While it may not have been the absolute best afternoon tea I've experienced, I must admit, it offered fantastic value for money! What truly impressed me about the Swan's tea room, unlike many "restaurants with a view," was that regardless of where you sit among the cozy 10 tables, you are guaranteed a picturesque view of St. Paul's and the river. The selection of savory finger sandwiches was quite standard, but there were two delightful twists. First, they served a delicious Waldorf salad tartalette instead of the typical cucumber sandwich. Second, and pleasantly surprising, they proactively offered refills of sandwiches without us even asking. This considerate gesture was much appreciated, especially since we arrived quite hungry. Moving on to the scones, they were simply good – not served in a towel or brought out after finishing the sandwiches, but still enjoyable. The best part was the generous refill of clotted cream, enhancing the overall experience. Now, the sweet treats, which are often the highlight of any afternoon tea, were indeed the strongest aspect here. The assortment of desserts was delightful, and each one left a lasting impression. Considering everything offered and the prime location in central London, the price of approximately 90GBP for two, including service, is simply unbeatable. While it may not have been the absolute pinnacle of afternoon teas, it still stands as an outstanding choice, and I would gladly return for another delightful experience at the Swan.

We dined before catching a play at The Globe and luckily came on a Sunday - the roast Scottish sirloin special was a hit! Others in our party opted for other menu items and the two and three course prefix menu and a few cocktails was perfect right before the show. Timed well, good presentation, and priced fairly. Some opted for tea before the show but we decided on dinner. We had better meals elsewhere in London but the service and convenience if you are timing it to watch a Shakespeare play at The Globe means we'll happily be back.