Misscityhopper

On our last visit to London, we missed the afternoon tea experience. We didn’t truly miss it; it’s more likely that we didn’t partake because my husband didn’t want to. However, upon our return to the Netherlands, my husband quickly realised that afternoon tea would truly be a wonderful experience for us. Therefore, we made sure to include the afternoon tea experience in our itinerary for our next visit to London. So when we planned to go to London again in April, I reminded him again that we were going to do this. He immediately agreed. 

My task then was to find a delightful afternoon tea experience that didn’t impose a strict dress code, given my Dutch husband’s unhinged style of dressing, which consists of only wearing jeans, t-shirts, and sneakers. After a long search, I chose an afternoon tea experience at the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon in Fortnum and Mason. First of all, they have no dress code. Perfect! Then, the location was ideal, as it was conveniently close to our hotel and only 15 minutes walk. Lastly, it was also near the Prince of Wales Theatre, where we were going to watch the Book of Mormon musical at 19.00 after our afternoon tea. All in all, it was the perfect choice for us.

The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon

Located within the iconic Fortnum & Mason store in Piccadilly, the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon offers an immersive afternoon tea experience, blending British tradition, history, and culinary excellence. Fortnum & Mason, founded in 1707, is known for its luxury, quality, and commitment to providing the best goods and services. For generations, the store has served the British royal family, holding royal warrants that signify its esteemed status within the realm of British commerce. The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon itself, opened in 2012 to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee, is a testament to this legacy, with the Queen, Duchess of Cornwall, and Duchess of Cambridge in attendance, solidifying its status as a prestigious afternoon tea destination.

Upon entering, the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon gives us, as guests, a calm and sophisticated atmosphere. The decor is a sophisticated blend of classic and contemporary design elements, expertly curated to create a luxurious and inviting space. The salon features soft pastel hues, blue, green, and cream, with fine fabrics and plush armchairs. Large windows flood the space with natural light, enhancing the opulence. The space highlights silver tea services and delicate china tables. In my opinion, every detail, from fresh flowers to linen napkins, reflects Fortnum & Mason’s commitment to excellence.

The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon offers a traditional afternoon tea experience that is both accessible and enjoyable for modern audiences, with the tea itself being the core of the experience. This was exactly what we were looking for. Fortnum & Mason is a renowned tea salon with a diverse selection of fine teas sourced from prestigious tea-growing regions. The menu includes classic blends like Earl Grey and Darjeeling, as well as exotic varieties like Rare Tea of the Month. The knowledgeable sommeliers offer guidance and recommendations to ensure guests find the perfect tea to suit their palate, ensuring a unique and exclusive experience.

The perfect brewing of the tea treats guests to a visually appealing and delicious culinary feast. The afternoon tea service follows the traditional format, beginning with a selection of finely crafted finger sandwiches. These sandwiches, though small in size, are big on flavour, featuring classic fillings such as smoked salmon with lemon butter, cucumber with mint cream cheese, and coronation chicken, a nod to the British royal heritage. Each sandwich is made with the freshest ingredients and is carefully prepared to ensure that the flavours are perfectly balanced.

The salon also serves warm, freshly baked scones in both plain and fruit varieties, accompanied by Fortnum’s clotted cream and a selection of their finest preserves, including strawberry and raspberry jams. This simple dish has been a staple of afternoon tea for centuries, with its rich, buttery texture and sweet, fruity preserves. Then, Fortnum & Mason pastry chefs create a selection of delicate pastries and cakes, each one a miniature work of art. The selection changes regularly to reflect the seasons and availability of the finest ingredients, offering something new and exciting to try. They also offer seasonal specialities and themed cakes, particularly during festive periods like Christmas and Easter.

One of the unique aspects of afternoon tea at the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon is the level of customisation available to guests. For those who wish to add an extra touch of indulgence to their experience, there is the option to enjoy a glass of champagne with their tea. Fortnum & Mason offers a selection of fine champagnes, including their own house label, which pairs beautifully with the delicate flavours of the tea and the accompanying food. Alternatively, guests can opt for a tea cocktail, a creative blend of tea and spirits that offers a modern twist on the traditional afternoon tea experience. Furthermore, the salon also provides a variety of dietary options, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, all prepared to the same high standards as traditional offerings. The staff is knowledgeable about accommodating special requests and can help tailor the menu to suit individual needs, ensuring a seamless dining experience for all. 

Their team of highly trained staff strives to provide each guest with an unforgettable experience. The staff greets guests with warmth and professionalism from the moment they arrive, maintaining this level of attentive service throughout the meal. Their knowledge of the menu and the history of Fortnum & Mason is impressive, and they are always on hand to answer questions, provide recommendations, or simply engage in a friendly conversation about the rich traditions of afternoon tea.

Given its popularity, it is advisable to book a table at the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon in advance, particularly on weekends and during peak tourist seasons. The salon is a favourite among both locals and tourists, and while it can get quite busy, the atmosphere remains serene and unhurried, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the experience. The salon provides private dining rooms for larger groups, offering an intimate setting for celebrations such as birthdays and anniversaries. The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon offers a variety of tea experiences beyond the traditional afternoon service. These events include collaborations with famous chefs, expert sommeliers’ tea tastings, and themed teas celebrating holidays or cultural traditions. These events add variety to the experience and allow regular visitors to discover new and exciting offerings at the salon. At the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon, you’ll experience the best of British culture and hospitality. Historic charm, delicious cuisine and drink, and excellent service make it an unforgettable experience. It’s a must-do for tea lovers and first-time visitors to London to see Fortnum & Mason’s Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon, which showcases the centuries-old British custom of afternoon tea.

For us, the afternoon tea at the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum & Mason was one of the highlights of our London visit. The salon provides an unparalleled afternoon tea experience. Every aspect of the experience, from the elegant surroundings to the carefully curated menu, aims to delight and impress. Tradition and modernity coexist here, celebrating the past while embracing new culinary innovations. For anyone seeking to experience the true essence of British afternoon tea, there is no better place to do so than at Fortnum & Mason’s Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon. No doubt, recommended! We thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and it was 10 out of 10.