| There are few things more quintessentially British | | | | the ethos is 'a little of what you love is good for |
| than afternoon tea. Freshly baked scones, | | | | you'. |
| delicious teas, decadent cakes... it's little wonder | | | | The Langham |
| this long-established tradition has enjoyed a huge | | | | The Langham was the first grand hotel to serve |
| revival in recent years. Here's our pick of the top | | | | afternoon tea in 1865. Today, the Palm Court |
| 5 London hotels serving afternoon tea | | | | continues to serve up a delicious selection of |
| Claridge's | | | | spreads. There's the Wonderland Afternoon Tea |
| For a traditionally English afternoon tea with a | | | | served with a Langham Cupcake. The Bijoux Tea |
| touch of elegance, take a seat at Claridge's. This | | | | with cakes and parties inspired by famous |
| grand Mayfair hotel has won an amazing four Tea | | | | jewellery houses, such as the Chanel Pearl. A |
| Guild Awards of Excellence. The mouth-watering | | | | hearty High Tea, with Croque Madame or |
| spread includes a choice of 30 teas, finger | | | | Omelette Arnold Bennett. And last, but not least, |
| sandwiches, sweet pastries and freshly baked | | | | G & Tea Time with the special ingredient of |
| raisin and apple scones with tea-infused jam and | | | | London's distilled gin, Beefeater 24. |
| Devonshire clotted cream. Look out for the | | | | The Connaught |
| special occasion teas, including Mother's Day | | | | Where better to refresh after a hard morning's |
| Afternoon Tea and (during Wimbledon) the Lawn | | | | shopping than in the tranquil setting of the |
| Tennis Champagne Afternoon Tea. | | | | Connaught's Espelette restaurant. The Chic & |
| The Ritz | | | | Shock Afternoon Tea comes with as added |
| 'Tea at The Ritz' has become a London institution. | | | | options a glass of Laurent Perrier Champagne or |
| Diners in formal wear gather in the elegant Palm | | | | Bollinger La Grande Annee 2000, and seasonal |
| Court to enjoy several varieties of tea, | | | | jams in delicious flavours such as raspberry, apple, |
| sandwiches, freshly baked scones with jam and | | | | mango and passion fruit. The menu also includes |
| clotted cream, and a range of delicate pastries. As | | | | some very unusual sweets, including the exotic |
| well as the Traditional English Tea, there's a | | | | 'Shot glass of Coca Cola jelly and marinated pink |
| Chocolate Afternoon Tea and the option to add | | | | grapefruit in whiskey'. |
| champagne or birthday cake for special occasions. | | | | The Metropolitan |
| While as a member of the Tea Guild, The Ritz | | | | Renowned for its cutting-edge approach, cocktails |
| knows its brews and offers everything from | | | | and late-night parties, it's no surprise that The |
| Lapsong Souchong Imperiale to Ritz Royal English. | | | | Metropolitan has its own twist on the traditional |
| The Dorchester | | | | afternoon tea. Afternoon De-Light At The Met is |
| There are two ways to enjoy afternoon tea at | | | | chic, contemporary and 'waist-friendly'. On the |
| The Dorchester against the backdrop of live | | | | menu you'll find wholesome olive oil muffins, |
| music in the central Promenade or in the bright, | | | | sweet and savoury cupcakes and the no-bread |
| informal 'Spatisserie'. As well as traditional | | | | sandwiches. To drink there's a selection of fruit |
| afternoon tea, there are special occasion spreads, | | | | infusions, the Ultimate Iced Tea and seasonal |
| not to mention the deliciously decadent Vintage | | | | 'Eco-Tini' cocktails made from ingredients sourced |
| Champagne Afternoon Tea. Those not wanting to | | | | within the M25. |
| over-indulge should head for the Spatisserie where | | | | |