Beatchick, the service and VAT are included in the £32 price -- a bargain, ha-ha. I forgot to say to bunnygirl, thanks for the report on tea at the Ritz. Six weeks to go before I go to London and have tea every day, and I can hardly wait.

Kays:

I have to say The Ritz.

When I went, many years ago I had a absolutely grand time.

I bought the Tea at the Ritz book and one of my favorite travel photos is one of me dressed up(I do dress up during travel) and having Tea at The Ritz!

Enjoy

Oaktown Traveler

For what it's worth, here's my list of the places I have booked for afternoon tea (or, in some cases, high tea) this coming April, plus what aspects of each selection appeals to me. My choices are based solely on word of mouth, reviews on message boards such as this, reviews on various tea-related websites, the Great Britain Tea Council's book on tearooms in Britain, about ten different London travel guides, and my examination of the menus that I requested from the restaurants or tearooms I considered. I realize that some of these teas are pricey and might not be considered a "best value" by some, but I consider ambience, service, posh surroundings, and the whole "experience" of afternoon tea to be commodities worth splurging for sometimes -- as in when I travel. (And, yes, I know that this is not how most Brits have their afternoon tea, but I am, after all, a tourist, not a Brit.)

The Dorchester, in the Promenade: very English tea taken while seated in comfy sofas at tea tables; famous scones; one of the few places that serve high tea, offering several warm savoury dishes that sound heavenly; pianist; awarded "best afternoon tea" by Great Britain Tea Council in 2002 (their most recent award, I think).

Fortnum & Mason, in St James's Restaurant: all 100 or so teas stocked by Fortnum & Mason in the shop downstairs is available at afternoon tea, including many rare teas (priced accordingly, of course); amazing strawberry preserves, I have heard; high tea also available, with delicious selection of warm savoury dishes; also available is a cozy "nursery tea" (for the young at heart?); pianist.

The Lanesborough, in the Conservatory: one of the few places that serve hot crumpets for tea; the Conservatory is a lush, light pink-and-green room reminiscent of imperial India; fresh strawberries and cream available at tea -- unusual; hot soups and sandwiches offered, for those who want something more substantial.

The Ritz, in the Palm Court: "tea at the Ritz" is legendary and something I just have to try, at least once; gorgeous, French-Baroque Palm Court; harpist on Saturday and Sunday, pianist on weekdays; the latest (5:30) seating is a must if you want to dawdle over tea and not feel rushed to vacate before the next seating.

There it is. I am tempted by your posts to book more afternoon teas, but I am not sure whether my husband could tolerate more afternoon teas! Under consideration because each seems to offer something different from what I have already booked, above: The Maids of Honour in Kew (to try the famous pastries called Maids of Honour); the Orangerie at Kensington Gardens (is said to be a good value, in a beautiful 18th-century greenhouse setting, Queen Anne's own party room); Harrods' Georgian Restaurant; The Muffin Man (best scones, I have heard); Le Meridien Waldorf (chocolate buffet -- oh my goodness).

Sorry you are right. Im wrong. Tea is £32 per person and no there is no need for a tip as I believe service was included.

Good, then the price is all settled!

Sandykins, you are a woman after my own heart. This is the VERY type of research I do when going to places. I look forward to hearing your reviews about the various tea rooms upon your return.

Wishing everyone a great time on her/his trips to London!!

You guys have me interested in scheduling afternoon tea with my family. What is a "nursery tea"? Would it be more appropriate for a 7 year old boy and 12 year old girl than an adult setting? The kids get rather testy when chicken nuggets aren't on the menu, but my daughter is a tea-drinker and would probably enjoy the experience.

Marsha, a nursery tea might be just the thing for your children. Here are the items offered on Fortnum & Mason's menu for afternoon, nursery, and high tea in the St James's Restaurant on the fourth floor:

AFTERNOON TEA:

Sandwiches: London Smoked Salmon on Wholemeal Bread, Cucumber & Cream Cheese on White Bread , Roast Chicken & Tarragon Mayonnaise on Onion Bread, Honey Roast Ham & Fortnum's English Mustard Butter on Granary Bread

Freshly Baked Farmhouse Plain & Fruit Scones, served with Somerset Clotted Cream and Fortnum & Mason Strawberry Preserve

Selection of Afternoon Cakes from Fortnum?s own Patisserie Counter

Served with tea; Choose from range of Leaf Teas or the exceptional quality Rare Teas

Rare Tea Selection £22.50

Leaf Tea Selection £18.50

Champagne/Power Rare Tea Selection £28.50

Champagne/Power Leaf Tea Selection £24.50

NURSERY TEA:

Neapolitan Sandwich; Layers of Brown & White Bread with Salmon Paté and Egg & Cress

Boiled Free Range Egg 4 minute egg served with Toast Soldiers

Freshly Baked Farmhouse Plain & Fruit Scones, served with Somerset Clotted Cream and Fortnum & Mason Strawberry Preserve or A slice of Strawberry Preserve Victoria Sponge

Served with tea; Choose from range of Leaf Teas or the exceptional quality Rare Teas

Rare Tea Selection £21.50

Leaf Tea Selection £17.50

Champagne/Power Rare Tea Selection £27.50

Champagne/Power Leaf Tea Selection £23.50

HIGH TEA:

Fortnum?s Famous Welsh Rarebit with Sweet Cured Back Bacon, or Scrambling Highlander (scrambled eggs & smoked salmon on granary toast)

