The best afternoon tea in London?

[Spitfire]

Hi
Need some advice here - what's the optimal afternoon tea place/restaurant/hotel a sunday in London?
(Need a fantastic, classy place for my lovely wife, while I mess around with airplanes at Duxford may 16th.)

 

[Kate O Potato]

I like afternoon tea at Fortnum and Mason's, although my best friend once took me to the Ritz for afternoon tea and it was gorgeous. You need to book way in advance for the Ritz, though.

 

[Creeping Past]

I recommend Fortnum's, but on the word of a trustworthy non-FL source would happily back up the Kate's Ritz recommendation.

 

[Kate O Potato]

Top Table is good for booking in advance, I've done you a search here.

 

[Miss Sis]

I can recommend the Park Lane Hotel on Piccadily.

I was taken for a surprise birthday treat and it really was lovely, both food/tea and interior-wise. A friend told me she thought it better than the Ritz.

 

[skyvue]

The wife and I thoroughly enjoyed tea at F&M.

 

[bunnyb.gal]

A thumbs up for Claridges - rose macarons, mmm, and deco decor - but again, I think booking may be required.

 

[Puzzicato]

The best I have had was at the Savoy, but I think they are renovating at the moment. Fortnum and Mason is one of my favourite places in the world, but I don't rate their afternoon tea. I think the sandwiches lack freshness and the room where they serve it is a bit institutional. Have a glass of champagne downstairs instead.The afternoon tea at Liberty is just wonderful in terms of quality of food and value for money, but they have recently redecorated the cafe and it's lost some of its charm.

In terms of ambiance + food, I think the best aside from the Savoy was the Landmark Hotel's Wintergarden Restaurant http://www.wintergarden-london.com/atrium_afternoon_tea.html

 

[BinkieBaumont]

"It positively , has to be loose Tea , if there is no strainer, then they are using Tea bags, the only Tea Bag should be the frosty looking lady siting alone, in the corner , sporting a truly ridiculous hat"

 

[Fleur De Guerre]

My favourite afternoon tea in London is The Lanesborough, it's absolutely perfect. It's also the only place I've been to twice! However I've also had afternoon tea at Brown's Hotel, F&M and Claridge's, all top-notch and recommended without hesitation.

 

[Kate O Potato]

The afternoon tea at Liberty is just wonderful in terms of quality of food and value for money, but they have recently redecorated the cafe and it's lost some of its charm.

Oh goodness, how did I forget Liberty? I went before the redecoration and loved it, although there was too much glitter on my cupcake.

 

[Mr. Godfrey]

Afternoon tea at the Dorchester I found rather good, however, it has been a few years since I last went.

Have to agree mith Miss Du Guerre about Brown's. This was also used in the BBC series Miss Marple "At Bertrams Hotel"

If your wife's is a literary buff you could always drive up M11 to the Orchard Tea Garden at Grantchester. It's not far from Duxford.

http://www.orchard-grantchester.com/

In any case have a good flying display and your wife a jolly good cup of tea.


Oh, there is the Tea Council list (most already mentioned)

http://www.tea.co.uk/top-tea-places

 

[Spitfire]

Thank you ladies and gents - you've been most helpfull.
I think she has decided for Claridges.

 

[Dixon Cannon]

Take the train up to Liverpool Lime Street. Take the short walk to the Adlephi Hotel and enjoy the ambiance of 19th Century charm and a nice cuppa! It is worth the trip.

-dixon 'scouser' cannon

 

[BinkieBaumont]

"Browns is a bit "Country House" , and too chintzy cheeriness , for my taste ,(but perfect for Melton Mowbrey) and Topping value, I do so love the Glamour of the "Park Lane" especially as it was used as the "set" for the ocean liner scenes on both of the Television/Movie renditions of "Brideshead revisited"