According to the lore about how Afternoon Tea started, Anna Stanhope, a lady-in-waiting of Queen Victoria, is credited as the inventor of this well known tradition.  In the Victorian time people ate breakfast, a light lunch and supper, however Anna felt peckish around 4-5pm and could not last the whole day, so she started off with tea and a few snacks.  Then she had a stroke of genius and realized that she could make it a very special event to also meet her friends and be a superb hostess.  From its humble start, the afternoon tea then evolved to a scrumptious spread of small cakes, sweets, bread and butter sandwiches and tea. 

In the 21^st century, Afternoon tea in London is the perfect way to spend a cold wintry day, but under the plethora of choice, you need to decide whether you want to go the traditional way or the modern, do read on!

Traditional

The Ritz

This is the crème de crème of Afternoon tea rituals, where formality and appearance is paramount and men are expected to wear a jacket and tie.  Tea is held in the Palm Court, the grand room at the Ritz where tea is served among the marble columns and opulent gilt decoration.  Book at least 6 weeks in advance.  Afternoon tea cost £37-£48 with champagne.

The Dorchester

Take afternoon tea in the Promenade which is a spacious, light and airy room.  Dishes include poached wild salmon and asparagus, all washed down with a sparkling glass of champagne.  If you are lucky, you may spot a famous face on the next table.

Brown's

Afternoon tea has been served at Brown's for over 170 years.  Listen to the sounds of the baby grand piano while tucking into finger sandwiches, pastries and scones.  Prices range £35-£44 with champagne.

Modern

The Parlour at Sketch

The Parlour offers a traditional afternoon tea but in elegant surroundings with opulent fabrics, whimsical lights and animal heads poking out from around curtains.  Afternoon tea costs £19.50 - £30 with champagne.  The tea selection includes Ayurvedic infusions and a Japanese tea.

Yauatcha

A pretty unusual twist on this truly English tradition, Yauatcha offers 'oriental afternoon tea' at this funky dim sum restaurant.  Start with a dim sum selection such as baked venison puff , then move on to scones, gateaux and a plate of fresh fruits (£24.50).  Blue teas are on the menu and desserts include a chocolate brownie with raspberry and red pepper coulis.

Nicole's

Have a miniature afternoon tea at designer Nicole Farhi's in-store restaurant.  Choose from bite-sized macaroons, mini patisseries and sandwiches, as well as blinis with smoked salmon (£16.50-£26 with champagne). 

Binh Zientek

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