Afternoon Tea

Afternoon Tea

Taking afternoon tea is the height of cool in London right now. From Kate Moss to Cameron Diaz, everyone wants to sit up straight, stick their pinkie out, and sip hot tea in the company of friends and family—and preferably in the warm embrace of an established hotel tea salon.

So, what is afternoon tea, exactly? Well, it means real tea (Earl Grey, English Breakfast, Ceylon, Darjeeling or Assam Indian, or Chinese) brewed in a china pot, and served with china cups and saucers, milk, lemon, and silver spoons, between 3 and 5:30 PM. In particularly grand places, there should be elegant finger foods on a three-tiered silver tea stand: crustless sandwiches on the bottom; fruit scones with Devonshire clotted cream and strawberry jam in the middle; and rich fruitcake, shortbread, patisseries, macaroons, and fancies on top. Tea goers dress up in posh hotels, and conversation (by tradition) avoids politics and religion.

Brown's Hotel. This classic Mayfair town-house hotel sets the standard at the English Tea Room, where one of London's best-known afternoon teas is served (£35-£48). 33 Albermarle St., Mayfair, W1 4BP. 020/7493-6020. AE, DC, MC, V. Tea weekdays 3-6, weekends 1-6. Tube: Green Park.

Café at Sotheby's. What could be better than perusing the famous Mayfair auction house before afternoon tea? It's open from 9:30 AM and tends to book up days in advance. Teas are available from £5.75 to £12.50, including toasted tea cakes, scones, and Welsh rarebit. Sotheby's, 34 New Bond St., Mayfair, W14 2A4. 020/7293-5077. Reservations essential. AE, DC, MC, V. Tea weekdays 3-4:45. Tube: Green Park.

The Dorchester. Amid a maze of marble and gold leaf, afternoon tea in the Promenade is best taken on comfy sofas and to the sound of the resident pianist. Teas are £31.50, £40.50, or £46 for high tea—with light bites like salmon and Cromer crab. Book well ahead. 53 Park La., W1K 1QA. 020/7629-8888. Reservations essential. AE, DC, MC, V. Tea daily 2:30 and 4:45. Tube: Hyde Park Corner.

Fortnum & Mason. Upstairs at the revamped 300-year-old Queen's grocers, three set teas are ceremoniously served: afternoon tea (sandwiches, scones, and cakes: £32), old-fashioned high tea (the traditional nursery meal, with scrambled eggs and salmon: £34), and champagne tea (£42). St. James's Restaurant, 4th fl., 181 Piccadilly, St. James's. 020/7734-8040. AE, DC, MC, V. Tea Mon.-Sat. 2-7, Sun. noon-5. Tube: Green Park.

The Ritz. At the Ritz tea is served in the impressive Palm Court, with marble tables and Louis XIV chaises complete with musical accompaniment, giving the last morsel of Edwardian London. Afternoon tea is £37 and champagne tea £48. Reserve at least four weeks ahead and remember to wear a jacket and tie. 150 Piccadilly, St. James's, W1J 9BR. 020/7300-2309. Reservations essential. AE, MC, V. Tea daily 11:30, 1:30, 3:30, 5:30, 7:30. Tube: Green Park.

The Wolsely. This bustling art deco tea salon was inspired by the grand Viennese cafés. Cream teas are well priced at £9.75 or £19.75; you'll find Vienna opera cake and mini-mousse fancies. 160 Piccadilly, St. James's, W1J 9EB. 020/7499-6996. Reservations essential. AE, DC, MC, V. Tea Mon.-Sat. 3:30-5:30, Sun. 3:30-6:30. Tube: Green Park.