There is just the hint of a chill in the air in London, meaning it's time to begin thinking about a hot cup of tea in the afternoon. Here's an assortment of new and old places to choose from:
Nicole’s: This restaurant in a fashion store has launched a new miniature afternoon tea (£16.50; £26 with a glass of champagne). Several other à la carte items are on the menu, including a "Saintly Option" (£6.95) – a gluten-free and 97% fat-free chocolate cake served with goji berries and pu-erh tea, reputed to be a thermogenic, which raises one’s metabolism to burn calories faster. Of course, there are also traditional scones (£3.95) available as well as lemon-and-ricotta fritters with chocolate sauce (£3.25). Tea is served from 3:30–6 PM (020-7499 8408).
Just St. James: Recently reopened after a makeover, the restaurant now offers all-day dining options in addition to lunch and dinner, including breakfast and afternoon tea. Add a glass of bubbly to the Royal Afternoon Tea and it's called the Veuve Clicquot Tea. Or for a smaller appetite, there's the St. James Cream Tea (020-7976 2222).
Sketch: You can also drop into The Parlour at Sketch (downstairs from The Gallery and the Lecture Room & Library) and do a little simultaneous WiFi web-surfing. Choose from Cream Tea (£9.50), Afternoon Tea (£19.50) or Champagne Afternoon Tea (£30); there is also an assortment of special teas selected by Pierre Gagnaire (9 Conduit St., W1; 020-7659 4500).
Of course, there are always the elegant hotel options such as the Pret-a-Portea served at The Berkeley – very timely since London’s Fashion Week comes to a close tomorrow. Tea is £35 per person (with an optional champagne supplement) and served from 1–6 PM (020-7201 1619).
The other legendary hotel tea is served at The Ritz. Just remember you need to book about six weeks in advance to avoid disappointment and follow the dress code of jacket and tie for men (£37 per person; £48 includes a glass of champagne; 877-748-9536).
A more unusual option is to be launched on Saturday at the famous perfumer
Miller Harris in Mayfair. While not a restaurant, owner Lyn Harris has carved out a lovely corner for a tea salon within the shop and has created a range of teas based on the natural essences used in her fragrances: The Bergamot, The Petales and The Fume (21 Bruton St., W1; 020-7221 1545).
Finally, if you're still looking for more options, check out the top tea service (exclusive of hotels) list in Zagat's new 2009 London Restaurants guide: Yauatcha, La Fromagerié, Ladurée, The Wolseley and Sotheby’s Café.
– Susan Kessler