Best afternoon tea in London: our favourites to book in 2025
Few foodie experiences sit atop travellers’ bucket lists higher than trying one of the best afternoon tea in London. Crisp white tablecloths consume tables on which towering cake stands adorned with sandwiches, scones, and the finest sweet treats gracefully land, sandwiched between glittering crockery and cutlery. What follows is a feast for all the senses, featuring savoury bites and sweet treats, accompanied by a loose-leaf tea or, for those feeling particularly indulgent, a glass of Champagne or a themed cocktail. Scones are slathered in clotted cream and jam, cucumber and coronation chicken sandwiches are devoured, and nods of agreement ensue. Whether you’re looking for a unique date night, an excuse to check out one of the fanciest hotels in London or somewhere to take the grandparents next time they’re in town, these are the best afternoon teas in London right now.
What is the history of afternoon tea?
As with any tasty tradition, there has been much contention and bickering over who exactly introduced us to the now quintessentially English tradition. However, the most popular lore attributes the tradition to Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford. The story goes that the Duchess found herself a little peckish between lunch and dinner and, with plenty of time until the late evening meal (fashionably late, as per Victorian standards), she indulged in some delicate sandwiches and a sweet treat. And so a tradition was born; the Victorian elite soon caught on and made time in the late afternoon for a break from their schedules, enjoying light bites and steaming tea. By the late 1800s, afternoon tea had become a defining fixture of British high society. London’s finest hotels, including Claridge’s and The Savoy, refined it into an art form, complete with tiered stands and fine china, while tearooms across the country democratised the experience for the rising middle class.
What's included in afternoon tea?
Each afternoon tea in London varies in what’s precisely on offer, but the format remains essentially the same. A selection of sandwiches comes first, with popular fillings ranging from cucumber, smoked salmon and cream cheese and coronation chicken (chicken in a curried mayonnaise-based sauce). Other savoury bites may include quiches and tarts, followed by a selection of cakes. The fanciest afternoon teas include patisserie-style creations, some fitting seasonal themes, although no afternoon tea (in our hungry opinion) is complete without scones – best served warm and coated in thick layers of jam and clotted cream.
What to wear to afternoon tea?
Few places have strict dress codes for afternoon tea, although, as a special occasion, many do dress up in smart-casual attire. There are some exceptions. For instance, The Ritz, home to one of the best and most iconic afternoon teas in London, requires gentlemen to wear a jacket and tie.
Best afternoon teas in London at a glance
- Best for classic afternoon tea: The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum & Mason, from £82
- Best for a taste of London: Afternoon tea at The Wolseley, from £46.50
- Best for old-school glitz: Afternoon tea at The Ritz London, from £79
- Best for timeless elegance: Afternoon tea at The Lanesborough, from £89
- Best for affordable treats in an iconic setting: Afternoon tea at the British Museum, from £40
- Best for tea connoisseurs: Afternoon tea at Claridge's, from £95
The following, non-numbered afternoon teas are seasonal specials that have not been tried and tested by Condé Nast Traveller editors at the time of writing. The numbered list that follows is a definitive list of the best, tried-and-tested afternoon teas in London right now. The reviews below detail the afternoon tea experience enjoyed by one of Condé Nast Traveller's editors. Afternoon teas in London can change seasonally and reflect cultural events with frequently altered menus – please see the linked website for all the latest information.
Let Us Eat Cake' Afternoon Tea at The Kensington
How best to mark the V&A South Kensington’s latest landmark exhibition, Marie Antoinette Style, than by eating cake? The Kensington Hotel thought just that, launching one of the capital’s most opulent themed afternoon teas ahead of the glittering showcase. The quintessentially British experience pays tribute to the artistry and enduring style of one of history’s most iconic figures through the medium of the sweet treat, inspired by the fashion, gardens and court life of Marie Antoinette herself. Honour Marie by selecting one of the hotel’s rare teas or elevating the experience with a glass of something fizzy – choose from Charles Heidsieck Champagne or Sussex’s finest Rathfinny sparkling. Savouries start proceedings; egg salad atop a brioche roll, French chicken tarragon sandwiches and pastrami, horseradish cream and baby rocket among the towering spread. What follows is a delight for all the senses, especially for visitors with a particularly sweet tooth. The intricately crafted patisserie includes Le Gâteau du Jardin, a strawberry genoise sponge layered with vanilla Chantilly and fresh strawberries, and Le Macaron Petit Trianon – a raspberry and white chocolate almond macaron. Scones are present, of course, and keep to traditions this side of the Channel, accompanied by pots of clotted cream and strawberry jam.
Price: £59 per person, or £73 with a glass of Champagne
Address: The Kensington, 109-113 Queen’s Gate, South Kensington, London SW7 5LP
Website: townhousekensington.com
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea at One Aldwych
Is there a more beloved children’s novel more fitting to dedicate an afternoon tea to than Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory? The talented team at One Aldwych certainly don’t think so, offering a fantastical experience designed to delight adults and children alike. Think fizzy lifting drinks, scones smothered in snozzberry jam, and a milkshake mixed by a waterfall, among a host of other treats. Start by perusing the curious tea selection; options include ‘Chocolate Noir’ with cocoa notes, a floral lychee and rose blend, and a black tea with caramel notes. The ‘splendid savouries’ stick with tradition for the most part, fluffy bread sandwiching coronation chicken, smoked salmon and cream cheese alongside a mushroom toastie and a bite-sized quiche. As you’d expect, it’s the sweets that shine here, each an ode to an iconic moment from the books and big screen adaptations, from the ‘Goodbye Violet’ macaron to Augustus Gloop’s strawberry fudge via a ‘hair toffee’ mousse. Sip hot drinks or opt for a glass of Champagne or a cocktail, among them ‘the almost entirely edible one’ (Sipsmith London Dry Gin with strawberry liqueur, cranberry, lemon, strawberry purée and raspberry lemonade). The children’s menu features all the same sugary delights, plus a simpler savoury selection of sandwiches filled with ham, cheese and jam.
Price: £75 per adult; children’s Tea £55 per child
Address: One Aldwych, 1 Aldwych, London WC2B 4BZ
Website: onealdwych.com
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Disney Princess Afternoon Tea at the London Hilton on Park Lane
London Hilton on Park Lane’s latest afternoon tea is sure to delight little ones as it leads them into a fantastical royal world. Savouries and sweets are each named after an iconic Disney moment, from the ‘Ma Cherie Sandwich’ packed with smoked salmon and cream cheese to an ‘Under the Sea’ seashell macaroon inspired by Ariel with citrus ganache, white chocolate and a silver pearl. Other highlights include ‘Best Day Ever! Scones’ that arrive in a princess’s crown beside pots of clotted cream and strawberry jam, and a chocolate mousse with raspberry and rose compote finished in a velvet red spray and served beneath a delicate glass cloche. Guests become honorary Princess Consultants and taste testers during the experience in Park Corner Brasserie, sampling myriad creations and casting votes to determine which recipes are the best of the bunch.
Price: £70 per adult
Address: Park Corner Brasserie, 22 Park Lane, London W1K 1BE
Website: parkcornerbrasserie.com
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Afternoon Tea at Millie’s Lounge, The Ned
The Ned’s latest afternoon tea offering comes courtesy of Darian Schmidt and Yadira Jauffrineau’s winning journey on Bake Off: The Professionals – so expect plenty of exquisite treats along the way. Some of the winning treats include the Yamanashi peach roulade featured in episode two, a light and fluffy roulade filled with rare Japanese peaches. Others range from a passionfruit delice consisting of Honey sponge layered with passionfruit jelly and mousse, and a Black Forest tartlet flavoured with kirsch, chocolate and cherry – save this to the last and experience first-hand what led to the duo’s win.
Price: £60 per person, £70 with a glass of Thienot
Address: The Ned, 27 Poultry, London EC2R 8AJ
Website: thened.com
Afternoon Tea at Café François
Café François, the modern French restaurant from the team behind Maison François, has launched one of the chicest afternoon teas in London. Following the success at Maison François in St James’s, founders François O’Neill, Ed Wyand, and executive chef partner Matthew Ryle have brought the French-inspired tea to the bustling Borough Yards. Start with a glass of Laurent-Perrier Champagne as the teas supplied by Good and Proper Teas are poured. Bespoke metal stands house sandwiches, cakes, pastries and other treats, from sandwich classics such as rillettes de thon, chilli, basil and avocado to vadouvan curried chicken on turmeric bread to a vanilla gâteau and a pear and chocolate slice.
