A taste for tea
But before giving you my suggestions on where to get the best tea afternoon, here's bit of history. The British are the second largest tea consumers in the world. The popularity of tea, dates back to the 19th century when India was part of the British Empire.
British interests controlled tea production in the subcontinent. As tea became popular throughout the UK, people started to have tea afternoon.
Today, tea breaks are an essential part of daily London life and some employers generally allow this time-out from the work and sometimes biscuits are served.
Where to go
If you are looking for traditional afternoon tea, the Orangery is definitely the best place to go. Steaming tea are served in delicate white porcelain cup, and is accompanied by delicious cakes.
Situated in the heart of Kensington Garden, the Orangery is housed in a magnificient building designed for the Queen Anne in 1704. It's a great place for an intimate gathering. The Orangery, Kensington Palace, Kensington Gardens, London, W8 4PX
Another place to go to is Laduree at Harrods. This tea shop is quite expensive but worth it.
Originally a Parisian tea salon, the place has been done up to look like the Sistine Chapel and the Garnier Opera.
In Gallic tradition, tea the Laduree is served with Macaroons - small round cakes that are crispy on the outside and smooth and soft on the inside. Laduree, Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Road, London, SW1X 7XL
Those looking for a spot of art to liven up their afternoon tea should head to The Court Restaurant at the British Museum. The great modern decore and the curved glass roof above are an added bonus.
Since the tea room is situated on the top floor of the British Museum, it offers stunning views of London, which can be enjoyed over tea served with salty sandwiches and small delectable patisseries. The Court Restaurant, Great Russell Street, London, WC1B 3D.
Tom's is the best place to go when you want to gather with some pals for a good natter. It’s a charming coffee shop owned by the son of Terence Conran. You will love the doll’s house atmosphere of this charming place with its half floor on the top and half floor down.
Accompaning the tea are sumptuous puddings and delicious fairy cakes. Tom's, 226 Westbourne Grove Notting Hill, London, W11 2RH, Tel: 020 7221 8818.
If you’re looking for a complete change of scene, head for Kemia Bar and its 1001 nights setting. With its North African-themed interiors and exotic furnishings the place evokes the feel of a Moroccan hookah bar.
The tea is served in the traditional coloured glasses accompanied by authentic Moroccan pastries cooked with almonds and honey. Gilt-edged lanterns light up the place to create a Middle-East atmosphere and lots of cushions and original furnishings.
Here at the Kemia Bar you can buy anything from babouches and kaftans to original North African antiques and authentic Moroccan pastries. Kemia Bar, 25 Heddon Street , Mayfair, London, W1B 4BH, Tel: 020 7434 4040.
