1. Apsleys

Tradition Ruined
partook of afternoon tea in Apsleys on Sunday, May 31. The service was outstanding, the cakes, tea, strawberries and champagne were quite delicious. The atmosphere was "elegant". However, the whole "occasion" because that is after all what afternoon tea is in London "an occasion", was totaly ruined by the the hotel refusal to enforce a dress or behaviour. The Apsleys site states Dress Code - Smart Casual. This appears to include Beanie hats (worn at the dinner table), torn denims, shorts, dirty T-shirts and scuffed sneakers while eating hamburgers and plates of French fries (plus the ubiquitous ketchup) during Afternoon Tea? Follow up with the Lanesborough management was most unsatisfactory. Their position is that hotel guests are king and cannot be refused any wishes. Another London tradition sadly ruined to the detriment of other guests. It will be my last visit to Apsleys. My custom will be given to other establishments who truly value the tradition of Afternoon Tea (and not hamburgers and fries)!

I visited Apsleys on 26th Feb with three friends and we found the entire afternoon perfect. We had the champagne afternoon tea which included strawberries and cream. The venue was lovely, the staff friendly, courteous and helpful, the food was delicious and the service impeccable. Expensive but well worth the experience.

Perfection! This has to be one of the most elegant and delightful venues for Afternoon Tea. The variety of food is outstanding as is the service. I invited 11 friends to share tea with me and found the space between tables very agreeable.