The Promenade, The Dorchester

Tea on the Promenade of the Dorchester is served along a marble gallery with columns, palms and a pianist, with bigger scones, a heavier tier and a tea sommelier: the generous afternoon of Park Lane.

The Promenade runs the length of the hotel, marble floors, gilded columns, sofas the colour of honey. The tea is served in the British manner with a Dorchester scale: sandwiches, warm scones, a pastry tier, and a tea list guided by a sommelier; the champagne list is one of the best in the city.

It seats without a long wait on most weekdays and the cake shop by the entrance sells the same pieces to take home.