Fortnum and Mason has been selling tea since 1707, when Black Bohea was one of the store’s very first products, and it has served afternoon tea since 1926. The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon on the fourth floor of 181 Piccadilly was refurbished and reopened in 2012 by Queen Elizabeth II, accompanied by the then Duchess of Cornwall and the Duchess of Cambridge.
The room
The salon overlooks Piccadilly with piano music and serene decor. It is the most classic of London’s afternoon tea rooms: unhurried, elegant and steeped in history.
The tea
Around 80 teas are on the menu, guided by trained tea-ristas who will help you choose. The house signature is the classic Royal Blend. This is a tea-first afternoon tea, and it shows.
The food
The sandwich tier is built on history. The Coronation chicken follows Rosemary Hume’s 1953 recipe, alongside rare-breed hen’s egg mayonnaise with cress, cucumber with minted cream cheese and Fortnum’s smoked salmon. Warm scones come with clotted cream, strawberry jam and orange curd, and the cakes arrive on the Cake Carriage. The rose eclair was a favourite of Queen Elizabeth II.
The Classic tea runs from about £75 to £84 per person, with Savoury and High Tea options and a Caviar Tea at £165. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free menus are available, and there is a children’s tea at £30.
The verdict
This is the definitive London afternoon tea. It is not the cheapest, but for the room, the tea list and the sense of occasion, nothing beats it. Booking is essential. Open Monday to Thursday 11:30am to 8pm, Friday and Saturday 11am to 8pm, Sunday 11:30am to 6pm.
Photo: Google Maps
