The London experience doesn’t get much more classic than a trip to one of London’s best afternoon tea offerings. It’s a rite of passage for anyone who visits, whether you’re a savoury, sweet or tea lover.
From classic teas fit for the Queen to special twists like Aqua Shard’s Peter Pan inspired experience, there are plenty to choose from. We’ve rounded up our favourites below…
TĪNG, Shangri-La The Shard, London
TING’s latest afternoon tea ‘Skyline Afternoon Tea’ is as exuberant as they come. It features an extraordinary miniature chocolate and raspberry Shard building for two to share – and it’s certainly striking.
Served alongside Burford Brown egg mayo and cress sandwiches; Mary rose, caviar and almond tart with marinated courgette and basil; as well as sweet treats of ‘The Pearl of the Queen’, a pearlescent tonka, vanilla and strawberry gateaux.
Get your phones at the ready as you’ll want to snap an Insta story of this one.
Level 35 Shangri-La The Shard, 31 St Thomas Street, SE1 9QU
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Petersham Nurseries
If it’s floral upon floral you’re after, Petersham Nurseries is the perfect place to bask in the beauty of nature while tucking into afternoon tea.
Hidden inside their Richmond branch, you’ll find them serving up an afternoon tea that celebrates the best seasonal ingredients. Set to a backdrop of blooming bushes and greenery, the garden afternoon tea menu comes with the likes of smoked trout and watercress, tzatziki on crostini; black Iberico tomatoes, three-cornered leeks and mozzarella bruschetta; coffee & chocolate tartlet with caramelised hazelnuts; and pecan tart with creme fraiche.
Afternoon tea that celebrates the best seasonal ingredients...
Petersham Nurseries, Church Lane, Off Petersham Road, Richmond, Surrey, TW10 7AB
The Franklin London
See the story of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland come to life this summer at The Franklin London and their new themed tea, nodding to Lewis Carroll’s curious tale.
Drawing inspiration from the recent Alice: Curiouser and Curiouser exhibition at the Victoria & Albert museum, the afternoon tea will take its visitors on a culinary journey through the tastes, sounds and colours associated with the tale.
Join the White Rabbit and Mad Hatter’s tea party and delight in dishes inspired by the fictional themes and characters. The menu begins with a savoury sandwich course, including a crab bun filled with crab salad, soy mayo, avocado, cucumber and lime, and a beetroot pita stuffed with burrata cheese and bresaola – a nod to The Franklin’s Italian hospitality heritage.
Sweet treats continue with a brownie hat, a chocolate top hat filled with pecan sablé, kataifi pastry, brownie sponge and soft pecan cream; a Heart Cake red velvet sponge with vanilla buttercream and raspberry compote; and a Carrot Caramel Cupcake filled with orange sablé, caramel mousse and meringue, decorated with a white rabbit and a caterpillar. Scones will complete the tea, with a blueberry scone topped with berry meringue resembling a mushroom. How quaint.
24 Egerton Gardens, SW3 2DB
Prêt-à-Portea
If you haven’t already, you need to try London’s most iconic afternoon tea. The Prêt-à-Portea at The Berkeley is a favourite amongst the fashion set, with each season taking on a new iteration inspired by one of the world’s greatest fashion icons, from Anna Wintour to Stella McCartney.
This season’s collection opens with Oscar de la Renta, a striking orange gown crafted out of apricot bavarois, salted Manuka honey and apricot ganache topped with a meringue frill; and a handbag from Michael Kors created as a Victoria sponge with fresh strawberry jam, wrapped in an Opalys chocolate cylinder and flowers piped with lime butter cream.
For the Platinum Jubilee, there’ll be boasting a royal inspired afternoon tea, including fashion-inspired delicacies, seasonal treats and a flute of Champagne.
Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RL
100 Queen’s Gate
Be charmed by the colourful nature of 100 Queen’s Gate’s family-friendly afternoon tea.
For Afternoon Tea Week, they have introduced a little explorers tea for the kids to enjoy too. Set in the W/A Restaurant, it’s centred around a space theme. Expect dishes such as ‘out of this world’ ham and cheese finger sandwiches; ‘comet’ macarons; and ‘asteroid’ candy. Available until 12th September.
100 Queens’ Gate, Kensington, SW7 5AG
The Kensington
The Kensington is currently running a brand new afternoon tea under it’s Great British Summer campaign, encouraging you to celebrate the very best of the season. The hotel’s facade and dining porticos has been designed by floral designers Wild At Heart, and they’re inspired by traditional English country gardens.
