Imagine ... you walk into the grand lobby of The Ritz, greeted by the soft tinkling of a piano and the gentle hum of afternoon chatter. You are led through a stunning, chandelier-lit room to a beautifully laid table, adorned with fine china and a three-tiered stand bursting with delicate sandwiches, scones, and exquisite pastries. This is the epitome of British tradition - afternoon tea.
Coming from Italy, where coffee culture reigns supreme and the idea of a structured afternoon tea is virtually unknown, this ritual has fascinated me. Over time, I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing it in some of London’s finest establishments, from the timeless elegance of The Ritz and The Landmark to the modern sophistication of The Shard. I’ve even heard about some incredibly creative interpretations, like in Dubai, where afternoon tea is presented in a bee-themed jewellery box.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Afternoon Tea
Do: Dress the Part
Most high-end venues have a dress code, typically smart casual or formal, and sometimes specific dress codes are mandatory. A tea dress, blouse and skirt, or a smart suit will always fit the occasion. For gentlemen, a blazer with a crisp shirt is a safe choice. However, when I went to The Shard in London, I noticed plenty of people wearing trainers! So while the website may list strict guidelines, in practice, they may not always be rigidly enforced. That said, you don’t want to be excluded from such an experience, so it’s best to conform to the rules just to be safe.
Don’t: Be Late
Afternoon tea is a timed affair, often lasting around 90 minutes to two hours. Many venues operate on a strict schedule, so arriving on time ensures you get the full experience without feeling rushed.
Do: Follow Proper Table Manners
Once seated, napkin placement is key - unfold it and place it neatly on your lap. When you sip your tea, hold the cup by the handle, and despite popular belief, avoid sticking your pinky out! It’s a common misconception and not considered good etiquette.
Don’t: Clink Your Spoon Against the Cup
When stirring your tea, move the spoon gently back and forth without creating a swirling motion or clinking against the delicate china. Once finished, place the spoon on the saucer rather than leaving it in the cup.
Do: Eat in the Correct Order
Afternoon tea is traditionally served in three tiers: savouries (like finger sandwiches and quiches) on the bottom, scones in the middle, and pastries on the top. The proper way to enjoy this is to start at the bottom and work your way up.
Don’t: Eat a Scone Like a Sandwich
One of the biggest faux pas you can commit is biting into a scone as if it were a sandwich. Instead, break it in half using your hands and apply clotted cream and jam with a knife. Whether you put the jam or cream first depends on regional preference - Devon puts cream first, Cornwall prefers jam first—but either way, no one should be spreading both halves together and then sandwiching them!
Do: Engage Politely with the Staff
The service at afternoon tea establishments is usually impeccable, but a polite and friendly attitude goes a long way. If you have dietary requirements or specific requests, don’t hesitate to ask—but do so graciously.
Don’t: Rush the Experience
Afternoon tea is meant to be a leisurely affair. Savour each bite, sip your tea slowly, and enjoy the ambiance. It’s an opportunity to relax and indulge in the surroundings.
Can You Take Leftovers Home?
You might think that finishing all the food and drinks on offer would be easy, but that’s not the case - at least, I found it to be quite filling! At The Ritz, for example, you can get an unlimited supply of drinks, sandwiches, scones, and more. However, I personally struggled to finish everything on offer. In the end, I did manage, but I quickly learned my lesson: do not eat anything before an afternoon tea!
As for leftovers, it depends on the venue. Some high-end places discourage or even prohibit takeaways due to the nature of the experience and food freshness. However, many establishments are happy to provide a takeaway box for any unfinished pastries or treats. It’s always best to ask politely - some places may even pack it for you beautifully.
As for leftovers, it depends on the venue. Some high-end places discourage or even prohibit takeaways due to the nature of the experience and food freshness. However, many establishments are happy to provide a takeaway box for any unfinished pastries or treats. It’s always best to ask politely - some places may even pack it for you beautifully.
The Art of Tea Selection
A traditional afternoon tea comes with an extensive menu of teas, from classic Earl Grey and Darjeeling to more exotic blends. Some places, like The Ritz, even have dedicated tea sommeliers to help you choose. If unsure, opt for a classic English Breakfast or a floral infusion, but don’t be afraid to try something new.
How Much Should You Expect to Pay?
Prices for afternoon tea can vary dramatically. At high-end hotels like The Ritz or Claridge’s, expect to pay around £70-90 per person. At more contemporary spots, such as Sketch or The Shard, the price can be similar, but the experience may be more modern and artistic. More budget-friendly options exist too, with some lovely tea rooms offering a full spread for around £30-50.
Creativity in Afternoon Tea Presentations
One of the joys of experiencing afternoon tea in different places is seeing how each venue adds its own creative twist. The Landmark Hotel serves its tea in a breathtaking glass atrium, making you feel as though you’re in an indoor garden. Sketch takes a more avant-garde approach, with its iconic pink velvet chairs and quirky, modern presentation.
At The Shard, I had the pleasure of experiencing a Peter Pan-themed afternoon tea, which was nothing short of magical. When the tea was served, a mist of steam rose from the table, adding a theatrical effect that made the entire experience feel like stepping into a fairytale. The attention to detail was impeccable, from the themed pastries to the whimsical presentation.
Dubai takes it to another level - one afternoon tea I heard about (Social Bee at Hilton The Palm) is presented in a luxurious bee-themed box, each drawer revealing a new layer of treats, almost like opening a set of fine jewellery. I haven’t experienced this one personally, but from the video I watched, it looked incredibly unique and enchanting. You can check it out here.
A Thoughtful Gift Idea
Afternoon tea isn’t just a treat for yourself - it’s also the perfect gift for someone special. If you’ve recently accomplished something significant and want to reward yourself, or if you know someone who already has everything and you’re struggling to find a meaningful present, gifting them an afternoon tea experience is a wonderful idea. It’s a luxurious, unforgettable moment that they’ll cherish. Plus, it’s a fantastic opportunity to take some beautiful pictures to capture the memory.
Final Thoughts
Afternoon tea is more than just food and drink - it’s an experience, a ritual, a moment to pause and indulge in the finer things. Whether you’re enjoying it in a historic London hotel or a modern skyscraper with panoramic views, following proper etiquette ensures you get the most out of it.
So next time you find yourself in Britain (or even in an international destination that has embraced this tradition), why not take a moment, sip your tea, and enjoy the refined beauty of afternoon tea done right?
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