Price: £35 per person; £50 with champagne
Address: Café François, 14-16 Stoney Street, London SE1 9AD
Website: cafefrancois.london
Phantom of the Opera Afternoon Tea at Sofitel St James
Raise a toast to one of Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber’s greatest theatrical masterpieces with a gut-busting afternoon tea at Sofitel St James until the end of March 2026. Created in collaboration with LW Entertainment, the daily offering is inspired by one of the world’s most enduring and spectacular musicals, with pastry chef Lerrick Coelho designing a three-stage afternoon tea. Act I: The Auction Begins is a savoury introduction featuring dishes such as tomato and rosemary cake with avocado puree and plant-based feta, a babaganoush and pomegranate tart, and classic cucumber sandwiches with a minty twist. Act II: Beneath the Opera House features a seductive vanilla and rose mousse with raspberry confit, accompanied by a stunning, dark chocolate-painted mask, which adds to the immersive experience. It’s in Act III that sugar fiends are best pleased, with a cherry and lemon cheesecake among four incredible sweet treats. But wait – there’s an encore? It’s the scones, of course, served with The Rose Lounge's signature strawberry and rose jam and Cornish clotted cream.
Price: From £70 per person
Address: Sofitel London St James, 6 Waterloo Place, London SW1Y 4AN
Website: sofitelstjames.com
The best afternoon tea in London for 2025
1. Ham Yard Hotel Afternoon Tea
Best afternoon tea for: creative playfulness
Stepping into Ham Yard is always a cloud-lifting experience. The playfully designed hotel and its orangery – all glass ceiling and huge windows – is a light-drenched oasis in the middle of Soho and an excellent spot for one of the more creative afternoon teas in town. Ham Yard’s trademark quirkiness carries through in its patisserie options. My inner child loved the carrot and pecan cake, its cream cheese frosting topped with what looks like a miniature carrot but is actually white chocolate dyed orange, given a green tip, and shaped to resemble the vegetable. In another twist, the scones and clotted cream came with passionfruit jam, alongside traditional strawberry preserve. The fresh and not-too-sweet Biscoff and mascarpone éclair was a knockout, although, like some of the other patisserie items, it was so dinky as to be more like a sugary amuse-bouche. There were innovative touches in the savoury section, such as the spinach and ricotta pastry parcels, or the apple chutney and cheddar sandwich. Most intriguing among the teas was the Sailor’s Farewell, made of red fruits, sweet papaya, hibiscus and smoked black tea that lingered on the tongue like a hot mezcal. But the most popular is the rooibos, with its fruity papaya, liquorice and orange. Alternatively, there’s by-the-glass Spanish Raventós Blanc de Blanc or a Rathfinny Rosé from Sussex for bubbly. Guests wanting the drinking to continue can nip across to the other side of the Crittall windows for an evening at the buzzy bar. Noo Saro-Wiwa
Address: 1 Ham Yard, London, W1D 7DT
Website: firmdalehotels.com
Price: From £45 per person
Daniel Ogulewicz2. Afternoon tea at the Hari
Best afternoon tea for: A taste of La Dolce Vita
This is afternoon tea, yes. But it's been kissed by Tuscany and maybe had one too many Aperol before sitting down. The tiers arrive as expected. But gone are the obligatory cucumber sandwiches. Instead, pillowy focaccia stacked with delicately sliced, salty prosciutto. Carpaccio canapés that feel vaguely indecent with the thickness of their balsamic glaze atop ricotta and parmesan. Bruschetta bites that remind you you've been settling for inferior supermarket tomatoes your entire life.
And then the sweets. Tiramisu, but somehow lighter, fluffier, more flirtatious. Cannolis, perfectly piped, offering a tease of candied orange. Honestly, if this is an affair, I'm not resisting. The tea? Yes, it exists – but it's now competing with the wilds of Tuscany, infused with Sicilian citrus, and the entirely reasonable suggestion of Franciacorta at 3pm. Because what is time, really?
Outside, London is still London: eternally composed. But inside, the mood is different. The British framework remains – polished place settings and perfect service – but it's softened and loosened, reminding you’re allowed to have fun. This isn't afternoon tea for the rigid traditionalist. This is for people who appreciate a plot twist to a familiar story – a little Italian fire to their English politeness, a little "why not?" with their "how lovely." And honestly, that's my kind of afternoon. Erin Parker
Address: The Hari, 20 Chesham Place, London SW1X 8HQ
Website: thehari.com
Price: From £40 per person
Patricia Niven3. Rosewood London Hokusai Art Afternoon Tea
Best afternoon tea for: Cakes as good as art (literally)
Stepping into Rosewood London, a Grade II-listed 1914 gem, its grandiosity immediately strikes you, the perfect blend of contemporary elegance and English heritage. It’s the ideal setting for an afternoon tea in London, but this isn’t just any tea – it’s an immersive experience inspired by Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai. Set in the enchanting Mirror Room, with bonsai trees and delicate floral arrangements, the atmosphere is a seamless fusion of art, flavour, and culture.
The savoury selection kicks off with Japanese-inspired bites like BBQ beef brisket with wasabi coleslaw, sake-marinated smoked salmon with yuzu kosho mayo, and the standout Tamago Sando – a Japanese-style egg sandwich that stole the show for me.
The sweets offer a twist on tradition, with freshly baked scones, clotted cream and jam, plus a divine lemon curd that I’d happily buy by the jar. The finale? The Art Cakes, crafted by executive pastry chef Mark Perkins, are each inspired by Hokusai’s masterpieces. Hidden in bespoke "Washitsu" reveal boxes, they’re art in cake form. The Great Wave of Kanagawa, a white chocolate and lemon chiffon creation paired with strawberry compote and lychee vanilla cream, was a highlight, perhaps even too beautiful to eat.
To complement the menu, the Mirror Room offers an exclusive selection of Japanese teas. I highly recommend the sencha sakura, a cherry blossom-inspired brew that perfectly ties it all together. Chelsea Hughes
Address: Rosewood London, 252 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EN
Website: rosewoodhotels.com
Price: £80 per person
4. Afternoon tea at The Athenaeum
Best afternoon tea for: Unique tea blends
The Athenaeum’s blending cart is no office tea trolley – it’s home to 45 unbelievably fragrant ingredients that can be combined to make blends tailored to any leaf-lover’s preferences. Our guide Kazi, trained by a master tea blender, seems just as excited as us – his enthusiasm over a cherry black tea mixed with cloves and vanilla is as sweet as the resulting drink’s flavour. Watching him craft our perfect cups is a meditative start to an afternoon in the hotel’s relaxed restaurant, where our party of three luxuriate in a nature-themed “Fancies & Foliage” meal. We sip pleasantly tart gin mocktails while perusing a platter of sandwiches: there are egg sarnies boasting a Singaporean kaya jam upgrade; perfect rectangles stuffed with sweet potato, curried pine nuts, capers and raisins for our vegan diner; and coronation chicken wraps made with khobez flatbreads. The patisserie arrives presented on a tree trunk, with little nibbles carefully placed on eternally unfurling golden leaves – we especially enjoyed the apple crumble cake and matcha yuzu options. Sadly, the dairy-free scones weren’t fabulous – disappointing for a pricier tea, especially when even the National Trust’s bog-standard scones are vegan-friendly – but our resident milk avoider did appreciate having a dedicated full menu, and not being made to feel like an aberration. On the whole, the experience makes for an unhurried, sugar-sweet and sunshine-infused afternoon, best followed by an amble around neighbouring St James’s Park. Suzie McCracken
Address: The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences, 116 Piccadilly, London W1J 7BJ
Website: athenaeumhotel.com
Price: From £60 per person
5. London Calling Afternoon tea at Haymarket Hotel
Best afternoon tea for: Playing tourist from the dining table
It comes as no surprise that one of London’s chicest all-day brasseries doubles up as a fabulous place to indulge in afternoon tea. Opposite the Victorian grandeur of His Majesty’s Theatre, suited staff glide around Brumus, set within Firmdale Hotels’ Haymarket Hotel, serving some of the most delightful treats out there right now. The hotel’s latest take on a quintessentially English tradition celebrates the capital’s most iconic attractions, accompanied by a self-guided tour designed in collaboration with Blue Badge Guide Katie Wignall of Look Up London. Cast an eye over the illustrated map as the team pours cups of loose-leaf Earl Grey or fruity ‘mythical creatures’ blend – opt for a flute of Langham Estate Culver Classic Cuvée Brut or a punchy ‘London Buzz’ cocktail for an additional £12. Savouries and sweets arrive together on a multi-tiered stand, pillowy rolls packed with coronation chicken and sandwiches filled with the likes of smoked salmon, roast beef and cucumber and cream cheese luring us into the centre. Swaddled scones, fruit and plain, stay warm long enough to soak up the generous coatings of clotted cream and preserves they’re smothered in, washed down with another of the 10 teas available. However, where the chefs’ skill shines through is on the top tier, where a selection of treats resembles some of the city’s most famous spots. The white chocolate cinnamon sablé in the shape of the London Eye is a delight; however, the intricate dark chocolate and orange Big Ben is the undoubted highlight, its clock face staring at us as we struggle through the feast, eventually leaving nothing but golden crumbs on our once-pristine serving plates. Connor Sturges
