Go for casual tea in London
 

I'm looking for a nice spot to have tea and of course all of the goodies that go with it. None of the formal high tea, overpriced touristy stuff. Somewhere I can rest my bones and just people watch. Last time I was there I think I tried it in the little restaurant inside Liberty (Oxford St. department store). It was great! Looking to try a new spot.

I found this on another website. I am thinking of going here myself :)

Basil Street Hotel

Basil St, London, UK - England SW3 ? 20-7581-3311

User Rating: 9.6 / 10

Description: KNIGHTSBRIDGE. This is the perfect choice for the person who wants to experience English afternoon tea without the attitude and the contrived opulence of many tearooms. The Basil Street Hotel offers all the classic tea accouterments - light scones, flaky pastries, rich tarts, and delicate sandwiches. Instead of tuxedoes and gilded mirrors, you'll find comfortable furniture and a coffee table full of newspapers. A satisfying treat without being fussy or stuffy. Friendly service. TUBE: Knightsbridge

Here is a copy of an email they sent me:

Thank you for you e-mail about the Afternoon Tea. No you don't have to be a guest in the hotel to have afternoon tea.

The tariff is £14.50 per person for full Afternoon Tea and we serve it between 3.30pm to 5.30pm. Under 5 people don't need to book in advance.

The drawing room of the Basil Street Hotel is a fine place for afternoon tea--big, squashy chairs and sofas and charming atmosphere. For something more on the run, there's a place in Selfridge's and of course at Harrod's.

Fortnum and Mason's is also a great stop...if you aren't in the mood for tea, try one of their fabulous ice cream sundaes.

I have been to Harrods twice. Last time I was extremely disappointed. - At 25 GBP, I don't want to be disappointed!
Maybe it was just an off day though, the first time I went, I LOVED it. That is why I made a point to go back next time I was in London ... when I am there next year though, I think I will skip it.

I am looking forward to the Basil Hotel! :) It seems really nice. (Reasonable price too.)

The Basil St is great. Another place often mentioned here for casual tea is the Orangerie at Kensington Gardens. Someone recently posted being disappointed at Fortnum & Mason.

There are several long threads here on tea in London if you do a search. I think Gofortea.com is a website often mentioned.

I should quickly add my Fortnum & Mason comment is incomplete/misleading. From this thread

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34508534

this poster had a fancy tea there and compared it to other very fancy hotels and it didn't measure up. But others report the casual venue in the fountain area is still fine.

The Orangery is slept with a Y.