Afternoon Tea: Claridge's

There's really nothing quite like a Christmas afternoon tea at Claridge's. The Mayfair hotel, often lauded as one of the best in the world, is the finest purveyor of afternoon tea in the UK, as it was here that the tradition was opened to the public (or, at least, hotel guests). With that acclaim comes a hefty price tag, and - so far as I can tell - the most expensive afternoon tea in London.

That expense is evident from the moment you walk through the doors. A splendorous Christmas tree in the centre of the drawing room, with a pianist tinkling away at the keys while a children's choir sing Christmas carols. Only in London.

Afternoon tea generally consists of three "courses", though not courses in the usual dining sense. First come the finger sandwiches, followed by the scones with clotted cream and a strawberry jam, and finishing with the patisseries. Most afternoon teas will bring all three items out on a tiered china set, so that diners can pick at their leisure. However, Claridge's have a slightly stricter handling of the afternoon tea sitting, as they first bring out the finger sandwiches. Consisting of egg mayonnaise, turkey and stuffing, ham and mustard, salmon, and cucumber and cream cheese, the finger sandwiches were all good, though the winners were the meats, and I readily asked for more (you need just ask and they are happy to provide however many more items you want throughout the meal).

Then, as it was Christmas, we elected for an intermediary course of Christmas pudding in brandy custard, flambé. Never a huge fan of Christmas pudding, this proved an exception to the rule, as it was simply wonderful.

Then came the scones and patisseries together. The scones were good though not particularly memorable, while the dark chocolate, yuzu snowball and Mont Blanc patisseries were each heavenly. Despite knowing that I should ask for more of these, my stomach soundly refused.

As a parting gift, we each received a tinned Christmas cake from Claridge's with an iced crest on it. This 2 hour sitting was one of the most relaxed, pleasurable experiences I've had in a restaurant. It may be expensive (£110 per person), but for that special occasion, or just to feel the festive cheer, it really is a must.