Tea Time in London

When taking a trip to London, it is expected to engage in tea time. This cultural norm is more than just a casual affair, however. With dozens of elegant tea rooms, it is important to plan early! In fact, many of the more exquisite tea rooms require a reservation at least 6 weeks in advance in order to ensure a spot.

Surrounding the tables of tea shops in this international city, you'll find the celebration of tea very much depends on the home culture of those who stop to enjoy it. While tea time is certainly not only a British tradition, it tends to draw many other international guests to the table.

Interestingly enough, you'll find Japanese photographing the teapot, Americans lost in their guidebooks about tea, and many other cultural traits that stand out when it comes to sipping tea.

London offers more than just a casual tea time, however. There are dozens of places that are not only elegant enough for fine dining; they are somewhat devoted to the serving of tea, the elegance of tea, and the celebration of tea.

In fact, it is recommended that for some of these places, reservations are placed approximately six weeks ahead.

The Ritz, for example, is a classy place that serves tea for approximately $72. What exactly do you get for such a high price?

The Ritz offers a beautifully flowery tea area with golden cupids on the ceiling. The romantic setting includes waiters in swallow-tailed coats with dozens of trays of tea sandwiches and smoked salmon. The baby carrot cake is also a popular among guests.

Another beautiful tea room in London is at the Brown's Hotel. The hotel includes a golden oak paneling joined by a more modern olive chairs which lures in the trendy and the traditionalists alike.

Pastries include Victoria sponge, Dundee cake and many other bite size delights. The tea room is available for $65.

There is also the option of having high tea while in London. For about $85, guests can enjoy the setting of The Dorchester. The high priced place offers main courses including poached salmon. The Dorchester is well known for its house made treats and delicious combinations.

Choices at The Dorchester depend on the season and the chef's mood. Some options have included caramelized-pineapple brûlée and rose-petal jam. Afternoon tea at The Dorchester starts at $57.

Another option for tea time in London is the Wolseley. This is a café with more of a club fit on Piccadilly. This is the type of place where the waiters will fall all over themselves to serve you and make sure that your afternoon tea is an absolute delight.

The Wolseley is also a place where the wealthy enjoy finger sandwiches and scones. The Wolseley is priced at approximately $40.

The Wolseley has an all day menu as well as a breakfast and pastry menu. Pastries are typically between two and three Euros and there are also several soups and sandwiches available for lunch at a reasonable price.

The Wolseley also offers caviar, Atlantic Prawns, and several other fine dining options for the more expensive palate. Afternoon tea includes assorted finger sandwiches and fruit scones for 19.5 Euros.

Tea in London is only one of the many activities for guests to enjoy and it is easy to find a place that serves tea. It is also important to check into these things early, so that you have an idea of approximately how much you need to budget for food.

Etiquette is also a big deal in tea rooms, especially in London, so be sure to brush up on Etiquette tips before going.

Also, if you decide that you are looking for a more economical route to traveling, be sure to give some of the more local deli's and coffee shops a look. You may not experience the same level of British culture, but you will definitely be able to save some Euros.