It's a tradition that has graced British Afternoons since the 1840's, invented by Anna, Seventh Duchess of Bedford who wisely decided she needed a treat between lunch and dinner, and it still a very popular social event today. With plenty of options on offer, we can't think of a better way to spend quality time with friends.
Royal Afternoon Tea at The Arch Hotel
A quintessential British classic menu can be enjoyed at this luxury five-star boutique hotel. A stately spread of savoury sandwiches, fruit scones with delectable clotted cream and mini cake delights - the Battenburg cake is a particular highlight, are certainly is fit for a king.
The Afternoon treat can be enjoyed in the hotel’s splendid Martini Library, fashionable restaurant Hunter 486, or stylish Salon de Champagne lounge and privacy can be offered with private booths available. And, no Afternoon tea would be complete without a glass of bubbly and exquisite service.
The Arch Hotel, 50 Great Cumberland Pl, Marylebone, London W1H 7FD, telephone 020 7724 4700. Royal Afternoon Tea is priced at £25 per person or £36.00 with a glass of Taittinger Brut Reserve. Gluten free available.
Free-Flowing Afternoon Tea at London Marriott West India Quay
With a waterfront setting and breathtaking views in London's Canary Wharf, you can indulge yourself in a lavish treat with free-flowing bubbles for 2 hours, what more could a girl want?
The Marriott offers a traditional section of elegant finger sandwiches that includes salmon and ham and piccalilli and delicious handmade pastries - the mille-feuille was delightful and the kind chef kindly whipped up a huge gluten free chocolate slice for us to enjoy. The waiters are also easy on the eye and very friendly, our glasses were always kept topped up with bubbly and the selection of Luxury Ronnefeldt Tea was outstanding.
Marriott West India Quay, 22 Hertsmere Rd, Canary Wharf, London E14 4ED, telephone, 020 7093 1000. Free-flowing Prosecco is priced at £29.50 per person and free-flowing Champagne £39.50. Gluten free available.
Bottomless Bubbly Afternoon Tea at DoubleTree by Hilton Docklands
Offering stunning views across the River Thames, this is an Afternoon Tea with a modern twist.
Set in the Hilton Columbia's Restaurant which offers guests a contemporary feel - in the summer months, Afternoon Tea can be enjoyed on the atmospheric outdoor terrace. The delicious mini meal offers all the usual fayre including traditional cucumber sandwiches, but, it's the bottomless bubbly that really stands out ideal for a special celebration.
Doubletree By Hilton Docklands, 265 Rotherhithe Street, London, SE16 5HW, telephone 020 7231 1001. Bottomless Bubbly is priced at £24.50 person. Gluten free available.
