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What Hotel Should We Pick For Afternoon Tea in London?

January 14, 2010 at 10:44 AM | by | Comments (12)

Alright, everybody; we need your help and expertise in assisting us with making a hugely important decision. On Monday, we're going to do proper afternoon tea at a London Hotel; the problem, we don't know which one yet.

It's a matter of too much choice, really. London has so many five-star hotels who pride themselves upon their tea service, and with only one afternoon available, we feel like we're doing a disservice to them. So, for this one, we're looking for a combination of variety, uniqueness, and value. We understand that London is pricey, so we're not talking a cheap tea, but ideally not one as expensive as that of The Ritz, which rings in around £37 each (that's $60 for a cup of tea and a few petit fours!) and anyway required reservations several weeks in advance.

We'll just throw a few options out that we've been considering: The Lanesborough, The Dorcester, The Metropolitan, The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, Brown's...

Let us know your vote in the comments! Where should take tea in London?

Comments (12)

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Athenaeum Hotel

Really really enjoyed high tea at the Athenaeum this past summer, though it wasn't inexpensive. We splurged for the Laduree Champagne Tea which included champagne (duh) and the famous Parisian macaroons from Laduree. It was worth the splurge - service was excellent and the treats kept coming, making it a long, relaxing afternoon. Plus you're right across from Green Park/Buckingham Palace Gardens for a nice stroll afterwards (but tea is served in a room w/o a view).
Jennifer Garfinkel on January 14, 2010 at 10:57 AM #Permalink

Aft Tea

the gore hotel in queensgate do a Rock and Roll Afternoon Tea.
Olive Roberts on January 14, 2010 at 12:04 PM #Permalink

Baglioni

I loved the Baglioni bc it was quiet and peaceful and overlooking Hyde Park. Also, it snowed the day that I was there in March!

But I could also recommend the Dorchester because, well it's the Dorchester and you know some celeb will lose his or her shit there.

Also the Mayfair serves their finger sandwiches on funky legged trays. Remember?

juliana on January 14, 2010 at 12:20 PM #Permalink

Try The Langham

All good suggestions, but if you are after somewhere new, the Palm Court at The Langham has just been refurbed, and claims to be the spiritual home of Afternoon Tea. Try the Bijoux option if you're feeling flush
http://london.langhamhotels.co.uk/en/restaurants/palm_court.htm
Matt Turner on January 14, 2010 at 12:27 PM #Permalink

cheap teas

may fair is the cheapest and it's nice but doesn't used real tea leaves, just bags, which is very wrong. metropolitan has a v trendy tea, you can have it in the met bar and it's still under £30. i vote go there
juliab on January 14, 2010 at 12:40 PM #Permalink
Parent

Forget Tea- Grab a cocktail at One Aldwych

I know you said tea, but you should give that up unless you are meeting grandma (and even then...).  One Aldwych's lobby bar is beautiful, serene and totally "cool."  I always drop by there for two drinks anytime I am in London.  It's hard to find a place that makes good (i.e. strong) drinks in London and here, you get a great cocktail and a beautiful, calm and sophisticated setting with a lot of discreet, well-dressed sexy businessfolk (hit it at 4ish).   If you are hell-bent on tea, go to The Lanesborough and sit in their library lounge.  You feel like you are in a real English manor and if you change your mind, they have a killer whiskey collection.  
lovehotel79 on January 14, 2010 at 1:19 PM #Permalink

The Ritz!

There is truly only one place to go for an authentic afternoon tea in London-the Ritz London. Not only is it the most beautiful room, have the most scrumptious scones but you will more than likely have a royal right next to you!
sehparks on January 14, 2010 at 2:55 PM #Permalink

ooh royals

i was in st james' hotel and club in dec and found myself staring at fergie (as in duchess of york fergie). tea is v expensive there but v chic. also for more royals, the goring is their local
juliab on January 14, 2010 at 3:57 PM #Permalink
Parent

Tea by Wellington Arch

InterContinental London Park Lane offers two afternoon tea locations, both overlooking the Wellington Arch. One is at the Club InterContinental lounge on the seventh floor (access by invitation only) and the other is at the tea lounge off the lobby, at the ground floor. Blends of Tea Palace are served, along with a signature house blend called One London Park Lane.
Charles Yap on January 15, 2010 at 8:51 AM #Permalink

Tea

I'm a classicist : I prefer the tea at Claridge's. It might not be inexpensive, but it's old school fun. And with the bar that was revamped this past winter, it's still my favourite hangout.
dmerians on January 15, 2010 at 9:37 AM #Permalink

The Stafford Hotel

My client The Stafford in London offers traditional afternoon tea served daily from 3-6PM. Tea begins at 25 GBP per person. http://www.thestaffordhotel.co.uk/default.asp?section=750&page=3520
Nora Cahillane1 on January 19, 2010 at 1:51 PM #Permalink

Tea in London

Tea in London. Well I happen to know an entire generation that grew up on the wonderful flavor of tea. This would be a perfect location, particularly if presented in the old world charm that is so much part of old England and our heritage.

Regards,
Simon
Koh Samui Hotels

mrSamui on February 3, 2011 at 9:17 PM #Permalink

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