Tea is the new black

17th February 2009

London Fashion Week kicks off this Friday in a flurry of fabulous fashions, but despite the industry's champagne image a cup of tea is still the drink of choice for many a style-maker. Alexandra Fullerton asked the cream of fashpack, "where's your favourite place to take time out for tea?"

Gaia Geddes, Executive Fashion Editor and Jewellery Editor, Harper's Bazaar

Where's your favourite place to take tea in London? It has to be Claridge's, it's an institution and can turn drinking a simple cup of tea into a major part of your day.
Why do you love it there? It's the ultimate decadence and transports you into another era.
What do you order? I'm not a massive cake fan but I do love the sandwiches. I will skip lunch and indulge later, more or less treating tea like a light lunch.
How do you take your tea? I adore Lapsang Souchong, plain as it comes (no milk, no sugar). Smoky and delicate, it's the perfect partner to the divine cakes.

Carolyn Asome, Deputy Fashion Editor, The Times

Where's your favourite place to take tea in London? I have several favourites including The Connaught and Dover Street Market.
Why do you love it there? Dover Street Market: Because it's so laid back and the scones and home-made cakes are first rate. The Connaught: I've only been once since the hotel's revamp but the cakes and sandwiches were probably the best!
What do you order? I like the egg mayo sandwiches, scones and clotted cream as well as the eclairs.
How do you take your tea? I like mint tea.

Eve Kalinik, Acting Executive Fashion and Beauty Editor, GLAMOUR

Where's your favourite place to take tea in London? The Wolseley
Why do you love it there? For the fantastic ambience and beautiful decor. Also great for celeb spotting!
What do you order? Earl Grey and if I’m peckish some scones too.
How do you take your tea? Black with a small spoonful of sugar.

Tomoko Kihara, Fashion PR

Where's your favourite place to take tea in London? Laduree at Harrods.
Why do you love it there? Because it’s a magical place! It's like you're in Paris and the beautiful colours of the boxes on display, gorgeous cakes and macaroons make me smile!
What do you order? I always order Jasmine tea with vanilla, pistachio and lemon macaroons.
How do you take your tea? As it is - no milk, no sugar.

Emily Zak, Executive Retail Editor, VOGUE

Where's your favourite place to take tea in London? The Wolseley.
Why do you love it there? The atmosphere.
What do you order? Earl Grey.
How do you take your tea? With a little milk and no sugar.

Alice B-B, Journalist

Where's your favourite place to take tea in London? It has to be Tea at The Ritz London. It’s the ultimate treat and the staff look after each and every guest as if they were royalty.
Why do you love it there? The hotel is steeped in old school glamour, the duck-egg blue china is the prettiest in London and the raspberry tarts are very naughty.
What do you order? Afternoon tea in the Palm Court Restaurant. When the tea stand arrives I always go for the egg and cress roll first and then think I’ll be able to work my way through the lot.  But after the second scone with clotted cream and strawberry jam I always realize my eyes are bigger than my tummy.
How do you take your tea? Like a builder; milk and one.  But in a fine china cup.

Karen Preston, Shopping Editor, GLAMOUR

Where's your favourite place to take tea in London? Definitely Claridge’s.
Why do you love it there? It's quintessentially English, the service is fantastic and you feel like a lady for the afternoon.
What do you order? I nearly always have the full afternoon tea with little finger sandwiches (they always taste so good when they are small without the crust) and scones with cream and jam. I always have English breakfast tea.
How do you take your tea? With milk and no sugar.

Jessica Bumpus, Fashion Features Editor, VOGUE.com UK

Where's your favourite place to take tea in London? There are so many great places to take tea in London it's hard to choose a favourite but The Ritz is traditional and delicious!
Why do you love it there? You associate tea with taking a break so the atmosphere is very important. Tea at The Ritz feels very grand.
What do you order? I like my traditional English breakfast tea and a cream cake.
How do you take your tea? No sugar, a splash or two of milk. Not too strong, not too weak.

Natalie Theo, Fashion Editor, The Daily Mail

Where's your favourite place to take tea in London? The Coburg Bar at The Connaught Hotel.
Why do you love it there? It has a great chic country manor feel but is in the best part of London. The fabulous fireplace and the cosy atmosphere are wonderful and you'll never know who'll be dropping in. I feel like I am at home and they make the best cup of tea!
What do you order? English breakfast tea.
How do you take your tea? No nonsense. Strong. With a dash of milk. One teaspoon of brown sugar.

Carrie Gorman, Style Editor, thelondonpaper

Where's your favourite place to take tea in London? Browns
Why do you love it there? Browns has an intimacy that makes you feel as if you've entered a secret world. It's like stepping in to an oasis of calm from the madness of Bond Street. It's modern and stylish but still has the sense of occasion that you crave from your afternoon tea.
What do you order? If you're going to do it, you may as well do it properly... I go for the Champagne Tea. And make sure I'm not out for dinner that night!
How do you take your tea? I take the Browns afternoon blend, strong with a splash of milk and no sugar.