The recreation of British Afternoon Tea consists of Colston Bassett Stilton & broccoli quiche, steak & London ale pie and mini crab and saffron arancini with lemon aioli, along with delicious salmon and coronation chicken sandwiches. And of course there’s delightful scones with clotted cream and Heather Hills strawberry jam for the complete British experience.
109-113 Queen’s Gate, South Kensington, SW7 5LP
Bateaux
For the afternoon tea revellers celebrating Afternoon Tea Week (8th-14th August), Bateaux London has reintroduced three tailored tea experiences to pick and choose, from treats brimming with tea to free-flowing Champagne.
Every afternoon tea is packed full of savoury snacks and tasty treats. Look forward to tucking into sandwiches filled with coronation chicken; egg and cress; Scottish salmon and lemon dill cream cheese bagels; cucumber, mint and cream cheese; and onion bhaji wraps. Before heading onto the jam and cream covered plain and fruit scones – yum.
Finish with a selection of their infamous cakes, from battenburg to salted caramel eclairs, white chocolate carrot cake to lemon meringue tart.
EMBANKMENT PIER, VICTORIA EMBANKMENT, WC2N 6NU
The Game Bird, The Stafford
Ready for a journey? The Game Bird’s afternoon tea will take you on a trip around historic St James’s and its secluded streets. Each sandwich, homemade sweet and scone is accompanied by dainty cakes and pastries inspired by some of St James’s oldest boutiques – think Lock & Co, Floris, James J. Fox, Henry Poole & Co and Foster & Son.
Paired alongside a choice of tea from Camellia’s Tea House or a glass of bubbly to really go all out on celebrations, this is the perfect summer spot.
16-18 St James’s Place, SW1A 1NJ
Lily Vanilli, The Lane
Add a touch of sparkle to your afternoon with Lily Vanilli’s Regency-inspired afternoon tea. The Instagram favourite and successful baker has crafted a menu that’s set to impress.
Served in the Grand Saloon of Theatre Royal Drury Lane, the tea is complete madeleines topped with lapsang-souchong glazed salmon, bitesize canelés with whipped ricotta and pickled beetroot, a signature Lily Vanilli puff pastry sausage roll made with Cornish sausage meat, roast bacon lardons and a cider vinegar deglaze. As well as with tiered cakes piped to perfection Champagne served in abundance.
The Lane, Catherine Street, Covent Garden, WC2B 5JF
St Pancras by Searcys
Planning a trip on the Eurostar? Before you head off or on your way back, stop by St Pancras by Searcys to sample their afternoon tea to complete the trip. Their tea is completely unique – you’ll find it packed inside a cute little suitcase!
Expect to find treats such as Passion fruit éclair, Chocolate and citrus tart and Pistachio cherry slice, 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 Veuve Clicquot, with the option to upgrade to a limitless pour..
ST PANCRAS INTERNATIONAL, LONDON N1C 4QL
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AllBright Mayfair
AllBright Mayfair and Malfy Gin have extended their partnership to celebrate Afternoon Tea Week in true Italian style.
Expect to be transported to the Italian coast as soon as you step foot outside on the terrace. The tea features treats like a mini citrusy lemon tart and smooth Italian meringue; seasonal juicy raspberry flavoured macarons; and a light lemon sorbet served in a half-carved out lemon.
Pair the experience with cocktails from Malfy and you’ve got a special afternoon tea you won’t be able to fault.
24-26 Maddox Street, Mayfair, W1S 1PP
The Athenaeum
If you’ve been vegan for years or are a total newbie to the lifestyle, The Athenaeum’s vegan afternoon tea will be guaranteed to go down a treat with its selection of delicious plant-based sandwiches, cakes and scones. With a fresh menu showcasing the likes of an indulgent blueberry and banana cake, a moreish dark chocolate crémeux and a mouth-watering strawberry chocolate cup.
116 Piccadilly, Mayfair, W1J 7BJ
Home House
Home House’s talented team has put together an afternoon tea to remember. Think rhubarb and white chocolate eclairs; coconut and passion fruit Batterburg; and jaffa cake inspired cigars. Add a glass of Möet & Chandon Brut Imperial NV Champagne to your order and you won’t be able to fault it.
20 Portman Square, W1H 6LW
Brown’s Hotel
There are afternoon teas, and there are afternoon teas fit for a Queen. Queen Victoria delighted in taking hers at Brown’s Hotel, in London’s first hotel’s Drawing Room.
The Drawing Room features original wood panelling that complements wallpaper portraying a Hogwarthian scene of 19th-century London. The experience consists of 25 teas, accompanied by a stand laden with finger sandwiches, pastries, fruit and plain scones, and freshly baked cakes from the decorated trolley.
