The 'tea scene' in London just got a whole lot bitchier.

Claridge's Hotel in Mayfair lost its coveted 2006 'Best Afternoon Tea in the Capital' award to the Dorchester this year. Since then, their PR agency's strenuous efforts to place tea-related stories have floundered.

Until today. As part of a national Blue Cross event for charity, dogs across the country are attending tea parties, with a flagship Claridge's event leading the promotional efforts. Saccharine quotes by A-list celebrities as well as Selina Scott and Anthea Turner are helping to secure literally inches of media coverage across the land.

Apparently Selina will serve chocolate cake and Anthea will probably have a biscuit. We're disappointed they won't follow some of Blue Cross's ideas to spice things up a bit by making it 'Adults Only!' and serve Gin and Tonic. That way the dogs could toast Selina's own PR success this week - the Daily Hate branding her 'hot again' for securing the contract to front a range of clothes from Country Casuals (a slightly down-market version of M&S). What will her dogs be wearing? And will her angora goats be invited for tea or is that a step too far? Crumbs.

Image from Blue Cross