Tea experience recommendation in London (with complications)?

April 3, 2024 9:31 AM

The Blah family would like to go to tea when we're in London shortly, but the complicating factor is that one member doesn't eat eggs. And since so many pastries and baked goods have an egg wash, it's probably safest to order that person a vegan meal. Do you have a recommendation?

(Yes, I can and have googled, but you guys are better recommenders than google.)

Also, is there a difference between "tea" and "high tea"?

posted by BlahLaLa to Food & Drink (16 answers total)

Best answer: "Tea" and "afternoon tea" (also aka "low tea") refer to the the little finger sandwiches and scones and pastry and whatnot, plus tea. "High tea" is generally offered in the early evening and has more substantial foods, more of a lightish supper with tea. High tea is a more relaxed affair than afternoon tea.
posted by cooker girl at 9:37 AM on April 3

Sketch can make it vegan and the space is amazing (but $$)
posted by armacy at 10:05 AM on April 3 [1 favorite]

I can guarantee a vegan afternoon tea at Brown's (select the 'plant based afternoon tea').

I'm also pretty sure both Claridges and Fortnums have vegan offerings. Book ahead at Claridges to request the vegan option.
posted by theory at 10:24 AM on April 3

Fortnum and Mason have a vegan tea menu at the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon. $$$$ but a positive review and the atmosphere can't be beat: https://www.footstepsontheglobe.com/vegan-travel/fortnum-and-mason-best-vegan-afternoon-tea-in-london/
posted by lizard music at 10:25 AM on April 3

"A National Trust spokesperson said that, while some of its published recipes may differ, the plain and fruit scones in its tearooms have been dairy-free for years.

They added: “National Trust cafes serve millions of customers a year and we work hard to accommodate dietary needs and allergies. Our scones are made with vegetable-based spread. This means our iconic plain and fruit scones can be enjoyed by those with dairy allergies, and vegans.

“However, all scones can be enjoyed with butter or cream. Every purchase in our cafes supports the work of the National Trust"

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/apr/01/national-trust-defends-vegan-scone-recipe-after-wokery-criticism#:~:text=A%20National%20Trust,the%20National%20Trust

posted by sebastienbailard at 12:07 PM on April 3

The Savoy is ultra-posh and delicious (with prices to match), and they explicitly offer a vegan option.
posted by uncleozzy at 12:18 PM on April 3

Sketch is a lot of fun and the whole space is interesting to poke around. The Wolseley is a nice option for trad, and does vegan.
posted by tardigrade at 12:54 PM on April 3 [1 favorite]

The Library at County Hall is my favourite, and has a vegan option.

I have also had a great experience at The Ampersand which also has a vegan option.
posted by Erinaceus europaeus at 1:05 PM on April 3

Best answer: Two things about tea

1/ you need to make a reservation asap and stick to your slot

2/ time this so it replaces a main meal - between the finger sandwiches, the scones and the pastries/cake you will eat a lot of food
posted by koahiatamadl at 1:25 PM on April 3 [2 favorites]

I paid the $$$$ for the (regular) tea at Fortnum and recommend it. Pay the big bucks and make one of the iconic choices.
posted by shock muppet at 2:14 PM on April 3 [2 favorites]

I went to the Swan (attached to the Globe Theatre) a couple of weeks ago. They have a vegan tea, I had the regular and my friend had the gluten free. She said it was the best gluten free tea she's had and I really enjoyed mine. The location is also lovely with a view of the Thames.
posted by My Kryptonite is Worry at 5:34 PM on April 3

The Palm Court at the Langham Hotel is very accommodating of dietary issues. My DH didn't do dairy when we visited some years ago and they produced a dairy free tea. It's also very expensive.
posted by fiercekitten at 10:58 PM on April 3

... it's probably safest to order that person a vegan meal.

It is mandatory to list and label ingredients that are known allergens, so every venue will have a list. You should ask the venue (when making a reservation by phone or email) or your wait staff (when you arrive) to confirm specific allergens are excluded from your meal.
posted by k3ninho at 2:35 AM on April 4

Best answer: sebastienbailard: "A National Trust spokesperson said that, while some of its published recipes may differ, the plain and fruit scones in its tearooms have been dairy-free for years.

Eggs are not dairy. Dairy-free does not mean egg-free.
posted by capricorn at 6:15 AM on April 4 [3 favorites]

Response by poster: Thank you -- I'll be checking these all out!
posted by BlahLaLa at 8:43 PM on April 4

Response by poster: Ultimately we decided instead to splash out on lunch at Ottolenghi. For four people, it was around $250 USD, and was very vegetarian friendly and mega delish. I don't regret our choice.
posted by BlahLaLa at 11:03 AM on April 28 [2 favorites]