Afternoon tea has been enjoyed by Brits since the 1840s. Originally created to satisfy hunger between lunch and dinner, the concept was later popularised by Queen Victoria. A traditional tea is the icing on top of the cake during a trip to the UK. Here are 16 great places to have afternoon tea in London…
Royal Albert Hall
Afternoon tea © Royal Albert Hall
The famous concert hall has been observing the afternoon tea tradition for more than a century, even serving royalty including the late Queen Elizabeth II. Classic finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and a charming array of musically-inspired cakes (mirroring the epic performances that take place on the stage – right now it’s the BBC Proms – to 14 Sep), all feature on the menu. The star of the show is the tea itself – with 14 blends on offer, you’ll have many to consider. Choose from the classic, vegan or children’s afternoon tea and or make a toast with a glass of Champagne. Or if you feel like soaking up the majestic atmosphere even more, book an afternoon tea and tour. From £51pp.
Claridge’s
© Claridge's
Served daily between 2.45pm-5.30pm, Claridge’s offers one of the most elegant Afternoon Teas in London. Indulge in a traditional combination of sweet and savoury treats – sandwiches filled with roast chicken and tarragon mayonnaise and English cucumber with mint yoghurt, for example – complimented by a range of teas. With options ranging from a rich Oolong to the excitingly complex Claridge’s Blend, there is so much to explore when you sit down for tea. From £90pp, or upgrade from just £10pp for Champagne tea. There is also a children’s menu available from £60 per child.
The Prince Akatoki
The Prince Akatoki, courtesy of Sauce Communications
Enjoy a Japanese-inspired afternoon tea at this new five-star hotel in Marylebone. The Koto Afternoon Tea is served in the hotel’s sleekly designed restaurant, The Malt. Expect savoury delights such as Brioche of seared tuna and Chicken katsu sand, sweet dishes like Matcha and pistachio cake and premium teas such as top-grade organic matcha. Sake pairing is also offered. With live music from Japanese musician, Keiko Kitamura, playing as you dine, it is a truly civilised experience. Served one Sunday per month, from £62pp.
The Langham
The Langham courtesy of Sauce Communications
Masala Zone, The Criterion
Masala high chai tea and snacks © Katya Katkova/Sauce Communications
Bringing fire and spice to the traditional afternoon tea concept, the menu at Masala Zone in Piccadilly Circus is available daily 3pm-5.30pm. The food is sublime, but so is the setting. It’s in the opulent Grade II-listed Criterion building, featuring a gilded ceiling and stunning stonework. Dishes include pakoras, mini lamb sliders, chicken tikka sandwiches, spiced biscuits, English plum cake and more. Wash them down with the restaurant’s signature masala chai or other speciality teas. Available from £25.75pp, or £6 extra with a glass of prosecco.
The exclusively designed Golden Tours Afternoon Tea Bus is your home-from-home unique bakery with a touch of class and eloquence. See London from a fantastic new perspective with a side of savoury sandwiches and sweet cakes on board. Travel through the heart of the city while sipping a glass of prosecco, gliding past beloved spots including the King’s London residence Buckingham Palace, pass by Westminster Abbey and Big Ben, cross the River Thames and view the fearful Tower of London. Sit back and relax with this unique experience and take in the views from the upper deck, so you don’t miss a thing. Guests can choose a vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free or standard menu. There are also three different seating options: upper deck, lower deck or premium upper deck seating. Premium upper deck seating means you’ll be right at the front of the bus with the best views possible as you journey through central London. Available all year round from £49pp for adults and £44pp for children.
The Wolseley
Once a grand car showroom, The Wolseley restaurant in Mayfair is a large and arresting space. It feels special – fitting for a leisurely afternoon tea. Savour handmade millefeuille, eclairs, macaroons, Battenberg and many more delicious treats from just £19.50pp or £58 for the Classic Afternoon Tea. Available Mon-Fri 3pm-6.30pm and 3.30pm-6.30pm at weekends.
Delight in a seasonal menu featuring a selection of delicate sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam and sweet treats while taking in the 360˚ views of London’s riverside landmarks from an open deck. It’s not just a meal; it’s a memorable sightseeing experience combined with British charm. As you relax aboard City Experience’s flagship vessel, the Millennium Diamond, take advantage of a fully stocked bar or upgrade to a VIP package for an extra-special afternoon. For those who would like to know more information and background about the sights as you cruise along the Thames, Audio Guides are available via the City Experiences app; available in 14 languages! For an additional £20 per person, guests can enjoy premium seating at the front of the boat, offering unparalleled views, along with priority boarding and a complimentary bottle of still or sparkling water. Select ‘VIP Package’ when booking. From £55pp for adults and £45pp for children.
