Tipsy Teas: London’s Best Boozy Afternoon Teas
Afternoon tea is the quintessentially British tradition that never gets old, but it gets even better with a boozy twist. Enter the tipsy tea – an afternoon tea experience combining classic teatime treats with cocktails or bottomless drinks so you can sip, snack, socialise, and completely indulge.
From martini and gin pairings to free-flowing champagne and innovative tea-inspired cocktail creations, these are the best boozy and bottomless afternoon teas worth trying.
The Best Boozy and Bottomless Afternoon Teas In London
The Lanesborough
Step into a world of regal romance with The Lanesborough’s Queen Charlotte Afternoon Tea, a limited-edition experience inspired by Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, in collaboration with Netflix and Shondaland. This innovative seasonal tea transports guests to the enchanting Regency era, where extravagant parties and refined gatherings took center stage. Nestled within The Lanesborough’s opulent dining room, with its magnificent glass dome overhead, the menu pays homage to the beloved characters of the series, including the majestic sharing cake, Your Majesty, and the whimsical King George Dreams of Venus, inspired by the King’s love for astronomy. Lady Violet’s Buzzing Garden is a flowery and fruity delight, while the Danbury Delight is a nod to Lady Danbury’s penchant for hats and jewels.
To complement the regal feast, Head of Bars Mickael Perron has created The Queen Charlotte cocktail, a refreshing blend of Fords Gin, Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur, cranberry, exotic lychee, vanilla, lime and Champagne. Wash this down with an extra glass of Champange and you’re in for a right royal tipsy tea that’ll be the talk of the ton. Just remember to secure your reservation in advance to avoid any potential societal embarrassments…
Where: Hyde Park Corner, London SW1X 7TA
Website: www.oetkercollection.com
Kona
One for the gin lovers, Kona’s latest offering, the Secret Garden Afternoon Tea, is a twist on the traditional high tea, elevating the experience to new heights.
Partnering with The Secret Garden Gin, Kona has created a refreshing, zesty gin cocktail pairing to expertly complement the tea’s flavours. The lush setting coupled with delicious bites and boozy beverages make this one truly unforgettable.
Where: 51 Buckingham Gate, London SW1E 6AF
Website: www.taj51buckinghamgate.co.uk
A zesty gin cocktail pairing to complement the tea’s flavours.
One Aldwych
Looking for a unique and whimsical afternoon tea experience? Look no further than One Aldwych’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory-inspired tea. This delightful tea transports you straight into Roald Dahl’s magical world, complete with fizzy lifting drinks and snozzberry jam. Indulge in scrumptious savouries like the not-quite-as-it-seems salmon and beetroot macaron, and classic Coronation chicken.
You’ll also be treated to fabulously fluffy floss and a box stacked high with wondrous cakes, sweets, mallows and creams – all washed down with your choice of chocolate or lemon sherbet tea, water pistol punch cocktails, or fizzy lifting Champagne.
Where: 1 Aldwych, London WC2B 4BZ
Website: www.onealdwych.com
The Lane
If you’re looking for a boozy afternoon tea experience fit for royalty, you’re in for a treat with The Lane’s Royal Regency Afternoon Tea, complete with an exclusive Prince’s punch made with No.3 Gin, yellow chartreuse, suze and a dash of peppermint, topped with lime, agave and Franklin & Sons soda water.
And if bubbles are what you’re after, opt for the Champagne Regency Afternoon Tea with Taittinger Brut Reserve or English Sparkling Nyetimber Classic Cuvée MV.
A boozy afternoon tea experience fit for royalty.
Rockwell
Dubbed as the “Tipple Tea,” Rockwell’s unique afternoon tea offering combines the art of mixology with culinary expertise.
The talented bar team has expertly crafted four cocktails for the occasion, each paired perfectly with savoury and sweet bites from the kitchen, and the innovative cocktail creations take inspiration from classic afternoon tea staples, like the Earl Grey infused ‘Victoria’ cocktail or the ‘Twelve Buckingham Street’ cocktail, a chocolate lover’s dream, made with 70% cacao essence.
