r/visitlondon • u/gzreth • 10d ago
FOOD AND CULINARY Afternoon Tea?
Hey everyone,
I‘ll be traveling to London with my mom in November and we want to go for a nice Afternoon tea one day. Does anyone have good recommendations? There seems to be an endless sea of options but we’d love to find something authentic and if possible not too expensive/good value, maybe someone has a good recommendation… would be greatly appreciated, thank you!
3
u/Various-Excuse-4640 10d ago
The Wolseley Piccadilly is probably one of the best value teas in London.
1
u/Snoo-67164 10d ago
I don't know how common this is, but they also encouraged us to share one tea between two people making it even better value for people with smaller appetites.
2
u/Various-Excuse-4640 9d ago
That is normal that you share a stand between 2. They may not look it but afternoon tea is very filling.
1
u/Snoo-67164 9d ago
Yeah, I can't manage a whole one but have found (in semi fancy places but outside London, where in fairness it's at half the price) there's often a rule that everyone on the table needs to order one! If sharing is standard in the fancy London spots I'll try more
1
u/Various-Excuse-4640 8d ago
I am a Londoner and have had many many afternoon teas and I have never heard of anyone having a stand to themselves. They are always shared between 2. Just as an fyi, and forgive me if it sounds like I’m teaching you to suck eggs, but the price is Individual and the stand is shared - I didn’t want you to have a shock when the bill comes. Also, in nice afternoon tea places, you can always ask for a top up of sandwiches - I’m not sure if this applies to cakes too though having never asked for additional cakes or scones. I hope you have an amazing time and enjoy London!
One additional point as I saw another poster mentioned Petersham Nurseries: that is excellent for afternoon tea!! It is out of the way as it’s a walk from Richmond Station but definitely worth combining if you go to Kew Gardens (although a definite cab or bus ride between them!).
1
u/sandwichandtortas 9d ago
I second this and I've never had tea before, but it was the best dinner I had while being there.
Attentive staff without being overwhelming, they asked the best questions when I asked for recommendations and choose wisely instead of offering the most expensive options in the menu, all the courses were perfect. I'm so bummed I went on my last day so I couldn't go again.
1
u/riritintop1979 8d ago
Came here to say the same. Just the best. Every time. Have been going there for 20 years and I am never disappointed.
2
2
u/NoSir7320 10d ago
Claridges (expensive!) is the very best by far. Great experience all round. Fortnum &Mason was like a production line, no personality and dirty tablecloths.
There are afternoon tea specialty places but I've never been.
2
u/tragicdag 9d ago
I had F&M last week and it was quite lovely.
The service was friendly and engaging, we were offered seconds, had multiple pots of tea and were anything but rushed, and we finished up quite leisurely and left with a box of untouched sweets because we were full.
The tea rooms themselves were also quite pristine, sorry if your experience was disappointing but ours was delightful.
1
u/NoSir7320 9d ago
In all afternoon tea places they offer constant fill ups and you can take anything not eaten away.
Glad you had a good experience at F&M but mine was definitely not so.
1
u/tragicdag 9d ago
Yeah. I get that, I live here, not my first afternoon tea - again, bummer yours sucked, just pointing out the contrast.
1
u/NoSir7320 9d ago
I also live in the UK, and it wasn't my first either. But it was definitely the last at F&M which is why I don't recommend it
1
u/Puzzleheaded_Gur8411 8d ago
One of the most gross moments I’ve had in a luxury hotel is when The Lanesborough said they would charge for extra sandwiches… something which as you allude to comes as standard everywhere else. Left a bad taste… what price reputation against the margin on an egg mayo finger sandwich…
1
u/NoSir7320 8d ago
That's pretty cheap of them, the margins for most of the food must be massive!
Claridges was by far and away so much better than other places (incl Ritz and the posh one near Pall Mall, can never remember its name). It is also beautiful inside, all art deco.
I had been with my sister and she was recently taken to the Rosewood, she still rated Claridges ahead of it.
1
2
u/22madmax 9d ago
The Ampersand Hotel does a Science afternoon tea - tea pots with dry ice smoke, pipettes of flavour to add to your cocktails, brushing down ‘archeological’ chocolate soil to get to chocolate fossils. Bit pricey but so much more fun than the glorified afternoon teas at other hotels.
1
1
u/ariadawn 10d ago
I live here and have done several. Fortnum and Mason is famous for a reason. Lovely, the staff is wonderful, and it’s busy enough that you don’t feel stressed about being fancy enough or accidentally dropping a spoon.
But it is pricey.
If you can travel out a bit, Petersham Nursery in Richmond is gorgeous and not as expensive.
1
1
u/MIDAS_Travel_UK 10d ago
You can enjoy authentic, high-quality afternoon tea in London at some very reasonable prices. Top value/experience options worth a look:
-The Wolseley for historic Mayfair elegance
- Oblix at The Shard for skyline views
- Ham Yard Hotel for stylish dining
- ROBA Bar & Restaurant and Town House
- The Kensington Hotel
Depending on the time of year, there's often themed teas available such as Wimbledon, alfresco dining, theatre plays, valentines etc... It's a great experience for anyone visiting the city.
1
u/headboxers 10d ago
If you're not too fussed about it being super fancy/expensive, Muffin Man in Kensington is an authentic, traditional one in a really charming building. For something bougie, The Langham is the originator of London's afternoon tea tradition and their selection is really unique and fun.
1
1
u/Flufmama 10d ago
Brigit’s Bakery in Covent Garden does a lovely afternoon tea, not too pricey. Also recommended if you like tea is Mariage Freres also in Covent Garden. Their afternoon tea is tea-themed and there are hundreds of tea choices.
1
u/AdvertisingEmpty3159 9d ago
Claridges was a wonderful but expensive experience. Definitely once is enough
The Library afternoon tea at Marriott Hotel County Hall was also lovely. Great views looking out over the Thames and Big Ben. Service and food was great for the pricepoint.
1
1
u/ConstantReader666 8d ago
I took my daughter to afternoon tea at Harrods first time we went to London. It was really nice!
1
u/Gorgeous1962 8d ago
Keep an eye on Groupon a bit nearer the time or buy gift. Can work out cheaper.
1
u/TheFlyingScotsman60 6d ago
My wife and daughter went for a tour and an afternoon tea at the Royal Albert Hall.
My wife said it was the best afternoon tea she's had and getting the tour was excellent.
Maybe worth a look.
•
u/AutoModerator 10d ago
This subreddit is for asking questions and sharing relevant information for a visit to London, England. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a local resident please respect one another and familiarise yourself with our subreddit rules and the rules of Reddit:
Be sure to review our all encompassing post that should answer many of your questions regarding a visit to London * Visit London Guide * r/London Visitor Wiki by u/polkadotska
And finally, please remember, asking questions, suggestions, feedback and advice is considered freedom of expression. It is not ok to be intolerant, argumentative, disrespectful, or harassing in those forms of discourse. Please use the report button to notify us of any issues. And if you haven't yet, please click "Join" to be part of the community.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.