Address: Haymarket Hotel, 1 Suffolk Place, London SW1Y 4HX
Website: firmdalehotels.com
Price: From £50 per person
Milo Brown6. Afternoon tea on Dalloway Terrace
Best afternoon tea for: A quintessentially English escape
Tucked away near The British Museum under the serene gaze of the Pharaohs housed there, is The Bloomsbury Hotel’s decidedly pretty Dalloway Terrace. Named after Virginia Woolf’s stream-of-consciousness love story, ‘Mrs Dalloway’, the terrace is decorated with a mass of extravagant country garden blooms that change with the seasons. They echo the eponymous heroine of the novel as she goes to buy flowers for her party. Tea starts with a delicious tall glass of fizz (a cocktail was also offered as an alternative). Next came a delicate selection of sandwiches, cut into fingers, and lined up like piano keys on the plate. Each one is a clever twist on the post-war British food your grandparents might have recognised; an intensely curried sweet Coronation chicken encased in bright yellow turmeric bread, classic, refreshing finely cut cucumber sandwiches, peppery smoked salmon in rye bread, and a moreish sundried tomato bread toastie filled with melty Emmental and chutney. Next came the cakes! Delicate sugary pieces of joy are presented on a tiered cake stand. Small, glossy scones kept warm in a thick napkin nestled on the bottom layer, alongside purple-blackcurrant madeleines. The scones are served with homemade hibiscus jam and a generous dollop of Cornish clotted cream. The upper layers are piled with small gem-like sweets, a light-as-air choux bun filled with vanilla buttercream and decorated with a dot of gold leaf, the gorgeous rum punch baba is a delicate sponge topped with airy whipped mascarpone cream. This dream feast ended with the arrival of a steaming silver pot of fresh mint tea. The narrow terrace of the Bloomsbury Hotel is ever popular on Instagram because of its beauty, but I’m planning my next visit based on the delicious food. Rebecca Douglas Home
Address: Dalloway Terrace, Bloomsbury Hotel, 16-22 Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3NN
Website: dallowayterrace.com
Price: From £50 per person
7. Lily Vanilli's Afternoon Tea at Four Seasons Hotel at Tower Bridge
Best afternoon tea for: a fun, frivolous experience
There seems to be a consensus that once you’ve done one afternoon tea in London, you’ve done them all. And while there’s undoubtedly something enchanting about finger sandwiches, it can feel like even the fanciest offerings blend into one. Enter Lili Vanilli, with her signature whimsical cake styling, to shake up the city’s afternoon tea offerings and bring something new to the table.
The grandeur of the Four Seasons Hotel at Tower Bridge combines with frivolity in the new experience, which focuses on fun snacks and chic drinks rather than cucumber sandwiches. While there is, of course, tea – the rose one paired perfectly – it’s the cocktails that steal the show. Available in a tasting flight or to order separately, the spicy margarita was one of the smoothest I’ve had, while the espresso martini went down a treat. Paired with the food menu, which features delicate parmesan puffs, flavourful gildas and crisp confit potato bites with salmon, the time flies. Consequently, you might find yourself hanging around until the evening, but luckily, that has already been considered. This afternoon tea purposely begins at 2pm and runs until 7pm, allowing diners to embrace merrymaking at their own pace. Abigail Malbon
Address: 10 Trinity Square, London EC3N 4AJ
Website: fourseasons.com
Price: £48 per person; £81 with cocktail pairings
8. Bingham Riverhouse, Richmond
Best afternoon tea for: All the classics at a pleasing price
There’s little more quintessentially British than afternoon tea. But among the string of themed offerings you’ll find scattered across the capital, Bingham Riverhouse’s offering feels especially timeless. And what else would you expect from such a beautifully classic building in well-to-do Richmond? Sat on the banks of the Thames, the imposing London stone building was, in a former life, an artistic hub frequented by writers including W.B. Yeats, John Ruskin and Robert Browning. Now, its storied history continues as the UK’s only Black female-owned hotel and members’ club. Tea is taken in the drawing room, where the sun spills in through full-length windows and imposing tall ceilings set the backdrop for a hum of activity. Choose your loose leaf tea and a glass of fizz should you fancy, then it’s onto egg mayo, ham and mustard and cheese and tomato sarnies, four warm scones with jam and fresh cream nestled in a napkin, lemon drizzle cake, chunks of brownie and British strawberries. A trio of rose profiteroles, gooey with melting chocolate, are the stars of the show. Don’t expect the unexpected, but for the chance to enjoy crowd-pleasing old favourites with a leisurely riverside amble afterwards, this is a lovely option in West London. Charley Ward
Address: Bingham Riverhouse 61-63 Petersham Road, Richmond TW10 6UT
Website: binghamriverhouse.com
Price: From £42; sparkling afternoon tea £58
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steve ryan9. Showstopping Afternoon Tea at Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Best afternoon tea for: An indulgent night at the theatre
Theatre Royal Drury Lane has set the stage for an unforgettable new experience with the launch of the Showstopping Afternoon Tea. Among the historic Regency grandeur of the iconic theatre’s Grand Saloon, this is a theatrical journey through taste, history, and spectacle. From the moment guests are welcomed by the theatre’s iconic Red Coats to the final lip-lick after the treat that triggers something along the lines of, “I’ve overdone it”, this is a central London experience that delivers in drama, not disappointment.
The performance unfolds in two acts. First, savoury bites arrive on bespoke boards crafted from the theatre’s original 101-year-old stage that was removed during the 2019 renovations; expect the likes of ‘The Villain’ (whipped smoked tofu, rye cracker and breakfast radish) and The Femme Fatale (hot smoked salmon, horseradish cream, carway rye melba toast). Next, the grand reveal of the sweets, hidden behind a miniature red velvet curtain, pays homage to theatre’s most iconic moments. Squeal in sweet delight as strawberry preserve and clotted cream is smothered across warm scones, before moving onto layered chocolate brownies and a selection of macarons.
Theatre Royal Drury Lane is the only West End theatre offering Afternoon Tea, making it a unique destination for both theatre lovers and food enthusiasts. As the terrace bar opens for the season, visit for post-tea cocktails overlooking Covent Garden, raising a toast to a fabulously British tradition.
Address: Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Catherine Street, London WC2B 5JF
Website: thelane.co.uk
Price: From £68 per person- roccofortehotels.com
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10. Afternoon tea at Brown's Hotel
Best afternoon tea for: Sweets in a historic setting
Step back in time at Brown’s Hotel, a London institution with foundations in the early 19th century, for a timeless afternoon tea experience like no other. Just by passing through the establishment, you’re following in the footsteps of icons such as The Jungle Book author Rudyard Kipling, literary doyenne Agatha Christie and horror writer Stephen King. There must be something in the air with such creative outcomes of such visits.
Chocolate and chestnut tones offset by velvety reds set the mood for afternoon tea in the drawing room, where guests ponder over the never-ending list of hot concoctions available. There are the classics, naturally, including the hotel’s signature blend, hand-crafted from the Shire Highlands of Malawi and various other black-leaf favourites. By all means, ease yourself in, but be sure to step outside your comfort zone eventually, whether it’s via the buttery Japanese genmaicha green tea or a white tea scented and flavoured by the delicate Jasmine flower.
Savouries range from a prawn cocktail concoction atop pillowy brioche, beef pastrami and tangy beer mustard mayo between shokupan bread, and a zingy zaatar and pickled cucumber creation. Scones follow, screaming to be smothered in homemade strawberry jam and clotted cream, before the pastries arrive. Indulge in crispy-yet-gooey macarons, fruity madalaines and a spread of other almost-too-pretty-to-devour dessert favourites that’ll send you into the afternoon gently rubbing your bellies for hours afterwards.
Address: Brown's Hotel, 33 Albemarle Street, London W1S 4BP
Website: roccofortehotels.com
Price: From £80 per person 
johnny stephens photography11. Sushisamba Covent Garden Afternoon Tea
Best afternoon tea for: A sun-drenched way to spend an afternoon
High above the cobbled heart of Covent Garden, Sushisamba’s leafy, light-filled space brings its bold Japanese-Brazilian-Peruvian fusion flair to the British tradition of afternoon tea. Their take is anything but classic: served on a sculptural three-tiered “tea tree,” the menu blends punchy tropical flavours and delicate savoury bites with playful, picnic-inspired sweets, each as delicious as it is pretty.
