Three main category awards were presented:
- Best Traditional Afternoon Tea – The Beaumont Hotel, Mayfair
- Best Contemporary Afternoon Tea – COMO The Halkin, London
- Best Themed Afternoon Tea – The Waldorf Hilton, London
A team of independent judges looked at all aspects of the Afternoon Tea experience, from making a booking, to paying the bill, with a strong focus on the presentation and service.
An ‘Award of Excellence’ was also presented to 19 venues that the judges considered to have delivered the highest standards in Afternoon Tea service.
Keith Newton, managing director of AfternoonTea.co.uk said: “The award winners have demonstrated that they can offer customers a fantastic Afternoon Tea experience, and value for money, during challenging economic times.”
The Beaumont Hotel, Mayfair – Best Traditional Afternoon Tea
The judges said: “This is an Afternoon Tea which does not disappoint, with high quality service and excellent food, all in a cosy and relaxing environment.”
COMO The Halkin, London – Best Contemporary Afternoon Tea
The judges said: “A very contemporary take on the traditional Afternoon Tea affair, which was executed well, and certainly felt almost guilt-free. The food was beautifully presented and the staff were welcoming and friendly.”
‘Be Our Guest’ Afternoon Tea at The Waldorf Hilton – Best Themed Afternoon Tea
The judges said: “The theme was carried through the whole experience, which was lovely and set a great mood in the tearoom. Our table looked impressive on arrival, the food was presented beautifully and didn’t lack in originality.”
The ‘Award of Excellence’ was presented to the following venues:
- Twenty Princes Street, Edinburgh
- Hotel Café Royal, London
- The Langham, London
- The Tea House, Pavilion Road, London
- Brown’s Hotel, London
- The Ampersand Hotel, London – ‘Science Afternoon Tea’
- The Milestone Hotel, London
- The Carlton Tower Jumeirah, London
- Rosewood London
- The Stafford London • Sofitel London, Rose Lounge
- Park Corner Brasserie, Hilton Park Lane
- Corinthia London
- L’Oscar London
- The Ampersand Hotel, London – Jurassic Afternoon Tea
- The Lanesborough London
- Coworth Park, Ascot
- The Grand Hotel Birmingham
- Ugly Butterfly, Cornwall
