We pick five of the best hotels where you can enjoy the age-old custom of taking afternoon tea - a tradition attributed to Anna, 7th Duchess of Bedford, who apparently became peckish between meals!

The Wedgewood Hotel, Vancouver

An elegant boutique hotel in Vancouver's downtown area, The Wedgewood is the place to go for a proper afternoon tea.

A selection of delicious pastries is accompanied by gourmet sandwiches and the finest blended teas, served in the recently renovated Bacchus Piano Bar.

Tea is served at weekends, between 2pm and 4pm, and visitors to the Wedgewood can choose either a classic tea, or Royal tea, which includes a glass of champagne.

Wedgewood Hotel, 845 Hornby St., Vancouver, B.C. Canada V6Z 1V1

Mount Nelson Hotel, Cape Town

At the foot of Table Mountain, and set in the most glorious gardens, the Mount Nelson Hotel has been acclaimed as serving "the best tea in the world."

One of South Africa's grandest hotels, many visitors come just to enjoy the old colonial practice of taking afternoon tea. 

A veritable feast of cakes, pastries and sandwiches are offered, together with a wide variety of savouries such as pies, quiches and South African cheeses, accompanied by a range of top quality teas including Lapsang Souchong, Darjeeling and Earl Grey.

Mount Nelson Hotel, 76 Orange Street, Cape Town, Republic of South Africa, 8001