The Dorchester
Park Lane
LONDON
W1A 2HJ
Tel: +44 020 7629 8888
Fax: +44 020 7317 6464
Email: foodandbeverage@dorchesterhotel.com
Web: www.dorchesterhotel.com
Winner of The Tea Guild's Top London Afternoon Tea Award 2002
Open 6am-1am; Tea served 2.30pm-6pm daily; Booking required; Set tea price(s) £28.50, £34.50, £38.50;
Seats 100; Guide dogs only
Taking afternoon tea at The Dorchester - the phrase conjures up sumptuous images of well-mannered staff, beautifully-prepared delicacies and fragile bone china. Even such vaulted expectations are likely to be exceeded at this byword for hospitality, with its marble pillars, magnificent flower arrangements, amazingly comfortable sofas and armchairs, and air of refinement. The staff are well-trained, but they are friendly too, and visitors are quickly put at their ease and made to feel at home. In the Promenade you can sample finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and fresh pastries made by the restaurants patissier, all served with a speciality tea such as China Oolong, Russian Caravan, or the Dorchester’s own house blend (or glass of champagne for special occasions). Second and third helpings are always offered, but it’s a rare customer who can last the full course. When it comes to five-star teas in a suitably opulent setting, this one is hard to beat.