Afternoon tea in London

Q: During a visit to London in July, I would like to impress friends by taking them for a traditional English tea at one of the posh establishments. However, I would prefer to find a spot that has not been overtaken by tourists. Do you have some hidden gems up your sleeve? - Andrea Berry

A: After consulting friends in London, I received a pretty diverse list of places to go, proof that the afternoon tea is still very popular. Most people topped their lists with the "Pret-a-Portea" at the Berkeley Hotel in Knightsbridge, a rather quirky choice. Besides a wide selection of teas, the cakes and sweets replicate the shoes, handbags and other creations of top fashion designers. Hotel guests, businessmen and society dames get to nibble away at Manolo Blahnik stilettos and Christian Dior handbags - based on their very latest ranges. I am assured it is all far less "cheesey" than it sounds and the experience certainly won't be forgotten. Reservations are recommended. Available from 1pm-6pm for 40 British pounds. For a really classy affair, head for Apsleys at the Lanesborough Hotel in Belgravia. The afternoon tea is given an international twist with selected foreign dishes and the city's first tea sommelier, but the sense of tradition and "old money" hangs heavily in this rarified air. Afternoon tea is served from 4-6pm for around 25 pounds (www.lanesborough.com). If you really want to show off your "insider" knowledge of London, surprise your guests with tea at the Tangerine Dream Cafe at the Chelsea Psychic Garden. The garden was set up in 1673 to study medicinal plants and is located off Royal Hospital Road in Chelsea near the Thames. Place your order in the rather plain tearoom and then carry your meal out onto the lovely terrace. The menu is a la carte, with some delicious savoury choices, such as crostini of buffalo mozzarella and tapenade and the regular scones, tarts and cakes. Tea and entrance will cost around 15 pounds. Find details and days of operation of the Tangerine Dream Cafe on the Internet (www.chelseapsychicgarden.co.uk). Surprisingly, Harrods is still regarded as a respectable choice for tea, but avoid the sprawling Georgian Restaurant on the fourth floor and head instead for Laduree Tearoom on the ground floor. With its own entrance on Hans Road, this is where well-heeled local residents pop in for take-aways from a macaroon boutique or tea with cake and scones at tables in the double-storey tearoom. Afternoon tea is served from 3.30-6pm for around 27 pounds (www.laduree.com).