In 2009 The English Tea Room in Brown’s Hotel in Mayfair won the Top London Afternoon Tea Award, which is the Michelin Star of the tea world. The Tea Council also awarded Awards of Excellence to the tea rooms at Claridge’s, Tea at Liberty, The Dorchester, The Lanesborough, and The Ritz. Each of these tea rooms offers a perfect introduction to the art of afternoon tea.

Formal Afternoon Teas

In Fortnum & Mason's St James's restaurant you can enjoy a range of teas selected by their own tea taster. Traditional tea includes the store's own pastries, farmhouse scones with freshly made strawberry jam and rare teas. For a taste of British elegance, you cannot beat The Ritz. You need to book in advance and jackets and ties are required. The éclairs and cakes at the Berkeley's Caramel Room are inspired by the latest fashion and are served in mini mouthfuls. Many celebrities have been spotted here.

Rather Informal Afternoon Tea

There is no need to spend a fortune on a delicious afternoon tea in London since there are plenty of places where you can enjoy reasonably priced tea and cakes. Afternoon tea at the chic café of the world-famous auction house Sothebys includes a wonderful selection of traditional cakes, sandwiches and scones at moderate prices. Louis Patisserie in Hampstead has comfortable leather seats and tea is served in a teapot with floral cups and saucers. You can choose your cake from an enormous tray packed with cakes in all shapes and sizes. The afternoon tea menu at the British Museum features sandwiches, scones and cream plus a selection of pastries.