Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Teatime
Formal afternoon tea in London is a relaxing, civilized affair. Elegantly served on deli-
cate china, there are dainty finger sandwiches, fresh-baked scones served with jam
and clotted cream, and an array of small cakes and pastries. An attentive waiter is
ready to refill your pot of tea. At many places, you can gild the lily with a glass of
champagne. It makes an atmospheric alternative to pre-theatre dining.
Interesting West End alternatives to top London hotels include Momo's
Mô Café
(p. 128), where you're transported to Morocco with mint tea and whichever very
sweet pastry you might fancy. Or try
Chai Bazaar,
part of Indian restaurant
Chor
Bizarre,
16 Albemarle St., W1 (
&
020/7629 9802;
www.chorbizarre.com; Tube:
Green Park) for Indian teas matched with Indian desserts. High tea here costs £9.50.
MAYFAIR
English Tearoom at Brown's
Brown's has upped the ante with not one,
but two tea sommeliers who will take you through the 17-strong list of teas, and a
policy of replenishing any of the delights in front of you at no extra charge. The now
requisite, albeit fabulous range of sandwiches on offer in London's top hotels is aug-
mented by some of the best fruit cake you'll find and an assortment of gluten- and
nut-free items. It's all elegantly conducted in a wood-paneled room with a plaster
ceiling and an open fire.
Brown's Hotel, Albemarle St., W1.
&
020/7518-4155.
www.brownshotel.com. Reservations recom-
mended. Afternoon tea £38, with champagne £47.50-£52.50. AE, DC, MC, V. Mon-Fri 3-6pm; Sat-Sun
1-6pm. Tube: Green Park.
ST. JAMES'S
Ritz Palm Court
This remains the top place for afternoon tea in Lon-
don—and the hardest to get into without reserving way in advance. It's a spectacular
stage setting, complete with marble steps and columns, a baroque fountain, and little
wooded gold chairs. Nibble on a smoked salmon sandwich and egg mayonnaise roll
then pig out on the chocolate cake. But you're really here to feel like a duchess.
Inside Ritz Hotel, 150 Piccadilly, W1.
&
020/7493-8181.
www.theritzlondon.com. Reservations required
at least 8 weeks in advance. Jeans and sneakers not accepted; jacket and tie required for men. After-
noon tea £40-£52, with champagne £62. AE, DC, MC, V. 5 seatings daily at 11:30am, 1:30, 3:30, 5:30, and
7:30pm. Tube: Green Park.
KENSINGTON
The Orangery
Just north of, but part of
Kensington Palace
(p. 96), the
Orangery is a long, narrow garden pavilion built in 1704 for Queen Anne. Rows of
potted orange trees bask in sunlight from soaring windows, and tea is served amid
Corinthian columns, Grinling Gibbons woodcarvings, and urns and statuary. The
menu includes soups, salads, and sandwiches. But it's afternoon tea that brings out
the great aunts. The array of different teas is served with high style, accompanied by
fresh scones with clotted cream and jam, and Belgian chocolate cake.
In the gardens of Kensington Palace, W8.
&
020/7376-0239.
Reservations not accepted. Afternoon
tea £14.85, with champagne £33.75. MC, V. Daily 3-5pm. Tube: High St. Kensington.
VICTORIA
The Goring
Still family owned after a century in business, this comfortable
hotel offers afternoon tea in the lounge, and in the summer on the sunny terrace
overlooking the private garden. It's a clubby sort of place, with regulars propping up
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