Afternoon Tea vs High Tea - What you need to know

…and a fabulous afternoon tea on a bus while sightseeing London.

Let’s start with

Most Londoners would agree that for the ultimate high tea experience Claridge’s is really also the only choice.

However, we would like to mention two others as well:

Rubens At The Palace

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One Aldwych

A fabulous experience. Amongst others, indulge your inner child and venture into the magical, mouth-watering world of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory for example. (Served at the time of this publication.) One Aldwych in Covent Garden offers an exceptional afternoon tea no matter what the theme.

As soon as you tell someone you are going to an afternoon tea, the endless lists of do’s and don’ts start to pile up. However, we found that if you keep to these 7 simple golden rules, you will be more than ok. You’ll enjoy the experience without stress and you will still be a “good guest”. 🙂

Dress appropriately and be on time. (Your invite will give all the detail.)
Never place your phone or handbag on the table. (If you’re not a doctor, switch off your phone before you enter the room.)
Remember the nr. 1 rule: “Dab, don’t wipe.” Never wipe your mouth with your napkin. Just dab to clean where necessary.
Don’t lick your fingers and don’t put your teaspoon in your mouth.
The proper way to stir your tea is “up and down” (not in circles) and then place your teaspoon in the saucer. Never drink from your teacup while the spoon is in it.
Hold your teacup by the handle don’t wrap your hands around the teacup.
Never dunk anything: not the scone and certainly not the sandwiches.

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When served with a three-tiered traditional afternoon tea, it is usually served in three courses. So where do you start to eat?

1 – You start at the bottom: Savouries and Sandwiches will normally be on the bottom tier.

2 – The middle tier might be served with the scones and a sweet or savory topping.

3 – And then you end with the top tear: the sweets.

You can use your fingers to eat the scones and sandwiches. Whenever something is too big for 1 or 2 bites, you can simply break it in half with your fingers. It is not considered bad manners.

Afternoon Teas and/or High Teas are always a special experience. A truly mouthwatering selection of crustless sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, sweet cakes, and pastries. Experience the best. Book somewhere stylish and dress for the occasion. After all, this is something you must experience at least once in your life. We really recommend it. It’s great fun, especially if you share the experience with someone special.

This is a great idea for friends traveling together, a family celebration, a girlfriend’s day out or just as a very special experience while visiting London.

Brigit's Afternoon Tea Bus in London

"Settle onto a vintage double-decker, and enjoy high tea as you admire the landmarks. See Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, and more; and hear their stories via the onboard commentary as you savor sandwiches, cakes, and quintessentially English cups of tea." - Viator"

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