It's my sister 30th bday this week and i'm stuck for what to get her so I thought i'd buy her afternoon tea at a lovely hotel.

I know a few of you have been to many hotels and done this so thought i'd ask for experiences and reviews on the different ones, I don't want to do The Ritz if its not the best one out there.

Thanks

I used to that sort of thing a lot for a (strange) job years ago. There isn't really a "best"; it's just preference. The Ritz is the reference point for Tea, but it's also the most touristy, the most rigid and pompous (strict dress code for instance) and as a setting (in my view) is rather vulgar.

I haven't been for tea for many years (maybe 15?), but my favourite was easily Claridges. It's the most elegant and glamorous without being over the top. The Ritz is a bit tacky to be honest.

The most understated (perhaps too much so for a gift, though) is the Connaught.

I would recommend Claridges.

The Goring comes out top according to this award. I sort if remember wasn't it Lokismum that went there if I remember ?
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/luxury/travel/3789/the-best-place-for-afternoon-tea-in-london-announced-by-the-tea-guild.html

I enjoyed both The Ritz and The Savoy - a super experience.

We had tea at Claridges, given to us a gift by my daughter, we went just before Christmas so it was decorated beautifully, a piano tinkling in the background.

The service is second to none, they are there when you want them and are not intrusive or snobby. Wonderful selection of sandwiches and cakes and a huge choice of teas. They enquire if you would like any more and we really couldn't have managed any more, knowing my husbands appetite that is a surprise.

I am a great people watcher and it was interesting to see the different types of people there, for us it was treat to savour, for others it was a place to sit after they had shopped in all the designer places and 4 women (high maintenance) came in and just sat on their phones the whole time, no interaction at all.

At the end of the experience we were given two small tea caddies with loose breakfast tea in them. I think a lot of hotels have jumped on the band wagon of "afternoon tea" so research is vital. Hope you find something suitable.  

Lucy is correct - just over a year ago, I asked for recommendations as you have, and I had several people recommending The Goring - including one person who has extremely high standards and who has returned several times to the Goring.   I went with my sisters, to celebrate my 70th birthday - and it was wonderful!   Beautiful gardens as well. 

We have booked The Savoy for my mums 60th after my sister did some research.  We didn't fancy The Ritz at all and Claridges was fully booked.  We had a look at The Goring but can't remember why we didn't pick there - nothing major, it may have been the time we requested was booked as we are going to the theatre later on in the evening.

There was another that took my fancy on Park Lane (I think!) but my sister had already booked The Savoy.  She chose here for the above reasons but also the menu looked very nice. 

We are going in September so I won't be able to give you any feedback before your sisters birthday - sorry!

Another vote here for The Goring, used to work there in another life.

I would go Claridges its beautiful. But wherever you go it will be lovely as it's the whole "ceremony" of it. My Mum served afternoon tea in the Park Lane Hotel for 30 years. I used to go occasionally and loved all the different elements of it.

Thanks all. Most are already fully booked for October...
But hoping Claridges have a table.