Mayfair, Afternoon Tea Restaurant Guide

“The gold standard” for afternoon tea – this “exquisite room” (“a unique feature of the experience”) “is a well-known institution for a reason!”. “I’ve been to more afternoon teas than I can count, and the majority are trying to emulate the Ritz experience”. “Book ahead (months ahead, it is notoriously difficult to get a table!) and accept that it’s expensive and that it has a dress code. But it’s well worth it. A fantastic treat with flawless service and a wonderful, refined, atmosphere. British culture at its best!”

“We’ve tried other places (including The Ritz) for afternoon tea, but come back here”. This “iconic hotel” in the heart of Mayfair combines “art deco elegance with warm scones and piano music”, and “because its tea is served in the hotel foyer, there’s just the right amount of background activity for a near-perfect, tea-time experience”. Also there’s a “fabulous breakfast here: ideal for a visiting Aussie or American uncle, with everything from the kippers to the perfect salmon and scrambled egg”.

“Always buzzing whatever the time of day”: Corbin & King’s “magnificent” Grand Café near The Ritz remains a linchpin of metropolitan life; the capital’s No. 1 venue for a business meal – especially breakfast; and “a must-visit” for anyone getting to know London. “The space always impresses” – a converted Edwardian car-showroom that provides a “uniquely London” take on a “vast Belle-Époch-style brasserie”. It has “the right cosmopolitan feel” to lend an air of sophistication to any meal, plus “familiar faces from media and TV” to inject further excitement. “There’s a huge menu, so you’ll always find something you fancy”, but while its “retro”, “comfort” cuisine (with a Mittel-European twist) is “served with urbane panache”, it is widely acknowledged by regulars that the dishes themselves are “uninspired” and taste “to be honest, average”. But who cares? “It is hard not to love this place”. Top Tip – “A grand setting for a quintessential and well-priced afternoon tea experience”.

“Impeccable in every way: from the quietly unintrusive pianist in the background, to the service…” – this plush Mayfair hotel lounge is an orgy of opulent soft furnishings with a spoiling afternoon tea to match (plus other luxury bites from breakfast on); “not cheap”, say fans, “but actually worth every penny”.

Located next to the flagship retail store, this is fashion mogul Ralph Lauren's take on dining - a 36-seat cafe and bar inspired by the legendary Polo Bar in Manhattan. It opens for breakfast and closes in the early evening (but not so early you can't get a cocktail first!)