Afternoon Tea Awards 2016 Announced

The AfternoonTea.co.uk Team

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The best places in London to enjoy a sumptuous afternoon tea have been named in the Afternoon Tea Awards 2016, sponsored by AfternoonTea.co.uk.

Afternoon Tea Awards 2016

For this year's Afternoon Tea Awards click here

Four awards were presented:

- Best Traditional Afternoon Tea - Claridge's

- Best Contemporary Afternoon Tea - Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park

- Best Themed Afternoon Tea - Sanderson London

- Best Family Friendly Afternoon Tea - Grosvenor House

Over 30 of London's finest hotels and restaurants were shortlisted for the awards, which recognise the best in afternoon tea service and creativity.

A team of independent judges looked at all aspects of the afternoon tea experience, from arrival to departure, with a strong focus on the food, drink and service.

In addition to the top awards, 25 venues were awarded Highly Commended and Commended certificates.

Martha Collison at the Afternoon Tea Awards

The awards were presented by Martha Collison, the youngest ever contestant on 'Great British Bake Off', in a ceremony at London's Grosvenor House Hotel on 13^th July.

Keith Newton, Managing Director of AfternoonTea.co.uk said "The standard was extremely high and we are delighted that the hard work that venues put into their afternoon tea has been recognised by the judges".

The judges also awarded the following 'Highly Commended' and 'Commended' certificates.

Highly Commended

The Langham London
Fortnum & Mason
Harrods - Georgian Restaurant
Sketch
The Milestone Hotel
Brown's Hotel, Mayfair
The Connaught
The Goring
Royal Garden Hotel
Corinthia London
The Dorchester
Ting @ Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard
The Lanesborough
Conrad London St James

Commended

The Landmark Hotel
The Montague on the Gardens
The Park Lane Hotel
The Wellesley
The Marylebone Hotel
The Chesterfield Mayfair Hotel
One Aldwych
The Ritz
The Royal Horseguards
The Rubens at the Palace
BB Afternoon Tea Bus Tour

Claridge's - Best Traditional Afternoon Tea

The judges said: "an exceptional experience"; "staff were bubbly, enthusiastic and helpful… a relaxed and lively atmosphere, nothing stuffy and formal here"; "pastries were perfect in flavour, texture, and presentation".

Claridges Award

Claridge's receive their award from Martha Collison

Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park - Best Contemporary Afternoon Tea

The judges said: "Lovely ambiance. Spotless facilities, beautiful venue"; "staff were attentive and thoughtful throughout, giving wonderful recommendations and having clearly excellent knowledge and pride in the presentation of their product."; "Innovative sandwich presentation…delicate and intricate pastries".

Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park receive their award from Martha Collison

Best Themed Afternoon Tea - Sanderson, Mad Hatter's Afternoon Tea

The judges said: "This is how to run a themed afternoon tea"; "They surprised and enchanted me!"; "Inventive, fun, tasty"; "Great fun! Excellent tea for small and big kids alike, theme is very, very well done!"

Sanderson London receive their award from Martha Collison

Best Family Friendly Afternoon Tea - Grosvenor House

The judges said: "the children's afternoon tea selection was cleverly designed."; "The service was attentive and well orchestrated. Our waitress was amazing, everything was served in perfect timing"; "Considering the generous table size, the friendly service, the quality of food and the location, Grosvenor House offers good value for money."

Grosvenor House receive their award from Martha Collison

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