Suggestions for High Tea in London
 

We're heading to the UK next month, and I'd like to be able to have high tea while in London. I took my girls [grown] to high tea at the Plaza in NYC, and we all enjoyed it so much. Now I'd like to experience it where it originated, and compare it to our experience back home. Thanks for the help.

What you are asking about is &quot;afternoon tea&quot;, not &quot;high tea&quot;. (High tea really means a dinner-type meal but the term isn't really used much any more)<BR><BR>There are a lot of places to take afternoon tea all over London. The grand daddy of teas is at the Ritz. You must book ahead for this - they take bookings on their website. A lot of Fodorites recommend Browns, which is another grand old hotel. But it is not a &quot;grand&quot; as at the Ritz. Both would be a good choice. Or any of the many other 4 and 5 start hotels all over the city that offer teas. <BR><BR>For somewhere more casual, the Orangery at Kensington Palace is good - combine it with a visit to the Palace for a nice afternoon. or any of the many restaurants in Harrods.<BR><BR>But for a comparison w/ the Plaza go to the Ritz or Browns.

Thanks Janis, for the advice, and also for the correction. At least now, I'll know what to ask for. We will be staying at the Marriott County Hall [next to the EYE- though perhaps I've misspelled that] and across from Parliment. From this location, which of the two is more convenient? Also, is there a set time for 'afternoon tea'? I want to make sure I plan my day's sightseeing to accomodate it. Thanks again.

Well, I've found the site for the Ritz online, and although I don't know exactly where it is, it seems like the location would be convenient. I also was able to find the times it is served. Now, is there any information on Brown's? Is this a restaurant or hotel?

You might want to look at the afternoon tea they serve at the Marriott County Hall, since that is where you are staying. I believe they offer that.<BR><BR>We went to tea at the Orangery, and it was fun, but not a fancy affair like the Ritz. (But I had my two sons with me and there was no way I was going to get them to dress up nice enough for tea at the Ritz!)<BR><BR>Our favorite tea and scones were at a little tea shop in the town of Woodstock (outside of Oxford) called Harriet's Tea Shop, I believe. Yummy scones and clotted cream and strawberry jam. Ummmmm.

Well, Lois, my friends in London and I have always called it High Tea. It makes a perfect, light meal before theatre in the West End (great deals at the half-price ticket booth on Leicester Square). The Savoy and the Ritz, while top tourist destinations, are not really representative of the traditional high tea. I recommend either Brown's or the Connaught. Cheers!<BR><BR>(P.S. Also, be sure to have at least one full Englis breakfast, either the dining room at Harrod's or, any time of the day, at one of the Richoux coffee shops in London.)

Thanks Bellairegirl, for the additional suggestions. I can't believe I didn't think to even check out the Marriott. I guess it's because I don't associate it as a truly English stay. I will check into that. I do appreciate your other suggestion also, since I'd like to experience something 'authentic' and would actually rather have a local favorite for it. Also, a huge factor would be dress. We're only planning on bringing rather casual clothes, since most our time will be in the country, in northern England. Didn't even think of that point. Thanks!

Thank you for your advice also, Globalgourmet. I'm so glad I thought to ask on this site for advice. My daughter is sometimes in London on business, but hasn't gotten around to asking about this yet, and it only just occurred to me to seek advice here. I've gotten great advice before, when planning trips to other parts of the world. <BR><BR>I'm assuming both Brown's and Connaught are in the city. Are they restaurants or hotels? Would they have site online? Would I need advance reservations for them? <BR><BR>Regarding the tickets, is that half price booth for same day tickets [much like ours in NYC I imagine] <BR><BR>I appreciate the suggestion for breakfast at Harrods as well. I will try to work that in, since I'd like to browse through there anyway.

If you can make it out to Bath - Tea at the Pump House was one of my favorite memories of England.

McDonalds and take the money you saved and buy each of the girls a nice cashmere sweater....just joking, but not far off..<BR><BR>any 4 star hotel

Had tea with my husband and two friends at Brown's last month. It's a nice hotel -- very traditional, comfortable atmosphere. We reserved in advance for 3:00, as I recall. Spent a pleasant two hours there. A pianist played in the background. There were two salon-like rooms in which tea was served. Included finger sandwiches (cucumber, etc.), &quot;egg rolls&quot; (which intrigued us but turned out to be egg salad sandwiches), scones with cream and jam, and pastries. Way more than we could eat. When we were completely sated, they offered us large slices of cake, which we had to decline. We dressed nicely (jackets and ties for the guys, dressy pants for the girls) like most people in the room, but there were a few people who were much more casual and nobody complained. I think the bill was $25 per person. It was a nice way to spend the late afternoon prior to the theater.

I also prefer the Connaught Hotel for tea. My aunt takes a particular client of hers to Brown's for tea. He is a VERY conservative Philadelphia lawyer who collects 18th-century American furniture. Because of his demeanor, I have to assume Brown's is very stuffy. The Connaught is very old (the floors creak), but the service is the best in the world, save the Oriental in Bangkok.