Peggy Porschen Bewitched Classic Afternoon Tea
As loyal fans of the Queen of Cakes know, Peggy Porschen is the place to be seen, whether you’re sitting indoors or dining al fresco. The pink parlour and Peggy’s floral, magical creations are a must-snap for creating colourful content for socials and selfies on TikTok and Instagram. This autumn, visitors can find their awakening in the dusky pink hedgerows and iconic rose bud tea stands of Belgravia’s fairy tale parlour. Take a seat at this iconic pink cafe and celebrate the season over the bewitching ritual of afternoon tea. From spiced pumpkin, caramelised toffee apple and perfectly picked blackberries, nature’s larder presides over the grace and flavour of Peggy’s latest menu. Not to be overlooked, a seasonal selection of freshly-cut finger sandwiches and light, fluffy scones ensure your three-tiered cake stand is as delectable as ever. Pair the occasion with Peggy’s carefully created tea and infusions menu of something sparkling for an extra-special toast. The Bewitched Classic Afternoon Tea launches today and runs until just after Halloween. From £52 per person; Little Afternoon Tea (for under-12s) from £28.
Oblix East at The Shard
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Available Mon-Sun, tuck into tea in the clouds at this incredible restaurant on the 32nd floor of The Shard, from noon to 4pm. Choose from: Classic Afternoon Tea with soft drinks, coffee and tea (£97pp); cocktail package with a bottomless selection of cocktails, soft drinks, teas and coffees (£78pp); or Champagne Afternoon Tea with bottomless champagne, wines, selected cocktails, soft drinks, teas & coffees (£110pp).
The Rubens at the Palace
Traditional afternoon tea in the Palace Lounge overlooking the Royal Mews of Buckingham Palace – it doesn’t get much better than this. Smoked salmon sandwiches, scones, freshly made pastries and cake, complete with vegetarian, vegan, halal and gluten-free options. Royal Afternoon Tea £70pp or £90pp with Champagne; Bottomless Champagne afternoon tea £115pp; Halal sparkling afternoon tea £87pp; Vegan Champagne afternoon tea £90pp; Little Prince and Princess afternoon tea £35 per child under 12. Check online for dates and times.
LE GRAND Afternoon Tea Experience
Featuring unique, luxurious seating, including individual armchairs with tables and sofas, LE GRAND offers two afternoon tea packages: Traditional London Afternoon Tea Menu or LE GRAND Special Afternoon Tea Menu, both of which include the price of the tour. Each afternoon tea menu includes a selection of five canapés, such as black canapé with salmon, cream cheese and dill and mini choux with egg, mustard, truffle and mayonnaise plus five mini patisseries by Robuchon, including hazelnut praline and lemon tart. The Traditional London Afternoon Tea Menu includes a glass of prosecco and a hot beverage of your choice: coffee or tea. LE GRAND Special Afternoon Tea Menu includes half a bottle of Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Champagne, 50 grams of Azure Beluga Royale Caviar and a unique Blue Tea by Robuchon. Available all year round. Traditional £98pp; special £180pp.
Kensington Palace Pavilion
Image courtesy of CH&CO Group.
Surrounded by beautiful formal gardens on the grounds of Kensington Palace proudly stands The Kensington Palace Pavilion, a relaxed and elegant setting for afternoon tea. The timeless afternoon tea includes Queen Victoria’s famed Victoria Sponge and other cakes and pastries, a selection of finger sandwiches and traditional scones (from £55). It includes a choice of Pimms or Sparkling Rose for an additional £9pp, or English sparkling wine for an additional £13. Children’s afternoon tea is available for £29 per child.
The Stafford
It doesn’t get much more decadent than sweet treats being served straight to you from a hand-crafted trolley. The Stafford London Hotel, nestled in the heart of historic St James, is an appropriately sophisticated spot in which to enjoy their award-winning tea. Take your pick from finger sandwiches, sweet and savoury scones and your choice of cakes or pastries from the theatrical trolley display, including the signature Honey layer cake and Vanilla and strawberry white mousse. From £70pp.
The Ampersand Hotel
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In South Kensington, moments away from the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum, The Ampersand Hotel serves a pair of afternoon teas to continue the scientific indulgence. The Science Afternoon Tea consists of jams served in Petri dishes, chocolate astronauts and other sci-fi sweets and savouries. Alternatively, journey back in time to when dinosaurs roamed the earth with the Jurassic Afternoon Tea. Tuck into a dinosaur egg basket, a Jurassic mountain and even a volcanic eruption in this unique dining experience. Science afternoon tea is available Mon-Fri noon-6.30pm and Sat-Sun 11.30-7.30pm; Jurassic afternoon tea is available Mon-Sun noon-5.30pm.
China Tang
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If you like your tea less traditional and more original, then Tea at Tang’s might be for you. It comprises premium teas and savoury Chinese-inspired bites such as steamed dim sum, prawn toast and cheung fun. Finish with a selection of desserts made by the pastry team. From £48 per person – tea-infused cocktails or Champagne are optional.
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