Albemarle Street, Mayfair, W1S 4BP
The Rubens at the Palace hotel
Dine like the Queen this summer and book in for The Rubens at the Palace Hotel’s mouthwatering Platinum Jubilee afternoon tea special, available until the end of August. It features pastries heavily influenced by the House of Windsor, from cucumber and lemon creme fraiche on Norfolk crunch to The Crown, white chocolate and coconut mousse with orange chocolate brownie.
With a reputation as one of the best in London, The Rubens pay respect to this classic British tradition whilst incorporating fresh twists along the way. Delicious vegetarian, vegan, halal and gluten-free alternatives are available.
39 Buckingham Palace Road, SW1W 0PS
Hotel Café Royal
Served in Hotel Cafe Royal’s stunning Oscar Wilde Lounge, their Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Afternoon Tea is still available to enjoy throughout the summer.
Book in for a tea inspired by Queen’s favourite fashion accessories, from ‘Show of a Monarch’, a shortbread crumble, caramelised banana and chocolate ganache; ‘Crowning Glory – A Royal Hat’, a vanilla mousse with almond sable and red fruit compote; and Culling Royal Diamond’, a sour cherry compote with kirsch mousse.
68 REGENT STREET, SOHO, W1B 4DY
Corinthia London
With its Baccarat crystal chandelier, piano melodies and Richard Brendon hand-painted china, you’d struggle to find a prettier afternoon tea setting than Corinthia London.
This summer, guests have the chance to enjoy an exquisite floral themed afternoon tea. Expect pops of colour and blooms around every corner…
Whitehall Place, SW1A 2BD
Andaz London Liverpool Street
Served inside the 1901 Wine Lounge, Andaz London’s afternoon tea is the perfect East London spot.
To celebrate Afternoon Tea Week, they’ve partnered with Moët & Chandon to offer Londoners the best of the quintessential experience. Available until 8th September, book in and you’ll be able to enjoy the likes of Gravlax Salmon, Cream Cheese, Avocado & Dill Cress, and Raspberry & Rose Mousse, along with the classic addition of Scones with Jam & Clotted Cream.
There are three packages to choose from too, whether you’re wanting a classic tea, one with a glass of fizz or fancy going all out with a bottle of Moët & Chandon champagne.
There are three packages to choose from too, whether you're wanting a classic tea, one with a glass of fizz or fancy going all out with a bottle of Moët & Chandon champagne.
40 Liverpool Street, EC2M 7QN
Drake & Morgan
Mix things up and opt for a G&T afternoon tea, complete with a mouth watering spread. Think mini fish and chips; Brick Lane salt beef bagels; scones with jam and cream; and plenty of G&Ts to go around or a warming gin hot chocolate.
Available at any Drake & Morgan venue across the city, including The Folly, The Happenstance and The Fable.
Any Drake & Morgan Venue
Barnett Hill
A countryside experience complete with pampering and afternoon tea? Sign us up.
Make memories with your loved ones and indulge in Barnett Hill’s Pamper & Patisserie package, complete with spa treatments and delectable afternoon tea. Soak up the last of the summer sun and enjoy finger sandwiches, fresh scones with cream and jam and sweet treats out on their glorious sun-kissed terrace.
Blackheath Lane, Guildford, GU5 0RF
Aqua Shard
Let yourself unlock your inner child and journey to Neverland with Aqua Shard’s Peter Pan inspired afternoon tea. Created in partnership with Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity, the experience will see you enjoying sandwiches, scones, treats and beverages all that hint to the children’s classic tale.
Each part has been carefully chosen and named after the colourful characters in the story, from ‘The Lostboys’ roasted chicken, crispy bacon, mayonnaise and mustard sandwiches to the ‘Tinker-Bell’ sweet pastry biscuit that’s topped with white icing and gold fairy dust.
For those wanting to add an alcoholic element to the experience, try one of the two cocktails on offer. The ‘Fairy Dust’, made up of mint and cucumber Ketel One, apple liqueur, ginger switchel, Kaffir lime leaf powder, Absinthe and gold fairy dust, is simply delicious.
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Level 31 The Shard, 31 St. Thomas Street, SE1 9RY
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The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon, Fortnum & Mason
The perfect venue for any special occasion or celebration, Fortnum & Mason’s Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon has been serving up the timeless tradition of afternoon tea since 2012 – and has become a firm favourite with just about everyone.
They offer something for everyone, from savoury iterations and high tea to vegetarian and made without gluten options.
Expect delicate sandwiches, freshly baked scones topped with your favourite cream and preserves and endless options for sweets.
