51 Top Places For Afternoon Tea In London 2024
Afternoon tea lovers, rejoice! This list of 45 top afternoon tea spots in London offers the perfect blend of tradition and innovation.
Nov 14, 20244.2K Shares150.7K Views
Afternoon tea in London is more than just a meal; it’s an exquisite tradition celebrated with style and flair. From historic hotels to contemporary lounges, London offers a range of venues where you can savor this timeless experience.
Here’s your guide to the top spots for afternoon tea in London, each promising its own unique charm and elegance.
Luxury Afternoon Teas In London
Perfect for those seeking timeless elegance and opulence.
1. The Ritz London
Price: From £75 per person
Known for its grandeur, the afternoon tea at The Ritzin the stunning Palm Court is synonymous with luxury.
Guests can expect beautifully crafted finger sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream, and intricate pastries accompanied by an extensive tea menu, making it the pinnacle of afternoon tea experiences in London.
2. Claridge’s
Price: From £90 per person
Afternoon tea at Claridge’s, in the heart of Mayfair, is an exquisite affair. The art-deco setting, exceptional service, and delicate sandwiches like smoked salmon and cucumber create a perfect backdrop for any celebration. The freshly baked scones and hand-crafted pastries are not to be missed.
3. The Savoy
Price: From £65 per person
The Savoy’s Thames Foyer is home to one of London’s most traditional afternoon teas, accompanied by live music. Guests are treated to an array of finger sandwiches, scones with jam, and indulgent cakes, all served with a broad selection of fine teas.
4. The Langham
Price: From £75 per person
Known for its impeccable service, The Langhamoffers a luxurious afternoon tea in the historic Palm Court. Their menu, crafted by Michel Roux Jr., features truffle and egg sandwiches, fluffy scones, and decadent pastries, all accompanied by a comprehensive tea selection.
5. The Dorchester
Price: From £110 per person
The grandeur of The Dorchester’s Promenade makes it a quintessential stop for tea lovers. Their afternoon tea menu features everything from traditional sandwiches to creative seasonal pastries, all served with a selection of rare teas.
Themed & Whimsical Afternoon Teas
For a fun, imaginative experience inspired by pop culture, art, or literature.
6. Bridgerton Afternoon Tea At The Lanesborough
Price: From £85 per person
Step into Regency-era glamour with the Bridgerton-inspired afternoon tea at The Lanesborough. With a live pianist playing the series’ iconic tunes, guests enjoy a range of savory bites, scones, and elaborate cakes such as the pistachio mousse ‘Lady Whistledown.’
7. Prêt-à-Portea At The Berkeley
Price: From £80 per person
Perfect for fashion enthusiasts, The Berkeley’s Prêt-à-Portea draws inspiration from seasonal runway collections. Expect to be wowed by designer-inspired pastries—think edible works of art like the famous Anna Wintour biscuit.
8. Peter Pan Afternoon Tea At Aqua Shard
Price: From £68 per person
For a magical, family-friendly experience, the Peter Pan afternoon tea offers a whimsical take on the tradition with themed pastries, colorful desserts, and drinks that celebrate the beloved tale.
9. Art Afternoon Tea At Rosewood London
Price: From £75 per person
Held in the Mirror Room, Rosewood London’s Art Afternoon Tea brings culinary creations inspired by famous works of art. From edible Salvador Dalí lobsters to Yayoi Kusama-inspired cakes, every dish is a masterpiece.
10. Charlie & The Chocolate Factory Tea At One Aldwych
Price: From £70 per adult, £50 per child
Step into a world of imagination with a Charlie & The Chocolate Factory-themed tea, offering a range of creative confections like chocolate milkshakes and magical candy-inspired pastries, perfect for the young and young-at-heart.
Best Afternoon Teas With Stunning Views
Enjoy delicious tea while taking in breathtaking London sights.
11. Ting At The Shangri-La Hotel (The Shard)
Price: From £75 per person
Located on the 34th floor of The Shard, Ting offers panoramic views of London’s skyline alongside a luxurious selection of finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries. The elegant surroundings make this an unforgettable experience.
12. Oblix At The Shard
Price: From £61 per person
Offering a modern afternoon tea with sweeping views of the city, Oblixserves a blend of traditional and innovative bites like lobster rolls and avocado tarts, followed by warm scones and delightful desserts.
13. The Stage At The Londoner
Price: From £55 per person
Centrally located in Leicester Square, The Londoner offers a glamorous afternoon tea experience with live music and an indulgent dessert trolley featuring delicacies like black truffle cake and rich Black Forest gateau.
14. The Library At County Hall
Price: From £55 per person
Set against the stunning backdrop of the River Thames, The Library offers a sophisticated and serene tea experience with delicious savory bites, freshly baked scones, and creative cakes.
