Highlights
- Enjoy traditional English afternoon tea in London’s world-renowned Fortnum & Mason
- Choose from a wide variety of English and international teas
- Sample an exquisite selection of sandwiches, cakes and pastries
- Sip tea at the New Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum & Mason
- Follow in the footsteps of the Royal Family while partaking in an age-old English tradition
Useful Information
London Afternoon Tea at Fortnum and Mason
Relax, sip delicious tea, and sample a fine selection of sandwiches, pastries and scones as you learn about the origin of this age-old tradition. English afternoon tea is said to have been invented by Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford in the 18th century, one of Queen Victoria's ladies-in-waiting. In her day, the upper class ate a huge breakfast, little lunch and a very late dinner. Every afternoon, the Duchess experienced a ‘sinking feeling.’ One afternoon, she instructed her servants to serve tea and little cakes in her boudoir.
The experience was so delightful that Anna repeated it every afternoon thereafter. Soon, others followed the Duchess' lead, and in just a few decades the custom of ‘taking tea’ in the afternoon had become well established. At first, the practice was limited to the upper classes, but it eventually became so popular that tea shops and tea rooms began opening for the enjoyment of the general public.
After enjoying this timeless tradition, feel free indulge in a delicious meal (own expense) or shop around Fortnum & Mason for keepsakes to remember your English tea experience.
Reviewed by Cynthia W, April 2013
This was a delightful treat to sit , relax and experience an English tea! Wonderful surroundings, tea and food could not have been more pleasurable!! Service top notch. This is a must do when in London
Reviewed by Belle86, Australia, October 2012
It was nice but the dining area looks better in the pictures.
