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“Afternoon Tea”

The Foyer & Reading Room
Ranked #695 of 27,442 Restaurants in London
Certificate of Excellence
Price range: ₹0 - ₹16,969
Cuisines: British
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Restaurant details
Good for: Romantic, Special Occasion Dining
Dining options: After-hours, Dinner, Breakfast, Reservations
Neighbourhood: Mayfair
Description: The huge sparkling Chihuly light sculpture and grand art deco of the Foyer transforms this Mayfair restaurant into a magical dining space, whilst the inviting banquettes of the Reading Room allow for more intimate dining. Frequented by famous faces for over a hundred years, it's the perfect venue for a light meal, sipping cocktails and the best afternoon tea in London.
Reviewed 4 weeks ago via mobile

I knew I’d only be able to have one afternoon tea while in London. After doing a lot of research, I chose Claridge’s for this special experience.

From the moment I walked in the door, I knew I’d chosen well.

The Christmas decor and children’s choir really set the tone for the wonderful afternoon that was about to unfold.

For those who’ve never had the opportunity, plan to pace yourselves.

While you might be tempted to go for a second round of the delicious sandwiches, resist the temptation! Otherwise you will be too full to fully enjoy all the delectable treats that come next.

There will be warm scones, fresh from the oven, with a pot of jam, and a pot of clotted cream. Oh my. I need more clotted cream in my life.

There will also be beautifully executed sweet treats. All varied in looks and taste, but each one, well worth the calories.

Let’s not forget the tea. Claridge’s offers a tea menu that is sure to have something for every palette, even this American who never drinks hot tea. I might need to change that!

Finally, I can’t fail to mention the impeccable service. Truly top notch on every level.

It was three of the nicest hours I’ve had during my London visit, and that’s saying a lot, because I’ve had a fabulous time.

My afternoon tea was worth every penny!

Date of visit: November 2024
1  Thank teacher91
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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3 - 7 of 1,646 reviews

Reviewed 4 weeks ago via mobile

Very disappointed arrived on Sunday 10 November 10,4o am Asked for table for breakfast ,, the gentleman that greeted me was most unhelpful with a dismissive attitude I asked for a table not a liver transplant from him was asked to sit in reception customers came and went to a half full breakfast room. 15mins still waiting I try catch his or his colleague. Neither of them were interested. Left 25 minutes later ,,, hungry …..

Thank Greg T
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew Shorten, General Manager at The Foyer & Reading Room, responded to this reviewResponded 4 weeks ago

Dear Greg T,

Thank you for your review which I was most concerned to read. I have taken time to follow up on your experience and I am truly sorry we have failed to deliver our normal warm and personable welcome. As I am sure you can imagine weekend breakfasts are an exceptionally busy meal period, with priority give to in house guests and prior reservations. The team tried their best to prepare a suitable table for you as promptly as possible, but unfortunately were unable to locate you once this was ready. I am truly sorry for the most regrettable disappointment that has been caused and hope that we will have a future opportunity to welcome you back to Claridge’s. Should such an occasion arise, please make contact with me directly on ashorten@claridges.co.uk and I would be delighted to assist with your reservation enquiry.

With all good wishes,

Andrew Shorten
Director of Food & Beverage

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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Reviewed 28 September 2024

Disappointed. A lack of identity. A disconnect between 5 star dining and a coffee shop. It felt more business than couples.

    • Value
    • Service
Review collected in partnership with this restaurant
Thank Tinkevans
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tomas Zalimas, Other at The Foyer & Reading Room, responded to this reviewResponded 2 October 2024

Dear Tinkevans,

It is a pleasure for me to correspond with you this afternoon. It is with great disappointment to read your visit to the Foyer and Reading Room has not lived up to your expectations. Should you wish to discuss this further please reach to me directly via tzalimas@claridges.co.uk.

Yours sincerly,

Tomas Zalimas
Assistant Food and Beverage Manager

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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Reviewed 24 September 2024

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

Date of visit: September 2024
    • Value
    • Atmosphere
    • Service
    • Food
Thank Jack S
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tomas Zalimas, General Manager at The Foyer & Reading Room, responded to this reviewResponded 30 September 2024

Dear Mr. Simpson,

Thank you for taking the time to write a review on this platform.

I am very pleased to hear you have enjoyed our traditional afternoon tea experience. I will be delighted to share your comments with Glenn, Ananya, Chris and the wider team at Foyer and Reading room.

Hopefully we will see you again in not too distant future.

Many thanks
Tomas Zalimas
Assistant Food and Beverage Manager

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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Reviewed 17 August 2024

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

Date of visit: August 2024
Thank Sandra W
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jennifer Howard, Other at The Foyer & Reading Room, responded to this reviewResponded 19 August 2024

Dear sandrawY1517FG,

it is a pleasure for me to correspond with you this afternoon although naturally I regret the circumstances. I was most concerned to hear of the shortcomings you have encountered during your recent visit to the Foyer and Reading Room. Should you wish to address your concerns further please do not hesitate to contact me directly via howard@claridges.co.uk.

Yours sincerely,

Jennifer Howard
Deputy Director of Food and Bevergae

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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC

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