Take three: Afternoon teas in London
Want to know the best thing to do in London? Afternoon tea in the capital is one of those must-dos for tourists and city dwellers alike. After all, what's not to like about partaking in that most quintissential of British traditions: taking tea.
Nowadays every decent restaurant and hotel across London offers some sort of afternoon tea so we went on a hunt to find three of the best new offerings for the summer. Grab your friends, take the kids or treat your mum and sample one of these top three tea experiences.
Charlie & the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea at One Aldwych
To celebrate the launch of the West End's newest and most delicious musical - Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, the chic hotel One Aldwych has created an irresistible afternoon tea.
The decadent feast features golden eggs, blueberry brioche and candy floss as well as tarts, smoked salmon sandwiches and pastries for those fearing a sugar overload. A guaranteed hit with the kids, the tea starts from £29.50 per person or £38 with an added glass of champagne or a specially created Cocktail Charlie for the adults. For reservations call 020 7300 1070 or email lobbybar@onealdwych.com.
High Tea in the Pugin Room at the Houses of Parliament
Weekday guided tours of the Houses of Parliament begin again from the 31 July, this time with an added bonus: guests can opt to take tea after the tour in the Pugin Room. Follow the route taken by the Queen at the State Opening of Parliament, through to the Members' Lobby and Commons Chamber before ending in the historic Westminster Hall and rounding off your official state visit with high tea overlooking the Thames. Order (order!) by calling 0844 847 1672.
Afternoon tea will run as an optional extra on Saturdays between 1 June - 24 August and Thursdays and Fridays from 1-23 August. The tour costs £16.50 for adults and £14 concessions with afternoon tea £19.95 extra.
The height of high tea at Paramount, Centre Point
Centre Point has taken the idea of "high tea" to a whole new level this summer with the launch of its highest teas in London, being served at the top floor Paramount Restaurant. The restaurant is 32 floors up and comes with some pretty spectacular views of London as well as some delectable morsels from Paramount's new head chef Mark Kay, who previously worked at the Michelin-starred restaurants Chez Bruce and Wild Honey. There's a standard high tea on offer priced at £28 or a champagne version for £42. Reservations can be made through Paramount's website paramount.uk.net.
If all this talk of of high tea has made you hungry and a sandwich and mini cake won't cover it, have a look at our gallery of London's best restaurants for some inspiration.
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