There are few things more quintessentially British than an afternoon tea, full of dainty delicacies and tasty treats. In honour of National Afternoon Tea Week, we are offering a small ‘slice’ of inspiration from our membership to those looking to quench their thirst on a warm summer’s day.
The Wallace Restaurant, Wallace Collection
The Wallace Restaurant is located within the beautiful Wallace Collection gallery on Manchester Square, considered to be one of the best collections of fine arts including paintings, porcelain and furnishings in the UK. The restaurant proudly boasts a space that combines al fresco dining in a delightful setting, dotted with trees and sculptures and flooded with natural light. Afternoon Tea features a classic Cornish Cream Tea, with a selection of finger sandwiches, homemade scones and a medley of delicious cakes.
Water’s Edge Café, London Wetland Centre
London Wetland Centre’s big-windowed modern café comes with gorgeous views of their Caribbean flamingos. There’s space for everyone – friends, families, groups – and freshly prepared hot and cold food to tickle all taste buds. Grab a coffee and cake or sit-down with a meal – this is hearty, wholesome refreshment, open all day long. Make the most of your afternoon and relax with a homemade scone, smothered in fresh cream and delicious jam, served with your choice of Fairtrade tea or coffee.
Café in the Crypt, St. Martin-In-The-Field
Les Routiers Café of the Year 2012, the Café in the Crypt is the ideal spot for affordable dining in central London. Londoners and visitors from around the world return again and again to take in the striking atmosphere and enjoy the freshly prepared food. This central London café is the perfect place to escape from a busy day out in the capital. Whether taking a break from the office or the tourist trail, the Café’s location in the heart of Trafalgar Square makes it easy to find and its new glass pavilion entrance is fully accessible. Once inside the Crypt there is a warm welcome awaiting you, with beautiful 18th century architecture, brick-vaulted ceilings, historic tombstones beneath your feet and delicious home-cooked food to feast your eyes and stomach on.
The Orangery, Kensington Palace
Surrounded by beautiful formal gardens in the grounds of Kensington Palace, rests The Orangery, a relaxed and elegant setting for breakfast or lunch and the only royal palace in London where you can enjoy a traditional afternoon tea. The Orangery was once the setting for Queen Anne’s sophisticated court entertainment and its soaring ceilings and classical 18th century architecture are a magnificent backdrop for the restaurant’s simple and honest menu of delicious English dishes.
To say that tea is important to the British is an understatement. But once you have the finest leaves and the most delicate sandwiches, for the definitive tea experience you need a stunning location. Welcome to the Even Keel cafe. While Cutty Sark's days of racing across the oceans to get the finest and freshest teas back to London may be over, the tradition continues under its copper hull of bringing the finest tea experience to Londoners and our visitors. For a real treat, book afternoon tea in advance - the silver package at £22.95 includes homemade scones, cakes and sandwiches, along with a pot of Cutty Sark tea and entry to the ship. Or why not make it even more indulgent with the new gold package at £27.95 which includes a glass of prosecco?