The Wagyu katsu sando is a standout – rich, tender beef topped with oscietra caviar, sandwiched between pillowy white bread with a touch of truffle mayo. The rock shrimp scotch egg reimagines a British picnic classic with a crisp, perfectly seasoned shell encasing a soft quail egg at the centre for a playful, lip-smacking twist. The Rainbow Roll makes a welcome mini sushi addition to the afternoon tea – a vibrant medley of fresh salmon, tuna, and yellowtail, topped with sweet snow crab and a zesty citrus mayo that ties it all together.
Surprisingly subtle, the sesame macaron with white chocolate ganache strikes the perfect balance of sweet and savoury – a quiet standout that lingered long after. Of course, no afternoon tea is complete without scones, which arrive warm, accompanied by clotted cream and jam, alongside a glass of crisp Champagne. With sweeping views over the piazza, it’s an indulgent, sun-drenched way to spend an afternoon and a welcome change from the traditional tea room. Chelsea Hughes
Address: Sishisamba, 35 The Market, London WC2E 8RF
Website: sushisamba.com
Price: £65 per person with a glass of Champagne
12. A Midsummer Night's Dream Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences
Best afternoon tea for: A whimsical escape in the city
I find myself unintentionally caught in a tangled web of love and confusion, bewitched by ‘Puck’s Mischief’, a delightfully sweet mocktail that enchants my senses. I savour it in a setting that evokes a dreamy woodland scene, complete with fairy-tale décor, perfectly setting the stage for the culinary journey ahead.
Inspired by Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences transforms the timeless tradition of afternoon tea into a delicate theatrical experience, filling childhood dreams with poetic savouries and sweet confections that pay homage to the play’s themes of romance and mischief.
The first spell is cast with a Viola Moelleux, a violet-infused confection, and I willingly give in to Love’s Mischief, a world of culinary artistry and theatrical wonder. The enchantment deepens with a true classic: melt-in-the-mouth smoked salmon on spinach bread with dill and cream cheese. A spiced butternut squash hummus and caramelised onion puff, alongside thyme-roasted chicken and apricot mayo in caraway bread, ignite my curiosity for the next act: A Banquet for Fairies, a fairy-tale medley of sweet enchantments, each capturing love’s whims. I’m wooed by the Heart of Love & Confusion, a dark chocolate heart with tropical notes, mirroring the twists of love. But I am not confused, only certain that the Enchanted Forest, with its tarragon-cherry notes, pistachio-lemon charm, and deep berry tart encased in a crisp, buttery pastry, has me utterly bewitched before I dive into a warm medley of fluffy scones.
The poetic journey ends with Puck’s Magic, a final, sweet memento ensuring the dream lingers just a little longer. The attention to detail extends beyond the menu; as I leave through the hotel’s historic courtyard, home to the world’s longest Shakespearean frieze, it offers a picturesque backdrop that enhances the enchanting immersion into the Bard’s world. Sandra Denda
Address: Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences, 51 Buckingham Gate, London SW1E 6AF
Website: taj51buckinghamgate.co.uk
Price: From £75 per person
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- raffles.com
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13. Secrets & Spies Afternoon Tea, Raffles at the OWO
Best for: Fans of espionage and mystery
Behind the rich mahogany doors of The Drawing Room is a steep, storied history shaped by the daring spies who once operated in the shadows, their espionage woven within the very walls of the Old War Office, now home to Raffles London.
We settle into opulent red leather chairs, with the soft ambient music of the grand piano drifting through the room, to elegantly honour the legacy of these enigmatic characters of the Old War Office through afternoon tea.
We begin by indulging in a fragrant pot of "Between the Leaves," an infusion of subtly flavoured notes. What starts as a familiar herbal blend unfolds into something altogether unexpected. Notes of lemon, warming ginger, and the subtle intrigue of a spice we can't quite place keep our palates guessing until the very last sip. It's a shapeshifter in a teacup, perfectly aligned with the afternoon's theme of "Secrets and Spies", a satisfying complement to the classic savoury assortment of egg, chicken, ham, salmon, and cucumber sandwiches.
The three-tiered pastry stand takes centre stage, and perched on top with drama is the sharing cake, a chocolate pocket watch prepared as a tribute to the timepieces worn by Air Force One soldiers. It’s so artfully crafted, it felt criminal to take the first bite. There’s a tiny camera lens peeking out from its chocolate face, a clever nod to the era's hidden spy craft. Beneath its delicate white chocolate shell lies a decadent dark chocolate mousse and a soft caramel filling – an ode to chocolate in all its glorious forms. The lower tiers pay homage to four remarkable women spies: Vera, Virginia, Christine, and Odette. Odette's tribute is a standout: a raspberry and elderflower yoghurt confection so perfectly balanced, we could've happily devoured four more.
Address: Raffles London at The OWO, 57 Whitehall, London SW1A 2BX
Website: raffles.com
Price: £85 per person 
14. Afternoon tea at Claridge's
Best afternoon tea for: smart tea connoisseurs
There is a very skilled art in creating such an iconic experience as afternoon tea at Claridge's without the event becoming a parody of itself. As one of the best hotels in London, this could become a tourist sideshow, something to 'tick off' the list. The skill in keeping its authenticity lies, as ever, with the staff who create this experience, keeping it a treat while keeping it real.
There are two sittings of early and late afternoon tea at Claridge's, set in the hotel's sensational Foyer (our recommendation – if you can get a table), or the more tucked-away Reading Room. Claridge's is known for its warm welcome to all, and we were instantly made to feel like part of the family. Tunes from the 1920s played by a pianist and cellist create the perfect backdrop, while the incredible Dale Chihuly chandelier hovered above our heads as a modern-day talking point.
From the extensive menu, we chose a Tregothnan Earl Grey, made with a blend from an ancient Cornish estate that has been around since 1335, and Darjeeling, the 'Champagne of teas'. This is a great place to try something new – go with a recommendation from the knowledgeable staff.
A selection of sandwiches arrived – once we'd polished those off, more appeared. But onto the good stuff: the highlight was the freshly baked scones, plain and raisin, with stick-to-your-spoon clotted cream and Claridge’s own jam. Finally, cakes, and the pineapple and passion fruit cake nearly finished us off.
There is an art to feeling looked after, and at Claridge's that art has been perfected. A long early-evening stroll across Hyde Park is recommended to walk off the cake.
Address: Brook Street, London W1K 4HR1
Website: claridges.co.uk
Price: From £95 per person
15. Afternoon tea at The Dorchester
Best afternoon tea for: losing track of time
A glass of 2019 Rathfinny Estate Blanc de Noirs seems a fitting reward for a leisurely stroll through Hyde Park to reach The Dorchester. The hotel is an iconic symbol of luxury and elegance on Park Lane, and afternoon tea at The Promenade continues to attract celebrities, royalty, influencers, and an international crowd, all hoping to experience opulence and elegance amid coral-coloured silk draperies, plush velvet sofas and timeless grandeur.
Lounging between majestic Corinthian columns, we devour gourmet sandwiches filled with roast butternut squash and sage jalousie, cucumber with wild rocket, parsley, and lemon cream and Clarence Court egg mayonnaise and mustard cress on white bread. The exquisite Dorrington ham, truffle and Parmesan sandwich on onion bread is bursting with flavour.
