Recently updated on October 4th, 2022 at 10:01 am
With the hotly anticipated arrival of the Great British Bake Off on 24th August 2016, 12 amateur bakers will once again whip up their best biscuits, pastries and cakes to compete for the title of Great British Bake Off Champion. As viewers settle down for another series of this resoundingly popular show, we take a look at the best places to celebrate the quintessential British tradition of Afternoon Tea in London. From Royal favourites to modern imaginings and international twists on traditional dishes, toast the return of the Great British Bake Off at these top London locations.
The Rubens at the Palace
Combine a visit to Buckingham Palace during its annual Summer Opening (until 2nd October 2016) with an extravagant Afternoon Tea overlooking the Royal Mews at The Rubens at the Palace. In the appropriately named Palace Lounge, tuck into indulgent teatime treats, which – in honour of the Queen’s 90th birthday – take inspiration from the Royal family’s own favourite cakes.
Fortnum & Mason
As any gastronome will tell you, Fortnum & Mason is one of the capital’s best places to go in search of fine food products. Here, the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon places the focus on the tradition of Afternoon Tea, presenting each guest with fine finger sandwiches, Fortnum’s scones and teacakes, accompanied by their famous tea blends.
The Milestone Hotel
Step into the English Heritage Grade II listed Milestone Hotel to savour a traditional Afternoon Tea in London. Served within Chenestons Restaurant, the Park Lounge or the Conservatory, the freshly baked scones, irresistible homemade pastries and array of savoury delicacies served here won the attention of the Afternoon Tea Awards in 2016.
The Ritz London
The Ritz London has long been synonymous with this social occasion, serving up their traditional Afternoon Tea each day in the hotel’s resplendent Palm Court. While being entertained by the resident pianist and harpist, dine on finger cut sandwiches, scones and teacakes, with your choice of 18 types of loose leaf tea.
The Montague on The Gardens
The Bloomsbury-based townhouse hotel, The Montague on the Gardens, lies just footsteps away from the British Museum, offering a tranquil retreat from the city. While away some time looking out across the gardens with an Afternoon Tea that’s been designed by the chef to reflect the seasons, gaining the hotel an Award of Excellence.
Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard
Spread across the 34th – 52nd floors of London’s iconic landmark, The Shard, Shangri-La Hotel is hard to beat when it comes to jaw-dropping views. The hotel’s Afternoon Tea is served within TING lounge on the 35th floor. And, true to Shangri-La’s origins, there’s an Asian-inspired Afternoon Tea, in addition to the classic British option.
Claridge’s
Now served within its 1930s Art Deco foyer, Claridge’s has celebrated the tradition of Afternoon Tea in London for an impressive 150 years. Guests can expect sandwiches filled with poached Scottish salmon and Dorrington ham, freshly baked scones, and a selection of pastries, such as the Marco Polo tartlet and the white chocolate éclair.
The Savoy
A London landmark in its own right, The Savoy proudly stands on the north bank of the River Thames, just moments away from Covent Garden. While it’s the extravagant interiors that first capture the attention, it’s the experience of dining here that creates lasting memories. The seasonal Afternoon Tea by chef Ludwig Hely is served to guests in the light-filled Thames Foyer.
Get to know London with Trafalgar on the London Explorer, or discover the UK’s cuisine on the Taste of Britain trip.
Image credits: Cover photo of Afternoon Tea at Rubens at the Palace © Red Carnation Hotels. Afternoon Tea at Rubens at the Palace © Red Carnation Hotels. Fortnum & Mason Afternoon Tea © Flickr / Norio Nakayama. Afternoon Tea at The Milestone Hotel © Red Carnation Hotels. Afternoon Tea at the Montague on the Gardens © Red Carnation Hotels. Claridge’s Afternoon Tea © Claridge’s.