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| Harrods is a family tradition whether shopping, oysters, or tea time. |
Harrods has two centuries of history, a few famous owners and a multitude of very special guests. Would it be so bold to claim our clan among the latter? Perhaps, but, we're certain of this: Harrods has become a favored tradition for our family every time we visit London, be it indulging at the Oyster Bar, shopping for hats or savoring a cream tea.
On our latest trip to the UK, which included over 1,400 miles of driving throughout England and Scotland, concluded with an afternoon in London and, most appropriately, a delicious tea repast at the Harrods' cafe for a pot of tea and scones.
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| Chris and Rachel, 2006, Oyster Bar at Harrods |
On our first trip to England in 2006 with the family (my husband, Chris, and I and our three children, Rob, Matt and Rachel) our hotel was a mere five-minute walk to this incredible emporium. While I was perusing the tea selections and logo merch, Chris found the food court enchanting, particularly the Oyster Bar and, over the years, has recruited family and friends to his favorite counter.
Five years later, Rachel and I squeezed in a few hours at Harrods in between registering her at Regents College for the summer and a grand sojourn to Jane Austen's House in Chawton.
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| Matt's high end fashion shopping |
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| Matt leaving Harrods, 2015 |
But, in 2015, when back in London, we were once again able to extend our stay at our favorite London department store. Along with the now "usual" oysters and tea at Harrods, our kids ventured out to do their own high-end fashion shopping. We also took in the statue of the late Princess Di and Dodi Fayed on the lower level, although it had already been on display for ten years. This life-size statue made of copper was commissioned by Dodi Fayed's father, Mohamed Al-Fayed, who also owned Harrods from 1985 to 2010. (In 2018, Harrods returned the statue to the Fayed family).
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| Princess Di and Dodi Fayed statue no longer at Harrods |
On our trip to London in 2018, with great travel friends, Pam and Quint, we returned to Harrods with two specific goals: first, the Oyster Bar; second, the hat shop. Within a week of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding, a special fascinator was required for a celebratory tea and TV appearance on our return home.
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| With Pam and Quint at Oyster Bar |
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| Also, same year, shopping for hats at Harrods, 2018 |
So, this past month, after our 1,400 miles-plus UK road trip, Harrods served as our comfortable stop with comfort food. A couple of pots of Earl Grey and four scones (two plain, two fruit) accompanied by clotted cream and jam.
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| On Fox News with Harrod's fascinator |
Even without the pomp and circumstance of a full afternoon tea, tea traditions are still adhered to. Loose tea is steeped in the pots and strainers that top the teacup are provided.
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| Harrods cream tea with pots of Earl Grey and tea strainer atop the teacup. We are familiar! |
Our waitress asked if I was familiar with the strainer and how to use it.
Indeed, I do, but appreciated the ask.
Harrods, like teatime, is a tradition we embrace. And, while a trip to London isn't a daily occurrence, surely a cup of tea is.
See our "live" video at Harrods on our YouTube channel: Harrods Cream Tea with BTS - YouTube
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