A small meal and a big tradition – It´s teatime and some stunning alternatives
LONDON: Afternoon Tea is a tea-related ritual, a small meal and a British tradition introduced in the early 1840s. It all started when the fashionable society was sipping tea and nibbling sandwiches in the middle of the afternoon. Afternoon tea is still on the table. Let´s hand over some five-stars alternatives. An excellent way to spend the tiresome hours between lunch and cocktails.
Wolseley a match made in heaven
Central London: You can get an affordable taster of the splendor and elegance of Wolseley by opting for afternoon tea instead for big-budget dinner. Afternoon Cream Tea will set you back £12.75 per person. That includes freshly baked scones, complete with jam, clotted cream and a pot of tea. People who tried afternoon tea all over London rate the Wolseley´s one of the best.
For those looking for a little afternoon indulgence, enjoy a celebratory alternative – a full Classic Afternoon Tea complete with a glass of Pommery Brut Royal. Champagne Afternoon Tea costs £40.00 per person.
This place makes cakes with flair and commitment. At Wolsely you can tuck into a mouth-watering pastry tart, filled with a layer of chocolate mousse topped with raspberries – a match made in heaven. The vanilla cheese-cake also has a big reputation.
Address: 160 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1J 9EB
The Shard with a view
The View from The Shard is one attraction and stunning panoramic for up to 40 miles. The best view is situated on floors 68, 69 and 72. At almost twice the height of any other viewing platform in the capital.
The Afternoon Tea is served at Oblix restaurant on the 32nd floor and in its own right an iconic venue to visit. A take on the classic British high tea, guests can sit back, relax, and indulge in a choice of teas from the tea menu, or indulge with Champagne. If you want entry to the Sky Garden, please note visits must be booked online in advance.
Address: 32 London Bridge Street, London SE1 9SG
Notice; Dress code at The Ritz!
Select tea from a list of 18 types. The food is proudly traditional. Sandwiches are finger-sized and the scones are warm, and accompanied by strawberry jam and lashes of Cornish clotted cream. Select tea from a list of 18 types. This is a start of Tea at The Ritz. Nothing is more archetypally English.
Add-on the top of your three-tiered stand reserved for pastries. Such as chocolate cake and fruit tarts, and whatever your party can’t manage is boxed up for you to take home – along with a personalised cake, if your tea is in honour of a birthday.
Tea is served in the mirrored Palm Court salon, grand and swimming in gold set between two palm trees, few steps higher of the ground floor, listening to the live pianist. The staff is formal and know how to make tea, milk first, obviously. Yes, there is a dress code at The Ritz. Men must wear jacket and tie, women have to appear at least smart-casual.
Teatime at The Ritz still puts on the ritz.
Price: From £58 for adults and from £35 for children
Address: The Ritz London, 150 Piccadilly, London W1
Oxo Tower Serve Classic
Sit back, relax and work your way through a British experience at Oxo Tower Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie on the eight floor on London´s South Bank. Afternoon tea wouldn’t be complete without freshly-baked scones served with generous helpings of clotted cream and jam. To compliment these mouth-watering treats, have your choice of tea. All this against the backdrop of St Paul’s and the Thames. Oxo Tower will put the kettle on and serve a classic but creative combination.
Address: Oxo Tower, 8th floor, Bargehouse Street, South Bank, London SE1 9PH
The Rosebery at Mandarin Oriental
This is another five-star setting for an afternoon occasion. The extravagant afternoon tea at the Rosebery is served amidst lavish chandeliers and fine artwork. But it don´t come cheap and will set you back at least 58 pound per person. You will be served luxurious sandwiches, Cotswold egg with black truffle mayonnaise followed by a selection of pastries.
In Knightsbridge, The Rosebery at Mandarin Oriental Hotel is a short walk from Tube Station.
Address: 66 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7LA. Tube: Knightsbridge
Fortum and Mason Department Store
Afternoon tea at The Diamond Tea Salon at Fortum´s has long been a tradition. Opened by HM The Queen, the Tea Salon is the pride of world-famous Fortnum & Mason, dating back to 1707.
«Faultless, indulgent and utterly delicious», was a written review by one guest. Most likely he was served excellent tea, freshly-cut finger sandwiches, and scones with Somerset clotted cream and the store´s famous jam. A pianist at a piano offering relaxing music.
Address: 4th Floor, Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1A 1ER. Tube: Piccadilly.
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