Best Places For Afternoon Tea & High Tea In London:
""There is no trouble
so great or grave that
cannot
be much diminished
by a nice cup of
tea.""
- Bernard-Paul Heroux, 19th century
philosopher.
Most tea rooms in London serve tea from three to five o'clock. As three courses are
traditionally served - savouries (tiny sandwiches and appetizers), scones (served with jam
and clotted cream), and pastries (cakes, cookies, and sweets) - make sure that you arrive
with a good appetite. Other useful tips include booking ahead of time and mention any
food intolerance at the time of your booking. The good news is that doggie bags are
available if you happen to run out of stamina. Here are my favourite Tea Time haunts (listed
alphabetically):
Dean Street Townhouse:
69 - 71 Dean Street, Greater London, W1D 3SE.
Dean Street Townhouse is an ideal venue for those who don't want to spend big dollars
on afternoon tea. After all, it all adds up, doesn't it? For a reasonable £16.75, you'll get a
selection of finger sandwiches, fruit scones, jam and clotted cream, a selection of fancy
cakes and tea of your choice.
Ph: 020 7434 1775. www.deanstreettownhouse.com
Tea at Liberty:
Great Marlborough Street, W1.
This establishment does not offer the gourmet "nibbles," nor do they accept bookings.
This pretty little tea room is a great refresher from all the shopping if you happen to be
in the area. Set on the ground floor of Liberty's, what you will get are generous portions
of sensible sandwiches at a more moderate price range.
Ph: 020 7734 1234. www.liberty.co.uk
Palm Court at The Langham:
1C Portland, Regent Street, London, UK W1B1JA.
Since 1865, the Palm Court at The Langham has been serving afternoon tea to
Londoners. Large, light and airy, it has an Art Deco flavour. The vibe of the room, with
its low round tables and comfortable chairs, is elegant rather than intimidating. With
two menu choices, the "Wonderland" (standard choice) and "Bijoux" (foodie version),
the waiters continually offer you more to eat and refill your teapot. In case you were
wondering, you will not be considered crass by asking for a doggie bag.
Ph: 020 7636 1000. london.langhamhotels.co.uk
Sketch:
9 Conduit Street, London, W1S 2XG.
Sketch is the place to go if you're after a more casual and hip tea experience. Conceived
by French master chef, Pierre Gagnaire, and restaurateur, Mazouz, Sketch has attracted
unprecedented media reaction for its myriad food, drink and entertainment styles since
it opened in 2002. Sketch's menu - an adaptation taken from Gagnaire's Michelin
starred Paris restaurant - reflects Gagnaire's culinary genius. The food is imaginative,
bold, ground-breaking and delicious.
Ph: 020 7659 4500. www.sketch.uk.com
TeaSmith:
6 Lamb Street, E1.
Not a traditional English tea room, the TeaSmith philosophy and ambience leans
towards the oriental. With high chairs at a long tea bar giving the room a contemporary
Japanese feel, tea experts give advice and infuse your teas for you in small bowls, using
thermometers and timers to get the temperatures and infusion times just right. With
a degustation-style service of three teas and matching biscuits and chocolates, visiting
TeaSmith is indeed an education.
Ph: 020 7247 1333. www.teasmith.co.uk
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