Time for afternoon tea! Sounds lovely. Something about sharing a cup of tea with friends in the middle of the day is just so darn pleasing. Perhaps it’s the fact that we are so rarely doing it these days. Anyway, we love a good cuppa, and afternoon teas are perfect for that mid-day pick-me-up. And so… In this blog post, you will discover 20 of the best places to have Afternoon Tea in London.
Afternoon tea is one of the best quintessential British experiences. The ritual involves drinking copious amounts of tea with a selection of sweet and savory snacks, served between 3 pm and 6 pm. But it’s so much more than that. Afternoon tea represents a whole host of things that make Britain great – tradition, etiquette, classiness, sophistication, and above all else, good food. So if you want to experience London like a true Briton, then afternoon tea is a must. These 20 spots are some of the best places to head for this classic experience, serving everything from traditional High Tea to modern twists on the original rituals. Here’s our list of the top Afternoon Teas in London where you can feel like royalty for an afternoon.
Good to know: The locations selected by us will definitely be useful to you because we tried to highlight the most spectacular locations where you can enjoy the most unique tea in London.
1. The Wolseley
If you’re looking for a quintessentially British afternoon tea, then the Wolseley is the place where you need to be. This is the oldest surviving tea room in London. This wonderful place is full of old-world history and charm, from opulent art nouveau furniture to waiters dressed in vests and bow ties.
The Wolseley classic afternoon tea is served with their famous baked camembert and crusty baguette, along with baked pear scones, raspberry macarons, and of course, a selection of 10 loose-leaf teas.
Good to know: As for the menu, it changes daily and is determined by what’s in season. So there’s always something new to try. The Wolseley is one of the few places that still serves traditional high tea. The only difference between the two is that high tea is served earlier in the day, usually before 4 pm.
Tip: If you want to experience this quintessentially British tradition, then the Wolseley is the place to go.
2. Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park
The Mandarin Oriental is one of London’s most iconic hotels, and its afternoon tea is one of the most high-end and sophisticated experiences you can have. High Society brings a touch of class and glamour to the classic afternoon tea experience, with the menu being served on a silver platter by a waiter. You’ll find the High Society afternoon tea served with all the trappings of a high society party – lobster canapés, caviar, and champagne. The most important part of the High Society experience, though, is that it’s served by a maître d’ and is an exclusive experience for two.
Good to know: Everything from the menu to the table and chairs is made to be complete, and you won’t find this service anywhere else in London.
For ideas on museums to visit head to Best museums to visit in London in 2022
3. Fortnum and Mason
Fortnum & Mason is a famous department store in London that specializes in luxury goods such as teas, chocolates, and spirits. Their flagship store is a tourist attraction in itself, and the After-Five tea is a truly unique experience. It’s Fortnum & Mason’s take on the classic afternoon tea but is served later in the day. The After-Five tea is served in the tea room, with a selection of finger sandwiches, scones, and an array of teas and coffees to choose from.
Good to know: While it may not be as traditional as other afternoon teas, it’s a truly unique experience with a selection of teas you won’t find anywhere else.
4. Rosewood London
If you’re looking for an afternoon tea with a touch of luxury and sophistication, then the Rosewood London high tea is the place to go. The high tea at Rosewood is a rich experience, with the hotel sourcing only the best ingredients to be put into their afternoon tea menu. As a result, the high tea at Rosewood uses the finest loose-leaf teas and serves a selection of savory and sweet sandwiches, pastries, and scones.
There is no doubt: If you’re looking for afternoon tea with a touch of luxury, then The Rosewood London high tea is the place to go.
5. Hotel Sofitel London Heathrow Afternoon Tea
Sofitel Heathrow is an excellent hotel located at Heathrow Airport, where it is a must-visit destination. The hotel is beautiful, with a relaxing atmosphere. The Sofitel Heathrow Afternoon Tea is served in the hotel’s living room, with plenty of seating and a great view of the airport. The tea is served with finger sandwiches, scones, and a selection of sweet treats.
Good to know: The tea is served with an excellent selection of loose-leaf teas, and the presentation is very elegant.
Important to know: The price of the tea is one of the lower-end options for afternoon tea, but the experience is worth it and makes it one of the best afternoon teas in London
6. The Goring Hotel
The Goring is a five-star hotel in the center of London, so it’s no surprise that their Afternoon Tea is one of the best in London. The tea is served in the Drawing Room, a beautiful room overlooking the gardens. There is also the option of a Salmon or Caramelised Walnut Salad or the Strawberry and Vanilla Meringue Tart, with their Afternoon Tea. The price includes unlimited tea and coffee, as well as a selection of fine teas served in beautiful tea cups.
