The Mandeville
Men's Afternoon Tea here is the only one for men in London, offering whiskies and games. Fashion Afternoon Tea is a more delicate affair, with pink meringues and designer cupcakes, served on Royal Doulton china designed by Zandra Rhodes.
Mandeville Place W1
Tel: +44 (0)20 7935 5599
Tube: Bond St
www.mandeville.co.uk
You could argue that the British Empire was built on the principle that ‘everything stops for tea’. There are still a few corners of England where this habit holds out, such as the cricket field: here are a few of the best places to take tea in London.
Any comments - or a suggestion for a London secret? Please e-mail me.
Afternoon Tea 1 2
The Orangery
A supremely elegant setting, in the well-groomed grounds of Kensington Palace, the Orangery is the perfect place on a sunny afternoon to sit and watch London go by. If you really want to feel like a princess, enjoy some pink (English) champagne.
Kensington Palace
Tel: +44 (0)20 7376 0239
Tube: High Street Kensington
Pembroke Lodge
Set in its own landscaped grounds with spectacular views over Richmond Park, Pembroke Lodge was once the home of the Countess of Pembroke, ‘a close friend’ of King George III. Now it’s a wonderful setting for afternoon tea.
Richmond Park TW10
Tel: +44 (0)20 8940 8207
Train: Richmond
www.pembroke-lodge.co.uk
The Secret Tea Room
The Coach & Horses pub, famed for its boozy Private Eye lunches, hides a secret upstairs. It’s a classic English tearoom, with 15 teas, homemade scones, sandwiches and tea cosies, and 1930s & ‘40s music from a real gramophone. Lovely!
29 Greek Street W1
Tel: +44 (0)20 7437 5920
Tube: Leicester Square
www.sohossecrettearoom.co.uk
The Berkeley
The Berkeley’s Prêt-a-Portea is the fashionable place for afternoon tea with its cakes reflecting the style of various designers. Spot your catwalk favourites (currently Victoria Beckham, Miu Miu and Tom Ford) while nibbling treats for the figure-conscious.
Wilton Place SW1
Tel: +44 (0)20 7235 6000
Tube: Knightsbridge
www.the-berkeley.co.uk
The Park Lane Hotel
The Palm Court Lounge offers a very traditional Afternoon Tea in an Art Deco 1920s setting with harp music. There is a choice of 25 types of tea, served with finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jams, and a pastry trolley.
Piccadilly W1
Tel: +44 (0)20 7290 7328
Nearest tube: Green Park
www.palmcourtlondon.co.uk/
