Fergusbrandon

London is the place known for variety and innovation. There will not be any single moment when you will feel left out in this beautiful city. There will always be something appealing to you and catch your attention. There are various characters to this city as well and due to this multi-faceted character, there is something for everyone.

Start with the theater and cultural scene in London to nightlife and food; nothing goes out of trend here and it gives you several reasons to enjoy it. When you are talking about food it is closely linked with the cultures from around the world you will find here. From traditional British delicacies to Spanish, French and Asian cuisine as well including Indian subcontinents, you will find everything in this vibrant capital. Visiting London and not trying its traditional food fare is not something you will sign up for.

You must also remember that London is all about royalty too and the traditional food here is also reminiscent of that like Afternoon tea. Though it was started by royalty but, now every single person enjoys this unique ritual. From individual restaurants to exclusive hotels like London piccadilly hotels, shaftesbury paddington hotel and Shaftesbury Suites London Marble Arch all serve this delicious treat right from the heart of the nation. And if you are wondering where you are going to try out this traditional tea, here is the list of top places in the city to fall in love with this post lunch and pre-dinner indulgence.

Aqua Shard

Located in the tallest new building in the capital, Aqua High is chic, modern and so high up. It will treat your major senses with smooth menu and a wonderful view of the entire city. What’s more to ask? Afternoon tea is just the start of your journey as the course is filled with yummy and delicious nibbles starting from Victoria sponge cake with a bubble gum macaron and dark chocolate cake. Then, there is lavender perfumed chicken sandwich and Earl Grey-smoked Loch Duart salmon. Of course, it is incomplete without scones so you will get those too, with lemon thyme and raspberry jam. You can also some extra bucks for classic labels of French Champagne.

Bluebird

Located upstairs, the buzz is all about the leather seating and sheer curtains. You can think of a contemporary ambiance of a gentleman’s club without the sleaze. Sip on the afternoon tea with ham and cheese croissants and salmon sandwiches with salt beef sliders. Scones come with cheese variety.

The sweet spread here will leave you overwhelmed like lemon cake, cheesecake, opera cake, marshmallow teacakes, macarons and warmed scones served with clotted cream and sharp raspberry conserve. You can also select from a wide variety of high-quality loose tea leaves.

Claridge's

This can be called as the grand queen of afternoon teas located in the luxury foyer inspired by Art-Deco. There is no other service to match up to this one. Expect the menu here to be like no one else’s. The sandwiches spread includes smoked salmon from Seven and Wye smoker, egg sandwiches from Burford Brown and Quickie’s cheddar from Devon. The scones here are served warm with Marco Polo gelee and Cornish clotted cream. The cake selection includes Tainori chocolate mousse, roasted white chocolate éclair and lemon buttermilk cake. The tea here comes from Rare Tea Company.

The Delaunay

It is a classy place without being stuffy with the sound of silver clicking against the china buzzing in the air. It is a perfect place to enjoy any special occasion. When it comes to Afternoon tea here, you will get it with an old fashioned strainer. Savories here include aubergine tapenade open sandwiches and smoked salmon on rye. The sweet treats include superior fruit scones or try the innovative wheat-free poppy seed gugelhopf buns along with apricot jams. It goes perfectly with the spread of sandwich. The serving is also great as it comes with a monogrammed three-tier contraption.

The Den

Though tucked away on the ground floor of St Martin’s Lane Hotel, this wood-paneled reception room features leather sofas, low lighting, backgammon boards and kicking up the ambiance with intriguing artwork. You will not get the usual afternoon tea surrounding here making the place more appealing to the visitors. The mini cake which will come as an accomplishment is simply mouth watering and a treat to the eye as well.

The food spread here is sumptuous including, honey roast ham, freshly baked scones, coconut macarons and lastly, cheddar baked brioche. The booze is also accordingly classy and is perfect to wash down the food. The list includes a selection of fruit laced and classic gin and every one of them has a fun name. It is a creative place giving an innovative twist to traditional meals.

Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum & Mason

This place has an old-school glamor vibe with tea testing lessons with 84 varieties to choose from. Ladies who are looking for a classic afternoon this place is ideal for that. If you want to relinquish the sweet tooth, there is the savory afternoon tea to look forward to. The cheddar cheese scones come with caramelized onion and a variety of delicate bite and finger sandwich. The tea is also a pastel delight with mini lemon tarts and rose-adorned petite éclairs.

The Dorchester

On arriving you will feel like thousands of sweet smelling flowers are bursting all around you spared the fragrance in the air and around you. Let your senses take the road down the garden like feel. The Dorchester specializes in a fine selection of Dalreoch teas produced in Scotland with varieties like white and Garrocher Grey and smoked white.

You will get sandwiches in three preferences of chicken, cucumber and perfectly prepared salmon. Also, try the perfect petite open macarons and chocolate tarts. The scones you will get here are simple or raisins and served with Mirabelle plum preserve and real strawberry jam. It is something more that what meets the eye.