"When you want to spend an uninterrupted three hours in the kind of room where the king would record a Christmas message, book afternoon tea at The Goring. The Belgravia hotel’s vicinity to Buckingham Palace makes it a firm favourite for out-of-towners, but we'd also come here just to spend an afternoon feeling pampered. Finger sandwiches range from fine to addictively good—refills of the truffle egg mayo kept us on the savoury part of the tea longer than usual. Combined with the perfectly fluffy scones, the excellent mini carrot loaf, and an unlimited supply of teas from the long list, it's an afternoon tea experience that encourages settling down and lingering. It's mostly served in The Veranda, a bright, conservatory-like space, but you should book for a Saturday when you can enjoy it in the more special-feeling main restaurant, The Dining Room. Sit in the glorious heavy-curtained room that’s reminiscent of a Bridgerton episode, and soak in the Britishness of it all." - Rianne Shlebak
