I am making my first visit to London next week and I'm terribly excited! I know "high tea" is more of a tourist activity rather than one that Londoners engage in, but I still want to experience it. Would you recommend Claridges', Brown's, the Savoy or the Ritz, and what are the prices like?

Of course, you must have tea! I've not gone to the large hotels traditionally known for their teas, mostl because my husband and I didn't wish to "dress up" in the afternoon. I'm sure you'll hear from many on this forum who can recommend which of those to visit. I've had tea at Fortnum & Masons and Harrods, both of which were wonderful! As well as other, smaller and lesser known places. Cost was about $25.00, perhaps a little less. If you go to Bath, have tea in the Pump Room!

Forgot to mention: Yes, the British DO have tea! It's still a lovely tradition.

I can second Mel's recommendation for Fortnum and Mason. Not only is it a great place for high tea (and fantastic ice cream creations), I can spend hours "grocery" shopping in the retail store. <BR>Have a great trip, <BR>j.

Cam, if you do a Search using the words High Tea I am sure you will find lots of information as there has been lots of discussion about Tea mentioning the Hotels you list, etc.

IMO Brown's is the best of the "dress up" places.

I think you haven't quite got the meaning of "high tea". It doesn't mean tea you dress up for but a substantial tea. Afternoon tea is the one where you have tea, cakes and dainty sandwiches. High tea is common in Scotland and the North of England. It has tea and cakes but also things like cold meats, or in Scotland a cooked savory course. If you are in Scotland or Yorkshire High Tea is the meal to go for. IMHO the Scots and Yorkies are not brilliant cooks but they are supreme bakers.

Fodors <BR> <BR>As you'll know by now from your search of this forum, we in London call the event "tea". "High tea" to us is what Yorkshire people eat at 6.30 in lieu of supper: it includes bread and ham. <BR> <BR>I'd quit the tourist trail for this, and head for St Anne's Kew Green on Sunday afternoon. Take a day travel card to the zone for Kew. From Waterloo main line station at 57 minutes past any hour take the train to Kew Bridge. In the station, look for the list of times of trains back. Walk over the bridge, and you're on Kew Green. Carry on 200 yards and there's an eighteenth century church. In the churchyard and the church hall are tables, and parishioners serve you tea, home made. At 3.30 a couple of parishioners offer you a restful fifty minute recital in the beautiful church. The area is rich, so your tea is served you by doctors and engineers. There's no other tourist to be seen, and you'll be welcome. <BR> <BR>Please write if I can help further. Welcome to London <BR> <BR>Ben Haines <BR> <BR> <BR>

Cam, err on the side of caution and bring a nice pair of slacks or a dress. Although you don't have to totally dress up, places like the Savoy do not allow jeans. I think I was wearing black denim the day they turned me away. I was otherwise neatly dressed. Have a great time!

Cam-I am interested in going to tea while in London as well-missed it on previous trips. I would like to know which places have a good range of sandwhiches in addition to desserts. <BR>Any suggestions? <BR>Thank you! <BR>Patti

Cam..... I took "tea" at the Ritz several years ago while in London... it was great! A formal high tea is a definite must. I don't recall the price (the tip is usually included) but reservations beforehand are a must. Another nice place to stop for tea if you're in the area is at the Orangery (not sure of the spelling.) It was right next to or on the grounds of Kensington Palace near Hyde Park. London was great..... Enjoy!

Cam: <BR>We had high tea at Browns and it was fantastic. For us it was a meal. The rooms were lovely and if it was touristy I didn't mind--something I've always wanted to do. I believe you need to have reservations in advance (our concierge handled this) and, as I recall, it was a tad pricey. <BR> <BR>I love the posting by Ben Haines and when I go back I'm heading for his church. Sounds like a winner!

I wish I had spoken to Ben Haines before my long weekend trip to London but we did enjoy tea at Brown's. We went there (with reservations) the day we arrived and, after walking around many of the sights with jetlag, tea that afternoon was heavenly. The plush chairs, soft piano music, and a wonderful assortment of sandwiches, cakes, and biscuits were our dinner for the evening. Highly recommend it!

The Wall Street Journal Europe printed an article last Friday about afternoon tea in London. You can access it through their website at interactive.wsj.com--you may have to register for free guest access. The article compared tea (menus and prices) at several places.

Thanks to all who responded to my note--I now have some ideas what to try or research further, and I now know that what I want is "afternoon tea" and not "high tea!"

Can anyone recommend a place for afternoon tea for 2 adults and 2 children ages 8 and 6. <BR> <BR>Both my kids love tea and we do have tea parties at home with my daughters, small tea set. <BR> <BR>Thanks <BR>