Harden's says
Opening November 2024 and replacing the former Thames Foyer, this grand atrium, now refurbished with a new central walkway, is the setting for the Savoy's classic afternoon tea but also hosts drinks, nibbles and full meals at other times of the day and night. If it's just scones you're after, the new dedicated space Scoff offers them to eat in (with a hot drink) or take home.
Harden's survey result
Summary
“A special location for afternoon tea!” – the “beautiful” foyer of this celebrated hotel serves one of “the best teas in London”, which fans say is “as good as it gets”: “not too formal”, with “service that’s up-to-standard but not too stuffy” and “limitless sandwiches” amongst the “lovely and plentiful food, with no problems replenishing”. In August 2024, the site closed to relaunch in November 2024 – renamed from its former ‘Thames Foyer’ branding to this new moniker, with a new look and a new menu of ‘traditional recipes with a modern twist’ (which will maintain the ‘legendary afternoon tea’). Though likely a case of ‘plus ça change’, we’ve removed ratings for the time being.
Summary
“Is there a better way to spend the afternoon?”, query fans of the “beautiful” foyer of this famous hotel – “a wonderful room with the piano playing and where the sandwiches just keep coming!” Supporters say “nothing can compare to the high level of cakes” and that service is “above par” too. Ratings are capped, though, by one or two more cautious reports, from those who “were expecting more of the tea” (too weak) and/or the victuals. When it comes to the music, there’s also some debate – “I hated the Disney tunes being played on the piano, although admittedly I was tempted to stand and join in when it moved on to Les Mis!”
Summary
The “typically English afternoon tea”, “beautifully presented by polished staff” in the elegant foyer of this landmark hotel, is “everything you want it to be” – “and the little extras, such as the pianist, make it a real treat”. “I’ve had a lot of afternoon teas and this one is second to none!”
Summary
“Amazing liveried service and beautiful setting” help captivate fans of this elegant, light-filled foyer space, set beneath a glass dome, and whose interior gazebo and pianist further up the tone. “No matter how many sandwiches they give you… it’s not enough!”
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at The Savoy Hotel, Savoy Lounge?
The Strand, London, WC2R 0ER
Restaurant details
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Always | £0.00 |  |
|
|
Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Veggies | Pudding |
|---|---|---|---|
| £36.00 | £20.50 | £18.00 | £0.00 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £40.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £6.00 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 15.00% |
The Strand, London, WC2R 0ER
Opening hours
| Monday | 7 am‑11.00, 1230‑7 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am‑11.00, 1230‑7 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am‑11.00, 1230‑7 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am‑11.00, 1230‑7 pm |
| Friday | 7 am‑11.00, 1230‑7 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am‑11.00, 1230‑7 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am‑11.00, 1230‑7 pm |
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