Harden's survey result
Summary
“Nowhere compares to the exquisite setting and experience of Fortnum & Mason high tea”, according to fans of the “delicious sandwiches (made with interesting breads), excellent selection of teas and best-ever drinking chocolate” graciously served on the third floor of The Queen’s favourite grocer. “A lovely place for a special occasion – it’s become very expensive, but this doesn’t seem to dent the enthusiasm of the hordes of family groups, ladies-who-lunch and tourists!”. “It can be a bit too much food, but they offer you a doggy bag of the uneaten cakes, jam, scones…”
Summary
For “a quintessential afternoon tea” in the heart of the West End, the “delightfully traditional” third-floor chamber of Piccadilly’s world-famous grocer slugs it out with the nearby Ritz (and to a lesser extent The Wolseley) as London’s best-known destination. Naturally “it’s a tourist trap, but not overwhelmingly so”, and – although some reporters feel “there is better elsewhere for a fraction of the cost” – the majority view remains that the “non-stop sandwiches and delicious cakes-with-a-twist” are “still special” here (there are also “lots of savoury and dairy free options”). “The choice of teas is extensive too, and you can sample different ones throughout the afternoon”. “You will not need an evening meal…”. Top Tip – “the scones are a piece of heaven: fresh, fluffy and warm with a dusting of sugar alongside their own dream-come-true jams”.
Summary
“The best selection of teas in town” and “exceptional, endlessly refreshed platters” of sandwiches and cakes help establish this “stylish and beautiful” chamber on the third floor of the famous St James’s grocery store as “a wonderful spot for a special celebration afternoon tea”.
Summary
“I didn’t think posh afternoon tea would be my thing, but I was bowled over!” – Fortnum’s “light” and “elegant” third-floor salon is a relatively new addition to the store, with cake trollies and “light and fluffy scones” à gogo; it’s pricey though, and critics say “the big hotels do it better”.
Owner's description
The Tea Salon
SERVING TEA SINCE 1926
Our Tea Salon has been a great many of things for over 307 years. Beginning as an apartment for the Fortnum family, an interior decorating department in the 1920s and 1930s, and an antiques department and a restaurant known as St. James’s, it now pays homage to the timeless tradition of Afternoon Tea.
Epitomising the sophistication of Afternoon and High Tea in all its splendour, our Diamond Jubilee was named in honour of Her Majesty’s visit in 2012, when she formally opened the room, in the company of their Royal Highnesses the Duchess of Cornwall and the Duchess of Cambridge.
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Always | £55.00 |  |
 |
|
| Cost | Availability | Courses | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Menu1 | Always Available |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £29.50 |
| Filter Coffee | £2.95 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 12.50% |
Restaurant details
Fortnum & Mason, The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon Restaurant Diner Reviews
"A very nice and extremely filling afternoon tea, perfect with the parents. Options for everyone and their famous tea."
181 Piccadilly, London, W1A 1ER
Opening hours
| Monday | 11:30 am-7 pm |
| Tuesday | 11:30 am-7 pm |
| Wednesday | 11:30 am-7 pm |
| Thursday | 11:30 am-7 pm |
| Friday | 11 am-7 pm |
| Saturday | 11 am-7 pm |
| Sunday | 11:30 am-5:45 pm |
