The best places for afternoon tea

From traditional teas to contemporary cocktails – impress your clients with a sumptuous teatime experience in stylish surroundings. Here are four of our favourites…

The Gilbert Scott
St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, London NW1
Indulge in a quirky teatime alternative at Marcus Wareing's ornate restaurant. Taking Tea with George is a tea-inspired cocktail experience in the elegant surroundings of this newly restored hotel. Share a pot or enjoy a cocktail such as the refreshing Chamomile made with cachaça, chamomile tea and champagne. Tea is served with delicacies including Mrs Beeton's cheese butterflies (goat's cheese and delicious pastry) and peanut brittle choc-ices between noon and 4pm. The cost is £29 per person.
To book call 020 7278 3888 or visit www.thegilbertscott.co.uk

Tigerlily
125 George Street, Edinburgh EH2
In the heart of the city's shopping and dining district, this luxurious boutique hotel offers two options – the traditional Tigerlily or indulgent Chocolate Tea. Traditionalists will enjoy home-made fruit scones and lemon drizzle cake, while chocoholics will delight in a moreish selection of chocolate-based treats. This is served with an organic tea selection and costs £12.95 per person.
To book call 0131 225 5005 or visit www.tigerlilyedinburgh.co.uk

Harvey Nichols, Second Floor Restaurant
21 Cathedral Street, Manchester M1
Enjoy magnificent views of the city at this stylish award-winning restaurant. Choose from a variety of Cornwall-grown teas and a selection of finger sandwiches and miniature cakes including delicious sultana scones with Harvey Nichols's strawberry jam and Devon clotted cream. Tea is served between 3pm and 5pm and costs £14.50 per person.
To book call 0161 828 8898 or visit www.harveynichols.com/restaurants

The Merchant Hotel
16 Skipper Street, Belfast BT1
Situated in the heart of Belfast city centre's historic cathedral quarter, the five-star Merchant Hotel serves a gloriously traditional afternoon tea including delicate pastries, finger sandwiches and scones.
And at weekends guests can enjoy live piano music. Tea is served with a glass of champagne between noon and 4.30pm and costs either £19.50 or £29.50 per person.
To book call 028 9023 4888 or visit www.themerchanthotel.com