Where: 2 Spring Gardens, St. James’s, London SW1A 2TS
Website: www.trafalgarstjames.com
Pan Pacific London
Fancy your afternoon tea in the evening? Pan Pacific London offers an enchanting evening treat for two with their Twilight Tea, served every Monday from 6pm-8pm. Experience their exclusive Floral Fantasy menu and indulge in a bottle of MV Nyetimber Classic Cuvee to complete your luxurious experience.
Priced at £155, it’s perfect for those who prefer to enjoy their tea during the evening hours, sipping champagne and taking in the ambiance.
Where: 80 Houndsditch, London EC3A 7AB
Website: www.panpacific.com
Home House
Tea for two? Count us in. Served Friday to Sunday, Home House serves afternoon tea in their beautiful Drawing Room.
Choose from the traditional afternoon tea and add on a glass of Moët & Chandon Brut Imperial NV Champagne to add a sparkle to the experience.
where: 20 portman square, w1h 6lw
website: www.homehouse.co.uk
Sanderson London
Venture down the rabbit hole and don’t be late for this whimsical tea party, where traditional afternoon tea is given an alcohol-infused 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 uniquely paired cocktails like Alice’s Exotic Fruits “Drink Me” potion, and the Off With Your Head tequila-based cocktail. Alongside, the warm scones, clotted cream, and fruit preserves are perfectly paired with Alice-inspired tea infusions. Don’t be late for this epic tea party…
Where: 50 Berners St, London W1T 3NG
Website: www.book.ennismore.com
Map Maison
Map Maison is shaking up the traditional afternoon tea game with their tapas-style offering that includes sourdough baguettes, mini Iberico burgers, and spicy vegetarian bites.
But it’s not just about the food – wash it down with your choice of a glass of Champagne or 90 minutes of bottomless cocktails. And if that’s not enough to tempt you, their eclectic tea selection has been carefully crafted in collaboration with one of the UK’s top tea specialists.
Wash it down with 90 minutes of bottomless cocktails.
Where: 321 Kingsland Rd, London E8 4DL
Website: www.mapmaison.com
Swan London
Experience a dreamy afternoon tea inspired by the enchanting world of Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream at Swan at the Globe. Sip on the magical ‘Midsummer Dream’ cocktail, made with vodka infused with butterfly pea flowers, elderflower syrup and lemon juice, and alongside enjoy delightful seasonal sandwiches, homemade scones and sweet treats, all with a Midsummer twist.
The charming tea is the perfect way to celebrate the season and immerse yourself in the whimsical world of Shakespeare’s comedy. And from Tuesday 15th August, be sure to try the new Macbeth afternoon tea, inspired by another of Shakespeare’s iconic plays.
Where: 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, London SE1 9DT
Website: www.swanlondon.co.uk
Lyaness
For an afternoon tea with a cocktail-fuelled twist, head to Lyaness. Their Spirited Tea menu offers a playful take on the traditional afternoon tea, complete with Lyan flair and four carefully curated pairing cocktails. Indulge in classic English treats like smoked salmon sandwiches and freshly baked scones, and satisfy your sweet cravings with caramelised banana and chocolate éclairs and coconut panna cotta.
The accompanying cocktails include the Rosebud, a mix of Bacardi Carta Blanca, Galangal, rose, and bubbles; and the Rock Melon Gimlet with grey goose, melon, cacao and seeded vermouth.
Where: 20 Upper Ground, London SE1 9PD
Website: www.lyaness.com
Searcys at The Gherkin
For those looking for a luxurious afternoon tea experience in the sky, Searcys at the Gherkin has 360-degree views of the City of London and an afternoon tea that’s not to be missed.
Indulge in a selection of miniature savoury dishes, including Gin-cured salmon with fennel cream and Chicken liver parfait on brioche with kumquat marmalade, along with delightful sweet treats, homemade scones and perfectly crafted pastries. To take it up a notch, opt for for limitless champagne refills.
Where: The Gherkin, 30 St Mary Axe, London EC3A 8BF
Website: www.searcysatthegherkin.co.uk
The Montagu Kitchen & Lounge
Experience an elegant British tradition at The Montagu Kitchen & Lounge located in the luxurious five-star Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill, where you’ll savour a selection of sweet and savoury treats, including Spring Pea Tatelette, Violet Cheesecake, Cookie Dough, and traditional sandwiches with Cured English Beef and Smoked Salmon.
