"There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea."
—Henry James
Truly, one of the most agreeable legacies that the Brits ever passed on to us is the habit of afternoon tea, which gives one a much-needed break from work, ennui or even, a no-reason break. Even though those long, languorous afternoons when one served tea from the best of Patrician English bone china is passé, even in the UK, afternoon tea is still a very British tradition.
It was introduced in England by Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, in the 19th century. It is said that the Duchess would get hungry at four o’clock in the afternoon and ask for a tray of tea, bread, butter and cake to be brought to her room. This soon developed into a habit, and this pause for tea became a fashionable social event.
Today, afternoon tea in a suburban home would most likely be produced from a tea bag, accompanied with a biscuit, instead of the dainty cucumber sandwiches and buttered scones of yore.
But if you happen to be footloose and fancy-free during an afternoon in London, or just bone-weary from shopping, what do you do? You head for one of many places in London offering the quintessential afternoon tea experience.
Fortnum & Mason
Fortnum & Mason, one of London’s iconic department stores, celebrated its 300th anniversary in 2007, with a total makeover. The Fountain and St James are two restaurants at Fortnum’s—the former an all-day brasserie for breakfast, pre-theatre and simple meals, while the latter is an elegant restaurant which is noted for its afternoon tea.
Location: Mayfair
Address: 181, Piccadilly W1A 1ER
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 12 noon-6:45pm
The Cafe at Sotheby's
Even if you aren’t an auction fiend, it’s worth visiting The Café at Sotheby’s to get a taste of its house-blended teas in the extravagant surroundings of the world’s most famous auction house. Take your pick from a delectable choice of traditional cakes and scones at reasonable prices. Definitely worth a stopover, since it’s in the centre of town, it is also a good spot to refuel flagging energy levels.
If you’ve a mind for a short lunch, that can be had too, the menu being Mediterranean, with roast fillet of plaice with a white bean and tomato broth and a tomato, feta and olive tart. Or bite into a hearty lobster club sandwich for breakfast, before you hit the shops.
Location: Mayfair
Address: 34-35, New Bond Street, W1A 2AA
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 9:30-11.30 am and 12 noon-4:45pm
Tea Palace
If you’re particular about your cuppa, and modern eclectic is the way you want it, then the Tea Palace in swish Kensington is where you want to be. This daytime-only shop and restaurant offers a bonanza tea spread, with every kind of leaf and flavour under the sun—from the simple Builders Brew blend to a detox-du-jour white tea, called Jasmine Silver Needles. You get to select from a 16-page tea menu, with a fruity range of scones, cakes and tarts to go along with your tea.
Location: Kensington
Address: 175, Westbourne Grove W11 2SB
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 10am-6:30pm
The Promenade at The Dorchester
Another luxe place, famous for its afternoon tea, is the splendid OTT Promenade within the legendary Dorchester Hotel, where you will be plied with unforgettable sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and homemade strawberry jam, French pastries and 25 types of tea – from Earl Grey, jasmine and English breakfast – to the more selective varieties from India and China.
Location: Mayfair
Address: The Dorchester Hotel, 53, Park Lane W1K 1QA
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 7-12.30 am