We had a wonderful tea when we were staying at the Connaught in 1989. We went back last summer just to have tea and were disappointed. The regular tea sandwiches were gone only to be replaced by a bagel affair and a not very good ham slapped between 2 plain pieces of bread. Gone were the regular old standbys like watercress and minced chicken, cut in diagonals with the crust off. Hope the Dorchester and Browns still have that kind.

Hi;<BR>Did London las October. Had a great time!!<BR>We did The Ritz and Browns for tea. We preferred the Ritz. Very Elegant.<BR>Not inexpensive but heck, we were on VACATION! <BR>Both place take resevations on line but I made a phone call instead. <BR>We got to the Hotels early each time and were seated immediately. Dress Pretty! Come hungry! Enjoy!

Hi Lois<BR> http://www.gofortea.com/ lists places, prices and menus for various places offering afternoon tea.

On our first trip to London my friend (who lives in London) made reservations for us at Browns. We had what she called cream tea. It was very nice. Formal but comfortable feeling on sofa and soft chairs. We had plenty of tea sandwiches and cakes. I am not sure the cost because she paid but I would do it again in a heartbeat! I am sure you can't go wrong whatever you choose in London.

Thank you all, for the great feedback! I'm concerned about the choice, regarding proper dress attire, since we will be traveling to several locations, and I am trying to pack very light. I'm assuming dark pants, but not dress [more like Dockers] will be sufficient for most the places, except the Ritz, and I will pack something smart but simple. There will be no room to pack sport jacket, never mind a suit. Anyone else been to Connaught's recently, to confirm the change in quality? Carin, I will be spending time in Bath, so I will keep that suggestion in mind. [you're not from Long Island are you?] Ira, thanks for the site, I will check it out. Thanks everyone!

Hi<BR>the website Ira provided is very helpful. Here is another source for info on afternoon tea<BR>www.patriciastearoom.com and click on The Lore of Tea.<BR><BR>Afternoon tea at the hotels is dressy; I believe for men jacket and tie are required at the top hotels that serve tea. It will also take two hours out of your day, more time if you have to go back to your hotel to change.<BR><BR>If you want a less dressy alternative<BR>(all the traditional foods, just much less ceremony and formality in the service)<BR><BR><BR>Richoux, 86 Brompton Road opposite Harrods, plus other locations. An afternoon tea menu plus<BR>a full menu all day with sandwiches, burgers, salads, etc. Food is reliable and fine, if not memorable. Casual. A great family place.<BR><BR>Fortnum and Mason, 181 Piccadilly. 207 734 8040. An elegant grocery store, lots of things you can buy as gifts. On the street level is the Fountain restaurant where you can have tea, light food, and desserts in a pleasant casual setting. On the fourth floor is the St. James, a more formal restaurant.<BR><BR>Recommended by Londoner Ben Haines for afternoon tea: the Terrace lounge in the Charing Cross Thistle Hotel, next to Charing Cross Main Line station. The room was being renovated, check to find out if it has reopened.<BR>If available, ask for a table with views of the Strand towards Trafalgar Square. I took Ben Haines's advice and had afternoon tea there last year. Their Terrace Lounge was comfortable and bright from its large windows. Tea there is not the ceremonial formal experience you will have at the Dorchester or the Ritz, but on the other hand you don't have to change clothes if you've been out doing some hard sightseeing. For 13.75# plus service they offered a complete tea of good sandwiches, outstanding scones with clotted cream, and pastries. A la Carte sandwiches and snacks are also available. <BR>

I would be rather warier of Richoux. Ate there three times with quality getting worse each time. At least some of the Richoux have no real kitchens so food is brought in in plastic bags from a main preparation place (do not know where that is) and heated up -some food does not lend itself to that and for the price? Overrated because it looks pretty, and mediocre value.

I've been happy, at least in the past, with the Richoux across from Harrods, and the one that's behind the American Embassy and the Grosvenor Park hotel.

I vote for Brown's Hotel. I just think it's much cosier than other places. <BR><BR>LoisL, you can find info on it by going to www.brownshotel.com On the menu bar at the left, under Wining and Dining, click on the Drawing Room and it will give you information, menu and reservation information.

LoisL,<BR><BR>When we had cream tea at Browns I wore a black knit skirt and jacket. My husband just wore a nice knit sport shirt and slacks. I think we were ok. My &quot;London&quot; friend wore a dark wool blazer and slacks. If you go to Browns I think dressy casual would be ok.

&gt;When we had cream tea at Browns ...My husband just wore a nice knit sport shirt and slacks.&lt;<BR><BR> Another example of the general lessening of standards.

Another vote for the Connaught, you won't regret it.

actually, I meant to add earlier, that though I haven't been to Brown's yet, tea at the Dorchester was excellent in every way.

LoisL-<BR>To answer many of your questions, I would suggest you visit www.gofortea.com. It has a huge list of different hotels, etc. that serve afternoon tea. You can view the menus and the prices for each place, suggestions for proper attire, maps, whether or not you should book in advance, etc. Some places will also let you make a reservation for tea via e-mail, so you could do that before you leave on vacation. I love the site- its one of my favorites.

