Surprise! I went to London and drank some tea! Its quite possibly step one after setting foot in England. But why? Why do Brit’s have such a serious love of TEA. Let’s first chat about the history of tea in London. There is a long line of history on how tea bloomed in Britain. It began in China, made its way through importing by Holland, and migrated its way to England.
“It was a marriage of Charles the second to Kathryn and of Braganza that would prove to be the turning point in the history of tea for Britain she was a Portuguese princess and a tea at it and it was her love of the drink that established tea as a fat small beverage first at court and then among the wealthy class as a whole capitalizing on this the East India Company began to import tea in Britain its first order being placed in 1664 for 100 pounds of China tea.”
AFTERNOON VS. HIGH TEA
Actually the duchess of Bedford dreamed up this idea in 1840 as a way to fill up the gap between lunch and dinner. Sounds like to me this lady was bored and wanted to hang out with her friends and drink tea before she was drinking her Brandy at night, either way I’m all for it.
I never knew how difficult it was going to be to actually pick one place for afternoon tea on my short trip to London this January. There are so many options!! Unless you plan on having tea every single day you really only get the chance to pick one! Therefore I felt a lot of pressure to get it right! (especially because you have to put a credit card down for reservations so you can’t change your mind while you are there) The good thing is you really can’t get it wrong in London because afternoon tea is what they’re all about. Below you will read a little bit of a process that I went through to pick our perfect afternoon tea spot.
4 MUST HAVES
HOW WE CHOSE OUR TEA!
1. CREDENTIALS
I wanted something that was ICONIC and classic that has been a staple in London tea life for years. When I do my research I look at reviews from so many different avenues so that I don’t get jaded by one source. I really think one of the most authentic places that you could find reviews are actually in blogs! Yes sometimes they have affiliate connections that sway them but a lot of blogs are presented by first-hand experiences and to me that is the best form of direction!
2. GRAND & OPULENT
We wanted a FULL experience AKA something grand and opulent. This usually goes hand-in-hand with some worldwide hotels like The Ritz or The Four Seasons. For Londoners who are bored of the classics you will see alot of recommendations for fresh new takes on afternoon tea like the Mad Hatter, Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, and Asian inspired Shard. Maybe next time we will venture into non traditional but themed teas were not the plan this trip.
3. LIGHTING
Don’t laugh my third priority is lighting. I really did not want to be in a dark, wood paneling tea room. If we are already going for grand and opulant I clearly have some decor expectations to be satisfied. I had a dream of what afternoon tea would look like considering when I lived in London I never had the money or the chance to have afternoon tea. Therefore this was an experience I was trying to perfect.
4. LOCATION
Fourth and final criteria was location. Normally in any other search your location is number one on the list however I was willing to go anywhere for the perfect spot for tea. Central London since is where most of the fabulous tea spots are located but I didn’t drift far from the core.
Now that you know the ground rules it will be clear on how the next 7 Afternoon Tea spots were chosen.
7. SKETCH
Now, now, don’t let the name of this place sway you. Its not sketchy in any way. This was definitely on the brink of not making the cut to this top 7 list because its history could not pull weight since its only been around since 2003 AND we were trying to stay true to iconic but it met 3 of the 4 criteria so I’m going to keep it on, (guess what, I’m in charge ;) I and many others are easily swayed by its radiant pink beauteous decor and upscale menu. You’ll need a reservation for most but for sure at Sketch this place is popular!
6. ROYAL OPERA HOUSE
I mean, look at those glorious windows! The Royal Opera House does not disappoint with is grandeur and lighting. Even on a cloudy London day the bright light will reach your seat. Although this place is iconic in location and atmosphere I love their little twist on the decadent desserts. The staff incorporates the musical foundation of the house into their pastry work. Take a peek below on what you can sink your teeth into that will have you singing in praise!
5. THE CONNAUGHT
The Connaught adds a little flare to the basics which I loveee. You add the word truffle to anything and people start to perk up and look around for the next dish coming out of the kitchen. Chef Jean-George has not one but two truffle bites with their black truffle brioche and an egg sandwich with black truffle and watercress. And how can you be mad at afternoon tea getting up with the times by making their cucumber sandwich with greek yogurt HELLO. fab. Ok one more thing… they even added another crowd pleaser MISO. Don’t miss their classic ham and cheese with miso mustard mayonnaise. (that sounds like a triple threat of M’s) hmmmmm good 😉
4. THE RITZ
THE MOST iconic and grand atmosphere, solid location, 3/4. I was just missing the lighting here. The Palm Court will make you feel like you just stepped into a grand tropical estate. I can’t think of another place that will make you feel more glorious and glamorous than in the Palm Court. Come here and check that Afternoon Tea off your bucket list. And get an extra glass of champagne, you deserve it!
3. CORINTHIA HOTEL
Refreshing and iconic afternoon tea. I just love the fresh feeling you get when you walk into the Corinthia. Plethora of light and importance to detail. Feels traditional but with a twist of innovation. The chandeliers will stare back at you gleaming and remind you its time for another round of scones. I also adore the dishes and color here straying from the traditional pastels. The bold look speaks bounds of their vision for their decor and embracing change.
2. FORDAM & MASON
If its good enough for the Queen it should make my iconic list, don’t you agree?! We were 5 minutes from confirming a spot at this landmark location for our afternoon tea but were not assured we would be sitting in the DIAMOND JUBILEE TEA SALON & called #1 for one last try to score.
1. CLARIDGES
When you’ve hit the jackpot on all of your ideal characteristics of your one afternoon tea in London, you’ve probably just arrived to Claridges. 4/4 Your heart starts to beat faster just as you see the flag hanging above the entrance on Brook Street. I’ve been hearing about this place since I left the England over a decade ago. To say I was beyond elated to land a shining seat with my husband 30 minutes before they had an opening is an understatement. My heart was beaming with joy as we glided through the front facade, grand staircase to the right, chandeliers glistening just up ahead, and live music. Be still my heart with happiness. Continue reading our detailed experience on post 2020 Review Afternoon Tea at Claridges.
You may have a completely different ideal of your setting of afternoon tea but if my criteria is similar to yours you’ll be happy with the above! In my next post I will do a full review on my experience at Claridges. Would love to hear your thoughts especially if you have visited a of the below or if you would throw the criteria out the window for an amazing experience!
Pinkies UP!
