London's Tea Guild has named The Athenaeum's famed Garden Room as the best place in London to enjoy a sumptuous afternoon tea. The Guild's prestigious awards now in their 27th year are considered the "Oscars' of the tea world, with internationally renowned London hotels and tea rooms competing for the highly coveted honour.

The Athenaeum is delightedly The Tea Guild's "Top London Afternoon Tea 2012" - so voted by the Guild's inspectors after the hotel's Garden Room gained a near perfect score

The judges praised it for its tasteful intimate style and fine furnishings, as well as friendly and efficient staff and excellent selection of scones, sandwiches and cakes. "When it came to tea itself, once again The Athenaeum hotel surpassed expectations with an excellent selection of teas, and knowledgeable and friendly staff that excelled firstly in advising customers on the choice of tea blends on offer and then serving those teas perfectly." The judges concluded that The Athenaeum Hotel offered "a very enjoyable and relaxing tea experience in splendid surroundings'.

Irene Gorman, the Head of The Tea Guild said that "Year on year the nominees for this prestigious award become ever more challenging, but taking tea at the The atheaneum hotel gives a demonstration of exactly how special Afternoon Tea has become.

"The elegant surroundings make the ceremony a memorable occasion and an experience to cherish, aided by delightfully friendly, efficient and knowledgeable staff, and with delicious food and teas faultlessly presented. It is easy to understand why this leading establishment attracts so many, both the young and the old"

"In the capital as elsewhere in the UK, the tradition of Afternoon Tea has never been stronger, with Tea Guild members busier than ever. More and more people are taking time out to enjoy this great British tradition. Afternoon Tea is now the most fashionable way to catch up with friends."

The Athenaeum's Food &Beverage Manager Ronny Wilbald said that The Athenaeum was a proud member of the Tea Guild. "Our staff members are passionate about creating a memorable guest experience and when it comes to serving the perfect afternoon tea. The Garden Room afternoon tea is pure indulgence, practiced by generations of tea lovers." 

Afternoon Tea at The Athenaeum is priced at £28.50 per person or £35.00 including a glass of Champagne. There are 3 sittings: 12:30pm, 3pm and 5:30pm daily.

Reservations can be made by calling +44 20 7499 3464

THE ATHENAEUM, 116 PICCADILLY MAYFAIR LONDON W1J 7BJ Tel: 020 7499 3464