For the 28th time, the judges of the UK Tea Council’s Tea Guild have nibbled and sipped their way through gallons of Earl Grey and piles of perfect sandwiches in their quest to find the best place to take afternoon tea in London. And the winner is... the Goring in Belgravia.

The hotel gained the top award for London tea destinations after receiving a near-perfect score. Afternoon tea can be taken by a roaring fire in the hotel’s lounge or, rarely for London, al fresco. Its afternoon tea menu (£37.50 per person) consists of dainty finger sandwiches, homemade buttery scones, and numerous hand-crafted patisseries, all served with an excellent selection of carefully selected and perfectly brewed teas.

Treat yourself to more London afternoon tea places here. prefer tea by the sea? Try our list of coastal afternoon tea spots. And if you prefer your afternoon tea with a creative twist: how about 'craft-ernoon' tea - things to make for the tea table...