London’s venerable Claridge’s Hotel now owns bragging rights to being the the city’s finest afternoon tea destination, after the Tea Guild pronounced the luxury hotel the winner of the Top London Afternoon Tea 2011 Award.

The Tea Guild event, now in its 26th year, is considered the ‘Oscar’ of the tea world, with world-famous London hotels and tea rooms competing for the highly coveted honor. A team of Tea Guild experts make anonymous visits to various tea rooms in London and across Britain in order to find the finest tea experiences. Judges award points for the variety,
flavour and knowledge of the teas offered, together with the quality of
food, service, décor, ambience, and presentation. With 125 points to be
lost or gained on the judge’s scorecard, only tea establishments with the very highest standards across a number of categories make
it to the top.

“As a proud member of The Tea Guild we are delighted and honoured to
receive this hugely prestigious award,” said Claridge’s General
Manager, Thomas Kochs. “All Claridge’s staff are passionate about
creating a memorable guest experience and when it comes to serving the
perfect afternoon tea, we strive to get every detail just right.
Claridge’s afternoon tea is a time-honoured indulgence, practiced by
generations of tea lovers.”

Claridge’s award-winning afternoon tea is a mouth-watering and quinessentially English meal of pastries and savouries, light, crusty scones and rich Devonshire clotted cream, washed down with a choice of 30 teas from all over the world.

The five-star Claridge’s hotel is nestled in the heart of bustling Mayfair, and traces its history back to 1812.

Claridge’s