We start the divine pastry selection with traditional warm raisin scones with seasonal preserves and clotted cream, followed by delicacies such as a walnut-glazed carrot cake with cream cheese. The mousse with chocolate crémeux and hazelnut praline is closely followed by a mango and coconut tart with a fruity pineapple and almond cream, coconut Chantilly and a tropical compote. Sandra Denda
Address: 53 Park Lane, London W1K 1QA
Website: dorchestercollection.com
Price: From £95 per person- oetkerhotels.com
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David Cotsworth16. Bridgerton Afternoon Tea, The Lanesborough
Best afternoon tea for: Fans of the Netflix series
Don your finery and visit the centre of the Ton, where The Lanesborough is hosting a very special afternoon tea in honour of series three of Netflix's Bridgerton. Fans of the show will be transported to the finest ballroom (the hotel's Regency dining room, where glistening chandeliers sparkle in the centre of the room) where a live pianist plays some of the songs the show is known for, plus some extras, as you indulge. The tea itself has all of the classic sandwiches, so expect salmon, cucumber and cream cheese, truffled egg mayo and chicken, plus a deliciously moreish cheese and crispy kale tart, made especially for the Bridgerton tea. You'll get two scones each – a plain and a fruit one – with homemade cream, jam and lemon curd – and trust me when I say it'll take all of your strength not to ask for a third. Stay strong, though, because you'll need room for the cakes, which are all a nod to the show. There's the rich, chocolate 'Social Butterfly', the tart, raspberry 'Colin's Travels', the blueberry ‘Book of Eloise’, and, to finish off, a sharing 'Lady Whistledown', which is pistachio mousse on a biscuit base. The cherry on top of the tea is (quite literally) the cocktail, 'Friends to Lovers', which is a twist on a margarita made with coconut tequila, cherries, cranberry juice, honey and lime. A perfect pairing, some might say. Abigail Malbon
Address: The Lanesborough, Hyde Park Corner, London SW1X 7TA
Website: oetkerhotels.com
Price: From £89 per person
17. Afternoon tea at The Ritz London
Best afternoon tea for: Old-school glitz
Tea at The Ritz. Is there a more archetypal English institution? The Ritz London sets the standard for afternoon tea. Tea is served in the hotel’s Palm Court, deliciously grand and swimming in gold with a live pianist or harpist at every sitting.
Tea-takers select from a list of 20 types. They can learn as much or as little about the teas as they wish from the friendly but reassuringly formal staff, who not only know the correct way to make tea (milk first, obviously) but have spent many months in Sri Lanka, tasting and experimenting to bring back the perfect blend.
On to the food itself, which, as you might expect, is proudly traditional.Sandwiches are fresh, crustless, finger-sized and not shy of a cucumber slice or two, and the scones are warm, gigantic and accompanied by strawberry jam and lashings of Cornish clotted cream. The top of your three-tiered stand is reserved for pastries, chocolate cake and fruit tarts, and whatever your party can't manage is boxed up for you to take home – along with a personalised cake if your tea is in honour of a birthday.
There is a dress code (we would be disappointed if there wasn't): men must wear a jacket and tie, and women must appear at least smart-casual. Jeans and trainers will be confiscated on sight. With multiple sittings a day, The Ritz tea operation is extremely well-oiled whilst managing not to rush diners – helped by the fact that the time you need to vacate your table is made clear when you book it. Becky Lucas
Address: 150 Piccadilly, St. James's, London W1J 9BR
Website: theritzlondon.com
Price: Adults from £81
Jonathan Stewart Photographer18. Afternoon tea at TING, Shangri-La Hotel, The Shard
Best afternoon tea for: special occasions
Sipping a cup of oolong at TING on the 35th floor of The Shard brings new meaning to the concept of ‘high tea’. The glass walls of London’s tallest building provide glorious panoramic views of the Thames and city skyline during afternoon tea, lending a distinctly non-chintzy edge to this most traditional of rituals. The vibe here is Asian modern (TING is part of the Shangri-La hotel, after all), so it’s a given that the selection of brews skews towards the Far East. Infusions, such as jasmine blossom green tea, are paired with classic truffle egg and coronation chicken sandwiches. Innovative savouries, such as the goat’s cheese smoked duck bun, pair well with a glass of Canard-Duchêne Rosé, one of two by-the-glass champagnes on the menu. The sweets include light and fluffy grenache- or crèmeux-filled delights, plus the standout Blush Praline, featuring spiced sponge, pear, and walnut praline. But be warned: those eye-popping city vistas can be a distraction – best put down your phone and give your table treats the attention they deserve. Noo Saro-Wiwa
Address: TĪNG Restaurant, Level 35, Shangri-La The Shard, 31 St Thomas Street, London SE1 9QU
Website: ting-shangri-la.com
Price: From £79 per person
19. Pegasus Afternoon Tea, Brasserie of Light
Best afternoon tea for: Fantastical feasting
Stepping into the atmospheric Brasserie of Light at London’s grand shopping emporium, Selfridges, is a refreshing delight. Here, the traditional afternoon tea has taken on a funky and vibrant twist, set to Valley of Paradise’s Psychemagik soundtrack in the background. Damien Hirst’s 24-foot-tall mythical crystal and diamond-dusted Pegasus suspended in flight above diners. Flourishing Art Deco, polished parquetry, mirrored tables and grandeur add to the theatrical and magical fog-infused Pegasus afternoon tea display. Delicate smoked salmon and cream cheese on rye bread, egg and cress croissants and the ultimate delicacy: truffle chicken brioche with grated truffle. I couldn’t decide whether I should have brought my eight-year-old niece or sipped Mumm champagne with a like-minded patron; both would have been suitable. The centre piece of the sweet delights is the strawberry, vanilla and white chocolate cheesecake, whilst the coconut and rum panna cotta with mango and pineapple a refreshing palate cleanser. Pink raspberry almond macarons, chocolate bubbles brownie and a raspberry and pistachio cupcake are not leaving much space for warm fluffy buttermilk scones with clotted cream, strawberries and strawberry preserve, but the incandescent, radiant Pegasus frozen mid-flight above is vibrating its encouraging digestive power and motion giving me strength. A truly invigorating, mythical yet modern experience of the age-old symbol of the Pegasus with extra sparkle. Sandra Denda
Address: TĪNG Restaurant, Level 35, Shangri-La The Shard, 31 St Thomas Street, London SE1 9QU
Website: brasserie-of-light.co.uk
Price: From £79 per person
The Connaught20. Afternoon tea at The Connaught
Best afternoon tea for: tea lovers
Doormen in top hats stand sentinel by the ever-revolving doors of The Connaught, which deposit guests into the hallway of one of London’s most innovative hotels. With its quiet elegance, sense of timelessness and British sensibility, there are few places quite like it. That said, French chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten's arrival and his international flair have relaxed the rules a little, doing away with formalities such as dress codes and allotted time slots.
The overwhelming choice of jams is a thing of the past, and the warm bakes are now served simply with Cornish clotted cream, homemade preserve and lemon curd. Sandwiches are classic picnic favourites (coronation bronze turkey, slow-cooked beef brisket), and the patisserie stand displays the handiwork of executive pastry chef Nicolas Rouzaud, highlights of which include an irresistible chocolate tart. At first, we were disappointed to be served tea with tea bags (rather than loose-leaf), but a conspiratorial waiter let us in on a secret: the Connaught kitchen hand-fills its tea bags. They resemble tiny pillowcases and are made from Egyptian cotton, without plastic, glue or staples, for maximum freshness, flavour and sustainability. It turns out that most (likely more sophisticated) guests prefer not to pick tea leaves out of their teeth. If you like your tea strong enough to fuel rocket ships, ask for extra leaves – the staff will happily oblige. Try to get a table in the front section of the restaurant, where light filters through the stained-glass windows by Parisian artist Jean-Michel Othoniel, and you get a great view of passers-by.
Aside from the traditional afternoon tea, The Connaught regularly switches things up and serves special treats and dedicated menus for events such as Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and Easter. Anna Prendergast
Address: Jean George at The Connaught The Connaught, Carlos Place, London W1K 2AL
Website: the-connaught.co.uk
Price: from £85
21. Afternoon tea at the Corinthia
Best afternoon tea for: A relaxed Sunday afternoon followed by a walk along the river
The Corinthia’s light-flooded Crystal Moon Lounge is a grand setting for the hotel’s afternoon tea, which is all about choice. Vast displays of treats are wheeled around on silver gilded trolleys so that guests can make their selections or choose to indulge in them all. The tea has its dedicated station crewed by a sommelier who will weigh and infuse your selected brew to achieve the best flavour. The No.2 Mellow bespoke blend is a medium-strength, fruity refreshment. For something lighter, the China Milky Oolong is delicate, and one of those rare finds that tastes as fragrant as it smells.
The experience doesn’t fall short when it comes to the food either. Sandwiches are served with flavour twists such as pickled cucumber and goat’s curd with mint and capers, more of which you’ll seriously consider forgoing the cakes for, and a classic ham with mustard mayonnaise. Scones arrive like prized possessions in their wooden box, with clotted cream and a spiced plum jam. Just be sure to save room for the cakes, which include a handmade milk chocolate & hazelnut rocher – much better than your Christmas box of Ferrero.