For a very different kind of high tea (not afternoon tea) I like &quot;The Muffin Man&quot; off Kensington High Street. It smells like cinnamon inside, and is run by Russians, yet feels just like English village tea shop... complete with toasted crumpets, and toasted tea cakes, and lovely sandwiches, and gooey cakes. It's authentic and cozy, and not at all swanky, but deliciously English.

Bagel affairs (sounds kinky) at the Connaught?? Zagat's rates the restaurant at the Connaught among the best in London. I can't believe they would give you an old ham bagel for tea. A place that has a wine list that includes vintages that cost more than a new car does not serve stale pieces of toast, sweetie.

In January my husband and I visited friends of ours who are living in London. They took us to tea at The Landmark Hotel. It was really wonderful. Tea is served in an atrium that is really beautiful. They have comfortable couches, light music playing, and the food was amazing. I normally just go in for the scones and clotted cream (love that clotted cream), but they had prosciutto sandwiches and smoked salmon sandwiches that I thought were fantastic. All in all, a great experience.

I forgot to post these! Here are some links to the Landmark:<BR><BR>Afternoon tea menu (we did The Landmark Tea):<BR><BR>http://www.landmarklondon.co.uk/dining/wintermenu.html<BR><BR>A description of the atrium (called the Winter Garden):<BR><BR>http://www.landmarklondon.co.uk/dining/winter.shtml

Thanks to all for the suggestions and tips. I've copied down the web sites, and I will research them. I've always enjoyed dressing and doing up a special experience, but in this case, it will be more inconvenient. I've also just found out that my daughter may be working in London that day, and if so, it may be more convenient to plan it for near her job. She said the Savoy or Dorchester are right there. Guess I'll have some fun exploring the possibilities. Thanks again for all the help!

petitpois<BR>any chance you have an address for the Muffin Man?<BR>sounds great!

LoisL, if you are going out to Kew Gardens, have tea at the Maids of Honour teashop across the street from the gardens. It is supposed to have been there from the time of Henry VIII and is quite charming, blue flow dishes and old corner cupboards. You wouldn't need to dress up for it.

I printed a list off gofortea and then just picked one that was near where I was. I chose Duke's hotel because I didn't need a reservation and it was near my sightseeing. I thought it was delicious. Tons of food for only 14 pounds. They seated me in the lounge which was deserted and brought me my tray. I've never had a crumpet before. Wonderful and dripping with butter. I got lots of attention from the waiter because I was alone and dripping wet from the rain. I think he felt sorry for me.<BR><BR>When I came out from tea, the sun was out and they were changing the guard at St. James Palace just down the street. Perfect.<BR><BR>beany

Lois, I would recommend Claridges (www.savoy-group.com)<BR>in Mayfair for the stunning Art Deco setting (also fantastic major Art Deco exhibit at Victoria and Albert Museum right now which would be an interesting thing to see before your tea!). You will dine underneath the most stunning Dale Chihuly chandelier. Interestingly, the V&amp;A Museum also features a Dale Chihuly chandelier in their foyer.<BR><BR>Another good one is the Milestone Hotel right across the street from Kensington Palace (not far from Harrods). Although KP is shrouded in scaffolding right now, there is a FAB exhibit of wedding dresses (Queen Elizabeth II, Queen Victoria, Queen Mum, etc) plus a permanent display of some of Princess Diana's gowns (interesting to see how tall she was). The Milestone is part of the Red Carnation Hotel group.<BR><BR>But I agree - any 4 or 5 star hotel will lay on a decent tea. They aren't cheap but they are definitely worth it. Eat a very light breakfast beforehand!

Last time we went to the Connaught Hotel for High Tea, we had kids with us and were dressed in shorts and jeans. I was worried, but they couldn't have been nicer and made us feel right at home!<BR><BR>Cheers!

globalgourmet wrote,<BR>&gt;Last time we went to the Connaught Hotel for High Tea, we had kids with us and were dressed in shorts and jeans. &lt;<BR><BR> Another example of the general lessening of standards.

Hi Beany,<BR> How wonderful.<BR><BR> If you would like to make your own crumpets,... they are just thick pancakes. Get one of those thingies used to make egg MacMuffins. Pour in pancake batter. Cook. Put in fridge overnight. Slice in half. Toast. Apply butter.

Thanks for the suggestion Ira!<BR><BR>Are they really just pancakes? How do they get so holey and then so crispy? Is it just in the toasting? Honestly, a whole big wonderful vacation and I think I've talked more about that crumpet than anything else.<BR><BR>beany

I've been to Brown's, Claridge's and the Orangery, as well as several little tea shops whose name escapes me! Brown's is my dad's favorite -- it's very Old English with leather and hunting prints. It's probably the most &quot;English.&quot; Claridge's is a beautiful art deco hotel, and tea there is served by liveried footmen. It's lovely with harp music and comfortable sofas, and is probably closest to the Plaza in NYC. The Orangery is more of a plain space (pretty, but not over the top) and you sit at tables, but they had the best food (no sickly cream pastries -- I had a slice of excellent ginger cake) and tea was half the price of the hotels. (In 1998 about L16 at the hotels, L7.50 at the Orangery)