Fortnum and Mason tea is known the world over as some of the very best there is.

They have been in the tea business for more than 300 years, and were the original London tea house. Those many years of experience means that they really know how to serve up a proper afternoon tea.

Afternoon tea at Fortnum and Masons is served in the St. James’s Restaurant on the fourth floor of the store. It is decorated in a tasteful and elegant Georgian style and has magnificent views overlooking Piccadilly.

Afternoon tea at St. James’s Restaurant attracts a more eclectic and varied crowd than some of the other well known tea spots; there is nothing pretentious or stuffy about this afternoon tea.

As befits a store so famous for their teas, the St. James’s Restaurant offers a Classic Afternoon Tea and an Estate Afternoon Tea. The differences between these menus are the teas that are available.

On the Classic Menu, teas are grouped as being stronger, lighter, or aromatic teas and cake selections have been carefully chosen to accompany the different kinds.

On the Estate Menu, you are given the choice of three kinds of special estate teas; Yunnan Flowery Orange Pekoe from China, Goomtee First Flush from India, and Uda Radella BOP from Sri Lanka.

Finger sandwiches accompany the tea, as do scones with Devonshire cream and your choice of several Fortnum and Mason preserves. Of course, a variety of cakes and pastries round out your afternoon tea in a very pleasant way.

The restaurant also offers a Fortnum’s High Tea which substitutes finger sandwiches with canapés and a more substantial entrée such as Welsh rarebit, Shepherd’s Pie, or Blue Cheese and Fig Tart.

The restaurant offers a variety of special dietary menus at afternoon tea. Vegetarian, Vegan, Diabetic, Gluten-Free, and Dairy or Egg Allergy menus are all available.

Fortnum and Mason tea is the best, and their afternoon teas are right up there as well.

Address: Fortnum and Mason, 181 Piccadilly, W1A 1ER

Phone: 020 7734 8040

Time: Mon to Sat 3pm-5.30pm

Price: Afternoon Tea £22 - £30 per person | High Tea £24 - £32 per person

Dress Code: None

Nearest Station: Piccadilly Circus Tube

Photo courtesy: yisris

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