Good to know: The Afternoon Tea selection is extensive, and they also offer other beverages, including wine and champagne. The Goring’s tea is served with a selection of freshly baked scones, clotted cream, and a choice of 14 different types of jam. If scones aren’t to your taste, there are other options, such as sandwiches, cakes, and pastries. The Tea Experience at The Goring costs £35 per person, and booking is recommended.
7. The Langham
The Langham is one of the oldest hotels in London and has been welcoming guests since 1865. Their afternoon tea is served in the beautiful Palm Court, which opens out onto the famous gardens. There are two different Afternoon Tea menus to choose from Traditional English or “Modern Twist”. The Traditional English Afternoon Tea includes a selection of finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries. The Modern Twist menu includes a Salmon and Dill Cream Cheese Roulade, a Smoked Salmon and Cucumber Roll, and a Pear and Almond Tart, among other items. The Langham’s Afternoon Tea is served with a selection of fine teas, as well as an optional glass of prosecco or a selection of Gin and Tonics if that’s more your style!
Important to know: The price for the Traditional English Afternoon Tea is £49 per person. The Modern Twist Afternoon Tea is £59 per person.
8. The Connaught
The Connaught Hotel is located in one of the most exclusive areas of London, on the edge of Hyde Park. This Art Deco-inspired hotel was designed by Thomas Mew in the 1920s, making it one of the most elegant hotels in London. The Connaught’s Afternoon Tea is served in the stunning Orangery, a glass room that is flooded with light. Their Afternoon Tea Menu includes a selection of finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries, as well as a glass of optional champagne or cocktail. The Orangery at The Connaught is available for hire, making it the perfect space for special occasions or celebrations.
Important to know: The price of The Connaught’s Afternoon Tea varies depending on the time of day that you are visiting, but it is between £45 and £59 per person. They also offer Champagne Tea, which includes a glass of Champagne in addition to the tea.
9. Brown’s Hotel
Brown’s Hotel is a luxury hotel located in the heart of London. It is home to one of the most luxurious Afternoon Teas in London. The tea is served in the beautiful Library, a room lined with mahogany bookshelves and a roaring fire. The Library at Brown’s Hotel is one of the few Afternoon Teas that offers a vegetarian menu. The menu includes a variety of sandwiches, scones, and pastries and can be enjoyed with either tea or coffee. If you really want to treat yourself, you can upgrade to one of the tea blends available exclusively at Brown’s. Brown’s Afternoon Tea costs £30. If you’d prefer to go Champagne, you can choose from one of their two special Champagne Afternoon Tea menus.
Good to know: The Champagne Afternoon Tea with a Twist costs £35 per person and includes a glass of Champagne. The more extravagant Blanc de Noirs Afternoon Tea costs £65 per person and includes a glass of Champagne and two glasses of sparkling Rosé.
10. The Dorchester
Dorchester is a five-star hotel that is no stranger to hosting royalty and celebrities. Their Afternoon Tea is served in the spectacular Arabesque Lounge. The Dorchester’s Afternoon Tea is served with either a pot of tea or a selection of fine teas, accompanied by a pot of fresh hot water. The tea menu at The Dorchester includes infusions such as Coconut and Ginger or Orange and Cardamom, as well as more traditional blends.
Important to know: The menu at The Dorchester also includes a selection of finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries. The price of the Afternoon Tea at The Dorchester is £50 per person. The Champagne Tea menu costs £55 per person. Suppose you’re looking for a more indulgent Afternoon Tea. In that case, Dorchester’s High Tea menu includes a selection of sandwiches, scones, pastries, and a selection of cakes, including the Dorchester Black Forest Gateau and the Chocolate Marquise. The High Tea menu also includes a pot of tea and costs £70 per person.
11. The Ritz London
The Ritz Hotel is one of London’s most iconic buildings and hotels and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The Ritz serves Traditional English Afternoon Tea in the Palm Court, which is one of the most beautiful Afternoons Tea rooms in London. Their Traditional English consists of a selection of finger sandwiches, scones, and a selection of pastries. If you’re looking for something a little more decadent, the Ritz also serves a Fine French Afternoon Tea, which has a selection of sandwiches, savories, and a selection of sweet pastries.
Good to know: Traditional English Afternoon Tea costs £55 per person. Fine French Afternoon Tea costs £62 per person.
Tip: If you’re looking for something a little more indulgent, the Ritz also serves Champagne Tea, as well as an afternoon tea inspired by Russian Tea Traditions.
