The tradition of high tea, or simply just tea time, throughout England, is really a strong one. It's one which continues to be ongoing for hundreds of years and clearly has no intentions of disappearing, at least, so far as tea houses and those who frequent options are concerned. While some might associate this with a high or regal privilege, that it is something which can be enjoyed very easily, especially during a first-time trip to London.
And, furthermore, it is something that absolutely should be enjoyed, if only for that comfort and tranquility it brings. When visiting London, here's a guide on how to enjoy tea time, as well as how to locate the very best tea houses within the city.
How you can Enjoy Tea Time
For many, having a traditional British tea time is one thing which has been on their bucket lists for quite a while. It isn't unusual for any traveler to want to experience something that's so seemingly foreign; sure, a lot of us have teapots at home, but how many of us have actually experienced a proper tea hour? In the end, it isn't every single day that certain has the opportunity to take a seat having a cup of English breakfast and two-bite sandwiches or tiny pastries. According to NPR, it's asserted high tea began using the duchess of Bedford, Anna Maria Russell. The storyline goes that the duchess began feeling hungry between your hours of lunch – 12 PM – and dinner, which was at 7 PM. Thus, small tea cakes and snacks were sent as much as her room together with tea, and it became a daily tradition. Once the tradition made its way around the royal social circles, there is virtually no stopping it: High tea had been born.
Here would be the basics:
- High tea is enjoyed between 3 PM to 4 PM in the afternoon – it's meant as a small treat – or a precursor – to dinner later on.
- Tea time may include any small treat including finger sandwiches, scones, muffins, or biscuits (cookies for those outside the U.K.).
- Rather than a formal tea, high tea was originally meant for those who work in the center and lower classes – the 'formal' pressure was off, and it was made for the working class following a lunchless workday.
- When visiting London, don't refer to it as high tea lest one really wants to hand out their American origins – it's simply called 'afternoon tea.'
- Avoid attempting to keep one's pinky held out because this is another dead giveaway.
- Instead of feeling formal, bear in mind that afternoon teas are intended to be a relaxing part of the day, not just one that's stuffy and entirely proper (it doesn't mean forgetting one's manners, though).
Top Tea Houses In London
There are lots of tea houses throughout England as well as in London, specifically. This means that choosing it's possible to feel overwhelming, but visitors can start with these highly-regarded destinations, first.
Traditional: Afternoon Tea At The Ritz
For those who desire a taste of the traditional while visiting London, tea time in the Ritz is really a must-do. Not just is Palm Court absolutely classic in the simple, yet elegant, decor, however this hotel is well-versed in its traditional practices. A variety of sandwiches and scones are available (and are unlimited) plus a number of truly delectable pastries. For those seeking extra sweet comfort, small plates can be ordered in the trolley that makes the rounds.
- Price: Starting at lb55 per person, lb35 per child
- Hours: 11:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Tea & A London Tour: B Bakery Bus Tour
Not every tea time needs to be traditional and the charter bus and tours offered by B Bakery certainly aren't – but they are certainly entertaining. These bus tours of London combine elegance and excitement using their onboard tea time while chauffeuring tour-takers around London's most historic locations. There also exist plenty of choices for tea and treats, including mini pastrami burgers, traditional finger sandwiches, homemade tarts, cakes, and cupcakes.
- Price: Starting at lb45 (Peppa Pig kid's tours can be found, as well as Gin Lovers tours for adults)
- Hours: 12 PM – 5 PM
Chic & Dietary-Friendly: The Gallery At Sketch
This unique space gives the vibe of part art gallery, part tea room, which makes it an excellent space for downtime. The treats served with afternoon tea already are exquisite and feature a stylish twist, however the Gallery also offers an allergen-free patisserie menu, as well. This menu includes options for those people who are gluten-free vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, gelatine-free, or might have allergies to nuts or dairy.
- Price: Starting at lb59 per person, lb73 with champagne
- Hours: 11:30 AM – 4 PM
Traditional Bonus: The Bar & Lounge In the Goring
The Goring Hotel is opulent by itself, and it is afternoon tea is no exception to the excellence. Served in the lounge, this is the type of tea room that visitors will want to put a little more effort to their outfits for. With traditional finger sandwiches (crustless, no less!), scones, and silent refills of steaming hot tea, there's nothing that the local or visitor wouldn't love relating to this tea room.
- Price: Starting at lb50 per person
- Hours: Monday – Friday 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM, Saturday 1 PM – 4:30 PM, Sunday 1 PM – 4 PM
