Is there a dress code for The Connaught afternoon tea?
We do not have a dress code, so guests are welcome to wear whatever makes them most comfortable. Our guests within the hotel usually opt for a smart casual look.
While there is no set dress code to follow, you do want to present yourself in a more polished manner with your attire. Men should try to aim for a “smart casual” look, pants or nice denim jeans can be worn with a collared or button down shirt, and a smart shoe such as a loafer can be a good choice.
Do you have to dress up for afternoon tea in London?
Though it's not required at all establishments and there are plenty of places that serve casual afternoon teas, we're fans of making the occasion a bit more special by wearing smart clothes.
We wish for our guests to feel as welcome and comfortable as possible when visiting us, and therefore, we do not enforce a dress code at any of our restaurants at Fortnum's.
While there are no ties required, you might want to opt for a crisp, white collared shirt which is seen as a safe bet when it comes to afternoon tea. The look is very much a staple of the unwritten dress code for these events. Men can also wear jeans or smart trousers and keep their footwear to a good standard.
For footwear, however, trainers are usually considered overly casual and should be left at home in favour of smarter options. Wearing a dress to afternoon tea isn't essential, but as it tends to be used to celebrate a special occasion, many people take the opportunity to dress up and wear something smarter than usual.
Most establishments will bring unlimited refills of tea and usually about as much food as you can eat. If your server doesn't offer additional scones or sandwiches, just ask. At lower-priced restaurants, though, expect just one serving.
The perfect time to book your afternoon tea experience is usually to cater for a light meal between lunch and dinner. Typically, anytime between 12 – 5 pm is the ideal time to book afternoon tea however, this depends entirely on your preference.
Avoid wearing poor fitting jeans, anything that looks scruffy or too casual such as sportswear. Trousers are best for men, consider a linen trouser in summer or a tailored pair of shorts if shorts aren't prohibited.
Ladies and gentlemen are requested to wear smart casual attire and the management reserves the right to refuse entry to any person deemed to be dressed inappropriately.
So, what's the dress code? High tea attire is semi-formal and stylish, leaning into ladylike silhouettes, soft fabrics, and delicate prints. Think midi-length dresses, tea-length skirts, wrap styles, and elegant blouses. It's not the place for jeans, gym wear, or overly casual pieces.
Jeans can definitely feature in any smart casual look, but you need to choose the cut and colour carefully. If you want to wear jeans in a smart casual setting, opt for a straighter, slimmer fit rather than anything too relaxed or baggy. Darker washes usually fit better in a more formal setting, too.
Yes, you can wear sneakers as part of a smart-casual dress code. Pair them with jeans, khakis, chinos or even some skirts for a more athletic smart-casual look.
Avoid cotton T-shirts or tops with large-printed graphics or slogans. Bottoms: Pants like chinos, silk pants, or dress pants are a great choice for a smart casual look. Dark-wash denim jeans are acceptable, but they should be tailored and distress-free.
It's customary for the person doing the hosting to pour the tea out, and for the teapot to be left on the table with the spout facing the person who poured. If sat at a table, the proper manner to drink tea is to raise the tea cup, leaving the saucer on the table, and to place the cup back on the saucer between sips.
In general, it's best to skip the color black in large doses (too somber for this whimsy affair) and to leave the sneakers, t-shirts, shorts and sportswear at home. Now that I've probably confused you with what NOT to wear, let's talk about what you absolutely SHOULD wear to a tea party with your wicker bag in tow.
How Long Does Afternoon Tea Last? Afternoon tea at The Athenaeum typically lasts around 1.5 to 2 hours, giving you ample time to savor each course at a relaxed pace. You can take your time enjoying the beautiful setting of the hotel and the delicious offerings.
