It’s hard to beat the incredible and dramatic Orangery in the middle of Kensington Gardens as a setting for a genteel high tea experience.
Tea time: Flute of champagne, an assortment of finger sandwiches, orange-scented scone with jam and cream, an eclair, and an orange and passionfruit tart. Plus a choice of tea or coffee.

The damage: £20.45 per person. Basic afternoon tea (without champagne) from £12.50 per person.

Verdict: Not a hint of snootiness despite the relatively steep price tag. The special setting makes this an extremely pleasant way to spend an afternoon.

Kensington Palace, Kensington Gardens, W8 4PX
Tube: High St Kensington
020 3166 6113
Check it out: www.hrp.org.uk/kensingtonpalace/

From its chandelier-studded roof to its formally-clad waiters, the Wolseley oozes old world charm.

Tea time: Finger sandwiches, fruit scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam and an assortment of delectable pastries.

The damage: £21 or upgrade with a glass of delicious champagne for £29.75.

Verdict: This art deco former motor showroom is a destination restaurant for a reason. The marble pillars and 1930s interior make it the perfect afternoon pit stop, albeit at special occasion prices.

160 Piccadilly, W1J 9EB  Green Park (020 7499 6996; thewolseley.com). Afternoon tea from 3pm-6.30pm on weekdays; 3.30pm-5.30pm on Saturdays and 3.30pm-6.30pm

Tea time: Incredibly light scones smothered in jam and cream, berry marshmellow, mini meringue, mini brownies and blondies and magnificent strawberries-and-cream cupcakes.

The damage: £9.90 per person or upgrade to include some savoury baguettes for an extra £3.

Verdict: Bea’s turns out seriously good sweet treats and incredibly good prices. Skip lunch and dinner and come here instead, but maybe walk home afterwards.

 
44 Theobald Rd, WC1X 8NW