Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum & Mason

Perched on the top floor of Fortnum’s world-famous emporium, walking into the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon feels like entering a whole new world. Or should we say an old one? There’s an air of old-school hospitality from the moment we step into the white-panelled dining room. A brigade of waistcoat-clad staff swirl effortlessly between tables, delivering pots of tea and tiered silver cake stands with unwavering finesse to guests. Vintage-style chandeliers hang from the ceiling, rows of round tables are surrounded by armchair-style seats in F&M’s signature teal. Then there’s the size of the space - this is no dinky tearoom, but a suitably grand salon commandeered by an army of well-trained staff. They make it look effortless, but managing a room this size is a serious operation.

The classic afternoon tea, presented on fine china and beautiful silverware, is one of the finest examples of the British tradition in the capital, although you’ll also find savoury, ‘High Tea’ and various dietary alternatives at your fingertips, too. If it’s your first time visiting, we’d suggest the classic offering, which runs from neat lines of finger sandwiches filled with the likes of egg mayonnaise and ham and mustard, to just-right scones with clotted cream and house jam. The latter are given the luxury of their own separate stand, and to drink, we each get our own pot of tea, poured from on high at the table into dainty china teacups.

Top tier treats round off the experience, from a striking vanilla rhubarb mousse with a shiny red mirror glaze, to a moist, feather-light Earl Grey tea loaf with Bergamot ganache. A fudgy blueberry frangipane tart, and a rich, bite-sized dark chocolate cremeux are further show-stealers. 

While afternoon tea here is an event in itself, luxurious upgrades add to the fun of it all. A glass of Blanc de Blancs will take your afternoon tea experience to just over £100, but few do this esteemed affair better than the folks at Fortnum’s.

For over three centuries, Fortnum & Mason has been the home of indulgence in the heart of Piccadilly, and nothing embodies its legacy of elegance and tradition quite like the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon. Originally an apartment for the Fortnum family, the space has seen many transformations - from an interior decorating and antiques department to a beloved restaurant. In 2012, it was formally opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, alongside the then Duchess of Cornwall and the Duchess of Cambridge, marking its rebirth as the ultimate destination for Afternoon Tea.

Stepping into the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon feels like stepping into a world of timeless sophistication. The soft pastel hues, crisp white table linens, and impeccable service create an atmosphere that is both regal and inviting. Whether you’re here for a special occasion, a long-overdue catch-up, or simply to indulge in a beloved British ritual, Afternoon Tea at Fortnum’s is always a moment to be savoured.

The menu is a celebration of British classics, made extraordinary. Guests begin with a selection of delicate finger sandwiches, from Coronation Chicken to Cotswold Legbar Egg Mayonnaise, followed by freshly baked plain and fruit scones, served warm with Somerset Clotted Cream, Fortnum’s Strawberry Preserve, and Lemon Curd. The grand finale? An exquisite selection of pâtisseries, featuring delights like the Rose Éclair and Pear and Almond Tart, all best enjoyed with one of Fortnum’s iconic teas or a glass of Blanc de Blancs Champagne.

For those looking to add a little extra sparkle, the cocktail menu offers refined twists on the classics, including the Earl Grey Negroni - a fragrant blend of Fortnum’s Amalthea Gin, Campari, and Earl Grey-infused sweet vermouth - and the refreshing King’s Orchard, made with apple vodka, blackberry, and damson.