Mayfair, Afternoon Tea Restaurant Guide

2023 Review: “A great change to the ghastly chains” – Victoria & Grace Sheppard’s elegant, “friendly” café is tipped for its “terrific coffee”, as well as a quiet bite or their ‘bottomless brunch’.

For an “exquisite afternoon tea” in the archetypal English mould, the “relaxing” wood-panelled lounge of this elegant but unflashy Mayfair hotel is “just lovely” and perennially ranks alongside more famous names like the Ritz down the road in the eyes of its fanclub. The hotel dates from 1837 and counts Queen Victoria and Agatha Christie as former patrons.

“Gorgeous Art Deco décor”, “super-reliable professional service” and “endless refills of sandwiches and scones” are just the ingredients required for a “perfect, slow afternoon tea” that is one of the capital’s top treats in that department. The Foyer is also a “superb venue” earlier in the day, “guaranteed not to sabotage your breakfast business pitch”. Top Tip – “it’s probably a good idea to dress up: it seems to affect where I’m seated!”

“The benchmark to which all others aspire” – this hallowed institution is a “well-oiled operation” and “there’s no better place for afternoon tea”. Dud reports are practically unknown, and by nearly all accounts “everything is flawless”: “you will never leave hungry” as the cake and sarnies just keep on coming; service is “exceptional”; and “the spectacular decor” contributes to “one of the best experiences ever”. “My mother always says a visit here ‘suits me a treat’!”

“A people-watching heaven” – this epic Grand Café near the Ritz is renowned for the “busy” and “buzzy” clatter of its “beautiful”, “high ceilinged” dining room and remains many a sophisticated Londoner’s “gold standard for business”; particularly early morning over one of its “legendary breakfasts” (it’s “a perfect way to start the day, with a client, a friend, or quietly in the corner with a newspaper”). However, its gigantic popularity has been won despite it being “nothing fancy in the food department”; and its broad menu of “traditional comfort food” has always been “tasty and well-presented… but formulaic”. Drama ensued in 2022, when its founders Corbin & King were ousted in a boardroom battle. But even those who feel the place has perhaps “lost a little bit of sparkle since the management shake-up” acknowledge that “on the ground, very little has changed”. Top Tip – also good for “a classic afternoon tea. Delicious finger sandwiches and plain and sultana scones and a selection of macarons and small cakes. It’s not a fancy themed afternoon tea as is all the rage, but all the better for that. You can order more sandwiches!”