Tea for Two

After a long day of shopping, what better way can a girl fortify herself then with a spot of tea? And when in London, that means more then just a cup of Earl Gray.

Offered at most of the city's nice hotels, some restaurants, and teahouses, Afternoon Tea is a veritable institution in London. Served between three and five, the meal consists of a variety of small finger sandwiches, scones, and sweet pastries or petit fours.

The tradition of having Afternoon Tea dates to the 1800s, and its invention is credited to the Duchess of Bedford. Because her lunch was served around noon and dinner around 8:00 PM, the Duchess found herself hungry in the afternoons. What started as some bread and butter with a cup of tea, soon turned into a social event. Though often used interchangeably, Afternoon Tea differs from High Tea. High Tea is served later in the day, is akin to supper, and typically includes meat or fish.

Learn from my mistake: If you know in advance that you want to have Afternoon Tea, make a reservation. If you didn't make a reservation though, you may not be at a total loss. We went to The Lanesborough Hotel to have tea but the restaurant, The Conservatory,* was fully booked. The staff, however, was very accommodating and served us Afternoon Tea in the hotel's library.

With its dark wood paneling, fireplace, and plush sofas I can't imagine that the restaurant could have been any better. The sandwiches – salmon on mini brioche, cucumber, egg, tuna, and coronation chicken salad** – were perfect and delicious. So were the scones, which were served with clotted cream, jam, and lemon curd.

* The Conservatory, The Lanesborough Hotel, Hyde Park Corner, London SW1X 7TA. For reservations call, (44)(20) 7259 5599.
** Coronation chicken salad — a curried chicken salad with almonds and raisins — was created in honor the crowning of Queen Elizabeth II.