V&A Museum for Afternoon Tea?
May 11th, 2006, 12:14 PM
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V&A Museum for Afternoon Tea?
I've never heard anyone mention this here, but I recently heard it mentioned on another site I went to. It was recommended for being a reasonable place to have afternoon tea, and many seemed to think they had proper scones, clotted cream, and jam. Not sure about pastries/cakes, but it was only 5-7 pounds, and it a nice area of the museum… has anyone done this also? Would you recommend it for a causal tea experience?
May 11th, 2006, 12:33 PM
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In terms of what you get, it's the standard museum café fare, not bad, not cheap, hardly the luxury experience of a grand hotel, but all the nicer for taking the weight off those museum feet. The main café is in the semi-basement on the Exhibition Road side, mostly bare brick and plain wood. I can't remember whether the William Morris tea room still serves refreshments, but it's worth looking at as an exhibit anyway.
But you can get a similar experience at most of the major museums - in the Great Court of the British Museum, for example. I haven't been to the Wallace Collection in years, but I would hope that's rather nice too.
But you can get a similar experience at most of the major museums - in the Great Court of the British Museum, for example. I haven't been to the Wallace Collection in years, but I would hope that's rather nice too.
May 11th, 2006, 01:50 PM
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Anna
We were in the VandA a few weeks ago, and had a coffee/tea break in what I think was the main cafe. Yes, there are pastries and cakes, freshly made, very good. But so sorry, I can't remember if there were scones or not.
However, you should know that that particular cafe at least is buffet style, and quite casual. I quite enjoyed watching my fellow museum goers but it isn't a 'tablecloth and silverware' kind of experience. You serve yourself and grab a seat - you might have to politely ask to share a table with someone else, if it's really busy. Compared to a formal tea with table service, it's much cheaper, but as a casual tea, it's not a giveaway.
We used to enjoy going to the Fountain restaurant in the basement of Fortnum and Mason's for a 'table service' tea that was quite reasonable, as these things go (you could order a la carte, and get away with spending less that way.) But alas, FandM decided to tear out the Fountain - I don't know what's there now (Patrick, do you know?)
We were in the VandA a few weeks ago, and had a coffee/tea break in what I think was the main cafe. Yes, there are pastries and cakes, freshly made, very good. But so sorry, I can't remember if there were scones or not.
However, you should know that that particular cafe at least is buffet style, and quite casual. I quite enjoyed watching my fellow museum goers but it isn't a 'tablecloth and silverware' kind of experience. You serve yourself and grab a seat - you might have to politely ask to share a table with someone else, if it's really busy. Compared to a formal tea with table service, it's much cheaper, but as a casual tea, it's not a giveaway.
We used to enjoy going to the Fountain restaurant in the basement of Fortnum and Mason's for a 'table service' tea that was quite reasonable, as these things go (you could order a la carte, and get away with spending less that way.) But alas, FandM decided to tear out the Fountain - I don't know what's there now (Patrick, do you know?)
May 11th, 2006, 06:29 PM
#5
Just about all of the museums and galleries have decent cafes - not just the V&A. The problem is they are mostly cafeteria style and not typical "tea venues". Some like the National Portrait Gallery, British museum, Nat'l Gallery also have good waiter service cafes/restaurants - but many of them don't do a set tea.
I'd consider the Orangery in Kensington Gardens instead if you want a sit down tea.
I'd consider the Orangery in Kensington Gardens instead if you want a sit down tea.
May 12th, 2006, 02:53 AM
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I agree that in fair weather the Orangery, less than a mile away, is a better place for tea.
Ben Haines, London
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Ben Haines, London
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May 12th, 2006, 05:44 AM
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We had afternoon tea at the V&A summer of 2003 and it was as you describe, Anna. Very nice but not stellar, relatively inexpensive. It was served outside in a courtyard, among tables set up with umbrellas, sort of a garden area. Perhaps things have changed since.
