Afternoon Tea
Perhaps more than anywhere else, London is synonymous with Afternoon Tea. No visit to the Capital is complete without indulging in the Great British tradition. Going out for Afternoon Tea in London is a favorite pastime for visitors to the capital city. Whether it’s your first trip to London or your fiftieth, Afternoon Tea is always a good idea. Restaurants and tearooms are often changing up their offerings, so there’s always something new to sample, and there are also the tried and true classic Afternoon Tea spots to return to again and again.
The name of this meal does not actually refer to the hot beverage, though that’s usually served as part of it. Instead, it refers to ‘teatime’, an old-fashioned meal eaten in the late afternoon or early evening. This light meal consists of tea, cakes, biscuits, several pastries, bread and jam, and sometimes, sandwiches.
Afternoon Tea originates from the observance of customs common among wealthy socialites in ancient England. Anna Maria, Duchess of Bedford, invented Afternoon ea, and over time, it has become a less formal meal. In modern times, Afternoon Tea is served by a teahouse or tearoom and is sometimes followed by a few glasses of Champagne. You can also find “fancy” or “High Tea” experiences.
- Where to try: The Beaumont, The Bloomsbury, Theatre Royal Drury Lane
- Price: ranges from £35 to £50
