Fortnum and Mason Afternoon Tea
Afternoon Tea is the most British thing you can do in the United Kingdom. If you must do afternoon tea in London, there are no halves, buts of ifs. It has to be at a proper British tea salon and Fortnum and Mason is one of the pioneers. You see, Fortnum and Mason is quintessentially British and a Fortnum and Mason afternoon tea is THE ONE.
I have visited about 12 tea salons (yes, I counted) in London and I definitely have my faves. Fortnum and Mason is one of them. The first time I went for Afternoon Tea at Fortnum’s was at least 5 years ago. All I remember was being so blown away just visiting the Queen’s grocer. I rave about Fortnum’s a lot on my Instagram (@lifewithbugo). Passing through Heathrow duty free, I never forget to pick up my favourite ginger biscuits and English Blend tea. I also purchased the Fortnum’s hamper for picnics; it comes out once I hear the words “summer picnic” haha!
Fortnum and Mason – Brief History
It is located at Piccadilly and has additional stores and concessions in a few London locations. Just a few minutes walk from Piccadilly underground station, it is at 181 Piccadilly Mayfair W1A 1ER. Fortnum and Mason was established in 1707; talk about history, by William Fortnum and Hugh Mason. The store focuses on high quality food and is well known for their tea and fancy biscuits. Not sure what I am talking about? A taste of the stem ginger biscuits will explain better.
In 2012, Her Majesty the Queen, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge came together on their first official joint visit to open the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon on the 4th floor. The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon is aptly named after the Queen to commemorate her visit. This was where we had our afternoon tea. Fortnum and Mason holds royal warrants from her Majesty the Queen and the Prince of Wales. A royal warrant is granted in recognition to people or businesses who serve the royal family. They are grocers and provision merchants to HM the Queen and tea merchants and grocers to HRH The Prince of Wales. How cool?!
Afternoon Tea at Fortnum and Mason
As part of my birthday celebration, we booked afternoon tea in the fancy Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon. This room embodies the sophistication of all things afternoon tea and high tea. Once we stepped in, I actually gasped. There was a pianist playing a classical medley as we stepped out of the elevator and were led to our seats. The atmosphere was grown, British and classic. Just exactly as I would have imagined.
There is no dress code but you are advised to dress smart-casual. In my world, fancy is the answer.
The Menu
Fortnum and Mason offers all sorts of Afternoon tea selections. The Classic Tea, Vegan Afternoon Tea, Gluten Free Afternoon Tea, Dairy Free Afternoon Tea and of course, Children’s Afternoon Tea. There is also a High Tea menu.
We went for the Classic Afternoon Tea, which was finger sandwiches, scones and some patisseries. The finger sandwiches were so yummy! My favourite sandwiches were the coronation chicken and rare breed hen’s egg mayonnaise with cress. Mr E liked the same and also the Fortnum’s smoked salmon with tartare sauce. The Norfolk cured ham with English mustard and cucumber with mint cream cheese were tasty as well.
I always love warm scones and these did not disappoint. My fave was the plain scones; Mr E preferred the fruit scones. They were served with clotted cream, Fortnum and Mason strawberry preserve and lemon curd. Everything was all so fancy.
The collection of afternoon teacakes was just so yummy! It was a tray of beautifully coloured patisseries that actually taste really good. I had to emphasize that they tasted good because we all know that the sweets in afternoon tea are usually not that nice.
It was served with traditional afternoon tea. We had the choice of alcohol – a glass of Fortnum’s blancs de blancs but we both stuck to tea.
Service
This was top notch. From the door lady who we met as we entered the building to the waitress who served us, everyone was fantastic. We had the nicest waitress who took our order and served us. One thing I was not expecting was the free refills; not just the teas but the sandwiches and pastries as well. We had to ask a few times to be sure and the waitress confirmed that everything could be refilled. Although we had that option, we only asked for more sandwiches so we don’t waste it.
As it was my birthday celebration, they surprised me with a slice of chocolate cake and a candle. The waitress even sang happy birthday to me and offered to give me some more cake to take home! Honestly the service was just amazing.
Reservations
You have to book a reservation to have afternoon tea at Fortnum and Mason. There was a family who walked in before us and I’m sure they were turned back because they did not have a reservation. Not that they said but it is most likely mandatory to book. I also noticed that it was full capacity the entire time we were there. Therefore, I cannot imagine walking in and getting a table immediately. Perhaps it is a possibility but why try when you can just book online?
Value For Money
The cost of Fortnum and Mason Afternoon Tea starts from £60 per person. From experience, this is the average price for boujee afternoon tea in London. It is great value for money especially when you consider that it gets refilled no matter how many times you ask! There is no denying that it is pricey but you have to remember it is THE Fortnum and Mason so it is sort of expected to be pricey.
The discretionary service charge was 12.5% as usual which we were happy to pay because of the fantastic service.
Final Thoughts on Fortnum and Mason’s Afternoon Tea
Fortnum and Mason Afternoon Tea is a British tradition in my opinion. It is the one you have to experience if you are ever in London. It is fancy, boujee AF of course and just so gorgeous. You might catch me saying that it is the best afternoon tea I have had which might be true. There is only one other afternoon tea I have been to, which possibly comes close. However, let me hold those words close to my chest and just say it is one of the best afternoon teas I have ever had!
Bisous, ‘Bugo x
2 Comments
Tiesé Etim-Inyang
Ive always wanted to go to afternoon tea! I dreamed of going to the Plaza in NY, and for all the time I spent in the Northeast US I can’t believe I didn’t visit. I LOVED reading this and the pictures are so stunning. What a lovely place. Honestly your enjoyment of London is one of my fave things to give me attention to on the internet.
Sending you love,
T
Bugo
ayyyyye I’m so happy you loved it. My dear, this life is for living so we have to make the best use of what we have. That’s why I am trying to be more intentional in exploring London and the UK. I’m sure when it is safe to travel, we’ll all be abroad again lol!
wait till you come to London so you can have the “proper” afternoon tea (americans, look away hahahaha).
Sending love back to you x