jdsprod

My wife and I will wrap up our 20th Anniversary vacation next June in London for two nights. She's a "teahouse fanatic" and I want to surprise her with a very special "high tea" on the second day. We're staying at the Hilton Mews in the Mayfair area, but we'll be touring London's sights. Any suggestions?

Clea

jdsprod;

I am guessing that you want to an afternoon tea, and not purchase a high tea. IMHO, the best tea in town is at the Ritz. They have a huge spread of enough food to fill you up and never realized you missed dinner. High tea was a way to have something between lunch and dinner. the Ritz is usually the most expensive of all. Two years ago it was around $30 - 40. It as very well worth, and the people you meet! The cookies are divine, I am envious.

Kate

well everyone here raves about Brown's Hotel. Do a search - there's loads of discussion on this subject.

ira

Hi jd,

You are after "afternoon tea", not "high tea".

See http://www.gofortea.com/ for a guide to the best places.

mclaurie

If you type tea in London in the text search you'll find at least one thread with over 50 responses! My picks are Brown's, the Dorchester Hotel or the Savoy but I understand the Lanesborough hotel is also great.

Patrick

I for one didn't like tea at the Ritz, not only were the little tables and tiny chairs uncomfortable, but the whole thing seemed like a "production"- with the arrival of several large bus or tour groups. At Brown's you sit in little converstion areas of overstuffed furniture in pretty chintz fabrics. You relax and are pampered. There is no effort to rush you in and rush you out.

vcl

Another vote for Browns. We've tried some others and keep going back.

aj

Another vote for Browns! My friend who lives in London planned a tea for us there because she thought it the best of London and I now agree with her!

Gothampc

I am a fan of Brown's Hotel as well.

jdsprod

Thanks everyone. Sounds like Brown's Hotel it is.

LJW17

Another for Brown's! One of my most unforgettable London experiences. I think my Dad and I sat there for almost 2 and a half hours. So comfortable...and forget eating dinner after all that food. Fantastic! I wish I was going back...

LEANNAT

I vote for the Savoy!!! Ah those salmon sandwiches!!! Ah that sofa!!!!Ahhh!!!

crazymina

I had a really nice time at Brown's. I was alone, and felt kind of uncertain. The gentleman who led me my choice of seats kindly said that it was the seat that Princess Diana would have chosen.

It was a lovely warm setting for the gray drizzy day outside...

Calamari

Ritz for the history, Savoy is grand too and Browns is an authentic experience. You can not go wrong and if you want to be super nice, do all three!

StCirq

I vote for the Savoy. The harpist kind of does me in, and the sandwiches and service are par excellence.

ecat

jdsprod - this a suggestion for tea but not high tea. When you are at the airport be sure to drop by the duty free and stock up on heaps of Fortnum & Mason tea. I wish you could bring some back for me too...

elaine

here are some very informative websites with lists of places

Basic information: http://www.oewoodierpr.com/Jul032001f.cfm
http://www.dine-online.co.uk/teatime.htm

tea etiquette and recommendations: http://www.elegant-lifestyle.com/afternoon-teas.htm

A list of recommended afternoon teas in hotels: http://guide.10best.com/list.process...D_120/SID_137/

Katiebug

What makes Brown's so special, out of curiosity?

Katie

Patrick

What makes Brown's so special. In my book it is the total old world feel and elegance of the place. You aren't rushed in and out like a big production number which is what the Ritz seemed like to me. I've never see whole busloads arrive for tea at Brown's either.
You sit is what is a huge area of little conversation groupings -- comfy chintz covered loveseats or sofas, and finely upholstered comfortable club chairs. It's more like being in a rich aunt's drawing room than in a hotel or restaurant. There is light classical music in the background. Maids circulate refreshing tea in elegant service, and bringing more and more samples of sandwiches, pastries, and other treats. It's just so well -- British!!!

Underhill

We keep going back to Brown's, although the Ritz can be pretty good--but it's a bit fancier, whereas at Brown's you almost feel you could put your aching feet up.

I don't know whether anyone said that high tea is what you have in the late afternoon and that it includes at least one hot dish.

One other possibility for an abbreviated afternoon tea is Fortnum and Mason. I say "abbreviated" because it's not like Brown's, where you can just sink in for several hours and be totally content.

I am going to go make myself a cucumber sandwich and a cup of Assam tea, with milk.