During my trip to London, one of the must-do’s on my list was afternoon tea. With so many places to choose from, my husband, friends and I decided to book reservations at Claridge’s Hotel.

We arrived in time for our reservation and made our way to our table. Claridge’s version of afternoon tea includes a selection of tea sandwiches, scones, pastries and tea, of course. Each of us decided to add a glass of Champagne for an additional fee. We each tried a different tea. I opted for the classic Rare Earl Grey with milk.

There were five sandwiches on the menu during our visit: smoked salmon with shrimp butter on rye bread, pastrami with horseradish cream and rocket on malt bread, ham with apple butter and lettuce on onion bread, egg salad with watercress and chives on white bread and cucumber with mint and lemon cream cheese on white bread. My favorite was the egg salad, which offered a savory and creamy bite. After the sandwiches, we enjoyed individual cheese and onion tartlets with Welsh rarebit.

Up next, raisin and plain scones with clotted cream and jam on the side. The scones weren’t overly sweet, and the clotted cream and jam were perfect accompaniments. Finally, we enjoyed a selection of sweet pastries: Fraisier with vanilla ganache, chocolate Sablé and pistachio praline, caramel Saint Honoré and raspberry Eton mess. The chocolate Sablé was the least favorite for each of us. My husband and our friends loved the Eton mess, and the caramel Saint Honoré was the standout for me.

The afternoon tea experience was a highlight of the trip. If you find yourself in London for afternoon tea, I recommend Claridge’s for the ambience, service and sweets.

— Katie Skrzek, vice president/digital director