Time for Tea in London? Top Hotels Show How It’s Made to Perfection

With the same tea leaves and the same teapot, tea will still taste different using different water.

Afternoon tea at the London Ritz might include freshly baked scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam, traditional dainty crustless sandwiches, cakes and pastries, and of course the storied beverage itself. Julie Mayfeng/Dreamstime/TNS

By George Hobica From Tribune News Service

Afternoon tea in London—whether at a posh hotel such as the Ritz or the Savoy or in a department store like Harrods or Fortnum & Mason—is a special occasion treat for visitors and locals alike. It’s not an inexpensive affair, as you’ll be sitting in elegant surroundings, perhaps dressed up a bit. The freshly baked scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam, the traditional dainty crustless sandwiches, the cakes and pastries are so popular at some venues that you'll need to book well in advance.