Best Afternoon Tea In London: 41 Experiences Worth Booking

Afternoon Tea at The Ritz

Crystal chandeliers, ornate ceilings, intricate murals, golden statues, and music from harpists, pianists and violin trios; afternoon tea at The Ritz certainly lives up to its iconic reputation.

It’s the grandest of London affairs, with seasonal pastries, warm scones and delicate finger sandwiches served in the spectacular surroundings of The Palm Court. Champagne and an incredible selection of 18 types of loose-leaf tea only add to the opulence of the occasion.

Theatre Royal Drury Lane Afternoon Tea

Add a touch of sparkle to your afternoon with Lily Vanilli’s Regency-inspired afternoon tea at The Lane.

Served in extraordinary Grand Saloon of Theatre Royal Drury Lane, savoury treats include bitesize English crumpets topped with Earl Grey infused cream cheese and smoked salmon; madeleines with whipped English feta and pickled heritage carrot; and Coronation chicken pies with caramelised onion chutney.

Top it all off with delicious warm fruit scones, a fluffy vanilla cake filled with passionfruit and buttercream, a mini sticky toffee pudding, a delicious strawberry ice cream sandwich, and a glass of Champagne.

Searcys St Pancras Afternoon Tea

Take a trip to St Pancras to sample its its travel-inspired afternoon tea, served inside a cute little suitcase!

Expect treats such as lemon meringue pie, Coffee Opéra gâteau, Cherry financier, as well as savouries and scones tucked inside. Sit back in one of the individual booths, complete with the original ‘Press for Champagne’ buttons and enjoy a glass of Searcys own cuvée English Sparkling Wine.

Afternoon Tea at Corinthia London

In true Corinthia style, their afternoon tea is utterly luxurious and wonderfully decadent. Served on the iconic red and gold Richard Brendon teaset, under the warming glow of 1,001 Baccarat crystals, guests can expect finger sandwiches, scones, and sweet treats including lemon drizzle cake, pecan brownie, rhubarb and orange tartlet, and milk chocolate and salted caramel mousse.

If you’re looking for the ultimate decadence, there’s a champagne and caviar afternoon tea option, too.

The Ivy Asia Afternoon Tea

Offering a luxury afternoon tea experience in stunning surroundings, afternoon tea at The Ivy Asia is one to remember. 

Set in decadent surroundings, the Sakura Afternoon Tea features aromatic duck spring rolls, vegetable dumplings and spicy avocado maki roll, before finishing off with warm passionfruit & coconut doughnuts and mochi.

Sea Containers Afternoon Tea

Taking a playful approach to the familiar afternoon tea, Sri Lankan High Tea at Lyaness is an innovative take on traditional Sri Lankan flavours. Enjoy a menu of savoury and sweet dishes as well as fine teas from Rare Tea Co. Menu highlights include a Coconut Flower Daiquiri with Bacardi Carta Blanca, coconut water, lime, grapefruit, jaggery, Chicken kukul mas sandwiches with coconut, Turmeric-spiced devilled egg and Pandan Swiss roll.

Enjoy alongside perfectly matched cocktails using Lyaness’ signature ingredients and iconic views across the River Thames as the perfect backdrop.

The Milestone Hotel & Residences Afternoon Tea Kensington

Afternoon Tea is a quintessentially English tradition and is upheld in its finest form at The Milestone, in the heart of the Royal Borough of Kensington.

Inspired by ‘The Crown’ and served in Cheneston’s Restaurant, the Park Lounge or the Conservatory, this exceptional experience is a true royal indulgence. Discover delicious finger sandwiches, warm freshly baked scones piled high with Devonshire clotted cream and home-made preserves, and a selection of pastries including éclairs, tartlets, cupcakes, and macarons. Taste a vast collection of loose-leaf teas at your leisure in fine surroundings, or perhaps a glass of Lanson Champagne, holder of a Royal Warrant to the Court of England since 1900.

Afternoon Tea at Dalloway Terrace

When it comes to timeless elegance, The Doyle Collection knows how to do it right. Head to The Bloomsbury Hotel, located just a stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle of Tottenham Court Road, where both Dalloway Terrace and The Coral Room have launched a new summer afternoon tea menu.

