Seven places to have tea during Afternoon Tea Week

Afternoon tea may have its origins in upper circles in Victorian times but in our circles it’s just another excuse for a nosh-up. Soft white bread, smoked salmon, hot strong tea and maybe even a glass of bubbly – all highly familiar to us. As tradition it’s one of my favourites so the concept of Afternoon Tea Week (11-17 August) is right up my street. And there are so many places to have it. Here is one for every day of the week.

When The Langham opened in 1865, it became one of the first luxury hotels in London to serve afternoon tea as a formal, public offering. This year it is celebrating its 160th anniversary with a tea menu that lends more than a passing nod to bygone eras but weaves in modern lust-afters. So there are classic curried chicken sandwiches and cucumber ones, but the egg sandwiches are truffled. Sweet treats include The Langham’s signature custard cream and a raspberry and vanilla trifle, as well as an apricot and Earl Grey Charlotte. Perfect little scones too.

Fabulously retro mini ice cream cones are a fun finale and for the ultimate in 21st century wow factor there is a highly instagrammable life-size Victorian-style hot air balloon installation in the centre of the Palm Court.

This is a very special experience in a refined contemporary setting with a live pianist and the service is exceptional. The Langham itself is in such a great location – just ‘this’ side of the West End but easily walkable from Soho, Regent Street’s flagship stores and theatre land so you can make a day or even an evening of your afternoon tea outing. From £85. langhamhotels.com

The Dorchester has had a refurb and afternoon tea takes place in the beautifully redesigned promenade that is the grand centre of the ground floor of the hotel. Delicate finger sandwiches on artisan breads and exquisitely crafted pastries show off the best of the quintessential British tradition and a patisserie trolley adds a lovely touch of theatre. There is also a bespoke children’s afternoon tea with miniature pastel-coloured cakes, scones, cupcakes and mini sandwiches, all presented with illustrated cake toppers and a take-home colouring book. From £110 (£65 for children). dorchestercollection.com

At The Capital Hotel, Michelin-starred chef Tom Brown has launched a modern summer afternoon tea. Highlights include devilled eggs with sardines and chilli, coronation chicken vol-au-vents, sticky toffee madeleines, Amalfi lemon macarons, and a dark chocolate delice. Guests can elevate the experience with the Cartier Exhibition Sparkling Afternoon Tea, including tickets to the V&A’s summer showcase and a glass of Chapel Down Brut. From £60 (£80 with Cartier ticket). warwickhotels.com

Take a day trip out of London for Coworth Park’s seasonal Garden Afternoon Tea, which is a tribute to its wildflower meadow and botanical heritage. If the weather plays ball you can have it on the terrace – otherwise the drawing room ain’t too shabby! On the savoury front there’s smoked salmon with elderflower crème fraîche and St Andrew’s cheddar with wild chives. Warm scones arrive with strawberry jam and peach & elderflower compote, followed by pastries such as a lemon and almond tart with lemon verbena and a strawberry cheesecake infused with hibiscus and rose. From £75 (£35 for children). dorchestercollection.com

Afternoon tea at The Beaumont Mayfair is served in the elegant Gatsby Room, offering classic, vegan or children’s menus. Sandwiches include coronation chicken, Maldon cure salmon and beef pastrami – followed by scones with Cornish clotted cream and homemade strawberry jam. No standard pastries here – there’s pear tart with whipped ricotta and a Cuban chocolate mousse with tonka ganache. Fabulous! From £75. thebeaumont.com

At a little Parisian-style bakery on Fleet Street near St Paul’s Cathedral, Cord Café has launched an elevated take on the classic British tradition, crafted by Cordon Bleu-trained master bakers and chefs. Renowned globally for its culinary excellence Le Cordon Bleu brings its legendary savoir-faire to the cafe and afternoon tea features an exquisite selection of pâtisserie, gourmet savoury bites and traditional scones, all prepared by chefs trained in the world’s most prestigious culinary institution. Among the sweet stuff you can expect Paris-Brest, chocolate, caramel & peanut butter entremet, and macarons. A savoury selection offers pulled beef brisket baguettes, turmeric smoked salmon focaccia and oyster mushroom panini. From £28, weekdays only. cordrestaurant.co.uk

Fortnum & Mason is running Tales Over Tea – a storytelling experience for children in the store’s elegant Drawing Room. Join Harriet the Hedgehog on a seaside adventure with cheeky Rufus the Seagull in a lively performance perfect for children and grown-ups alike. Afterwards, enjoy a special summer afternoon tea for little ones and scones for the grown-ups. No kids in tow? No problem! Go for the classic afternoon tea in the Diamon Jubilee Tea Salon which is, in my opinion, one of the best in town and a true London institution. Tales Over Tea is £65 for one adult and one child. fortnumandmason.com