One of the topics that regularly comes up on our Facebook is the best place to go for Afternoon Tea; the archetypal English afternoon for the self-respecting lady or gent. Apparently it all got started back in the mid 1800s, according to these guys. The Duchess of Bedford started having a tray of tea with bread and butter served to her in the mid-afternoon. You see, in those days, lunch was served at noon but dinner was not eaten until 8 or even 9 o’clock at night. The Duchess found herself hungry during those long afternoon hours, the poor thing. It became a regular occurrence and as she began to invite other high-society ladies to join her, having Afternoon Tea became the ‘in-thing’ for well heeled ladies. Along with tea, there would be small pastries with clotted cream or preserves, delicate sandwiches, and scones. Marvellous.

Fast forward to the present and this little joy is still to be had all across London. Here are our pick of the spots. We haven’t gone by area of London this week as this lot tend to be in the smart old hotels more centrally, but if anyone knows of any far flung gems we’ve looked over like a doe-eyed Theo Walcott then, as ever, let us know. A word of warning: the places below are not cheap – but they are ruddy nice.

Tempus Bar, Russell Hotel, 1-8 Russell Square, Bloomsbury, WC1B 5BE

Hotel Russell is massive. And massively beautiful. If you’re into your architecture you have to just stand in awe of the place. After its recent £20m restoration project all that grandeur is now shipshape. Afternoon tea is served in the Tempus Bar; a right old haven that feels like a library – lots of wood panelling, high ceilings, hanging gas-style lamps, the odd carriage clock and open fireplace with smart leather seating. This is the kind of place you’d get the silk jacket out for.

The Langham, 1c Portland Place, Regent Street, W1B 1JA

The current Oscar holder of the tea world, Langham’s Palm Court Afternoon tea has been awarded Tea Guild’s Top London Afternoon Tea 2010 – high tens to them. These guys lay claim to being the place where afternoon tea was born over 140 years ago, too. It’s a gorgeous hotel all round and the Palm Court itself is particularly dazzling. Check their site for a brilliant little guide to the etiquette of afternoon tea drinking.

Thanks for the tip off: Hannah Lawton

Gore Hotel, 190 Queen’s Gate, Kensington, SW7 5EX

This is truly stunning little boutique hotel with oak panelling, big Chesterfield sofas and a particular little lovers’ cubby hole in the back of the bar. What with being round the corner from the Royal Albert Hall and all, this place gets its fair share of big names through its doors.  In 1968 its bar, Bar 190, was where Rolling Stones’ ‘Beggars’ Banquet’ was filmed, and it’s that kind of legacy that has influenced these folks’ tea; it seems. We present to you ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Afternoon Tea’ – served every day from 2pm to 5.30pm.

Thanks for the tip off: Donnie Don Don

Brown’s Hotel, Albemarle Street, Mayfair, W1S 4BP

Hot on the Langham’s heels, ‘The English Tea Room’ at Brown’s Hotel was voted The Tea Guild’s ‘Top London Afternoon Tea 2009’. You can’t buy that on eBay. It’s a mix of old and new, with original wood panelling, fireplaces and Jacobean detailed plaster ceiling alongside Paul Smith lighting, fashionable fabrics and original artworks. Chuck in a baby grand piano and you’ve got a right old scene going on.

The Connaught, Carlos Place, Mayfair, W1K 2AL

This is proper charles. The Connaught is one of London’s smartest old hotels; 5 star luxury in the heart of Mayfair. It was originally intended as an oasis of calm for the landed gentry of England to retire to during their hectic visits to the capital. Not much has changed since the hotel opened in 1897 - doormen in top hats and white gloves still usher guests into the majestic entrance hall with its magnificent mosaic floor and grand wooden staircase, and afternoon tea is still every bit as much a fixture as ever.

Cadogan, 75 Sloane Street, Chelsea, SW1X 9SG

Proper paisley. Another place with its own spin on traditional afternoon tea, The Cadogan has launched “ARTea” (cunning) in conjunction with  The Kings Road Art Gallery. Alongside their afternoon tea in the drawing room, guests will now be able view an exclusive collection of the gallery’s paintings. The place has got a long history with the bohemian community – ask what happened when Oscar Wilde came by. Thankfully times have now changed. Tea is served in a lovely wood-panelled drawing room, all very comfy.

Durrants, George Street, Marylebone, W1H 5BJ

One of London’s oldest hotels, if not the oldest, Durrants is sublime. A proper hidden gem, with a real club feeling and the obligatory wood panelling and leather chairs. It’s family managed, 18th century and just ten minutes from Bond Street station. Tea is taken in the sitting room, or actually wherever you want really. Very highly recommended.

The Dorchester, Park Lane, Mayfair, W1K 1QA

I think we need say no more about The Dorchester than it’s where Prince Philip had his stag night. Other than that, for the ladies, these guys are doing a something called ‘Spatisserie’. An epic pun and, we’re told, some epic buns.

Thanks for the tip off: Ellen Grace Hamblin

And a couple of little’ns:

Camellia’s Tea House, Top Floor Kingly Court, Carnaby Street, W1B 5PW

A tiny little shop, but also tearoom, right in the heart of Carnaby Street. Anyone who’s ever tried their hand at the doom that is ‘shopping’ will know the value of a good nearby teashop. As it’s up on the second floor it doesn’t get flooded with people, but you will be lucky to get a seat. You can buy teas, a lot of which they blend themselves in the shop. It’s a real labour of love, just the sort of place we like.

Thanks for the tip off: Rochelle Kelsey Amber Masters

High Tea of Highgate, 50 Highgate High St, Highgate, N6 5HX