The menu showcases a delicious selection of traditional British bites, including a sandwich selection ranging from smoked salmon and lemon butter to truffled egg mayonnaise. Enjoy a sweet treat of blackberry cheesecake choux and not to forget freshly baked scones with homemade plum jam and cream of course.

The Ampersand Hotel Afternoon Tea

One of the best themed afternoon teas in London, the Jurassic Afternoon Tea at The Ampersand Hotel is every dino-lover’s dream, with a feast of Jurassic-inspired treats to tuck in to. Inspired by the Natural History Museum, the hotel’s iconic South Kensington neighbour, it makes a perfect pitstop after a morning exploring the museum. 

Food includes a range of delicious dino-delights – from a T-Rex foot cheese straw and a dinosaur jam sandwich, to raspberry and lemon crémeux volcano eruption, and a dark chocolate and caramel dinosaur egg nest.

Kids can wash it down with a dinosaur hot chocolate with marshmallows and chocolate sprinkles, while adults can enjoy a glass of a glass of Charles Heidsieck Brut or rosé Champagne.

Afternoon Tea at The Orchid Lounge – Pan Pacific London

Settle into the upscale Orchid Lounge at Pan Pacific London and experience a taste of summer with their spectacular new Summer Garden Afternoon Tea Collection.

Paying homage to the hotel’s Singaporean roots, the signature option ‘Kopi Tiam’ features Southeast Asian savoury delicacies including pillowy steamed lotus buns, stuffed with salted egg yolk and custard sauce, a steamed sweet potato bun topped with coconut flakes and a siu mai basket of prawn, beef, spinach, and mushroom dumplings.

Exquisite sweet patisserie options make for an indulgent yet fresh finish, featuring summer garden ingredients. Mint Breeze is refreshing with flavours of hand-cut mint, lime, and rum while Basil Smash is a delicate combination of British-grown basil and strawberries with a citrusy kalamansi.  Lemon Drop offers a crisp, zesty taste with lemon verbena, topped with raspberry ‘soil’ and peach. Tropical Storm then perfectly balances dulce blond chocolate with banana and mango to create a sublime summer delight.

Tea connoisseurs can take their pick from an extensive list of teas from The Rare Tea Company, including Chinese Oolong Tea and Indian Rose Petals – a must-try. Alternatively, cool down with a glass of chilled Champagne.

116 Pall Mall Afternoon Tea in Central London

In the surroundings of 116 Pall Mall, you’ll find an afternoon tea that’s simply stunning. Set under the ornate ceilings, settle down for a tea inspired by all things sweet, with freshly baked scones and pastries of Meringue gâteau Opéra and signature Victoria cake, along with a selection of savouries and a glass of Searcys Champagne. 

The Library Afternoon Tea at County Hall

Taking you on a whistlestop tour of London is The Library’s afternoon tea, centred around Big Ben. 

Set in the magnificent surroundings of The Library, home to over 3,000 listed books, the tea offers everything from the Elizabeth Tower, an indulgent inside-out chocolate mousse cake in the shape of the world renowned tower; to Big Ben, a lemon curd and raspberry cake served on a burry shortbread in the shape of a bell.

Bbar Victoria Afternoon Tea

A vibrant restaurant with live music, colourful botanical paintings, touches of leopard print and iconic black-and-white wildlife shots by acclaimed conservationist Mike Myers, bbar is the ideal setting for an afternoon with friends, family or colleagues. 

Indulge in their unique afternoon tea with delicious mini bunny chows, Amarula scones and flavoured Rooibos tea – truly the flavours of South Africa. And if you’re after something uniquely British? Their ‘Chip Shop’ Fish and Chips Afternoon Tea is the ultimate British indulgence, featuring beer-battered cod, thick fluffy chips, a selection of decadent cakes and their signature Amarula scones.

The Chesterfield Afternoon Tea Mayfair

If you’re looking for a child-friendly afternoon tea with a hint of nostalgia, look no further than Chesterfield Mayfair’s Original Sweet Shop Afternoon Tea.

Inspired by a traditional sweetshop, expect playful pastries and cakes that bring to life all the flavours of your old sweetshop favourites. Think giant jazzies, cherry love heart cheesecake, rhubarb and custard choux buns and Coca-Cola slices that are the stuff of childhood daydreams.

