What would London be without its famous afternoon tea? Traditions are traditions and those who visit the English capital cannot escape this “sacred ritual” which has been handed down for centuries and follows a very specific protocol: tea, dishes, accompanying sweets, and service.

But what are the places in London where you can enjoy an excellent afternoon tea? niood lists the 10 Best Afternoon Teas to have in London:

1. THE RITZ LONDON

Address: 150 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1J 9BR

At the Ritz in London, the tradition of afternoon tea has been handed down for years. In addition to the exclusive tea sommelier, a specialist who follows customers in choosing the most suitable type, you can count on a set of exceptional delicacies: small stuffed sandwiches, desserts, cakes and mousses, scones and biscuits, accompanied by drinks and spirits of each label.

From £53 per person.

2. THE LANGHAM

Address: 1C Portland Pl, London W1B 1JA

In the palm court, while a symphony plays in the background is released from the grand piano, you can taste one of the most popular afternoon teas in the city. At Langham a mix of flavors meets, served on silver plates and trays, accompanied with tea and champagne.

3. FORTNUM AND MASON

Address: 181 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1A 1ER

At Fortnum and Mason, tea has been produced in-house and served to customers for over 300 years. What comes to those who order afternoon tea at this London food temple? A set of small sandwiches filled with eggs and bacon, cream cheese and mint, mustard and pork, chicken and smoked salmon, along with fluffy scones, accompanied by strawberry jam, cream and lemon curd. All presented on adorable backsplashes, and, for those who want it, in goblets of sparkling bubbles.

4. THE BERKELEY

Address: Wilton Pl, London SW1X 7RL

At Berkeley, one of London’s most luxurious hotels, the afternoon tea experience is not limited to the classic tasting. Pret a portea, in fact, is much more than a simple appointment with afternoon tea: sweets and pastries are shaped like the garments and accessories of the most famous fashion brands. From the micro bags of Jacquemus in an edible version, to the most famous tea on the square, the afternoon break becomes fun and glam.

5. CLARIDGE’S

Address: Davies St, London W1K 4HR

For more than 150 years, Claridge’s Hotel in London has served afternoon tea in delightful art deco service. Twenty pages of menus create the embarrassment of choice, which is lost between sweet and savory delicacies. For those who want traditional tea, Jerome Chaucesse, the hotel’s pastry chef, has come up with a set of special pastries – a lemon cake with almonds, strawberries and cream with vanilla mascarpone, pistachio cream puffs with blueberry jam and grains of cocoa with cream – combined with a range of stuffed sandwiches, sweet scones with jams, and a list of teas of all kinds.

From £61 per person.

6. SHANGRI-LA HOTEL

Address: 31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9QU

The view of this afternoon tea is already worth everything. At the Shangri-La, a hotel built inside The Shard tower, designed by Renzo Piano, you can enjoy tea while looking at London from above. Under the eyes, immediately, the Tower Bridge in all its grandeur. To be booked on a clear day for an unforgettable experience.

7. SKETCH

Address: 9 Conduit St, London W1S 2XG

Probably one of the most photographed places in London. From the white bathroom with a rainbow ceiling that houses very special pods instead of the classic toilets, to the Gallery, the pink room where you can enjoy afternoon tea. The menu includes the great classics – ranging from sandwiches to scones through to the very soft victoria sponge cake – but it is the environment that makes the difference. Once you have gone, you have to go back.

8. MANDARIN ORIENTAL

Address: 66 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7LA

At the Rosebery of the Mandarin Oriental in London, seated on soft cushions in shades of magenta and pea green, you can enjoy a truly excellent afternoon tea. A backsplash suspended in the void holds two floors of delicious pastries while, lying on the wooden table, they place scones and jams, next to the ceramic tea set and a vase of fresh flowers. A tea master is there to serve you, and introduce the most exquisite tea varieties from around the world. Outside the window, the wonderful foliage of Hyde Park.

From £54 per person.

9. THE IVY CHELSEA GARDEN

Address: 195, 197 King’s Rd, London SW3 5EQ

Surrounded by plants, fragrant flowers, botanical decorations and impeccable furnishings, enjoying an afternoon tea will be an even more enjoyable treat. At the Ivy Chelsea Garden the menu features delicious teas accompanied by small sheets and sandwiches, smoked salmon and toast with cream cheese and chives. Then it’s the turn of the cheesecake and the salted caramel and chocolate mousse, followed by the delicious scones, along with cream and fresh strawberry preserves.

10. SAVOY

Address: Strand, London WC2R 0EZ

Created by The Savoy’s Executive Pastry Chef, Daniel Pearse, and his team, The Savoy’s Afternoon Tea offers the traditional Afternoon and High Tea favourites. An extensive range of over 30 teas are accompanied by twists on classic sandwiches, homemade scones with clotted cream, jam, and lemon curd, and the talented pastry team’s selection of pastries, each one a tempting work of art. A glass of Laurent-Perrier Champagne or Nyetimber sparkling wine can be added to make your experience extra special.