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12. St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London
The Renaissance Hotel is a luxury hotel on the edge of Hyde Park, perfect for those who want to be nearby the Royal Albert Hall. The Renaissance Hotel offers a “Retro Twist” to their Traditional English Afternoon Tea, served in the elegant Gallery Restaurant. Their Retro Twist menu includes finger sandwiches, scones, and a selection of pastries, as well as a pot of tea.
Important to know: The Renaissance Hotel’s Afternoon Tea costs £45 per person. If you’re looking for something a little more indulgent, the Renaissance Hotel also offers a High Tea menu, which includes sandwiches, scones, pastries, and a selection of cakes. The High Tea menu costs £59 per person.
13. Corinthia Hotel London
The Corinthia Hotel is a luxury 5-star hotel located on the edge of Hyde Park. It is the perfect location for anyone who wants to combine afternoon tea with a visit to Kensington Gardens.
Good to know: The hotel offers a wide selection of teas, and its afternoon tea menu includes a choice between five different teas. The tea menu also includes a selection of sandwiches, scones, and a selection of pastries. Afternoon Tea at the Corinthia Hotel costs £50 per person.
14. Orchard Restaurant at The Blakes Hotel
The Orchard Restaurant at The Blakes Hotel is the perfect place for afternoon tea in London if you’re looking for something a little different. This restaurant is part of the same group as the Mandarin Oriental, and they’ve taken inspiration from oriental flavors.
Tip: This afternoon tea is a mix of oriental-inspired sandwiches, pastries, and tea. There is also a selection of cocktails to accompany the afternoon tea, which is a great twist on the classic drink.
Note for yourself: The Orchard Restaurant is the perfect place for a midweek treat or a special weekend outing.
Further readings:
15. Hotel Café Royal
Famous for its appearances in British royal weddings, the Hotel Café Royal is a London institution. More recently, it was used as the setting for the hit TV series “The Affair”.
Good to know: You can find the Café Royal’s Afternoon Tea in their palatial Palm Court. The set menu includes both savory and sweet items, and their signature “Royal” Tea is served in a miniature teapot.
Tip: The Café Royal also offers a wide range of Afternoon Tea gift sets, which make great souvenirs.
16. Sketch
If you’re looking for something different, why not explore something you might not expect in the heart of London? The sketch is a restaurant that puts a modern twist on the Afternoon Tea concept. Their menu features specialty cocktails, as well as unusual dishes. Instead of the standard scones, you can enjoy toasted crumpets with a selection of unusual toppings.
Note: They also have a variety of unusual cakes, including a “Cake on a Fork”. You can choose between the “Sweet” and “Savoury” versions of the menu, which both sound delicious.
17. The Orangery at the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew
Not many people know that Kew Gardens have its own Afternoon Tea. The Orangerie at Kew Gardens is a little piece of heaven in the middle of London. You can wander among the massive tropical plants while enjoying an Afternoon Tea that combines the best of both worlds – the decadence of a traditional Afternoon Tea and the freshness of tropical fruits and spices.
Good to know: This Afternoon Tea is a must-try in London, not just for its unique blend of flavors but also for its stunning location.
18. The Zetter Townhouse Marylebone
The Zetter Townhouse is a warm and welcoming tea house in Marylebone, London. They offer a range of artisan teas from around the world, as well as wine, cocktails, and light bites for lunch and dinner. The Townhouse also hosts private events including tastings, dinners, and parties. A great place to unwind with friends over a delicious cup of tea.
Important to know: They are also experts in caffeinated beverages, offering hot drinks such as coffee and espresso as well as cold drinks such as iced coffee, frozen lattes, and espresso-based cocktails. They also sell tea accessories like mugs, cups, saucers, and tins, perfect for serving up your favorite tea-time treats.
19. Pan Pacific London
With its large lounge, elegant dining room, and comfortable seating area, Tea in Pan Pacific London is ideal for relaxing. A range of teas is always available for guests and a wide selection of hot and cold drinks.
Good to know: This hotel also offers a great choice of snacks if you get hungry while you’re out and about.
Note for yourself: If you’re looking for somewhere to relax after a busy day in the city, Tea in Pan Pacific London is the perfect place to go.
25. Holy Carrot
Here you will find some delicious teas. Holy Carrot has several delicious offerings of herbal teas, where head chef Elena Savchuck has collaborated with Amelia Windsor to create a miraculous and above all, healthy menu. Served with a pot of steaming hot tea, it includes a purple potato croquette, a faux crab salad crostini, miniature lemon tarts, and a delightful caramel trifle, a real treat.
Did I convince you?
TIP: Here’s a map of the top 20 places to drink London’s most distinctive high tea. Please click on the link below to have a great time in London: 20 Best Afternoon Teas In London – MAP
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