The best afternoon tea in NYC? We asked the city's top British diplomat (plus she tells us how to make a proper cup of tea!)

NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) -- Nothing beats the British civility of afternoon tea.

So it comes as no surprise that there is an increasing number of options in the city for Anglophiles seeking out this calming culinary experience. But with so many options, where is the must-go destination for delicious and delicate crustless finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and other baked goods paired with free-flowing pots of tea? 1010 WINS/WCBS 880 asked an expert: Hannah Brown, the Consul General at the British Consulate in New York.

"Well, there are some wonderful places, but Tea & Sympathy, which is down in the Village, is my absolute favorite," Young told 1010 WINS/WCBS 880, "and they even use the three tiered plates to present the food. So it's wonderful."

Tea & Sympathy, which has been "serving British comfort food and proper tea" since since 1990, has been popular with bold-face names for years, from Greenwich Village resident Sarah Jessica Parker to model Amber Valletta to rocker David Bowie.

Young, who assumed her role in January after serving as the Deputy Consul General, also had some words of wisdom on preparing a proper cup of tea.

"I would say, though, there is a big, contentious issue around how you make a cup of tea," Young said.

She explained, "You do not put salt in it. You put the tea bag in first, then you pour the hot water. A dash of milk, that's it."

And in a nod to national pride, she concluded, laughing, "How to make a good cup of tea -- it's very important!"

Tea & Sympathy is located at 108 Greenwich Avenue.