The Corinthia isn’t a place to come in a hurry. Service is relaxed with a measured pace. Sit back among the fashionable young things, take a break from sightseeing, then cross the river and walk it off with a stroll along the Southbank. Olivia HolborowAddress: 10 Whitehall Place, London SW1A 2BD
Website: corinthia.com
Price: From £75 per person
22. The Devil Wears Prada Afternoon Tea, The Coral Room
Best afternoon tea for: Fancy fashionistas
The Devil’s in town, dressed in all her designer finery – and it turns out she has a penchant for a sweet treat or two. To mark the arrival of The Devil Wear’s Prada in the West End, The Coral Room has put on quite the spread. We’re sat in the corner, backlit by the warm autumn afternoon light pouring through the imposing windows, and await our assortment of beverages while people-watching. Guests of The Bloomsbury Hotel raise a toast to leisurely Sundays around us while a stylish pair of girlfriends catch all the right angles of their sandwich spread on their smartphones – with the occasional “oops” of a camera flash. My companion opts for a delightfully floral green tea, but we’re preoccupied with astounded sniffs of my Irish Whisky Cream black tea, which smells (and tastes) like it's been spiked with a swig of Irish liqueur. The sandwiches arrive, gooey ‘Nate’s Grilled Cheese’ toasties hiding a sweet caramelised onion chutney and the egg mayonnaise sandwiches delivering an indulgent hit of truffle. Aside from the scones (fruit and plain, both excellent), The dessert menu is a run-off of the blockbuster film’s most iconic quotes and references. Highlights include ‘A Single Cube of Cheese’, a morsel of rich New York cheesecake with Papua New Guinean vanilla, and ‘It’s Not Just Blue, It’s Cerulean’, a Greek yoghurt mousse with blueberry on a biscuit base encased in chocolate. For added indulgence, opt for a Runway Royale cocktail – a heady concoction of Mijenta Tequila Reposado and Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve. Connor Sturges
Address: The Coral Room, 16-22 Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3NN
Website: thecoralroom.co.uk
Price: From £55 per person
23. Afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason at the Royal Exchange
Best afternoon tea for: A classic in a spectacular historic setting
An offshoot of the Piccadilly original, this is Fortnum & Mason with a twist. The trademark eau de nil is there – on velvet seats and leather booths – but the majestic 16th-century setting in London’s financial district lends it an even grander air, as though tea sippers are members of an elite secret society. The impressive stone-and-column façade of the Royal Exchange betrays the building’s trade roots. Boutiques sit beneath huge arches; the newest, a mini Fortnum’s, now takes up three shop fronts. At the centre of the vast courtyard is a giant almond-shaped bar, a glittering metal oasis ringed by mint-green stools, each pair lit with individual gold lamps. Two small seating areas bookend the bar, and it almost feels like you're outside, with light pooling through the glass ceiling.
Tea is the most crucial element of Fortnum’s tradition, given that the brand has been producing its own (and, later, serving it) for about 300 years. But you won’t find its breakfast blend on the menu here; instead, opt for the Royal Exchange, a light Sri Lankan and Kenyan loose-leaf tea that represents this cool new base, or – better yet – Champagne.
Afternoon tea stands are brought down a flight of stone steps from a faraway corner of the courtyard, almost ‘off stage’; as they are set down on the table, it’s clear this is the main event. First are simple finger sandwiches filled generously with egg and cress, Suffolk cured ham, coronation chicken and smoked trout. Then soft, warm plain and fruit scones are accompanied by clotted cream, strawberry jam and lemon curd – Fortnum’s own, naturally. The finale is a dazzling array of patisserie cakes.
While the afternoon tea was undeniably pleasant, the historic surroundings make the new Fortnum’s a worthwhile pit-stop. And despite the serene, exclusive vibe, this offering is brilliantly affordable. Like the City crowd, stop here for a sweet reviver following an afternoon’s hard work, then browse the foodie delights in the enticing shop. Leah Craig
Address: The Courtyard, The Royal Exchange, London EC3V 3LR
Website: theroyalexchange.co.uk
Price: From £38 per person
24. Afternoon tea at Petersham Nurseries, Richmond
Best afternoon tea for: The green-fingered
Petersham Nurseries in Richmond has long been known for its beautiful garden centre and homeware shop stacked with artisan trinkets and a fabulous little restaurant. Now, the team is plating up a Garden Afternoon tea, served in the Teahouse. Rustic furniture, distressed copper-topped tables and matching chairs are lit up by fairy lights strung from the glass ceiling and surrounded by thriving plants.
Afternoon tea doesn’t get prettier than this – the hand-picked wild bouquet takes centre stage at the top of the hand-blown-glass tiered stand, its seasonal blooms paired with the sweet and savoury bites (which are also sprinkled with petals). Loose-leaf tea is served in a glass kettle that you’ll want for your kitchen – the Giardino blend is as fresh as can be.
Unsurprisingly, this menu changes seasonally depending on what’s growing, keeping in line with the brand’s ethos of using responsibly sourced produce. There are always scones: they’re served with seasonal jam and clotted cream here. Savouries mix British classics with an Italian influence, from rosemary and parmesan scones to pumpkin sunflower choux with maple glaze.
The food is faultless but, best of all, you’ll leave inspired to redecorate your home and garden. Sophie Knight
Address: Church Lane, Off Petersham Road, Richmond, Surrey TW10 7AB
Website: petershamnurseries.com
Price: From £60 per person
25. Cédric Grolet's Goûtea at The Berkeley
Best afternoon tea for: French flair
When French patissier Cédric Grolet chose London as his first outpost outside of France (at Belgravia’s The Berkeley, no less), he brought an exciting wave of sweet innovative concoctions to London's dessert scene. Then he upped the ante by unveiling Goûtea, Grolet’s playful take on British afternoon tea – with a French twist.
Set in the golden-hued Berkeley Café, the seasonally changing menu may not look like much (there are only two small tiers), but come hungry, trust us. It’s recommended to start with the savoury dishes and eat your way down to the sweet treats. At Goûtea, finger sandwiches are deliciously elevated – say goodbye to coronation chicken or cucumber with cream cheese and hello to avo-on-toasts and fluffy scrambled egg croissants. Sticking to the Frenchman's roots, classic French pastries such as buttery-flaky croissants and decadent pain Suisse are also on the table. Up next are his signature fruit and flower trompe l’oeil creations – ultra-realistic desserts that are (almost) too pretty to eat. Both delight the eyes and the palate; the lemon is tangy, while the green apple is tart and is paired perfectly with the sweet vanilla flower pastry. No afternoon tea is complete without scones, and the ones here have already come generously slathered with clotted cream and house-made jam.
As for teas, you won’t find an endless list of artisanal blends. Instead, only essentials are available: black, mint, green, matcha and chai teas. However, the lavender-infused latte is a must-try. Zahra Surya Darma
Address: The Berkeley, Wilton Place, London SW1X 7RL
Website: the-berkeley.co.uk
Price: £130 per person
26. Straits Kitchen Afternoon Tea, Pan Pacific
Best for: A wallet-friendly option in bustling Liverpool street
Nestled in the heart of London’s vibrant City district, the Pan Pacific London promises an afternoon tea experience that fuses British tradition with the hotel’s signature Southeast Asian flair. This haven of modern business luxury, located steps away from Liverpool Street station, aims to elevate the quintessentially British ritual to a veritable feast of culture, refinement, and taste. The scene is set in the hotel’s Straits Kitchen dining room, a space that embodies contemporary sophistication. Sunlight filters through expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, revealing a small enclave where the soft murmur of conversation never feels overwhelmingly loud. The service is also faultless – attentive yet unobtrusive. Staff members trained to anticipate every need provide a seamless blend of professionalism and warmth. The Autumn Afternoon Tea menu is curated by pastry maestro Francesco Mannino and marries traditional British elements with nuanced Asian flavours. Diners are welcomed with a katsu chicken amuse-bouche, offering a playful prelude to the savoury selection of buttery egg brioche, sushi rolls, tofu bao and the obligatory cucumber sandwich. All perfectly pleasant, but perhaps lacking the wow factor. Choosing from the extensive selection of teas sourced from both renowned and rare estates adds a note of ceremony. A standout is the Milk Oolong, whose floral notes harmonise seamlessly with the varied flavours of the menu. For those seeking a touch of indulgence, Pan Pacific offers an upgrade with Taittinger Champagne, adding a sparkling note to the afternoon. Adhering to tradition, mini freshly baked scones are served with clotted cream and a selection of jams. Perhaps the crowning glory lies in its assortment of desserts, each a miniature work of art, with an exemplary raspberry choux and delectable coffee and hazelnut gianduja that will delight pudding fans. Anita Bhagwandas
Address: Pan Pacific London, 80 Houndsditch, London EC3A 7AB
Website: panpacific.com
Price: From £58 per person
Chris Orange27. Afternoon tea at the Royal Albert Hall
Best afternoon tea for: A slice of culture with your cake
The Royal Albert Hall is one of the world’s most famous performance venues and one of the UK’s most treasured buildings – and a thoroughly British institution. Queen Victoria had the red-and-gold domed auditorium built as an extravagant tribute to her husband, Prince Albert, and in its long history, it has hosted some of the country’s most important cultural events and both rock – and real – royalty. It’s put on some pretty big-deal tea parties, too; Queen Elizabeth II clinked china here with the WI to mark their 100th anniversary. A fitting venue, then, for afternoon tea.