Fourth Floor, Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly, St. James’s, W1A 1ER
Pan Pacific London
Inspired by its neighbouring Tower of London’s floral Jubilee display, Pan Pacific London has unveiled an afternoon tea celebrating the monumental occasion.
Created by executive pastry chef Cherish Finden, the afternoon tea is housed inside The Orchid Lounge’s signature birdcage, and will feature everything from Coronation chicken on harissa bread to Corgi dog shortbread…
Available until 31st August.
80 Houndsditch, EC3A 7AB
Claridge’s
Is there anywhere that’s going to impress Ma more than afternoon tea at Claridge’s? Built on tradition, their afternoon tea menu brings to life classic British ingredients such as poached Scottish salmon.
Not forgetting their perfectly executed pastries either. Their menu is regularly changing with the season but expect small sweets similar to rhubarb crumble tart; Milk chocolate and passion fruit Saint-Honoré; grapefruit macaron; and finger opera with coffee and dark chocolate.
BROOK STREET, MAYFAIR, W1K 4HR
The Milestone Hotel and Residences
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’, they’ve just launched a new royal afternoon tea. Served in Cheneston’s Restaurant, the Park Lounge or the Conservatory, this exceptional experience is a true royal indulgence – discover a delicious array of delicate finger sandwiches, accompanied by 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.
For Afternoon Tea Week, you can upgrade your tea with an exclusive cocktail pairing – The Royal Flush Cocktail – for an additional £18 per cocktail.
1-3 Kensington Court, W8 5DL
The Ritz
Go all out this spring and book in for one of London’s most iconic experiences at The Ritz. Sit down and enjoy over 18 different loose-leaf tea options before making your way through the finely cut sandwiches, scones with Cornish clotted cream and pretty pastries and teacakes.
Located in the hotel’s former Ballroom, it’s London’s most charming afternoon tea experience.
150 Piccadilly, W1J 9BR
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The Ivy Chelsea Garden
For the prettiest tea in the capital, look to The Ivy Chelsea Garden. In partnership with Laurent Perrier, look forward to an array of sandwiches such as Ivy cured smoked salmon and cream cheese fingers; and freshly baked fruit scones served with clotted cream, fresh strawberries and strawberry preserve.
There’ll be plenty of petite treats to go around too, including a chocolate plant pot; madeleine cake with lemon curd; red velvet raspberry cake; and a strawberry milkshake – yum.
195-197 King’s Road, Chelsea, SW3 5EQ
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St Martin’s Lane
Looking for the best deal to snatch up this Afternoon Tea Week? St Martin’s Lane are offering 25% off their delicious Queen’s Platinum Jubilee inspired tea.
Expect all of Queen’s favourites, from bakewell tart to grenadine trifle with strawberries and pavlova. You can sip on traditional tea or choose from their fine bespoke teas created for this occasion – like their Platinum Jubilee Blend, which is black tea infused with sweet violets, vanilla and chocolate. Feeling extra celebratory? Enjoy a spring cocktail or a glass of Champagne.
45 St Martin’s lane, WC2N 4HX
116 Pall Mall
For Afternoon Tea Well, 116 Pall Mall will be welcoming writer, speaker and lecturer, Gillian Walnes Perry MBE, to share her expertise with a talk on ‘The social history of English afternoon tea’, followed by the opportunity to view their magnificent and historic building with a special venue tour.
Expect an introduction to the tea menu items, from the customs and etiquette surrounding afternoon tea to examples of the finest silver and porcelain tea ware; the surprisingly risqué connotation of afternoon tea gowns to the rise of public tea rooms and tea dances.
116 Pall Mall, SW1Y 5ED
11 Cadogan Gardens
11 Cadogan Gardens is welcoming guests with open arms this Afternoon Tea Week! Indulge in homemade savoury and sweet delicacies, fluffy scones and compliment your afternoon tea with a refreshing glass of Laurent-Perrier Champagne.
Look forward to homemade pastries like strawberry & basil pavlova; banana & ginger cake; lemon and raspberry tart; and white chocolate & rose macaron.
11 Cadogan Gardens, Chelsea, SW3 2RJ
South Place Hotel
South Place Hotel is celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with Her Majesty’s favourite: afternoon tea! Book in and delight on the likes of finger sandwiches filled with chicken, roquette and black truffle; Cornish crab roll; and duck egg and Dorset watercress, as well as sweets of English strawberry Eton mess; triple chocolate profiterole; and raspberry Bakewell ‘sandwich’. Yum!
3 South Place, EC2M 2AF
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Great Fosters
The charming Tudor estate, set within 50 acres of stunning gardens and parkland, is celebrating the Queen’s Jubilee all year long!
