Afternoon tea in London is a simple and special pleasure.

Visitors to London may be under the impression from books and movies that the entire city sits down to afternoon tea at 3 or 4 PM every day, but the truth is that afternoon tea has become more of a special and rare event for Londoners as well.

Most people are not able to drop everything in the middle of the workday and spend several hours partaking in a nice leisurely afternoon tea. This is indeed a pity because afternoon tea is surely one of the most civilized and delightful meals around.

The tradition of afternoon tea dates back to the early 19th century. At that time most people ate only two meals a day, breakfast and a late dinner at 8 or 9 PM.

The story goes that Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford was experiencing a “sinking feeling” in the afternoons and began taking tea with bread and butter in her rooms to revive herself. She began to invite friends to join her and as the trend caught on with the nobility, the meal became more elaborate, including little sandwiches and cakes.

One of the best places to enjoy afternoon tea is at one of London’s grand old hotels.

Claridge’s, The Ritz, The Dorchester, Brown’s Hotel, The Berkeley, The Connaught, The Lanesborough, and the Palm Court at The Langham all put on a tremendous afternoon tea that will leave you well fed and well pleased.

The name Fortnum and Mason is synonymous with tea and as you might expect, the afternoon tea served in their restaurant is just smashing.

If traditional teatime is not to your taste, perhaps the Men’s Afternoon Tea at The Mandeville, the eclectic tea ceremony at TeaSmith, or an Asian-Latino tea at Asia de Cuba will be to your liking.

Afternoon tea in London is a civilized and relaxing way to spend a few hours; you are sure to emerge refreshed and ready to face the evening's activities.

Taking afternoon tea at Asia de Cuba is sure to appeal to those looking for something out of the ordinary.

At The Berkeley, the tea cakes are simply works of art.

At Brown's Hotel, take your tea where Rudyard Kipling did.

Afternoon tea at Claridge’s is an elegant but low-key event; you are sure to enjoy their friendly and attentive service.

Afternoon tea at The Connaught is a great opportunity to relax and watch bustling Mayfair pass by you.

For a traditional but stylish afternoon tea, look no further than The Dorchester.

At The Lanesborough tradition lives on with their award-winning afternoon teas that will suit any taste.

The Men’s Afternoon Tea at The Mandeville is a clever and ingenious way to help men enjoy teatime as much as women do.

If you want to try tea at Palm Court, reviews say it is one of the best places to take your afternoon tea in London.

Enjoy afternoon tea at The Ritz; they even have a resident pianist to entertain you.

At Fortnum and Mason, tea is king and afternoon tea at their St. James’s Restaurant is a wonderful treat for all the senses.

A trip to TeaSmith will answer many of your questions about this curious beverage and how best to prepare it.

Photo courtesy: yisris

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