Enjoy the hotel’s signature ‘Roses in Bloom’ tea blend and trun your tea into the ultimate boozy affair with bottomless bubbly for a full two hours.
Where: 30 Portman Square, London W1H 7BH
Website: www.themontagurestaurant.co.uk
1901 Wine Lounge
Partnering with Moët, Liverpool Street’s 1901 Wine Lounge offers up a boozy afternoon tea for champagne lovers.
Expect an elegant display of savoury and sweet delicacies, including Gravlax Salmon, Cream Cheese, Avocado & Dill Cress, and Raspberry & Rose Mousse, along with classic Scones with Jam & Clotted Cream, and a bottle of Moët Champagne – all for £85pp.
Where: 40 Liverpool St, London EC2M 7QN
Website: www.designmynight.com
The Athenaeum
Indulge in a quintessentially British afternoon tea experience with a touch of sparkle at The Athenaeum.
Feast on freshly made sandwiches, pastries, cakes, and traditional scones and elevate your afternoon tea experience with the Athenaeum’s boozy upgrade, where for an additional £20 you’ll get unlimited bubbles for 90 minutes.
Where: 116 Piccadilly, London W1J 7BJ
Website: www.athenaeumhotel.com
Dukes Hotel
Boozy afternoon tea with oodles of glamour? Look no further than Dukes Hotel. They offer a three-Martini afternoon tea featuring miniature versions of the classic cocktails created by their renowned bartender, Alessandro Palazzi.
Don’t worry about getting tipsy too quickly though, you’ll also be served traditional finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and sweet treats like caramelised cheesecake with blood orange. Plus, with tea from the East India Company, you’ll be in for a truly indulgent experience.
Where: 35 St James’s Pl, St. James’s, London SW1A 1NY
Website: www.dukeshotel.com
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NYX Hotel
Calling all tequila lovers – NYX Hotel has created the world’s first-ever afternoon tea dedicated to tequila. Get ready to indulge in a Mexican-inspired feast of savoury treats – think mini veggie burritos, tequila-grilled prawns, chicken tacos, and stuffed baby peppers – while the sweets are even more tempting with a zesty key lime chilli posset, seasonal fruit tarts, and decadent dark chocolate and chilli brownies.
Of course, no afternoon tea would be complete without scones, and NYX has taken them to the next level with a tequila-infused jam that packs a boozy punch. The cherry on top? A Margarita made with Volcán Tequila Blanco that’ll transport you straight to Mexico.
Where: 50 – 60 Southampton Row, London WC1B 4AR
Website: www.nyx-hotels.co.uk
A tequila-fuelled tea that’ll transport you straight to Mexico.
The Montague On The Gardens
Nestled in the heart of Bloomsbury, The Montague on the Gardens boasts an enviable location moments away from the cultural hotspots of Covent Garden and the British Museum. But it’s not just its prime location that makes this hotel a must-visit for trendy afternoon tea lovers – their bottomless bubbly offering takes the experience to the next level.
Soak up the sunshine on their outdoor terrace as you indulge in unlimited Lanson Champagne paired with a delectable selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and seasonal pastries. With attentive staff ensuring that your glass is never empty it’s the perfect spot for a lavish afternoon out in the city.
Indulge in unlimited Lanson Champagne.
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Where: 15 Montague St, London WC1B 5BJ
Website: www.montaguehotel.com
The Library at County Hall
With a history of welcoming royals and politicians, this quintessentially British setting of County Hall is the perfect place to enjoy 90 minutes of free-flowing sparkling wine alongside delectable finger sandwiches and freshly baked scones.
Indulge in an afternoon of luxury and satisfy your sweet tooth with a King George V-inspired black cherry Bakewell tart, a lemon and raspberry meringue pie and double chocolate delice as you look out to sweeping views over London’s most famous landmarks, from the River Thames to the Houses of Parliament and the iconic Elizabeth Tower.
Where: Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PB
Website: www.thelibraryatcountyhall.com
