I’ve been a little bit off my regular posting schedule because we were in Europe for the past couple of weeks. But, since we got the chance to visit six countries on our trip, lots of new posts will be coming soon!
This first Europe post is about one of the first cities we visited, London. Most people who know me know that I LOVE Afternoon tea. I did my high school senior research project on afternoon tea, had a tea party bridal shower, and always manage to snag afternoon tea whenever I travel to a place with a tea culture. So it’s no surprise that one of the top reasons why I was excited to go to London was the opportunity to experience some afternoon tea. So here are a few of my favorites:
Fortnum & Mason
First off, I would highly recommend making a reservation in advance for the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon since it is quite popular. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance online here. Also, I would dress a little nicer here. People mostly come here for celebrations, so your post trans-atlantic flight sweats might not be a great idea.
Fortnum & Mason is more of the traditional afternoon tea with white table cloths, grand tea salon room, and of course, their tiffany blue China (although the design on the China is a little cringeworthy).
F&M’s tea list is extensive. I really enjoyed the Royal Blend, with its light creamy and sweet taste. What’s unique about F&M is they offer a savory afternoon tea option, so we got one traditional and one savory. It was the perfect way to sample a little bit of everything.
Sometimes the cakes upon cakes can get a little overwhelming with all the sweetness, so having the savory options like smoked salmon, deviled egg, and cheese scones were a welcome alternative.
F&M also has an extensive gift store downstairs. Their gorgeous tins of tea make perfect souvenirs and are relatively affordable.
Sketch
Sketch is an experience. From the moment you walk through the velvet curtained entrance-way, you’re immersed in this other world of pink velvet, champagne popping, and dessert trolleys. Everything from the gorgeous dresses the servers wear to the funny sketches on the walls helps to create Sketch’s atmosphere.
Our server was our tea somalier, letting us smell the different tea leaves and helping us wade through the list of options. This tea was heavy on the cakes and sweets, but gorgeously presented on flatware that I wanted to have in my own home. (side note: their china is available for purchase near their coat check, but it’s pretty pricey)
Also, don’t miss their bathrooms. Each stall is an egg-shaped pod with jungle noises playing inside…it’s interesting.
I would suggest making reservations in advance, which can be made online three months in advance here.
jennifernishngo 
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