Book in for the ultimate countryside experience complete with the Queen’s favourite sweet and savouries, including their own take on Chocolate Perfection Pie.
Served on their outdoor terrace, you’ll delight in the teas with views overlooking the Gardens, Saxon moat and pretty Japanese bridge draped in wisteria.
Stroude Road, Egham, Surrey, TW20 9UR
The Montague on the Gardens
Mixing up the typical afternoon tea offering is The Montague on the Gardens. This summer you’ll find them serving up an afternoon tea served alongside a live jazz performance from Big Mart and The Montague’s jazz trio.
Expect all of your usual finger-sized sandwiches, warm scones and sweet treats, paired to jazz beats.
15 Montague Street, WC1B 5BJ
Park Chinois
Swaying a little different from the norm, Park Chinois offers a delicious dim sum afternoon soiree. Served alongside their legendary immersive performances, the menu has been created by Executive Chef Lee Che Liang and is made up of dim sum; stir-fried wagyu bavette with black pepper sauce; stir-fried black cod with sha cha sauce; and a seasonal dessert chosen by the pastry chef.
17 Berkeley Street, W1J 8EA
Manetta’s
Escape the bustling streets of London’s most exclusive neighbourhood and step inside for a sophisticated and decadent Cream Tea. Enjoy an assortment of freshly baked patisseries and fragrant tea blends from East India Tea Company alongside your choice of one of three refreshing and botanical gin tipples, including Whitley Neill Raspberry Gin, Salcombe Gin Rosé and Nicholson London Dry Gin.
7-12 Half Moon Street, Mayfair, W1J 7BH
The Gantry
For the east London dwellers, The Gantry is the place to head for afternoon tea with a twist. Expect traditional touches like brioche sandwiches filled with Cheddar Gorge cheese, cultured butter and homemade red onion jam, as well as miniature fish ‘n’ chips and Brick Lane’s mini salt beef beigels. There’ll be plenty of tea, cakes, biscuits and even sparkling wine to go around too.
40 Celebration Ave, East Village, E20 1DB
The Library
Taking you on a whistlestop tour of London is The Library’s afternoon offering 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 the Big Ben, a lemon curd and raspberry cake served on a burry shortbread in the shape of a bell.
In June, to celebrate the Jubilee, all visitors named Elizabeth will enjoy a Big Ben afternoon tea for free – tell all your Lizzy pals!
London County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, SE1 7PB
Bbar
With 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 and special Afternoon Tea with delicious mini bunny chows, Amarula scones and flavoured Rooibos tea – truly the flavours of South Africa.
43 Buckingham Palace Road, SW1W 0PP
The Montagu Kitchen
Created by chef Aurelien Dupond, who likes to spuruise with bold flavour combinations and his own twist on pastry classics, the Montagu Kitchen’s tea is set to impress.
The menu includes highlights such as a mini pork pie with piccalilli; a citrus and Greek yoghurt choux; and a selection of handmade sandwiches, such as red Leicester cheese with ‘Winston’ sauce (on the back of the hotel’s association with Winston Churchill).
30 Portman Square, Marylebone, W1H 7BH
Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites & Residences
Celebrating Queen Elizabeth’s Jubilee is Kona, Taj 52 Buckingham Gate Suites & Residences with their delectable tea selection. Inspired by her 70 years of service, expect the table to be laden with quintessentially British selections, from scones and finger sandwiches to cakes named by Her Majesty’s favourite things, including a bombe glacee Princess Elizabeth, a twist on the strawberry and chocolate dessert served at her wedding.
51 Buckingham Gate, SW1E 6AF
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The Chesterfield
Mr Simms Sweetshop Afternoon Tea at The Chesterfield is inspired by a traditional sweetshop- you can’t get cuter than that! Tthe Afternoon Tea offering celebrates the joy of rediscovering old favourites and the thrill of finding something new and scrumptious.
Savour freshly made finger sandwiches, homemade scones, and a selection of delicious cakes and pastries inspired by the magic of an original sweetshop! The tea is also suitable for Halal.
35 Charles St, London W1J 5EB
Sea Containers
Taking a playful yet comforting approach to the familiar afternoon tea, Spirited Tea at Lyaness, Sea Containers, offers a twist on classics with a bold Lyan touch. Enjoy a menu of favourite English treats, from pickled cucumber, cream cheese and chives, and smoke salmon sandwiches, to decadent caramelised banana & chocolate éclairs.
Enjoy alongside perfectly matched cocktails using Lyaness’ signature ingredients and iconic views across the River Thames as the perfect backdrop.
20 Upper Ground, South Bank, SE1 9PD
