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Top 5 London Hotels For Afternoon Tea
Claridge's
For a traditionally English afternoon tea with a touch of elegance, take a seat at Claridge's. This grand Mayfair hotel has won an amazing four Tea Guild Awards of Excellence. The mouth-watering spread includes a choice of 30 teas, finger sandwiches, sweet pastries and freshly baked raisin and apple scones with tea-infused jam and Devonshire clotted cream. Look out for the special occasion teas, including Mother's Day Afternoon Tea and (during Wimbledon) the Lawn Tennis Champagne Afternoon Tea.
The Ritz
'Tea at The Ritz' has become a London institution. Diners in formal wear gather in the elegant Palm Court to enjoy several varieties of tea, sandwiches, freshly baked scones with jam and clotted cream, and a range of delicate pastries. As well as the Traditional English Tea, there's a Chocolate Afternoon Tea and the option to add champagne or birthday cake for special occasions. While as a member of the Tea Guild, The Ritz knows its brews and offers everything from Lapsong Souchong Imperiale to Ritz Royal English.
The Dorchester
There are two ways to enjoy afternoon tea at The Dorchester against the backdrop of live music in the central Promenade or in the bright, informal 'Spatisserie'. As well as traditional afternoon tea, there are special occasion spreads, not to mention the deliciously decadent Vintage Champagne Afternoon Tea. Those not wanting to over-indulge should head for the Spatisserie where the ethos is 'a little of what you love is good for you'.
The Langham
The Langham was the first grand hotel to serve afternoon tea in 1865. Today, the Palm Court continues to serve up a delicious selection of spreads. There's the Wonderland Afternoon Tea served with a Langham Cupcake. The Bijoux Tea with cakes and parties inspired by famous jewellery houses, such as the Chanel Pearl. A hearty High Tea, with Croque Madame or Omelette Arnold Bennett. And last, but not least, G & Tea Time with the special ingredient of London's distilled gin, Beefeater 24.
The Connaught
Where better to refresh after a hard morning's shopping than in the tranquil setting of the Connaught's Espelette restaurant. The Chic & Shock Afternoon Tea comes with as added options a glass of Laurent Perrier Champagne or Bollinger La Grande Annee 2000, and seasonal jams in delicious flavours such as raspberry, apple, mango and passion fruit. The menu also includes some very unusual sweets, including the exotic 'Shot glass of Coca Cola jelly and marinated pink grapefruit in whiskey'.
The Metropolitan
Renowned for its cutting-edge approach, cocktails and late-night parties, it's no surprise that The Metropolitan has its own twist on the traditional afternoon tea. Afternoon De-Light At The Met is chic, contemporary and 'waist-friendly'. On the menu you'll find wholesome olive oil muffins, sweet and savoury cupcakes and the no-bread sandwiches. To drink there's a selection of fruit infusions, the Ultimate Iced Tea and seasonal 'Eco-Tini' cocktails made from ingredients sourced within the M25.
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