529068 Sat Jun 14 12:10:01 -0700 2008 8 42 U.K./Ireland 0 3780537 Hello My boyfriend and I will be in London in July for a few days and he wants to take a business associate/friend out for a lunch that will wow him. The gent fancies himself perhaps a bit of aristocracy (he isn't to my knowledge) and mentioned it was St.Slythins (sp?) Day that day, the patron saint of umbrellas I believe. We want to indulge his fanciful nature and take him someplace special for a Tuesday afternoon lunch or even late-afternoon high tea, if that is what I imagine it is. Any special Chowhound suggestions? Thank you! Sat Jun 14 12:10:03 -0700 2008 96612 lichow 1 3780564 St Swithin's day: If it does rain, full 40 days it will remain. St Swithin's day if it be fair, for 40 days, t'will rain no more http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2002/jul/15/weather.netnotes High tea sounds like an excellent idea - my brother swears by Brown's which sounds like it will do the job: http://www.doshermanos.co.uk/2006/02/tea-for-two-browns-hotel-there-is-no.html Sat Jun 14 12:21:52 -0700 2008 3780537 190811 Hermano Primero 1 3780739 Someone told me that Teasmith @ Spitalfields Market has some 30 year old pu-erh; assuming that they are willing to brew some for you (I don't recall it being on their menu), it can be lovely way to spend an afternoon (since this tea will last 10-20 infusions). Not exactly traditional English, but I think it would be quite fanciful. Sat Jun 14 14:03:17 -0700 2008 3780537 10076 limster 2 3780750 I really like Teasmith but I don't find it that comfortable. The price can mount up as well esp. if you get stuck in to the William Curley chocs, I think this scenario just cries out for a classic English Hotel Tea Experience. Sat Jun 14 14:10:55 -0700 2008 3780739 190811 Hermano Primero 3 3780783 Yep, you're absolutely right, the price will definitely mount up, especially for a tea like that (depending on the vintage, old pu-erhs can sometimes cost more than old bordeaux, although the incredible ability of the tea to last for many infusions might make it more affordable at the end). I suppose it depends on whether the emphasis is going to be fanciful or old-time. But since many chowhounds like to think out of the box, I thought it would be worth offering it as a possibility. I have to admit, I haven't had any of the William Curley chocs there, been only drinking tea, as I've been mainly getting them at Curley's choc shop near Green Park. Sat Jun 14 14:26:36 -0700 2008 3780750 10076 limster 4 3781698 Teasmith was a bit of an eye-opener for me - knowing very little about tea - but the enthusiasm and knowledge of the staff made it a very enjoyable experience. It's a quite a nice haven too, away from the bustle of the rest of the market. Sun Jun 15 04:54:27 -0700 2008 3780783 190811 Hermano Primero 5 3781767 I really enjoyed Teasmith and it is definitely worth a visit. I don't think it quite matches the OP's original request. Afternoon tea is always fun and Brown's remains my favourite. The other options could be places like Rules or Wiltons, in former years dining rooms for the aristocracy. They attract a lot of tourists, but both can provide good meals if you don't go too far off piste. Potted shrimp, steak & kidney pudding and spotted dick at Rules with a bottle of Claret Dover Sole and a good Sancerre at Wiltons Can't see him complaining at either of those S Sun Jun 15 06:10:45 -0700 2008 3781698 12021 Simon Majumdar 6 3782283 Not for tea, but proper meals: Rules a bit on the tourist trail I think, but spot on with Wiltons. Greens (100 yds from Wiltons) is excellent, and much less pricey (also it's run by Simon Parker-Bowles, Camilla's one time brother-in-law). Maybe the George and Vulture off Cornhill in The City? Very old school, but manic at times. When you ask for cheese there's no choice, but a whole stilton arrives with a spoon stuck in the top, and you just help yourself until someone else wants it. Heaven. Sun Jun 15 12:15:56 -0700 2008 3781767 156990 Robin Joy 7 3783331 Thank you so much for the replies! I will pray for the no-rain outcome. All the best. Sun Jun 15 21:16:45 -0700 2008 3782283 96612 lichow