London’s Top Tea
There are few things I love more than Tea and that is London, so both combined I must rank my favorite teas. I am no expert, but I have been to a silly amount of Tea’s and while I don’t think there is a single “bad” tea in London, some are far better than others.
The best Tea’s in London are Fortnum and Mason and Harrods
The best all around tea experience
Fortnum and Mason, the official tea provider of the Queen since 1701 is a historic landmark, yet fresh and elegant. The tea service has everything you want in a classic tea in a beautiful light room on the top floor of the Piccadilly Location. The extensive in house blends of tea can not be topped. And the classic coronation chicken is addicting. Even if you don’t have time for tea you MUST visit the Piccadilly location for Tea, Coffee, Candy and all your afternoon goodies. You could spend hours exploring the building, my absolute favorite skin care was purchased on their third floor, and they even have a bakeware shop with gorgeous china that have unique designs such as their Alice in Wonderland Collaboration and every day cooking/baking tools. I have frequently stopped for a light dinner before a west end show on their basement level that has fresh pasta, beautiful salads, and all the garment picnic basket items you could possibly wish for.
The best vegan tea and music
We all know Harrods for it’s luxury, old guard shopping experience, and it’s tea room does not disappoint. Harrods has a beautiful tea room and the best live piano versions of modern day music (a la Bridgeton). The staff was beyond friendly, happy to bring you many different options, and accommodate your preferences. We had both the vegan and normal teas… and surprisingly the vegan was my favorite. Using seasonal veggies this was the first vegan tea experience I was offered and I loved it. Overall both the normal and vegan tea’s were a perfect experience.
These are my favorites, but I have some thoughts regarding places it’s okay if you miss…
While you may be tempted to get tea at Sketch because of their unique bathrooms and interesting decor, it’s not a must. They had a live ballet dancer which was very fun, but there were just too many courses. Near what we thought was the end, we asked for the check and we didn’t realize that we still had another course to go. Tea was over 3 hours long and overall the food was nothing to remember.
Another miss is The Ritz Carlton. Though the Ritz tea room is beautiful, that’s all it is. It feels stuffy and the food is fine, they run it too much like clock work. So, you are in then you’re out.
Lastly, Claridge’s is nice, but thats all it is. I had a great time, the hotel is beyond gorgeous and the tea was enjoyable. I wouldn’t tell you not to go here, but it’s not my top recommendation.
Again, there are no bad tea’s but Harrods and Fortnum and Mason are the stops to hit!