The Prince Akatoki Japanese Afternoon Tea London

Head to The Malt Lounge at luxury hotel The Prince Akatoki and indulge in a delicious afternoon tea that’ll transport you straight to the lively streets of Japan. Prepare to indulge in a range of fusion blends and authentic flavours infused into savoury delights and delectable sweet treats, promising a truly unforgettable culinary journey. 

To further enhance the Japanese experience, you’ll be treated to an incredible Akashi-Tai Sake Pairing and a live performance from esteemed Japanese musician, Keiko Kitamura, who’ll skilfully play the national string instrument, Koto, as you dine.

The Clermont Afternoon Tea

If you want an elegant, classic afternoon tea, The Clermont Hotel falls nothing short of charming, quintessentially British fare. 

With locations in Victoria and Charing Cross, guests can indulge in the delectable menu which includes British classics like Eton Mess, Victoria Sponge and Chocolate and Orange Tart, traditional all-butter scones served with English Strawberry and Raspberry Preserve and Cornish Clotted Cream, and classic elegant finger sandwiches.

Barnett Hill Hotel Afternoon Tea

Afternoon tea and gin? Sounds like a match made in quintessential British heaven! The Silent Pool Gin garden at Barnett Hill is most definitely worth a visit.

Here you’ll enjoy a beautiful Barnett afternoon tea, expertly paired with three Silent Pool Gin cocktails from their master mixologists, served in the stunning Silent Pool Gin Garden.

Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill Afternoon Tea

Conveniently located just off Piccadilly for when exploring London gets you peckish, Bentley’s offer an elegant afternoon tea experience, complete with delicate and decadent treats, and washed down with a crisp glass of Rosé and a selection of Lalani and Co tea. 

From Salmon smoked on Bentleys rooftop and Cornish Crab sandwiches, to a selection of delicious homemade scones, pâtisseries and desserts, this Bentley’s take on a classic is the perfect way to treat yourself over a relaxing weekend.

Home House London Afternoon Tea

Home House’s talented team has put together an afternoon tea to remember, served inside their beautiful Drawing Rooms.

Expect a quintessentially British menu featuring delicious finger sandwiches, warm scones and a fabulous selection of sweet treats. Add a glass of Möet & Chandon Brut Imperial NV Champagne to your order and you won’t be able to fault it.

The Stafford London Afternoon Tea

The Stafford London, renowned for its timeless elegance and exceptional hospitality, has launched a brand new afternoon tea. To start, delicate finger sandwiches like salmon with horseradish crème fraîche on granary bread and Honey roasted ham and mustard mayonnaise on onion bread, are served alongside plain, fruit and cheddar scones, before moving on to the sweet treats.

Served from a bespoke cake trolley, each guest can select five seasonal cakes or pastries from the display, including raspberry, apple, and elderflower macaroon; coffee choux bun; vanilla and raspberry white mouse; lemon and basil tart; cherry and coconut mousse; and a slice of the showstopping signature Earl Grey and honey layer cake.

Afternoon Tea at Great Fosters

Fancy escaping London to nearby Surrey for the afternoon? Great Fosters serves the most fabulous afternoon tea by a Saxon moat with a wisteria laden Japanese bridge overlooking acres of glorious gardens beyond.  

Their delicious menu offers a selection of dainty sandwiches, light as air scones with clotted cream & strawberry jam (of course) and some truly scrumptious sweet treats.

Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason at The Royal Exchange

Fortnum & Mason are renowned for their quintessential English afternoon tea, and where better to experience it than the grand surroundings of The Royal Exchange? 

In true tradition, guests can expect delicious savoury sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and afternoon tea cakes, accompanied by a pot of Fortnum’s famous teas – from Fresh Mint and Earl Grey Classic, to a special Royal Exchange Blend. Add a flute of Fortnum’s Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru or Fortnum’s Brut Rosé and take in the iconic surroundings.

The Swan Afternoon Tea

Swan London are launching an incredible new Macbeth afternoon tea this August, filled with sweet treats, golden sultana scones and savouries, including Scottish smoked salmon, dill and lemon scented cream cheese on cocoa and malt bread, and egg mayonnaise infused with truffle served on spinach bread. 

To satisfy your sweet tooth, there’s Scottish whiskey and orange curd filled macarons topped with a golden crown; Tonka bean cremeux filled lollipops topped with a chocolate dagger; and dark chocolate mousse and ginger caviar ‘potion bubbles’ in a chocolate cauldron – all served on bespoke crockery designs inspired by Shakespeare’s dark tragedy.

