Fortnum & Mason (181 Piccadilly, London, London, W1A 1ER) This is my second afternoon tea excursion in London. The first, about two years ago, was at The Ritz. And I must be honest, The Ritz knocks Fortnum and Mason into a cocked hat. However, you cannot book The Ritz at a week's notice (you probably can't even book it at a month's notice). You can't book any of the five star hotels at a week's notice. Fortnum and Mason you can. So to Fortnum and Mason we went. We went for the “Classic Afternoon Tea” which, for £32 a head, gets you a selection of canapes, sandwiches, cakes and scones. And lots of tea. The food is very tasty – with special mention to the clotted cream and jam. However, to drag out the comparison again, I have never tasted scones as delicious as those served in The Ritz and these don't even come close. That said, they are nice. The room itself is a large, soft-carpeted, bright but basic restaurant which has a bar, waiter/esses wandering about and a pianist tinkling in the corner. It's all very tasteful, if not quite as luxurious as one may expect from a department store like Fortnum and Mason. The service was attentive and prompt although that's about it. The atmosphere reasonable. For a fairly last minute choice (I booked a week beforehand) it served perfectly well. Though compared to the quality received elsewhere for a similar price this would not be my first choice.
Link to this reviewJune 2010 | 
Cat G.20s, Female