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 Hotel 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 (pictured) is just smashing.

If traditional teatime is not to your taste, perhaps the Men’s Afternoon Tea at the Mandeville Hotel, 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.

For a magical and utterly English experience, try afternoon tea at Claridge's.

The Connaught is like a lovely English Country House that welcomes you in for a traditional English afternoon tea.

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 Palm Court at the Langham Hotel is perhaps the pinnacle of the afternoon tea experience; those looking for traditional British elegance at teatime should absolutely stop here.

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

Enjoy afternoon tea in London 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.

The Tea Palace has made it their mission to educate their clientele about the wide range of tea varieties and to elevate the palate of London tea lovers.

TeaSmith in Spitalfields is a good place for those looking to learn more about the world of tea and to experience an afternoon tea in London that is decidedly non-traditional.

Photo courtesy: TummyRumble

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