London & Tea
 

I will be going to London in 2 weeks and would like to go to/have tea, does anyone have any recommendations besides the Ritz. I'm on a budget, can you do tea on a budget?

Althought I didn't make it to a tea when I was in London, I did lots of research on it. I was guided to the search engine for this site. Just type tea or something and you'll get all the suggestions you could hope for - in all the price ranges possible! Have fun!!!

Have a nice big English breakfast one morning. Make a later afternoon tea your lunch, and if doing theatre have something light after theatre. That way you've made the tea one of your meals. My recommendation is Brown's, not cheap, but less than the Ritz, with a full meal's worth of food (and not all sweets as some are.) And the most wonderful old world English atmosphere, lounging in big overstuffed furniture like in some old country house living room.

Terry <BR>Afternoon tea has been brought to the top for you.

Terry - <BR> <BR>I liked The Orangery for a relatively inexpensive tea. It is in the Kensignton Gardens, near Kensington Palace. When I was there last March, I had a nice set tea which included 3 small finger sandwiches, a scone with clotted cream & strawberry preserves, a slice of cake and of course a pot of tea for L7.95. The place is nowhere near as swanky as the Ritz but it is pleasant, very light and airy with huge paned windows looking out over a lovely manicured lawn and cylindrical trees, and of course the tea is less than half what it costs at the Ritz!

Terry-- <BR> <BR>It sounds like you're looking for "the tea experience", and for that these are good suggestions. I would also add the Lanesborough Hotel, although I don't recall it being any bargain. And I also enjoyed the Orangery. <BR> <BR>But I did want to add to be sure and just stop for a cup wearever you are. Even places with no atmosphere often serve great tea (the worst tea in England is probably better than the best in the US!), and there's nothing like it to rejuvenate your soul. I don't find that it ever compares at home.

Terry,I, too, was on a budget when I traveled solo to London for ten days two years ago. But I splurged on high tea at the Savoy Hotel. The big, plush sofas, soft piano music, and all the scones, butter, tea sandwiches and Earl Grey tea I could ask for (for approx 20 pounds) was a real experience. It was one of my best memories. I asked the waiter to take a picture of me sitting on the sofa and holding my tea cup in a very affected manner! Best part, use the high tea experience in lieu of dinner. High tea at the Savoy was served through 6:00 pm and was my most memorable eating experience. But I must put a plug in, also, for tea at the Orangery at Kensington Palace. Much cheaper, and delightful for brunch time or early afternoon. Have fun!