DEBORAH CROMBIE: Afternoon teas have been much on my mind lately. My daughter and her family leave on Friday for a trip that will end with a few days in London and, of course, Kayti being the plan ahead person that she is, she wanted to choose a place for a proper afternoon tea. She picked Grosvenor House, which, by a funny coincidence, was the first place I ever experienced afternoon tea, on my first trip to London with my parents. Kayti asked if I thought it would be good and I assured her that it would. Tea is hard for a top-notch London hotel to mess up! (Photo courtesy of Grosvenor House London.)
Then, another friend who had family members making a summer London trip asked me for suggestions, and so I did a deep dive into recommendations on the internet as well as my own past favorites. I thought it would be fun to share some of my most memorable teas here.
#1 on my list is (formerly) Gordon Ramsay's Claridge's. This was on a trip with my (as above!) plan-ahead daughter. We can't nail down the exact date, but Gordon Ramsay's tenure at Claridge's ended in June 2013 and I think we were trying to get in under the wire. The only reservation available was the day we were scheduled to arrive. Our plane was due to land at Gatwick about 7 a.m. so we thought, sure, no problem for 2 p.m. tea. You can guess what happened. The plane was late, then when we finally deplaned, Kayti's luggage never came off the baggage carousel. By this time in a mad panic, we snagged her a dress and shoes in one of the airport shops (thank goodness this was arrivals at Gatwick and not Heathrow,) took the train into London, then a cab to Claridge's. We changed in the ladies' lounge and just managed make our two o'clock seating. After all the drama, everything--the room, the food, the service--was divine. It was truly a once in a lifetime experience.
Another memorable tea was at Sketch in Mayfair with a half dozen friends and maybe a wee bit too much champagne. I remember how fabulous the decor was, and what a good time we had, but I do not remember the food! I'm sure it was lovely! I encourage you to click on the link above to play with the Sketch website (and to gasp at the prices.)
A favorite I have been to several times is St. Ermin's Hotel in Victoria. I used to love to go there because it was just around the corner from New Scotland Yard but, alas, the Met headquarters has moved to the Embankment. Still, St. Ermin's is a great central London choice. Not only do they serve an absolutely delicious afternoon tea, they have beehives on the roof that you can visit.
You can adopt a bee. This would be a fun choice with kids.
Another memorable tea was at The Ritz after visiting Buckingham Palace, this with The Poisoned Pen owner Barbara Peters, author Kate Charles, and another London friend. Again, I remember the occasion and the spectacular Palm Court better than the food. That interior really is something to see!
I've had tea at The Connaught courtesy of my friend Deborah Harkness, and this time I do remember that the food was fabulous!
A tea more memorable for the view than for the food was at Oblix in The Shard, which Kayti and I had during a visit in 2022. The view really is amazing, but I think you could enjoy it just as well over a considerably less expensive cocktail.
My last recommendation is less expensive than many of the fancy hotel teas, but every bit as delicious, if not better. That's The Wolseley in Piccadilly, just a few doors down from The Ritz.
I hope if anyone is planning a trip to London this little mini guide will be useful. And if not, you can daydream along with me.
Dear Reds and readers, have you had a memorable afternoon tea? (Not necessarily in the UK!)
Oh, and happy birthday to my darling daughter today! It's too bad we're not celebrating over afternoon tea in London!