Freshly Baked Farmhouse Plain & Fruit Scones, served with Somerset Clotted Cream and Fortnum & Mason Strawberry Preserve

Selection of Afternoon Cakes from Fortnum?s own Patisserie Counter

Served with tea; Choose from range of Leaf Teas or the exceptional quality Rare Teas

Rare Tea Selection £24.50

Leaf Tea Selection £20.50 Champagne/

Power Rare Tea Selection £30.50

Champagne/Power Leaf Tea Selection £26.50

We are having tea at the St James Restaurant next month - would it be terribly rude to ask them to not bring the salmon sandwiches? (Salmon tends to make me ill, and you can't always tell by looking sometimes what it is)

HeatherH, I am sure Fortnum's service is not famous for nothing, and that they will surely be able to accommodate you. In fact, if I were you, I'd ask at any place you take tea, that salmon not be brought to the table; smoked salmon seems very popular among the tea menus I have seen. Most places will substitute some other type of finger sandwich, perhaps of your choice.

Just curious: what is the difference between high tea and afternoon tea? I wouldn't know, as 99.9% of us Brits havent 'taken tea' like this since the 1920's!!!! Very decadent

We are also trying to find another (in addition to St James Restaurant) place to have tea, but we have to be kind of picky about it. Since we will be dressed for the theatre on a Monday while we are in London, we thought it would be great to find somewhere either close to the theatre (Her Majesty's Theatre) or somewhere with a fairly good transporation link nearby. So, I guess that is my question. Which place to have a decent (but not overly expensive) tea is close to Her Majesty's Theatre?

Thanks!

EnglishOne, I as an American wouldn't presume to tell a Brit such as you about the english institution of tea, but as a lover of tea I have always been given to understand that high tea differs from afternoon tea in that the former is usually taken later in the day at the dining table (hence the term "high" instead of the lower tea table, as a more substantial meal involving savory dishes as well as the sweet tea breads and pastries of afternoon tea. I believe high tea has its roots in the working man's dinner ("supper&quot, eaten at around 6 pm when one came home from a day's toil. I believe also that that high tea as an early supper is taken these days more often in nothern England than in the southern parts.

The extravagant high teas that are served at posh London hotels these days seem far removed from the original high teas of the working classes. Ingredients too rich and deart, surroundings too swishy. No wonder Americans tend to conflate afternoon tea and high tea.

For me, the ideal high tea (which would serve my family well for EVERY DAY of our trip to London) would offer fish and chips, potted shrimp, Cornish pasties, pork pies, scones with Cornish clotted scream and strawberry jam, hot buttered crumpets, gooseberry pie with cream to pour over, bakewell tarts, sticky toffee pudding, Dundee cake, shortbread, etc. etc. and we would be set for life! Of course I have no hope of finding this creature of my imagination in London.

HeatherH, since Her Majesty's Theatre is on Haymarket near Piccadilly Circus, Fortnum & Mason's is nearby and would be ideal. Perhaps consider rescheduling F&M to the evening of your show?

While reading this thread, I went to the Ritz website that bunnygirl provided and Voila! - reservations for tea for two at 5:30 for our trip to London in March.
Thanks to everyone for making this sound so appealing. I can almost taste the scones and clotted cream now.
JoeG

HaetherH, some other ideas are Le Meridien Waldorf located at 21 Piccadilly and within walking distance to the theatre (great excuse to try the chocolate buffet offered for afternoon tea), and the Savoy located on the Strand, also near threatreland. However, neither of these is inexpensive. For inexpensive in Piccadilly, I bet you could just pop into inexpensive tearooms or cafes on the spur of the moment. How about Patisserie Valerie, which is widely held to be the best patisserie and is located at 44 Old Compton Street? Or how about dim sum in Chinatown, which is within walking distance, for a Chinese afternoon tea?

My vote goes to Fortnum and Mason for tea. Not only was the "tea" wonderful but it is just such a lovely place to look around in. I bought several little delicacies to bring home as gifts.

Sandykins - interesting points. Strange to think that being English doesnt automatically mean you know the origins of terms and traditions. I think I research more into 'foreign' ways of life and traditions when doing research before travelling and hence know more about other cultures than my own!

It made me smile to think of a Northern Lad coming home to say to his wife 'eh up chuck, where's me HIGH TEA?!' Rather, I think you will find that current 'working classes' (as you put it!) would just call it their 'tea', whereas us Southerners tend to call it 'dinner'. Same meal, different terms. I sometimes revert to calling it 'tea' (going back to 'working class' roots!)

I do not recommend the Charing Cross Hotel(Terrace Lounge). Went there this past Sunday for afternnon tea requesting a table overlooking the Strand. Even though the restaurant was completely empty, they would not honor our request with no valid reason.

Heather, there is a chain called Richoux that serves meals as well as tea. You can just get a "cream tea" which consists of scones and tea, quite good and not very expensive. They have other good pastries, too; and there is one on Picadilly not far from Fortnum & Mason's.

For HeatherH, another idea for place to have tea near the theatre. Porter's English Restaurant serves a generous afternoon tea at very reasonable prices, excels in their sweets, and has been well written up in various travel guides. To give you an idea of the atmosphere: I have heard it described as a "pub gone yuppie." It's located at 17 Henrietta Street in Covent Garden, across from the tube station, and within walking distance of your theatre.

Thanks to all for the suggestions!