London, top places for tea

I love going for afternoon tea when I am in London. My sister and I have the tea, and then go to the theater. You will get small sandwiches, scones, cakes, biscuits, and of course, tea.

Here are my favorite places.

Fortnum and Mason.

The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at London's Fortnum and Mason was opened by the Queen in 2012. The salon offers tea tasting at tables with expert tearistas to advise and help in the selection of your chosen blend. www.fortnumandmason.com. I always get the English Breakfast Tea, and everything else they offer in the way of food.

The Goring Hotel

The Goring Hotel by Grosvenor Gardens, near Buckingham Palace was named "Top London Afternoon Tea" in the Tea Guild Awards a few years ago. The hotel serves tea daily on the terrace overlooking the gardens and offers a selection of fresh sandwiches clotted cream scones and homemade pastries. www.thegoring.com

The Ritz Hotel

Served in the Palm Court from tiered silver cake stands and tea pots, tea at the Ritz provides a glimpse into an elegant past. Savour delicate finger sandwiches and 16 tea varieties. All while seranded by the resident pianist. There is a dress code for tea. Jeans are not allowed and men must wear a jacket and tie. www.theritzlondon.com

Twinings

Take part in a tasting master class at the oldest tea company in Britian. At Twinings in London, you can learn about more than 4000 years of tea history ad 300 years of Twinings expertise, following the leaf from plantation to cup. It is a private two hour session. www.twiningins.co.uk

Camellias's Tea House

Camellia's tea house in Kingly Court, just off Carnaby Street in London stocks over five types of Earl Grey tea and takes its name from the plant that produces white, green and black teas. The quirky surroundings offer a different afternoon tea experience with 1930 swing music playing in the background. www.camelliasteahouse.com

Tea Drinking Etiquette

The British put milk in the cup first, then pour in the tea.

For tea with lemon, the tea should be poured first and the lemon added after. Afternoontea.co.uk

says the correct way to stir your tea is to start with the spoon in the cup at the 6 o'clock position and move it towards the 12 o'clock position. Don't click the spoon against the sides.

When taking afternoon tea, eat the sandwiches first, followed by the scones and finally the cakes.

Enjoy...... I dream of my next visit home.

Maureen Jones

All Horizons Travel/Frosch

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