London is a city that offers a plethora of experiences, from shopping and sightseeing to theatre and traditional afternoon tea. For those seeking a luxurious afternoon tea experience, the Café Royal Hotel is one to remember. The tea is served in a tea room with golden mirrors dating from 1865, set to the sound of a live pianist and with a selection of more than 25 tea infusions and three champagnes. Harrods serves cream tea (rolls with 26% cream) and afternoon tea (sandwiches, rolls with 26% cream) at its Café Punch, and they house a branch of the Ladurée tea room, which prepares delectable pastries with tea. For something a little different, Nobu at the Park Lane Hotel offers a sumptuous new experience that combines the essentials of traditional afternoon tea with elements of Japanese culture.
The tea will be served in The Lounge, where guests can choose from a selection of teas, including a blend of berries and hibiscus, a selection of green teas, or orchid and honey tea from the towering Wudong Mountain. The Ham Yard Hotel also offers an exceptional afternoon tea experience in its artistic environment, with small plates such as orange duck croquettes, rhubarb macarons and custard and cheesecake with baked strawberries. Rathfinny sparkling wine is also available. The iconic Oscar Wilde Lounge at the Café Royal Hotel on Regent Street is another great place for afternoon tea. A selection of bespoke blended teas is offered, including the Oscar of the same name (a Lapsang Souchong black tea), and an eclectic champagne menu.
Once your tea has been served, sit back and enjoy the luxurious setting where a myriad of delights are offered, with London's edible icons and traditional treats. Fortnum & Mason's Diamond Jubilee Tea Room is a reference in the afternoon tea scene and has long been one of the best in London. The Great Northern Hotel in King's Cross also offers an exquisite afternoon tea experience with Nyetimber sparkling wine in its RAILS restaurant. Café in the Crypt at St Martin in the Fields serves tea and pastries at an affordable price in a very pleasant setting. The Rotunda Bar and Lounge at the Four Seasons Hotel London on Ten Trinity Square is another great spot for afternoon tea. Michael Halsall, consultant for the international luxury travel agency Global Travel Collection, finds his favorite tea in London at the Rocco Forte Brown's Hotel.
Assouline's London store also offers an unforgettable afternoon tea experience. For something truly unique, try Oolong Tea Bar's Routemaster-based tour. You can sample oolongs from New Zealand and China, tea matured in port barrels in Belgium, sweet white tea from Malawi, a blend of Kashmiri saffron and Orchid Lounge's own blend, as well as a variety of sweet and savory accompaniments that change seasonally. The Stage at the London hotel also offers an exceptional afternoon tea experience every Saturday and Sunday from 12 to 4 p.m., with sandwiches, freshly baked artisanal cakes and fluffy scones. Finally, don't miss out on Theatre Royal Drury Lane's grand lady of London's theatres for an unforgettable afternoon tea experience.
