Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason’s Diamond Jubilee Tea Room

There are afternoon teas — and then there is Fortnum & Mason. Nestled on the Fourth Floor of their historic Piccadilly store, the The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon is where time slows down and elegance reigns

I stepped in expecting tradition — and yes, the fine china and silver service were all there— but I left with something far more memorable: a symphony of British refinement layered with sensory delight.

A Room Fit for Royalty

Created in honour of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee, the Tea Salon is drenched in soft mint tones, plush carpets, and timeless lighting. Sitting under high ceilings with classical music playing gently in the background, I felt like I had temporarily checked into another century — and I loved every second.

The Tea

Choosing a tea felt like selecting a scent — personal, evocative, and surprisingly emotional. I went with Fortmason, a delicate blend with orange blossom that paired beautifully with the scones (warm, of course). Served with clotted cream and Fortnum’s strawberry preserve, they were nothing short of divine.

The three-tier stand arrived as a visual poem —

• Finger sandwiches (

• Buttery scones

• Patisserie wonders: think rosewater macarons, tartlets, and a glossy chocolate slice that might've just winked at me.

  
  

And yes — you can ask for seconds (I did, shamelessly).You can ask for more of anything — yes, I got more scones. And if you can’t finish everything, they happily pack the rest for you in a beautiful Fortnum & Mason box, which feels like a little gift to take home.

The Luxury Behind the Curtain

From a brand experience perspective, Fortnum’s is a masterclass in heritage storytelling. Every detail — from the monogrammed napkins to the curated playlist — whispers luxury without ever needing to shout. The staff were warm, informed, and effortlessly polished.

Takeaway for the Curious

• Book ahead — it gets busy, and you’ll want a window seat overlooking Piccadilly.

• Dress the part — smart casual is expected, and honestly, it adds to the fun.

• Go with time — this is a slow ritual, not a rushed lunch. Let it unfold.

Final Thoughts

Afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason isn’t just about food — it’s a ceremony of culture, luxury, and pause. In a city that moves fast, it’s a moment to steep in history — one sip at a time.