Affordable Afternoon Teas
Experience afternoon tea without breaking the bank.
15. Mariage Frères
Price: From £35 per person
Known for its extensive tea selection, Mariage Frères offers a budget-friendly yet elegant afternoon tea. Guests can enjoy classic finger sandwiches, scones, and French-inspired pastries in a relaxed atmosphere.
16. Royal Lancaster London
Price: From £39 per person
Royal Lancasterprovides an affordable option for those looking for a traditional afternoon tea experience without the hefty price tag. The menu includes freshly made sandwiches, scones, and a range of desserts.
17. Bread Ahead Tea House
Price: From £35 per person
Located above their bakery in Chelsea, Bread Ahead offers a delightful selection of mini rolls, Eton Mess Swiss rolls, fruit scones, and more—all at a wallet-friendly price.
Hidden Gems For Afternoon Tea
For those seeking unique, quieter venues away from the crowds.
18. The Zetter Townhouse Marylebone
Price: From £45 per person
Tucked away on a quiet street, The Zetter Townhouse offers a quirky and intimate afternoon tea experience. The whimsical interior complements the delicious menu, which includes everything from savory pies to creative desserts.
19. The Stafford
Price: From £70 per person
A hidden gem known for its exceptional service, The Stafford provides a luxurious tea experience in a more intimate setting. Guests can enjoy truffle egg brioche and seasonal cakes in the peaceful surroundings of St. James’s.
20. Petersham Nurseries
Price: From £55 per person
Located in Richmond, Petersham Nurseries offers a rustic yet elegant afternoon tea. Set amidst nature, the menu features a mix of Italian-inspired and traditional British treats like salt beef mini bagels and fruit scones.
Afternoon Teas For Families And Kids
21. Sweetshop Afternoon Tea At Chesterfield Hotel
Price: From £65 per person
This colorful and nostalgic tea offers rainbow-colored pastries, candy-inspired treats, and kid-friendly drinks, making it a perfect spot for families.
22. Wizard Afternoon Tea At Georgian House Hotel
Price: From £40 per person
Enter the magical world of wizards with this Harry Potter-inspired afternoon tea, featuring themed pastries, whimsical decorations, and potion-like drinks that are sure to enchant both children and adults alike.
23. The Grand Saloon At Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Price:From £59 per person
Set in the recently restored Grand Saloon, this venue offers a Regency-inspired afternoon tea experience, perfect for theater lovers. Signature items include crumpets topped with Earl Grey-infused cream cheese, sticky toffee puddings, and intricately designed cakes, all served with a side of history and culture.
24. The Landmark London
Price: From £70 per person
Known for its airy ambiance and family-friendly atmosphere, The Landmark offers a delightful afternoon tea perfect for all ages. With its glass-roofed atrium, it provides a serene setting for families to enjoy classic sandwiches, scones, and pastries.
Best Contemporary & Creative Afternoon Teas
For those seeking a modern twist on the classic experience.
25. Sushisamba Covent Garden Afternoon Tea
Price: From £65 per person
For a Japanese twist on afternoon tea, Sushisamba combines savory sushi dishes like tiger maki rolls and yellowtail sashimi with sweet treats such as chocolate choux buns and Battenberg cake. This creative fusion of Japanese and British flavors makes for an unforgettable experience.
26. The Stafford London
Price:From £70 per person
Tucked away in St. James’s, The Stafford offers a quiet and intimate setting for afternoon tea. The menu includes traditional finger sandwiches, savory scones, and a selection of seasonal pastries. With impeccable service and a tranquil atmosphere, this venue is a hidden gem in central London.
27. Nobu Hotel
Price: From £60 per person
Nobu brings Japanese flavors to London’s afternoon tea scene. Enjoy dishes such as miso caramel tarts and matcha scones, alongside more traditional savory options like smoked salmon sandwiches, for a uniquely modern tea experience.
Seasonal & Ingredient-Focused Afternoon Teas
For foodies who love fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
28. Taj 51 Buckingham Gate – Royal Seasonal Afternoon Tea
Price:From £70 per person
Taj 51’s Royal Seasonal Afternoon Teacelebrates the changing seasons with special royal-inspired menus that shift throughout the year. Summer brings fresh, citrusy delights such as lemon and elderflower cake, while autumn welcomes chestnut and pumpkin-flavored pastries.
29. Pan Pacific London
Price: From £78 per person
For those craving a Singaporean twist, Pan Pacific’s Kopi Tiam afternoon tea offers unique flavors like pandan mantou with kaya jam, siu mai dumplings, and lavender-infused pastries. This inventive menu changes seasonally, reflecting the freshest ingredients.
Most Instagrammable Afternoon Teas
30. Sketch
Price: From £65 per person
Set in the vibrant Mayfair, Sketch is renowned for its artistic ambiance and playful interiors.