Don’t let the location on Museum Mile put you off: this London afternoon tea certainly isn’t just a tourist box-ticker. Anyone who’s always wanted a sneak peek through the hallowed doors can combine tea with a tour (and history lesson), as guests are guided around the auditorium, the gallery and the usually off-limits Royal Retiring Room before being greeted with three tiers of taste. Time your tea wisely, and you can even eavesdrop on rehearsals for the evening’s performance.
The tea itself takes place in the Coda Restaurant. Choose your brew from a carefully curated selection by H.R. Higgins Limited – from Earl Grey Superior to Chun Mee Green Tea. Dainty sandwiches come with proper British fillings (cucumber and cream cheese, ham hock and Coronation chicken), but it’s the cakes and miniature puddings, with their adorable decorative touches, that are the highlight. In addition to a selection of miniature cakes, select a slice from the trolley – red velvet, lemon drizzle, carrot and Battenburg among them. Teddy Wolstenholme
Address: Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP
Website: royalalberthall.com
Price: From £57 per person
28. Royal Afternoon Tea at The Milestone Hotel
Best afternoon tea for: Private rooms opposite Kensington Palace
Visiting a place such as The Milestone reminds you just how much rich history swirls through London’s every corner and crevice. You may not have heard of the hotel before – you might have even marched straight past its red-and-white bricks, so typical of its neighbourhood – but it’s been standing there, directly opposite Kensington Palace, since the late 19th century. The original building’s roots stretch back even further, to 1689, and it’s since been home to various royal commissioners and bodyguards and even Shakespeare’s grandson before it became a place to stay in 1922. Today its focus is on making all of its original features sing as much as possible, from its chequered tile floors to its wood-panelled walls, coffered ceilings and shelves lined with leather-bound books.
Understandably, it tends to get a little over-shadowed by its world-famous royal neighbour, but its lower-key location also makes it a great, quieter spot to take tea before a walk around the Palace Gardens or its latest exhibition, as well as somewhere more likely to be frequented by Kensington locals. There are three, if not four, rooms to choose between – the more traditional Park Lounge, with its open fire, well-spaced tables and armchairs ideal for quiet conversations, the airy Conservatory, or the larger and multi-chandeliered Chenestons Restaurant. A further, more inside-track option is the tiny converted house chapel, which today serves as a space for small groups – ideal for those with babes or toddlers. As well as stained-glass windows framed by beautiful arches, there’s a small alcove to the left of its direct entrance where it’s believed an altar once stood.
The selection of brews is impressive without being overwhelming; the caramelly New Vithanakande is a stand-out, as is the bergamot orange and lemon peel infused Planter’s Mistress (popular because of its intriguing name as well as its taste, the staff believe). The three tiers of food are particularly generous and include what is probably the city’s only circular, and perhaps very best, afternoon tea sandwich, plump with chicken mayonnaise and topped with toasted almonds. French pastries and tartlets are served alongside the cakes, including a signature baked vanilla cheesecake made using The Milestone’s president and founder, Bea Tollman’s original recipe. Becky Lucas
Address: 1 Kensington Court, London, W8 5DL
Website: milestonehotel.com
Price from: From £85 per person
29. Afternoon tea at The Stage, The Londoner Hotel
Best afternoon tea for: a traditional afternoon tea with added West End flair
The Londoner Hotel's decadence begins in the Gatsby-esque foyer lounge, also known as The Stage. A Champagne bar with all the nuances of a Parisian café, the bar itself is decorated with tan leather stools and premium bottles (Charles Heidsieck Magnums; ornate gins; single-barrel Jack Daniels). Intimate table settings are set with gold-trimmed china teacups and crystal Champagne glasses, enclosed by velvet armchairs in soft pinks and greys. Choreographed lighting provides an apt spotlight for each dish, providing an experience worthy of its namesake. And what is a stage without a show? Across from the bar is a small area for live music to soundtrack your tea service.
Afternoon tea comes in various forms, including traditional or Champagne, alongside a selection of exclusive loose-leaf teas from The East India Company. To start, the chef presents a refreshing amuse-bouche du jour. Each element is explained in delectable detail by the maître d'; we tried marinated cucumber and elderflower sorbet with a drizzle of manuka honey on a bed of white chocolate powder and topped with yuzu caviar. Three tiers of mini sandwiches are next; each a different colour to indicate the delights within.
Next comes a basket of warm, freshly baked, gold-top scones, so fluffy they pull apart in your hands; followed by a finale of handcrafted patisseries, displayed as the artworks they are – the toughest decision you’ll make all day will be choosing only two but be sure to ask the maître d' for one of their uber-chic stage bags for leftovers – trust us, you won't want to waste a single bite. Megan Wilkes
Address: The Stage at The Londoner, 38 Leicester Square, London WC2H 7DX
Website: thelondoner.com
Price: From £59 per person
30. Afternoon tea at The Wolseley
Best afternoon tea for: A taste of classic Mayfair
There is something deliciously opulent about going to The Wolseley in the middle of the day. This Mayfair stalwart, swathed in gold with imposing chandeliers arching pillars and black-and-cream tiles, is best known for its lavish breakfasts. Head through the velvet curtain at the door on an afternoon, though, to find groups of smartly dressed people being served tea from silver pots by suited waiters in the grande-dame dining room.
Classic finger sandwiches on the afternoon tea menu include smoked salmon and smoked chicken. The vegetarian selection is just as varied and delicious: no endless egg-and-cress here. Instead, there’s avocado, cucumber with mint, and celery with cream cheese, served on various breads (sundried tomato, seeded and, our favourite, traditional, pillowy white). Second helpings are encouraged. Scones are of the fruity variety, kept warm under a cloche, to be topped with lashings of clotted cream and jam.
Pastries are surprisingly up-to-the-minute for a restaurant that trades so heavily (and so well) on old-school charm, and include a black forest gâteau, baked cheesecake and apple strudel with chantilly cream. Be sure to share so you can try them all – there’s not a dud among them.
The Wolseley’s afternoon tea is delicious, and you will, undoubtedly, leave feeling uncomfortably full, as with all of the teas on this list. But something about being in the humming, clinking, tinkling dining room with its high ceilings and attentive – never over-bearing – staff makes it extra special. Sarah James
Address: 160 Piccadilly, St. James's, London W1J 9EB
Website: thewolseley.com
Price: £46.50 per person for the classic afternoon tea
31. The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum & Mason
Best afternoon tea for: A classic afternoon tea – and still one of the best
Dressed in trademark eau-de-nil, right down to the tea plates, Fortnum & Mason's Tea Salon is a peaceful oasis (accessed in a lovely wood-panelled lift) off Piccadilly. An oasis of tea and cake! It seems as if it hasn't changed in decades, in a wonderfully old-world way, but in fact was refurbished and subsequently reopened by Queen Elizabeth II in 2012. It remains a traditional affair and, located on the fourth floor of the iconic Fortnum & Mason shop (where London afternoon teas have been served for around 100 years), it's a delightful place to while away an afternoon.
And who knew there were so many different types of tea? If Willy Wonka ever swapped chocolate for tea, the menu might resemble that at the Tea Salon, listing dozens of fantastically-named infusions like Jasmine Dragon Pearls, Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe, and Hattialli, which takes its name from the Assamese words 'Hathi Alli', meaning 'Elephant Road'. Terrifically knowledgeable 'Tearistas' are on hand to help narrow down the choice.
Soft, warm scones are served with lashings of clotted cream and the most delicious jams, which left us scraping the bottom of the jar. Luckily, these can be bought in the shop downstairs. The cake carriage is a feast for the eyes, with fig bakewell tarts and slices of salted caramel cheesecake among the treats.
