Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum & Mason

Perched on the top floor of London’s foremost food and luxury goods emporium, the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon is far removed from the bustling consumerism of Piccadilly below. Tinkling piano renditions of show tunes set the tone for a sedate afternoon of self-indulgence, held in a light-filled, spacious room decked out in the store’s trademark eau-de-Nil. The classic afternoon tea, presented on fine china and beautiful silverware, runs from neat lines of finger sandwiches filled with the pick of ingredients from F&M’s food hall, to just-right scones with clotted cream and house jam. A top tier features daily-changing treats, all made on-site – from moreish chocolate cake tinged with Earl Grey and filled with fresh apricots, to incredibly moist white-chocolate-and-cherry fancies. Staff – working dapper waistcoats and cut-glass accents – are discreet but charming.

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.