As they say, taking afternoon tea is the ultimate English pastime.  Apparently the centuries old tradition stemmed from a time when meals were taken just twice a day, and Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, is said to have suffered from hunger pains between meals, leading to her sneaking a light snack and a pot of tea into her boudoir mid afternoon.  I can certainly sympathise with the Duchess and so while I’ve been in London I’ve been trying to make the most of this excuse to follow in her footsteps and indulge in as much afternoon tea as possible.  I had been recommended The Goring by an English friend a couple of years ago but never quite made it there.  When I saw that they were doing a special afternoon tea to celebrate The Queen’s 90th birthday I knew immediately I had to make a booking.

Otto Goring built the hotel in 1910 – the last grand hotel from the Edwardian era – and it has been run by The Goring family ever since.  Limited to 69 rooms and suites, The Goring prides itself in excellent guest service in an elegant and beautiful setting. Whether you are staying there or just popping in for afternoon tea, The Goring is an absolutely lovely place to visit, with the whole hotel being filled with beautiful flowers.   The hotel has been serving afternoon tea since it opened and it has it down to a fine art – well worth a visit!

Go there for: ladies day out; any kind of celebration; the perfect way to spend a rainy Saturday

Menu highlights: The Goring tea selection; scones with jam and clotted cream; coronation chicken sandwiches

Top tips: when you book ask to sit in The Dining Room – it’s light, airy and elegant, the perfect place for afternoon tea; as with all good afternoon teas, refills of everything is included so don’t be afraid to ask for more; there is also a garden out the back (one of the largest private gardens in the city) which you can have afternoon tea in if you’re lucky enough with the weather – but you have to book this specifically; while the special afternoon tea to celebrate The Queen’s 90th birthday has sadly finished, from 22 Nov – 5 Jan you can get your hands on Festive Afternoon Tea – which is like normal afternoon tea but “Christmasified” – think roast turkey and stuffing sandwiches,  mince meat pies and Christmas cake in addition to the usual classics

Price: £42.50 per person without champagne

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