With a signature pink-hued Gallery room, this venue offers an eclectic afternoon tea featuring truffle and cream cheese sandwiches and a delightful strawberry Battenberg cake. Every corner is picture-perfect, making it a favorite for Instagrammers.
31. The Coral Room At The Bloomsbury
Price: From £40 per person
Located in the heart of Bloomsbury, this venue boasts colorful interiors and bold Art Deco design. Guests can enjoy an elegant afternoon tea while surrounded by stylish coral walls and beautiful chandeliers. The menu includes standouts like blood orange tart and roast chicken sandwiches, ideal for snapping stylish photos.
32. Ham Yard Hotel
Price:From £45 per person
Situated in bustling Soho, Ham Yard Hotel offers a stylish afternoon tea in its chic Orangery. With an eclectic interior designed by Kit Kemp, this venue features smoked salmon sandwiches, pumpkin and gorgonzola tartlets, and a selection of delicious seasonal treats. Pair your tea with a creative cocktail to enhance the experience.
Dietary Restriction-Friendly Afternoon Teas
33. Holy Carrot
Price: From £40 per person
Located in Knightsbridge, Holy Carrot offers a fully vegan and gluten-free afternoon tea that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Featuring unique dishes like purple potato croquettes and Snickers bonbons, this afternoon tea is perfect for those with dietary restrictions seeking a delicious, plant-based option.
34. Fortnum & Mason (Savoury Option)
Price: From £70 per person
Fortnum & Mason, famous for its refined afternoon tea, offers a savory twist suitable for dietary needs. Enjoy dishes such as minted pea scones with beetroot relish and gluten-free alternatives, set in the iconic Piccadilly store that’s steeped in British tradition.
Other Notable Places For Afternoon Tea In London
35. The Wolseley
Price: From £44.50 per person
Located in the heart of Piccadilly, The Wolseley offers a timeless afternoon tea experience in a grand, Art Deco setting. With an opulent interior and impeccable service, guests can enjoy delicate finger sandwiches, warm fruit scones, and decadent pastries, all served on traditional silverware.
36. Great Court Restaurant At The British Museum
Price: From £35 per person
Set within one of London's most famous landmarks, The British Museum’s Great Court Restaurant offers a relaxed afternoon tea under its impressive glass dome. Enjoy classic British sandwiches, warm scones, and pastries while surrounded by stunning neoclassical architecture, making it a cultural and culinary experience combined.
37. The Lanesborough
Price: From £85 per person
Experience opulence at The Lanesborough, where afternoon tea is served in the majestic, Regency-inspired Celeste dining room. Known for its luxurious atmosphere, the menu features a selection of classic sandwiches, homemade scones, and exquisite pastries, with the option to add a glass of Champagne for added elegance.
38. Dalloway Terrace
Price: From £55 per person
Located in Bloomsbury, Dalloway Terrace is an enchanting setting for afternoon tea, especially during spring and summer, when the terrace is adorned with floral decorations. The seasonal menu includes options like blood orange tarts and sage mayonnaise chicken sandwiches, offering a fresh and light afternoon tea experience.
39. Brown’s Hotel
Price: From £75 per person
One of London’s oldest hotels, Brown’s offers a quintessentially British afternoon tea in its wood-paneled Drawing Room. Expect a selection of delicate finger sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream, and indulgent cakes, served with a wide variety of fine teas. The classic setting and historic ambiance make this a traditional yet luxurious experience.
40. The Rubens At The Palace
Price: From £45 per person
Located near Buckingham Palace, The Rubens offers a royal afternoon tea experience with a view of the Royal Mews. The menu includes freshly made sandwiches, scones, and pastries, along with options for gluten-free and vegetarian diets. The regal setting and attentive service make it a favorite for those seeking a royal-themed tea.
41. The Wallace Collection
Price: From £28 per person
Nestled within the Wallace Collection, this elegant afternoon tea is served in a beautiful courtyard setting with glass ceilings. Offering a more affordable yet stylish experience, the menu includes a selection of sandwiches, homemade cakes, and freshly baked scones. It’s perfect for art lovers looking to combine culture with their tea.
42. The Connaught
Price: From £85 per person
Known for its sophisticated ambiance, The Connaught offers a luxurious afternoon tea in the heart of Mayfair. Served in the Jean-Georges restaurant, the tea includes a mix of traditional finger sandwiches, pastries, and scones with clotted cream, all in a refined and intimate setting. The elegant service and plush interiors make it a standout.
43. Hotel Café Royal
Price: From £65 per person
Located on Regent Street, Hotel Café Royal serves afternoon tea in its opulent Oscar Wilde Lounge. The ornate décor and lavish ambiance set the scene for a grand experience, where guests can indulge in finger sandwiches, warm scones, and exquisite pastries, all paired with a wide range of fine teas.
