London - Do Tea and Children go together???

Kerry, I can not imagine why an 8Y and 13Y would not be welcome any place tea is served. If they were to small to sit politely and not disturb others, there might be some small chance of an issue; but that is hardly the case here. If they have any interest, go and have fun.

An 8 and 13 year old are old enough to know how to behave on a "formal" occassion. It should be a great experience. I have observed children's afternoon tea with Santa at Ritz Carlton in San Francisco and its a great occassion for all. go for it. I think Harrod's would be a great place- very nice dining room but not as stuffy and formal as some hotels- besides, some others have posted that they keep refilling the plates- what more could you ask for. otherwise the "Orangery" has a different look and feel, again, not as stuffy as a formal hotel- and great place for "the kids" to unwind outside afterwards

The Orangery at Kensington Palace would be a great place to take the kids for tea. It's so pretty inside and they have a great tea.

your absolutely right, we can have tea in or outside of London; but I guess I was thinking of it as more of an occassion if we have it in London (like you said). I will make sure the kids slather on lots of berry jam AND cream (I certainly will!) It sounds delicious!

You may want to ck price fix prices first bef you decide it can be very pricey. However it is a lovely experience when done right and oh so British! Even in San Francisco The Palace Hotel charges $50 per person. I like The Orangery in Kensington Palace in London.

Only if the children are toasted,, sorry, its just sometimes questions are worded in such a way as to make me see the silly side. I definately think your kids are the perfect age for tea!! I think most places are kid friendly, assuming your children are well beyond the crawling under the table or throwing food stage! Enjoy,, and do have them try scones with the cream AND jam spread on them together,, simply yummy.

Pat, maybe not so silly - my children are VERY SWEET! I think they will get a kick out of a formal tea with treats!

Hi Kerry, I think it is wonderful that you are taking your children on a trip abroad and especially to London!! My husband and I and two travel chums are just back from 5 weeks there....but about taking kids to a formal tea....I must disagree with the rest of the responders......not really disagree though just offer a different option. Have you ever had an "Eton Mess" in London...this might be a different option for the children and you as well.... How come no Londoners have offered it as an option, I wonder if it is a secret?? If you look on your computer you will find that...yes it is served at Eton and is very traditional there. I had it last at Liberty of London in 2006 but when I returned there about 3 weeks ago it was no longer on offer. We were all very disappointed but as we left the store, a passerby said we should try Fortnum and Mason and we did! We found they had something very similar so we bought one and with 3 spoons fell on to it with gusto!! It is basically a large compote glass with a base filling of crushed meringue followed by gobs of strawberries and vanilla ice cream and topped with whipped cream! A diabetic delight. The cost was 12GBP and worth every penny!! The floor where it was served is one floor up from the main floor and at the moment is also showing lovely Christmas decorations for sale. Well, just another suggestion.... carry on dear traveler!! All Best, Mollie

I think it's a great idea as long as your kids are reasonably well-behaved. I have seen kids having tea in various places with no problems. The only time people got annoyed was when I was in the Berkeley Hotel and this spoilt child ran around and around the room screaming his head off, but I'm sure your kids aren't like that! I am sure kids would love the sweet little sandwiches and cakes.

I can honestly say my children are very well behaved in restaurants. They are very capable of sitting through even the longest meal without causing any disruption. I just wasn't sure if "TEA" in London was just a grownup thing. This will be our first trip to London. I'm really a coffee person myself! But I thought it would be nice to introduce my kids to traditionally English things, like "Tea" and Fish & Chips! That Strawberry Sunday sounds like a great idea, my mother and my daughter (strawberry fanatics) would go crazy fot it. I'll print out all your answers here and bring it along on our trip.

If we are going off into the realms of yummy deserts,. I have to suggest.. warm sticky toffee date pudding,, with ice cream or cream. To die for.. simply, to die for...

I would suggest not to pass up having afternoon tea...it is such a delight...to have an Eton Mess...have both, but on different days.

I won't pass up the tea, I was thinking we could do both! We'll visit London at least 2 days while we are staying in East Sussex, Tunbridge Wells for two weeks.

<<<sticky toffee date pudding,, with ice cream or cream>>> totally agree with Pat on this. The Sherlock Holmes (pub near Embankment Tube stop) serves a great one.

Kerry, I remember an earlier post of yours- Tunbridge wells is "civilized", and you can get afternoon tea in most towns (and villages) in England, you are bound to come upon it on your travels around, although tea as part of a trip to London would be an occassion. And re another post- the "only" way to have scones is with both berry jam and cream. (although in my family we also do a savory one with cheese).

I'll definitely check prices; I want a lovely experience... without breaking the bank!

Hi again Kerry, Yes by all means check prices before you book for your tea date...I see Harrods is charging 55GBP per person and I have the feeling that Tunbridge Wells would be less pricey. At least I hope so! My first high tea was at the Savoy about 25 years ago and it was at that time about 15GBP which was a lot for my purse then! I went with a colleague who kept assuring me that clotted cream was wonderful stuff (and it IS) but it sounded to me like cream that had gone off so I protested energetically. It is divine and with the berry jam and the fresh scone......HEAVEN! I love Sticky Toffee Pudding too and had it recently in Chipping Camden. Good luck with whatever you choose...it will be very English and most memorable!!

Kerry, You don't say but do you kids like to play pretend tea with either themselves and/or their dolls? The 8 year old especially might like doing this. The 13 year old may have in the past. She (He) may consider self "too old" for that now. When we were kids my sisters and I would use our doll tea set and have tea with food and drink and invite Mom and Dad. Did/Do your kids do this? If they do then I am sure they will like the "real thing." If there is a place that serves teas in your area you might take them to it first. But that is not necessary. I am sure they will injoy the tea where ever you take them.

My daughter and son both liked "serving" mom & dad pretend foods and drinks when they were little, and we would have to comment on all the foods they brought us (until we were bored sick!) I know they will both enjoy the interesting experience with little sandwiches,trying the clotted cream, and sampling different teas. While my son is the 13 year old, he really likes food - has said he wants to be a chef one day AND he likes tea (unlike the rest of us coffee drinkers in the house).