London Fashion Week has fueled much of the dainty cookie consumption at this 100-year-old institution (sweets are made in the image of high-end accessories of the season). But you can take your tea in high style any day of the week. Enjoy Champagne, assam, scones, and Wedgwood china serving pieces in the well-appointed, newly renovated, and delightfully light-filled Collins Room.
Wilton Pl.
London, SW1X 7RL
+44-207-107-8866
Panoramic city views are hard to beat. The dining room at The Shard makes the most of its altitude (on floor 31) with a three-story atrium bar where guests gather to ooh and ahh the urban jungle while sipping sophisticated mixed drinks or taking afternoon tea. Note: A dress code is in place (no flip flops or shorts, please).
31 St. Thomas St.
London, SE1 9RY
+44-203-011-1256
Botany, alchemy, food science: It's all happening in one perfectly executed cocktail after another at Dandelyan, a sleek bar in the Mondrian London run by award-winning bartender Ryan Lyan.
20 Upper Ground
London, SE1 9PD
+44-203-747-1063
The subterranean cocktail bar is the latest addition to the the oldest whiskey shop in London. Specially sourced ingredients (like Japanese matcha tea, Creole shrubb, and tomato water basil bitters) go into stand-out cocktails. Upstairs, one can drink by the glass or buy nearly every brown liquor under the sun.
READ MORE ON FATHOM
3 Greek St.
London, W1D 4NX
The cocktail lounge is located in a standalone building behind the Zetter Hotel, a cozy parlor with leather armchairs, velvet sofas, tassled chandeliers, and clusters of paintings. Barman Tony Conigliaro, inspired by Clerkenwell's old distilleries, has recreated historic cocktail recipes to excellent effect.
49-50 St. John's Sq.
London, EC1V 4JJ
+44-207-324-4545
A basement parlor in Soho evoking bygone speakeasies with red wallpaper and plush sofas. The cocktail menu has playful themes ("the guest that never leaves," "big boy drinks"). If you can't get a reservation, try the new outpost on Shaftesbury Avenue.
61 Goodge St.
London, W1T 1TL
+44-207-580-1960
A grand and glorious spot for a drink, especially if you're hopping the Eurostar to the Continent. It feels like you've stepped back in time, from the ornate, Victorian-era ceilings designed by Sir Gilbert Scott, to the speciality cocktails and chef Marcus Wareing's refined bistro menu.
St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel, Euston Rd.
London, NW1 2AR
+44-207-278-3888
A classic English pub made modern, where speciality local ales accompany incredible food. For added privacy and charm, try to snag one of the cozy nooks known as "snugs."
115 Charterhouse St.
London, EC1M 6AA
+44-207-250-1300
The always packed, old-fashioned Italian caffe is one of the rare 24-hour spots in town. It's family-run and reliably attracts actual Italians and an anti-Starbucks crowd.
22 Frith St.
London, W1D 4RF
+44-207-734-4737