RAILS Little Bar & Restaurant Afternoon Tea Kings Cross

Take a seat in chic RAILS Restaurant for an elegant afternoon tea to remember. Feast on classic finger sandwiches, savoury tartlets and freshly baked scones with homemade preserves and Cornish clotted cream before an array of sweet treats including zesty mango and passionfruit cheesecake, a decadent chocolate mousse and a fluffy Victoria Sponge.

Toast the day with a glass of Nyetimber Sparkling Wine, and sip on loose-leaf tea blends from East India Tea Company.

Afternoon Tea at The Montague on the Gardens

Savour a delicious traditional Afternoon Tea than The Montague, overlooking their peaceful gardens in the heart of London.

Expect a scrumptious selection of warmly baked plain and raisin scones, delicious cakes, and freshly hand-cut sandwiches including egg and mayo, smoked salmon, chicken, cucumber, and cream cheese, as well as a ‘Prince & Princess’ option for the little ones.

If you’re looking to go all out, opt for The Ultimate Champagne Afternoon Tea and enjoy 90 minutes of unlimited Lanson Champagne with your food as you dine overlooking their stunning private Bedford Estate.

Searcys at The Gherkin Afternoon Tea

The Gherkin puts the ‘high’ in high tea with its stunning 360-degree views across the City of London – and with limitless Searcys Selected Cuvée Brut Champagne, this afternoon tea is extra special. Enjoy a selection of sandwiches, including Cucumber and dill cream cheese, devilled egg; and Baked ham and mustard. 

Sweet treats include homemade Jersey fruit and plain scones, served with Cornish clotted cream and fruit preserve, followed by indulgent pastries such as Vanilla and matcha battenburg and Coffee opera gateau.

Sanderson Hotel Afternoon Tea

You won’t want to be late for this epic tea party… Venture down the rabbit hole where traditional afternoon tea is given a twist, menus are hidden inside vintage books and Alice In Wonderland quotes adorn the crockery.

Embrace the fantasy world of the Mad Hatter and his eclectic selection of treats, accompanied by champagne and ‘grow me, shrink me, bring me back’ fruit-based potions. Themed treats, including white rabbit carrot and plant pot with chocolate carrot, chocolate soil and passion fruit mousse; and blueberry and hazelnut caterpillar éclair with cotton candy legs. Alongside, the warm scones, clotted cream, and fruit preserves are perfectly paired with Alice-inspired tea infusions.

Afternoon Tea at Strand Palace

Celebrate in style with Strand Palace’s sumptuous afternoon tea in partnership with British chocolate brand, Love Cocoa. Perfect for chocoholics, the tea combines the very best of British heritage with a contemporary menu design showcasing an array of chocolate-inspired sweet treats and Strand Palace’s traditional teas. Expect espresso martini brownies, pistachio macarons with caramel popcorn, and a sour apple marshmallow served with a white chocolate shard.

In keeping with Strand Palace and Love Cocoa’s connection with Eden Reforestation Projects, the afternoon tea supports the planet by planting one tree for every afternoon tea sold – one tea, one tree!

Afternoon Tea at One Aldwych

The perfect afternoon tea for those with a sweet tooth, One Aldwych’s afternoon tea is a nod to Roald Dahl’s classic tale, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Fabulous fluffy floss, ‘hair toffee’ mousse, scones with ‘snozzberry’ jam, and a caramel chocolate milkshake (mixed by waterfall) are just some of the scrumptious sweet treats you can expect to tuck into.

There’s hot chocolate with whipped cream, fudge pieces and sprinkles for the kids, while adults will appreciate fizzy-lifting drinks like The Chocolatier, made with whisky, cherry liqueur, grapefruit juice, cherry purée and chocolate bitters, topped with Champagne.

The Westin London City Afternoon Tea

For those who appreciate an afternoon tea that’s quintessentially British, you can’t go wrong with The Westin London City’s assortment of finger sandwiches, pastries (including their signature JING tea matcha cake), and freshly baked scones with clotted cream and preserves. Of course, no afternoon tea experience would be complete without a touch of sparkle, so opt for a glass of Taittinger Champagne to add a luxurious twist to your tea.