Different question about Tea in London
 

I searched "London & Tea" but didn't find exactly what I need...<BR> <BR>My mom, sister & I are going to London for the 1st time in November. We want to have the afternoon tea experience, BUT 2 of us are very picky eaters. Vegetarians, and one is allergic to nuts. It sounds like some of the fancier places (Brown's, Ritz, etc.) bring you a tray with pre-determined food, and I've read in the winter it's more hearty, like meat sandwiches and fruitcake (with nuts). We are more of the egg salad/cucumber crowd. Can you request that at the fancier places? Or do you think it would be better to go somewhere where you can choose exactly what you want...and if so, what is a good place of this variety (Harrod's?)<BR> <BR>Thanks so much.

Stephanie<BR>I had a non-formal tea at the Charing Cross Thistle Hotel. Service was okay, nothing ceremonial, but the tea was very good. Thin tea sandwiches<BR>(smoked salmon, watercress, and one might have been egg-ish.) Excellent scones with cream, and some pastries.<BR>Total was 13.75 pounds plus tip. There is also an a la carte menu available for just specific sandwiches, desserts, or other snacks.<BR>It was a good choice on a day when I was decently but comfortably dressed for a day of sightseeing, but it was not a "Masterpiece Theatre" experience.<BR>If that's what you want, then go to one of the hotels you mention,or the Dorchester (wonderful, expensive afternoon tea) or some such. However, at any of the places if you explain that you can't have nuts, they will gladly bring you more of something else. The accommodating service is the whole point, really, otherwise you can just go anywhere that serves tea.

Call or email the hotel in advance and ask if they can accommodate your special meal request. Good ones should be able to. I've never been to Harrod's. I don't know if you choose your own food or if you're served.

We just returned from London, with two teen aged (picky eater) girls. We all enjoyed tea at the Dorchester (lots of cucumber, egg salad, smoked salmon sandwichs - no nuts) - all served on trays so that we could chose what we wanted. The tea was quite filling. We went before the theater on our first day, and didn't feel the need for dinnere. Also we were at Fortnum and Mason, more of a set menu.

Harrod's tea(high tea) is a large buffet<BR>type tea with everything you can imagine<BR><BR>It is pricey, but you won't eat dinner that night.

Those teas are all ripoffs. The sandwiches are 85% bread, 10% butter, and 5% meat or vegetables. My friend and I left the Ritz tea with stomach aches. I have not eaten that much lard and sugar in years. Yuck!!!<BR> Take your money and have a nice lunch at the Ritz or Browns. The teas are ONLY for tourists as locals know a ripoff when they see one.

I love love love afternoon tea. Yes, they can be overpriced and the thought of it may be more attractive than the actual thing, but I still love it. I even go to tea here in NYC. <BR><BR>I haven't tried Dorchester (I will next trip) but I have had tea at...<BR><BR>1) Brown's: It's touristy, but it's comfortable. You can stay as long as you want. Friendly service. I once went there with a friend and before we knew we were there for about 5 hours!! We really didn't notice the time passing by. They just kept bringing us fresh pots of tea even after tea time was over. No one came to kick us out or made us feel self-conscious about having stayed so late. Make sure you make reservations or you might have to wait 30-40 minutes for a table.<BR><BR>2) The Conservatory (at Lanesborough Hotel): Bit more formal atmosphere than Brown's and tastier sandwiches (we asked for seconds for a sandwich we particularly liked then were asked if we wanted more after we polished off the second round), and they also serve crumpets. Service was just as friendly and attentive. Much less crowded. Didn't stay here as long...only 3 hours. ;-)<BR><BR>I use TopTable to make restaurant reservations when traveling to London, and they are very helpful and are prompt with their reponses. They might be able to help you. Here 's their website - http://www.toptable.co.uk/<BR><BR>Have a wonderful trip.

ttt

top

Stephanie, I just posted on another "tea" question, but go with Harrods and you won't be disappointed. The Gergian Room is beautiful. Their tea is scrumptiously wonderful. They do offer so many items that I bet they will accommodate your requests. The experience was so delightful with the ensemble and champagne that I declare I saw my own husband extend his little pinky. Have a wonderful time.

I'm sure that any of the top tea places could accomodate you if you explain that it's a matter of allergies and vegetarian preference. The staples of a tea are the cucumber, egg mayonaise, and smoked salmon sandwiches. Sometimes a ham slips in there, but I'm sure they could leave it out. Other than that scones with jam and clotted cream and pastries or cakes--layer cakes. I've never had a fruitcake type cake for tea. My very favorite is Browns, but all are nice. These places consistently provide gracious, helpful service so I'm sure your request will not be a problem.

ttt