“There is no trouble so great or grave that cannot be much diminished by a nice cup of tea,” said the 19th century philosopher Bernard-Paul Heroux (quoted on the Twinings website and many a tea menu). The truth of this statement is demonstrated every afternoon at London's poshest hotels, where the ritual of afternoon tea can be enjoyed, provided you book far enough in advance. The Ritz Hotel advises booking up to 12 weeks in advance, which gives an idea of the popularity of this most civilized of afternoon rituals.
So, dress up (posh hotels frown on jeans) and enjoy scones, jam, cream, smoked salmon sandwiches, champagne and up to thirty different kinds of tea in sumptuous surroundings. Afternoon tea in one of London's historic 5-star hotels is a treat to be savored.
Here are a few of the more famous five star hotel venues for afternoon tea in London:
Claridge's Hotel
A luxurious art deco hotel near Hyde Park, Claridge's offers an afternoon tea with pedigree. The hotel has been awarded the Tea Guild Award of Excellence in 2010, 2009, 2008 and 2007.
Prices start from £35 per person. To book, call +44 (0)207 409 6307.
Claridge's, Brook Street, Mayfair, London W1K 4HR
The Savoy Hotel
Built by theatre impresario Richard D'Oyly Carte in 1889, the Savoy Hotel was a pioneer among British hotels. It was the first to be lit by electricity, and had the first electric lifts (known as 'ascending rooms'). In 2010 the hotel re-opened after an eye-watering £220 million refurbishment (“The Savoy Hotel, London, re-opens after £220 million restoration”, Victoria Mather, The Daily Telegraph, 8 October 2010).
Afternoon tea is served in the Thames Foyer, to the accompaniment of the hotel's resident pianist.
Prices start from £36 per person. To book, call +44 (0)20 7420 2111.
Savoy Hotel, Strand, London, WC2R 0EU
The Dorchester Hotel
Overlooking Hyde Park, the Dorchester has a wide range of afternoon teas, served in The Promenade and The Spatisserie.
Prices start from £36.50 per person. To book, call +44 20 7629 8888.
The Dorchester, Park Lane, Mayfair, London W1K 1QA
The Ritz
The grande dame of London's afternoon teas, afternoon tea at the Ritz is served in the hotel's spectacular Palm Court.
Prices start from £40 per person. To book, call +44 (0)20 7300 2345.
The Ritz London, 150 Piccadilly, London W1J 9BR, Tel: +44 (0) 20 7493 8181,
The Langham Hotel
First opened in 1865, the Langham has recently undergone an £80 million, 5 year restoration. Afternoon tea is served in the hotel's central Palm Court. Described as “the blingiest tea in town,” by the Guardian ('Five Top London Food Experiences' by Felicity Cloake, 29 September 2010), the Langham's afternoon tea was awarded the Tea Guild's Top London Afternoon Tea 2010.
Prices start from £38 per person. To book, call +44 (0)20 7965 0195.
Langham Hotel, 1C Portland Place, Regent Street, London W1B 1JA
Many of these hotels also offer afternoon teas for special occasions, such as Easter and Mother's Day.
Paris Franz - Paris Franz is a London-based freelance journalist, specialising in the arts, history and travel.
