National Dining Rooms

On a hunt for some good, old-​fashioned cream tea in the afternoon, I came to the National Dining Rooms on Time Out’s recommendation as a location for «the best» afternoon tea in London.
When I arrived in the Sainsbury wing of the National Gallery, I was suitably impressed by the sultry and upscale atmosphere of the dining room, with its dim lighting and its low, leather-​upholstered chairs situated at the table to which I was led by the window — a prime spot for some people-​watching on the pavement down below. I continued to be impressed by the smartly dressed servers and the initially prompt reception I received.
But then I waited.
And waited.
A sad little scone arrived, cold, on a large plate accompanied by a teeny-​tiny dollop of clotted cream (although it wasn’t ACTUALLY tiny, its presentation on the enormous plate made it look pathetic, at best).
«Your tea is on its way.»
And waited.
And waited.
A teapot arrived, industrial-​looking, with a teacup and milk. I espied a teabag tag hanging out of the teapot.
[Cue sad trombone here]
So, yeah. There you go. Best afternoon tea in London? Good heavens, no! Awesome location and reasonable price (£5.60)? Yes, indeed.