Address: 4th Floor, Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly, St. James's, London W1A 1ER
Website: fortnumandmason.com
Price: From £82 per person
32. Afternoon tea at The Stafford
Best afternoon tea for: A quiet retreat
Enter this classic hotel to find the smooth sound of jazz echoing from The Game Bird – a room rimmed with plush velvet furnishings, frosted blue walls and subtle nods to the matriarch. The afternoon tea at The Stafford boasts recipes created collaboratively by head pastry chef Magdalena Velczenbach and culinary strategist Michael Caines, who oversees the menu here. First, a broad selection of tea from Camelia’s Tea House is introduced to the table – the White Apricot tea was the recommended choice, a fresh and fragrant white tea served alongside a glass of Louis Roederer Collection 244 Champagne. Next comes the traditional finger sandwiches: smoked salmon and cream cheese, cheddar, spring onion and tomato, coronation chicken and ham and mustard, all served on a selection of bread alongside a creamy truffle and egg brioche bun. On the bottom tier, thick, savoury scones sit neatly with a light, fluffy cream cheese and chive spread and a sweet option of plain and sultana scones with seasonal jam and clotted cream.
But the final show-stopper will leave you wanting more (assuming you have any room left). For the sweet-toothed, a selection of breathtaking cakes arrives tableside, served from a bespoke handcrafted cake trolley. Spoilt for choice, each party member can select up to five seasonal cakes or pastries from the delectable display, including a coffee choux bun for the more traditional palette or a chai latte honey cake for an intriguing spin on a classic pastry. A doggy bag may be necessary.
While these dazzling treats may steal the show, ask about the history behind the vanilla and strawberry cake. Fierce World War II resistance heroine Nancy Wake inspired the fluffy white mousse due to her code name, “The Mouse”. She frequently visited The Stafford as it became a refuge for the servicemen and women during the war. So, the hotel continues to honour her incredible bravery with this dedication. Megan Wilkes
Address: The Stafford London, 16-18 St James’s Place, London SW1A 1NJ
Website: thestaffordlondon.com
Price: From £78 per person
Addie Chinn33. Marylebone Afternoon Tea at Seymour's Parlour, The Zetter Townhouse
Best afternoon tea for: Georgian delights
Sandwiched between red brick, terraced houses on a side street in Marylebone, The Zetter Townhouse is markedly signposted by its iconic turquoise front door and cherry blossom archway. Arriving on a sunny Saturday, we are warmly greeted and ushered into the entranceway parlour – an intimate space within carmine walls brimming with trinkets and curios. The deep wooden furnishings and eclectic mix of faded leather sofas and scatter cushions feel familial. We sit window-side, bathing in the rare British sunshine surrounded by antiques. A selection of black, green, white or herbal tea is offered, served in ornate China teapots alongside bubbles or cocktails. In keeping with British tradition, anything after 11am is fair game, so we opt for the alcoholic version of the Shiso cocktail – a fresh tipple made with rooibos and Perrier-Jouët Blason Rosé, created in collaboration with Everleaf non-alcoholic aperitifs. Next is a choice between two savoury menus: finger sandwiches, including traditional sarnies with a twist (the smoked cheddar, apple cider chutney and sundried tomato sarnie is a must) and savouries, which features a honey roast ham croque monsieur and a Ribblesdale goats cheese and fig tart. Freshly baked scones, bundled up like prized jewels, provide a hearty intermission before the finale of rainbow-toned patisserie sitting top tier – it will take the utmost restraint not to start here (but then, who’s judging at Wicked Uncle Seymour’s Parlour?). Megan Wilkes
Address: Seymour's Parlour, 28-30 Seymour Street, London W1H 7JB
Website: thezetter.com
Price: From £45 per person
Paul Winch-Furness34. The Carlton Tower Jumeirah Afternoon Tea
Best afternoon tea for: The virtuous
Take a minute to marvel at the thick wodges of cake in the counter in The Chinoiserie, the bright, breezy French patisserie and all-day dining spot inside The Carlton Tower Jumeirah in London, before plopping yourself down on one of the squishy jewel-toned sofas for one of the most delightful afternoon teas in London. First, choose your tea from the extensive menu (plus a glass of fizz, if you like). All are strong and flavourful and can be switched up as often as you wish. Then comes the seasonally themed courses. Savoury highlights include pumpkin tartlets with ricotta and a zingy sprinkle of lemon zest, and quintessentially English coronation chicken sandwiches. We particularly like the chance to choose a slice of cake from the ‘Royal’s favourite' selection, from the chocolate biscuit cake that Queen Elizabeth and Prince William both had at their wedding to a classic Victoria sponge, generously filled with a layer of vanilla cream cheese.
Address: The Carlton Tower Jumeirah, 1 Cadogan Place, London SW1X 9PY
Website: jumeirah.com
Price: From £85 per person
35. Afternoon tea at St James's Hotel & Club
Best afternoon tea for: A seasonal spread
With its gold-lettered shop fronts, St James's is an easy place for a spot of time-travelling, to rewind to the Victorian age and go shopping for a badger-hair shaving brush, or a silver-topped walking cane or that velvet smoking hat you always wanted. Set behind a red-and-white gateau of Victorian neogothic, St James's Hotel & Club has the air of having resided here since Kipling was a nipper but has only been a hotel since 2008, although the club has been around since the 19th century. A sense of discretion wafts around the silk wallpaper and narrow corridors. There is a chocolate and cherry choux, lemon ginger cake, a delightfully homely apple cinnamon crumble, and savouries, including Cheshire cheese muffins and a selection of sandwiches.
Tea is taken by the bar, an intimate, Deco-inspired space of gold and polished black lacquer, large yellow vases, a wall of 20th-century oil paintings and an eyeful of mild Hungarian erotica from the 1940s. It's small and tucked away, so you won't find the coachload of gawpers that some other hotels get.
Address: 7-8 Park Place, St. James's, London SW1A 1LS
Website: stjameshotelandclub.com
Price: From £50 per person
36. Afternoon tea at the NoMad
Best afternoon tea for: the most glamorous dining room
The glass-roofed, aviary-style restaurant at The NoMad Hotel is quite possibly the prettiest restaurant in London. Large globular lighting hangs over the plush green velvet seating below, which sits symmetrically on either side of a bright green planter filled with foliage. Peer up to the sky, surrounded by a courtyard of hanging vines packed with smartly dressed diners sipping on fine English tea from clay teapots or bespoke cocktails, all with a breakfast twist - think Earl Grey syrup and oolong tea flavourings. Afternoon tea is served from a gold-tiered stand in two rounds. First up is the savour stand. Finger sandwiches come in all shapes and sizes. A cute salmon bagel with fresh avocado, a toasted bread sandwich filled with egg mayo and black truffle, a crumbly pastry topped with pastrami and pickles (our personal favourite) and a classic, as it can’t be afternoon tea without - a cool cucumber and cream cheese finger. Warm scones were the next course to fill out bellies, one savoury and one sweet. A blue cheese and sage, and a fruity jam option with silky cream. Then, for the final stand, there are layers of sweet treats. Dainty cakes with even daintier piping are little works of art. The tropical cheesecake and lemony choux are worth saving room for. Sophie Knight
Address: NoMad London, 28 Bow Street, WC2E 7AW
Website: nomadhotel.com
Price: From £65 per person
37. Afternoon Tea at The Langham
Chilled Rosé Champagne, with notes of strawberries, raspberries, and black cherries, blends perfectly with the scent of hot Phoenix Honey Orchid loose-leaf tea. This is savoured alongside classic cucumber sandwiches with Ivy House Farm clotted cream butter and, my personal favourite, the Gentleman's Relish sandwich with roast cauliflower, anchovy relish, and a devilled quail’s egg on the side as part of a refined sandwich ensemble. This delightful, Victorian-inspired menu with a modern twist was created by Executive Pastry Chef Andrew Gravett and two-Michelin-starred Chef Michel Roux.
The Langham became the first grand hotel in the world during the Victorian era to cater afternoon tea to British high society and its elite clientele, bridging the long gaps between lunch and a late supper. Afternoon tea at the Palm Court quickly became a fashionable social ritual among the upper class. Today, history, tradition, and contemporary elegance merge into an inviting ambience, featuring an eclectic clientele and a grand setting of soft neutral tones and plush seating, enchanting visitors with the sound of the piano.
Aesthetically pleasing and lush, the pastries include Juniper-infused baba with grapefruit confit and a blackcurrant, chestnut, and violet charlotte, which do not overshadow the traditional signature Langham scones served with Cornish clotted cream and homemade seasonal preserves, theatrically presented under a silver cloche. The scones are surprisingly light and fluffy, and after these sumptuous delicacies, the high tea’s finale is rounded off with a chocolate, praline, and pear pudding to share. Lady Gaga, Angelina Jolie, and Selena Gomez have all enjoyed a spot of time travel at this glamorous venue, which brings an innovative edge to the classic high tea experience. Sandra Denda
Address: The Langham, 1C Portland Place, London W1B 1JA
Website: langhamhotels.com
Price: From £85 per person
