Bring Your Recommendations for 1st Timer

[vsrachel]

Hello:

I will be in London from Oct 24th to 28th. I am seeking your top picks in the following categories:

-fine dining

-gastropub

-afternoon tea

-snack fare

Please keep in mind that I will be visiting for only a very short time, and that I have never been to your fair city before. Looking to pack in as much memorable eating as possible - food, drink and friends, can't wait!

Thank you!

[Andy Lynes]

When I visit a city for the first time I'm always torn between doing the really famous places and finding the really exciting up and coming places. If you use this site's search facility you'll find plenty of suggestions for all your catagories. Here's a couple that lean towards up and coming:

The Ledbury Notting Hill for fine dining

The Gun, Docklands for gastropub

Grocer on Warwick for Asian style snacking or a full meal

I've never taken afternoon tea in London so can't give a personal recommendation.

[Jamsie]

Fine Dining - Tom Aikens/Pied a terre

Gastropub - Anchor & Hope waterloo

Afternoon tea - wolsely

snack fare - marylebone high street has plenty of places along it

[circeplum]

I've never taken afternoon tea in London so can't give a personal recommendation.

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[Andy Lynes]

I've never taken afternoon tea in London so can't give a personal recommendation.

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Actually, I did have tea at The Criterion in its pre-MPW days, but it was nothing to write home about.

[Conor]

I too am deeply shocked that you haven't had tea in London for so long. Its the perfect way for you to fill that time between all the lunches and dinners you go to!

For tea, go to the Lansborough, its exactly how the Earl of Sandwich must have envisaged it!

[origamicrane]

The Ritz?

[grahamR]

A pleasant afternoon tea (usually with the place to yourself) is served at The Stafford.

Dining alfresco, a good selection of goodies can be found at the restaurant at the back of Somerset House.

For extravagance my choice would be The Waldorf.

[Andy Lynes]

I too am deeply shocked that you haven't had tea in London for so long. Its the perfect way for you to fill that time between all the lunches and dinners you go to!

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I'll bear that in mind. My preference is always the pub (The Gun in Docklands was the last recipient of my post lunch/pre-dinner trade) but that isn't always a terribly clever idea I am forced to admit.

[circeplum]

afternoon tea doesn't preclude alcohol. champagne and scones are rather lovely together. dunno about old speckled peculiar or whatever it is you have to endure in pubs, though.

x

[Andy Lynes]

I've never endured an old speckled peculiar in a pub. However, if there are other members who have been through what sounds like a terrible ordeal, please feel free to unburden yourselves here. We are all your friends.

[magnolia]

The Mandarin Oriental does a great afternoon tea (come to think of it, their lunch is excellent as well) Not Foliage, the other dining room. I'd recommend a day in the spa, followed by tea...