Not sure if it matters what other "men" might enjoy since your husband already wrinkled his nose at the suggestion - I think that was your answer!

Sandwiches are involved, but if you tell him that, he may believe that they're hearty sandwiches and not tiny little bite-size "sandwiches" that have very thin spreads of egg salad, cucumber, or salmon on them. Aside from sandwiches, you will probably also get some scones and perhaps some pastries.

I don't think all women enjoy high tea (I know I wasn't a huge fan), let alone all men. If he really isn't interested, then no convincing my strangers on a travel forum are going to do it for him.

If he is comfortable doing something on his own and you really want to do tea, then I would recommend going your separate ways for 1.5 - 2 hours. Why try to convince someone to do something they're not interested in doing? He may eventually relent and go, but that's not the same as actively wanting to do an activity.

I (male) have enjoyed both Afternoon Tea and High Tea - no big deal. A.T. just a snack in late afternoon.

And H.T. an evening meal of sorts.

Nothing that would emasculate anyone - it's just a meal out with the missus or whomever.

Some men are so worried about their image, get real.

Poppa

If you'd like to have tea plus or minus sweet cakes, small sarnies and scones with jam and cream in a room that couldn't be considered girly or un-manly, consider tea at the Wolseley in Piccadilly.

It was once a car dealership, and although a smart place there's nothing frilly about it. It's a bit of a place to see and be seen, so if power brokers (or those who think they are) and celebrities (same) like it then it should be acceptable to red-blooded Mr madcity.

I wonder where you're thinking of taking high tea? I rarely see it offered.

As for afternoon tea, I last took it yesterday. And I'm a scowling, miserable man.

Although good food and tea is important, for me Tea is an interaction. A social time facilitated by a little something to eat and drink.

To put it bluntly, if your husband enjoys spending time with you chatting about nothing in particular, he will probably enjoy afternoon tea with you. If he 'doesn't see the point' of it he might not.

My husband enjoys having afternoon tea so that's something we usually do when we visit. Some female friends of mine, OTOH, wrinkle their noses at the very idea. It's not a man thing or a woman thing, it's purely subjective. And I think your husband has made his views very clear.

My husband is actually looking forward to afternoon tea in London. He loves the pastries and scones. After reading a post on this forum I am going to book the private tour of the Tate (Modern) which also includes afternoon tea. This way we get to see the Tate, a highlight for my husband and also have afternoon tea. Nothing 'girlie' about this option at all.

For information - Tate Britain also does the tour with tea. But, if you're cheap (like me!), you can always go on the free tour at 1400hrs and go for tea at 1515hrs.

Afternoon tea is delightful.. an oasis away from the hustle and bustle and the opportunity to be served..it's a husband's duty to suffer it anyway!! ;) If he doesn't want to chat he can take a newspaper or book or mag to read..Chill down (good for the blood pressure)

He could probably go to the pub and chuck a few pints down whilst watching the football whilst you're having tea

.......it's all down to the individual. Personally I can't be bothered with tea, it's always seemed like a waste of calories to me. Calories that are much better spent on things like beer ;-)