The Lanesborough
If you know your Lapsang from your Ceylon, head to The Lanesborough (lanesborough.com) as it employs Britain's only tea sommelier. Every one of their two dozen teas is carefully sourced at auction (there are tea auctions, who knew?). Your brew will be served in a Russian samovar alongside scones, sandwiches and teacakes. Oh, and if you require gluten or dairy-free afternoon tea they are happy to oblige.
Bea's of Bloomsbury
How much is that cake in the window? The stunning baked goods on show can't help but draw you in to this teeny tiny café in Bloomsbury (beasofbloomsbury.com). If you can find a pew to perch on you can tuck into cupcakes, Belgian Blondies (white-chocolate brownies) and all manner of tarts and cookies. Jing Teas supply the brews so you know it's good. All hail Queen Bea!
National Dining Rooms
Traditional? Check. British? Check. Scones? Check. The National Dining Rooms (thenationaldiningrooms.co.uk) are about as traditionally British as it gets. Simple fare: scones, clotted cream, fig rolls (old school) and raspberry teacakes are served up in a sleek, room with views over Trafalgar Square. Nice.
Brumus
You can have your tea in the blood-red restaurant or a lighter area called The Conservatory. Fitting really. Brumus, situated at the Haymarket Hotel (firmdale.com), let you pick what sort of afternoon tea experience you'd like. From a basic — we doubt it's basic at all — cream tea to the deluxe Champagne tea it caters for all tastes (and wallets). They do a seriously good Lamington too (a traditional Aussie sponge cake).
Nicole's
Fashion and food aren't normally a natural pairing but Nicole's goes some way to changing that. Nicole Farhi's Bond Street (nicolefarhi.com) store has a little café in the basement dedicated to feeding fashionistas macaroons, smoked salmon blinis and open sandwiches. Take in the black and white photography and watch the fash pack gobble cake — bet that feels good.