44. Claridge's
Price: From £75 per person
Claridge's afternoon tea is a London institution, served in the hotel’s stunning Art Deco surroundings. Guests can enjoy a selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and delicately crafted pastries, with a tea menu that includes rare and seasonal teas. It’s a must-visit for those seeking a classic yet elegant experience.
45. The Dorchester
Price: From £85 per person
One of London’s grandest hotels, The Dorchesteroffers a luxurious afternoon tea experience in its lavish Promenade. The menu includes traditional sandwiches, scones with jam and clotted cream, and a variety of seasonal pastries. The grand décor and impeccable service make it a perfect choice for a high-end afternoon tea.
46. Farmacy – Plant-Based Seasonal Tea
Price:From £45 per person
Farmacy’s Plant-Based Seasonal Teais a vegan delight, crafted with fresh, organic, and seasonal ingredients. Expect treats like dairy-free coconut yogurt tarts, beetroot sandwiches, and almond-based scones. Their focus on health-conscious indulgence sets this afternoon tea apart from the rest.
47. One Aldwych
Price:From £70 per adult, £50 per child
Famous for its Charlie and the Chocolate Factory-themed afternoon tea, One Aldwych brings whimsical fun to the traditional experience. The menu includes quirky items like golden eggs, bubblegum macarons, and scones served with berry compote. A family favorite, this tea is as much about the experience as the food.
48. Peggy Porschen – Floral Afternoon Tea
Price:From £60 per person
Famous for its flower-adorned façade, Peggy Porschen offers a Floral Afternoon Teainspired by blooming flowers and fresh herbs. Expect lavender-infused scones, rose and raspberry tartlets, and elderflower cream cakes, all served in their picturesque pink boutique.
49. The Olde Bell
Price:From £45 per person
Located in the charming Berkshire countryside, The Olde Belloffers a traditional afternoon tea experience in a historic setting dating back to 1135. The menu features a range of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, and an assortment of cakes and pastries.
The cozy atmosphere, with exposed beams and rustic décor, makes this a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of London.
50. The Bloomsbury Club
Price:From £55 per person
At The Bloomsbury Club, afternoon tea is served in a stylish, 1920s-inspired setting. The menu includes a delightful selection of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and homemade jams, and a variety of pastries, all made with seasonal ingredients.
The club’s intimate ambiance, filled with rich, dark wood and vintage décor, adds a touch of timeless elegance to your tea experience.
51. The Fitzrovia
Price:From £40 per person
The Fitzroviaoffers a contemporary take on afternoon tea in a relaxed, modern setting. The menu includes finger sandwiches with innovative fillings, freshly baked scones, and creative pastries, all served with a wide range of teas.
The chic and vibrant atmosphere, combined with excellent service, makes this a popular spot for a casual yet refined afternoon tea experience in the heart of London.
Tea Time Tips And FAQs
What Is Included In A Traditional Afternoon Tea?
Traditional afternoon tea typically features a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a variety of pastries and cakes. It’s served with a choice of fine teas, offering a delightful and well-rounded experience.
How Should I Dress For Afternoon Tea?
Dress codes for afternoon tea vary by venue. Most places require smart-casual attire, but high-end establishments may encourage more formal wear. Check the venue’s dress code when making your reservation to ensure you’re appropriately dressed.
Can I Make A Reservation For Afternoon Tea?
Yes, reservations are recommended to secure your spot, especially at popular venues. Booking in advance helps ensure you have a table at your desired time and avoids long waits.
Are There Vegetarian Or Gluten-free Options Available?
Many venues offer vegetarian, gluten-free, and other dietary options. Inform the venue of any dietary restrictions when booking to ensure they can accommodate your needs.
How Long Does Afternoon Tea Typically Last?
Afternoon tea usually lasts between 1.5 to 2 hours. It’s designed to be a leisurely experience, so take your time to savor the food and enjoy the ambiance.
Conclusion
Afternoon tea in London is a celebration of elegance, tradition, and culinary delight. With options ranging from historic hotels to modern chic venues, there’s an afternoon tea experience to suit every taste. Whether you’re seeking classic luxury or a contemporary twist, London’s top spots offer unforgettable moments and exceptional service. Discover your perfect tea-time destination and indulge in one of London’s most cherished traditions.
Jump to
Luxury Afternoon Teas In London
Themed & Whimsical Afternoon Teas
Best Afternoon Teas With Stunning Views
Affordable Afternoon Teas
Hidden Gems For Afternoon Tea
Afternoon Teas For Families And Kids
Best Contemporary & Creative Afternoon Teas
Seasonal & Ingredient-Focused Afternoon Teas
Most Instagrammable Afternoon Teas
Dietary Restriction-Friendly Afternoon Teas
Other Notable Places For Afternoon Tea In London
Tea Time Tips And FAQs
Conclusion
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