The Goring Belgravia
The Goring will always one of the first calls we make when arranging an afternoon tea which one can depend on for nostalgia. The Belgravian hotel which prides itself as “London's last remaining family-owned luxury hotel” happens to also be a favourite amongst many Londoners, the afternoon tea experience often celebrating seasonal revelry and occasions throughout the diary. Afternoon tea at The Goring is served overlooking the garden in the The Veranda.
Gravetye Manor Sussex
An exquisite 16th-century country hotel which transforms into an enchanting Sussex garden come summer months, Gravetye is one of those idyllic steps into the summit of all that is Britishness. One must be a resident guest to take afternoon tea, but it remains one of the most satisfying and cosiest experiences I’ve had in England – well worth taking a weekend away from town for (bring the wellingtons).
Cliveden House Berkshire
The Spring Cottage of Cliveden House is where Queen Victoria famously took tea, so naturally the hotel offers one of the most proper experiences to be had. I personally adore slipping away into Cliveden’s Library around the appropriate hour to take tea – and Veuve Clicquot. The cosy room, ladened with the deepest armchairs, offers sweeping views of the estate gardens which are at their hopelessly romantic when cloaked in winter haze or typically English downpour. Taking tea in The Great Hall is the reigning favourite among most Cliveden guests, especially autumn or winter, when the fire is roaring, crackling embers into the hotel’s festive air.
Afternoon Tea Etiquette from Emma Dupont
As for the proper way of enjoying afternoon tea, we spoke to trusted etiquette expert founder of Exquisite Cotswolds Emma Dupont on the mistake to avoid.
“The main faux pas is consuming the items on the cake stand in the wrong order,” noted Dupont. “It’s sandwiches, followed by the scones, and finally the cakes. Work from the bottom up and only move to the next level when fully committed, no returning to the lower level, please.”
When it comes to the mine field question of whether the jam or cream comes first on the scone – a true matter of contention which sparks visceral, impassioned speeches amongst the British which can only be likened to a day in parliament after Brexit – not even world-class manners will help you navigate that mine field. Emma notes the decision is simply just too controversial,
“I have valuable friends in Devon and Cornwall; I can’t risk upsetting them,” Dupont said.
