The tradition of afternoon tea in Britain dates back to 1800 when the seventh Duchess of Bedford would become hungry at around four o’clock in the afternoon. The Duchess would be served with a light tray of tea, bread and butter, just enough to hold her till dinner which was usually served at eight in the evening. What began as one woman’s pre-dinner snack routine is now a British tradition.
1. Afternoon Tea at The Franklin
Inspired by the Alice in Wonderland exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum, The Franklin’s afternoon tea is an imaginative twist of what a modern-day Alice would want for her tea party.
2. Afternoon Tea at The Chesterfield Mayfair
Freshly made finger sandwiches and homemade scones with a selection of cakes and sweet pastries, the afternoon tea at The Chesterfield Mayfair is a whimsical theatrical display of a bygone era of sweet shops.
3. Afternoon Tea at Town House Kensington
The Great British Summer afternoon tea at the Town House Kensington is inspired by the very best of British summer. A selection of deliciously indulgent sweet treats like lavender crème mousseline-filled macaroons is perfectly paired with classic English sparkling wine.
4. Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason
Opened by the late Queen Elizabeth, the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum and Mason is the undisputed home of delicious and decadent afternoon teas. Their precisely-cut sandwiches, freshly baked cakes and scones served with tea attract visitors from all over the world.
5. Afternoon Tea at The Ritz
You can’t get more decadent than an afternoon tea at the Ritz. In addition to the 18 various types of teas to choose from, the charming English Afternoon Tea comes with a selection of finely cut sandwiches, freshly baked scones with scrumptious pastries and tea cakes.
