I came back to the very wonderful Claridges again for my sister's Birthday last week.

We were very excited to experience their quintessential afternoon tea, which is by far the best in London. It was a really gorgeous afternoon where we were spoilt with champagne and delicious treats throughout.

I would like to make a specific mention to the team at the hotel. Not only are they very accommodating, but their warmth and attention to detail is second to none. Thank you very much to Glenn, Ananya and Chris.

No wonder they are the top London hotel on the new 50 best! It is all thanks to the incredible team.

I can't wait to see you all again - Jack Simpson | JS Concierge

Upon arrival the place looked like a school dinner hall with tables crammed in and the noise was deafening not very ambient or floaty music… we were shown to the smallest stable that could barely take the standard table setting. The path for everyone was to walk past our table which occasionally bumped into my husband… the food was nice not out standing. But pleasant .. i can imagine that it Might be more tolerant and more personal in other months and not when the whole united emirates take up residence .. anyway lesson learned if I want to have the same experience I will just go to the pub for dinner

Went for Afternoon Tea with great expectations, very disappointing, no silver serving stand for cakes, sandwiches had gone a little hard. Cakes were ok but not ‘wow’. Felt a bit like a conveyor belt of afternoon teas for profit and hotel had forgotten about the extra touches you expect from booking such a well known hotel. Have had better afternoon read for half the price!

Booked in for the afternoon tea. Great experience and very attentive however it did lack the wow factor for me.

Lack of wow factor was probably down to a bad start, we asked if we could go for a drink as we arrived early……..no problem however upon being escorted and seated in a very small snug bar we simply got ignored for 20mins, at that point we got up and left. Not sure what happened to cause this however staff fully aware we arrived as it was the bar host who seated us.

Wimbledon tea was good all be it the sandwiches did lack the detail you would expect for such an exclusive and pricey experience.

All that being said, bucket list ticked.

I chose Claridge’s for afternoon high tea after considering a number of other options including the Ritz, Savoy and Connaught. The criteria included the food and tea offered, as well as atmosphere and service. Unfortunately Claridge’s service in The Foyer was in my opinion lacking, clumsy and indifferent.

Claridge’s is a truly beautiful hotel with outstanding Art Deco period details and flower arrangements everywhere. This includes the Foyer where high tea was served.

On being seated we both noted that the jacket our waiter was wearing was crumpled and had stains when he introduced himself. The sandwiches were delicious and pastries exquisite. There is a wonderful selection of rare teas. However, our tea arrived after we had eaten our sandwiches when our waiter apologised for forgetting our teas.

It then took 20 minutes to get our teapots refilled with hot water for a second pot of tea. It was not possible to catch the eye of any of the wait staff circling the tables until I raised my hand. When the waiter did appear with my second pot of tea, he was unable to fill my teacup as there was insufficient hot water in the pot. His response was to tip the teapot such that the final drops ended on the tablecloth, despite noticing this he didn’t stop.

We came away disappointed and will not be returning.