even two having a different experience in each possible venue between Cockermouth and Keswick. I could be very easily tempted, but don't see any point if you have no one to share it with, as it's not an event then. I keep on thinking about it.

Posted by
1453 posts

Ah isn! Someone on this forum who is visiting the lakes need to take you out for tea.

Posted by
28247 posts

According to its website, afternoon tea at the Wolseley costs £37.50 per person. The Ritz currently charges less than twice that, £70, but is raising its price to £72 effective June 1. Those prices for tea-drinkers, not champagne-drinkers.

I enjoyed the £40 tea I had at the British Museum last year; it's fun to have small servings of a lot of different things to try. However, I don't find it a great idea for a solo traveler--a meal comprised almost entirely of simple carbohydrates (except for the sandwich fillings and the clotted cream for the scones): finger sandwiches, scones, cakes and pastries. I have a big-time weakness for sweets, but I don't eat that volume of carbs at a single meal at home, and the museum tea was nearly twice what I really wanted to consume. It's a lot better if you have someone to share it with; the second person could simply order a pot of tea or other beverage at a place that is not all-you-can-eat.

As to dress code, this is what the Ritz's website has to say about the subject:

"While considering what to wear to Afternoon Tea, note that at The Ritz we have a formal dress code, with gentleman required to wear a jacket and tie.

"Ultimately, whether you prefer one lump or two, or cream first or jam, Afternoon Tea at The Ritz is yours to enjoy as you wish. Sticklers for the rules and rebels without a cause are welcome to enjoy Afternoon Tea side by side, meaning the experience is unique to each guest, just how it should be. Who knows, you may even create some traditions of your own during your time in the tearoom…"

The first paragraph is clear. Only heaven knows whether the second paragraph is intended to impart any clues about what a woman is expected to wear--and if so, what it means.

Posted by
10633 posts

It was more the men’s dress code that prevented us from going to the Ritz. No way my husband was going to bring a sport coat for one meal on a 6 week trip. It’s easier for women to meet the criteria.

Posted by
457 posts

I find it very interesting how important it is to Americans to have afternoon/high tea here ... maybe because it's a meal you don't really have in the States.

I liken it to someone visiting the US who has to have a cheesesteak in Philadelphia, clam chowder in Boston, beignets in New Orleans, barbeque in Texas ... you can get it where you live but it's just not the same, it's the experience of getting it at the place where it is associated ... I thought about going to F&M Afternoon Tea (for the experience since going to fancy places for a meal consisting of finger sandwiches and mini cakes is not my cup of tea ... pun intended) but couldn't justify the price ... but I do plan on having a Sunday Roast, some 'authentic' fish and chips, steak and ale pie and, of course, a pint (or 2, or 20).

No way my husband was going to bring a sport coat for one meal on a 6 week trip

Ditto

Posted by
8159 posts

I find it very interesting how important it is to Americans to have afternoon/high tea here, as explained by someone else up thread maybe because it's a meal you don't really have in the States.

Stuart, that's partly it, but I think that for many of us, it's so ingrained in the English literature we've read throughout the years that it seems like something from another era (which it is, I suppose), and therefore something to experience. So many books I've read mention afternoon tea, like my favorite Noel Streatfeild books, Agatha Christie mysteries, and of course Alice in Wonderland's mad tea party. And many shows and movies also include it, such as Downton Abbey and Gosford Park.

It's a way to escape and go back to a different era for an afternoon. :)

Posted by
257 posts

First time I have ever seen "fabulous food" and London in the same sentence, but I guess for a price you can get anything there.

Posted by
9436 posts

phoffen… ???
There’s great food at a reasonable price all over London.

Posted by
332 posts

First time I have ever seen "fabulous food" and London in the same sentence, but I guess for a price you can get anything there.

Guessing you have never been here? Want to do teeth next?

Posted by
718 posts

Over our visits to London, I’ve had afternoon tea at the Ritz, Fortnum and Mason and the Wolseley. The Ritz was my least favourite; the food wasn’t worth the price and my partner having to bring the dress clothes was a significant inconvenience. FM was lovely. I will give a shout out to the Wolseley. Not only was the atmosphere great as well as the food but when we reserved, we requested 1 diabetic version as my sister was eating very little sugar. They missed noting it on our reservation but when we were there the kitchen staff went to some trouble to create some extra special alternatives with gorgeous fruit etc and then at the end, the meal for both of us was complimentary. That type of gesture is appreciated.

Phoffen, it sounds like you are overdue for some restaurant meals in London. We have eaten very well there on our visits in the past many years.

Posted by
2014 posts

I'll take scones & tea any time of day, no matter what you call it.

Posted by
8159 posts

I'll take scones & tea any time of day, no matter what you call it.

I wholeheartedly agree!

Posted by
9436 posts

I agree too! I can say no to cakes and pastries, but i love English scones (they’re not like the scones here in the SF Bay Area). An English scone, their amazing strawberry jam and a latte for me please!

Posted by
4627 posts

I also want to give a shoutout to the Wolseley staff. F&M is still my favorite for the elegrance without having to dress up.

Posted by
19 posts

My husband and I enjoyed the afternoon tea at Carlton Towers Jumeirah - prepared by the first female to be awarded "Best Pastry Chef in the World". She gets inspiration from the seasonal changes in Kew garden and relies on seasonal fruits to sweeten the pastries. We had the beautiful tea room all to ourselves and it was definitely a hidden gem experience.