Once her society sisters began joining her, the tradition was born, and it became increasingly elaborate over the years, with ever more ceremony and an ever greater selection of cakes and sandwiches. By Edwardian times, footmen were serving tea in fine bone china, and ladies were decked out in finery specially created for the ceremony.
Today there are only a handful of London establishments that still serve a proper afternoon tea.
Eight types of tea are served, along with pastries, scones, cucumber sandwiches, smoked salmon, and other goodies. You'll be inclined to linger in the overstuffed armchairs . These three require jackets and ties for men. And reservations are a wise idea, especially on weekends. U.S. ticket buys you twenty-four hours on any of the bus line's three routes, as well as its walking tours and a boat trip on the Thames.