Tea Time at Fortnum and Mason

Lately, I’ve been spending my layovers on an afternoon tea tour through London. Sitting and sipping tea is just about the right speed for this tired flight attendant. It doesn’t take much effort to put on a pretty dress, sit in an opulent setting, and indulge myself with scones and sweets. Perhaps, reader, you would prefer to read about a pub crawl through London? I’ll keep that in mind for a future blog. But for now, come along with me in this series I’ll call Tea Time as we crawl through London’s tea rooms.

I chose Fortnum and Mason for my first high tea as it was highly recommended by a fellow flight attendant. It makes sense that Fortnam and Mason would have a good tea because it has been a purveyor of fine teas for the past 315 years! This famous store in Piccadilly dates back to 1707 and has served as the preferred merchant for multiple royal households. Currently, Fortnum and Mason hold two Royal Warrants supplying The Queen and Prince Charles with tea and fine foods. If it’s good enough for the Queen, it’s good enough for me. 

Their tea room is on the top floor of the store. It’s bright and lovely, and as you exit the elevator, you’re greeted by a host(ess) and a live pianist. 

In my case, I was greeted by a very charming and attentive host, who stopped by my table several times to check in on me. In fact, the entire waitstaff was very attentive, and I got a lot of attention. Even my table neighbors wanted to chat. Perhaps everyone felt sorry for me because I was alone. I’m not sure, but I felt special.  

To commemorate The Queen’s historic 70-year reign, Fortnum and Mason created a Platinum Jubilee tea menu. 

Among the 92 teas on offer is the Platinum Jubilee Blend. This is the one I tried. It was subtle and slightly smoky. I wanted to partake in the celebration menu but was torn because I was in the mood for a bolder, smokier tea. When I explained my dilemma to my waiter, he told me I could try up to three different teas! 

I did my best, but two pots of tea turned out to be my limit. However, many more intriguing tea blends, such as the Royal Blend, caught my attention. It was created in 1902 for Edward VII and boasts a “malty, honey-like flavor.” Yum!

They were just as generous with the food as the tea, refilling my plates with more finger sandwiches and more scones as soon as they disappeared into my belly. I was also informed that I could have more if any desserts caught my fancy. However, I never even touched my dessert plate because I was served a delicious slice of lemon poppyseed cake with purple frosting. I’m unsure where this came from because it wasn’t on the menu. My waiter also brought me a happy-birthday mousse cake. He said, “I heard it’s your birthday.” Confused, I said, “No, it’s not my birthday.” He responded with a wink and wedged my birthday cake down onto my crowded table for one.  

After I couldn’t stuff one more bite or sip into my mouth, he brought me boxes to wrap up my leftovers. Which, by the way, were enough for a second tea in my hotel room the following day.  

I appreciated their generosity, but at 72.50 pounds per person, I think they still maintain a healthy profit margin. 

I know it’s an expensive tea, but I truly felt like I was celebrating as I sipped to the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. 

But for a truly unique souvenir, you can create a personalized tea blend to suit your taste. A tea mixologist will help guide you through its creation for a mere 25 pounds. They will even print a customized label for the tin.