The place to Tea

Tea in a pot, scones with cream and jam, cucumber sandwiches and dainty cakes...Nothing could be more British than afternoon tea in London.Whether you fancy tea in a classy London hotel or something more informal and wallet-friendly.

I picked for you some of the best afternoon teas in London.

Chic Afternoon Teas

The Ritz

Tea at The Ritz is nothing less than an institution. It has become so popular that there are now five sittings every day at 11.30am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm, 5.30pm and 7.30pm. Booking at least four weeks in advance is essential. Afternoon tea is served in the elegant Palm Court with music by a pianist or a harpist.

The Berkeley

If you're a fan of fashion, head to the Berkeley's Caramel Room for the Prêt-à-Portea tea. The éclairs, cakes and fancies are all inspired by the latest fashion collections, and are served in miniature mouthfuls for the figure-conscious. Madonna, Gwynneth Paltrow and the Beckhams have all been spotted here.

The Dorchester

Afternoon tea is served at 2.30pm and 4.45pm in The Dorchester's famous marble and gilt Promenade. Treat yourself to the Laurent Perrier Rosé Champagne Tea, or enjoy the classic Dorchester Afternoon Tea. For something more substantial, opt for the Dorchester High Tea, which is served until 8pm and is the perfect pre-theatre meal.

Artistic Afternoon Teas

British Museum

The British Museum's Court Restaurant overlooks the magnificent 19th-century Reading Room. The afternoon tea menu features sandwiches, scones and cream, and a selection of pastries. There's also a Champagne Tea, and a Viennese Tea with coffee and traditional Demel chocolate cake.

The Orangery at Kensington Palace

Queen Anne built the idyllic Orangery in the grounds of Kensington Palace in 1705. Stroll through Kensington Gardens and then treat yourself to a delicious afternoon tea. Fresh strawberries and double cream are a seasonal speciality. Try the Tregothnan English Tea, which comes with a glass of English Pinot Noir and a pot of Tregothnan tea. Tea is served between 2.30pm and 5pm. Booking is not necessary.

Camden Arts Centre

Have a look around Camden Arts Centre's free exhibitions and then enjoy tea and cake in the café overlooking the garden. Indulge in delicious pastries and homemade cakes, and select from a range of Italian coffees and natural Numi teas. If the weather is good, you can sit outside in the garden, making this the perfect place for families.

Casual Afternoon Teas

Candy Cakes

The windows of Candy Cakes shops are loaded with amazing colourful cupcakes. Venture inside the cafés in Monmouth Street, Goodge Street or Kingly Court and you can choose from flamboyant cakes like Spider Lovin', Strawberry Sundae, Techno Mouse, Alphabet City and the Chocolate Flyer. Once you've decided on your cake, you can pick from a selection of teas, coffees, smoothies and milkshakes.

Tea

Tea is an ultra-modern tea shop near St Paul's Cathedral, where you can choose from a huge variety of specially sourced and blended teas. Try one of the black teas, oolong teas, green teas, white teas or herbal teas, or opt for one of the super teas, which promise to perk you up or chill you out, depending on your mood. The afternoon tea menu includes sandwiches, freshly-baked fruit scones with jam and cream, and a selection of cakes.

Louis Patisserie

Louis Patisserie in Hampstead is a real institution. Set up in 1963, the patisserie and tea room has retained a traditional feel, with dark wood furniture and comfy leather seats. Tea comes in a teapot with small, floral cups and saucers. There's no afternoon tea menu – you simply choose your cake from an enormous tray packed with éclairs, glazed fruit tarts and sumptuous cakes in all shapes and sizes.

I leave you there and do not forget: take a break, take a Tea break!
Mathilde.