Best Afternoon Tea In London

With so many gorgeous places in town, we're spoiled for choice, but where exactly are the best spots for afternoon tea in London? Here's a whistlestop tour of all our favourite options; whether you like yours bottomless, high or traditional, we're taking you from luxury hotels doing cream tea in Mayfair to affordable high street gems with a glass of bubbles on the side. 

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Last edited by Izzah Kazi

Last updated on 18th April 2024




Whiskers & Cream

Cat lovers rejoice. Found over in Archway, Whiskers & Cream isn't your average cafe - it's also home to 10 sweet cats who love to play and cuddle. Head on over to enjoy afternoon teas (including one with bottomless prosecco) consisting of sandwiches, scones and cakes, all the while stroking the furry felines. We're talking homemade raspberry cheesecakes, salted caramel brownies and amuse bouche of avocado on sourdough with a drizzle of sriracha.

Ginza St James

Ginza is a pretty Japanese restaurant slinging out a mouthwatering afternoon tea that'll take you on a unique culinary journey to Japan. Not only are you able to feast on the likes of chicken karaage, beef fillet tataki, green tea mochi and castella cake, but you can also pair it with bubbles or cocktails for just £49 per person. Plus, you'll get to feast in their luxurious and intimate dining room in the heart of Mayfair, decked out in low-hanging lights and beautfiul floral arrangements.

The Dilly

For a truly quintessentially British experience, head to historic hotel The Dilly to indulge in their luxury London-themed afternoon tea priced at £49 per person. Think lots of quirky sweet treats, from a red telephone box cake to a black cab chocolate biscuit, as well as sandwiches, scones, hand-crafted macarons and Champagne. Whether you're a tourist or a seasoned Londoner, this experience will make you fall in love with the capital.

RAILS Restaurant At Great Northern Hotel

Wizarding Afternoon Tea - From £39.50 and 1 other offer

The Parisian chic RAILS Restaurant At Great Northern Hotel is offering a modern twist on the classic British tea, with a range of beautiful sips from the East India Company to accompany their sweet and savoury treats. This destination serves up stunning tiers, where you can enjoy goodies like chicken and tarragon tarts, roast beef sandwiches as well as apple choux for £39.50 per person.

Vicinity

If you're looking for the best afternoon tea with a view, Vicinity are raising their game with reimagined menus, offering all your favourite British classics but with a twist. We're talking Bailey's cheesecake mousse and raspberry lime tarts, with their sparkling option setting you back £29 with a glass of Ceradello Prosecco Spumante Brut. Enjoy panoramic views of Tower Bridge and the Shard as you nibble on yummy treats and gorge on all the tea your heart (or stomach) can handle.

Lucy Wong

Happy Hour 💋 and 2 other offers

A beautiful Asian afternoon tea experience, 1950s Hong Kong-inspired den Lucy Wong on Rathbone Place is serving up indulgent tiers of Cantonese savouries and dim sum alongside hand-finished sweet treats like king prawn dumplings, mini salmon baos, yuzu meringue choux buns and coconut pandan mousse. To drink? Bottomless teapots serving your choice of Chinese tea, or Champagne and whiskey cocktails for an extra fee.

Wizard Afternoon Tea at Georgian House Hotel

The best bottomless afternoon tea in London? Venture over to Georgian House Hotel for a three-course, wizard-themed meal of sweet and savoury tricks and treats (with a side of colour-changing gin, of course). For just £40 per person, nibble on goodies like smoked salmon tartlets, sultana scones served with damson and strawberry jam as well as a selection of magical desserts. It's only an extra £20pp to add on that unlimited prosecco too.

Mayfair Lounge and Grill

Taking afternoon tea to the next level, Mayfair Lounge and Grill's offering is unrivalled, with executive chef Julian Ward and his crew whipping up a culinary masterpiece. Chow down on an assortment of dainty finger sandwiches and finish with an array of sweet treats and moreish pastries like brown butter canele, hazelnut bombe and vanilla scones for £75 per person. To wash it down? Champagne, of course.

The Stage

20% off Spring / Summer Traditional Afternoon Tea £44 and 1 other offer

Head to The Stage in Leicester Square for a beautiful afternoon tea, including a stunning glass of vintage Champagne. They're also serving the prettiest cakes, alongside a range of yummy finger sandwiches and scones such as Devon crab square-cut sarnies and spiced sacher torte, a seasonal sweet layered with poached pear and caramel crème. What's more, there will be pianists and singers weekly to serenade you as you revel in a selection of fresh loose leaf teas from The East India Company.

The Den at St Martins Lane

A warm, relaxed lounge bar fitted with leather sofas and interesting art pieces, The Den at St Martins Lane hosts a refined afternoon tea aptly titled Tea & Tales from its hidden base in Covent Garden. Starting from £25 (a little extra if you're adding gin or Champagne), expect to find a menu of decadent savoury treats, scones and divine desserts like the Revolving Door, a croque monsieur with honey roasted ham, as well as the Game of Chess, an opera cake with kalamansi. Inspired by the hotel's unique art collection and surreal decor created by French designer Phillippe Starck, each dish tells a story. You also get a map of the art display, making this tea time treat a fully immersive experience.

Galvin at Windows

With both meat and vegan options, this stunning tea-time spot is one of the best the capital has to offer. Hosted by sky-high hotel restaurant Galvin at Windows, boasting stunning views from the 28th floor of London Hilton on Park Lane, chef Marc Hardiman is leading the charge in collaboration with the tea aficionados at Canton Tea to deliver a truly spectacular five-o'clock experience. You'll be treated to views across Hyde Park and Central London, alongside tasty finger sandwiches and sweet treats such as artichoke, sun blushed tomato, tapenade and basil on bright pink beetroot bread and Valrhona chocolate gateaux.

Afternoon Tea at The Milestone Hotel and Residences

Indulge in a feast inspired by Queen Victoria herself. This gorgeous afternoon tea at The Milestone Hotel takes you to one Kensington's loveliest hotels for a feast of finger sandwiches, hand-crafted pastries, tartlets, cakes and, of course, steaming pots of tea. Starting at £85 per person, their menu includes delights like a pistachio and raspberry choux bun, smoked salmon with lemon cream fraiche as well as freshly baked raisin scones served with clotted cream and homemade strawberry preserve. Feelin' fancy? For an extra layer of loveliness, opt for a glass of Lanson Champagne, a Royal Warrant holder since 1900.

Sherlock's Boozy Afternoon Tea

@ The Mind Palace on Various dates from Friday 19th April 2024

Looking for the best afternoon tea in London? These immersive experiences inspired by Sherlock are just the ticket at just £49 a pop. Head to the Mind Palace in Shepherd's Bush for Sherlock's Boozy Afternoon Tea, offering bites to eat like cream cheese salmon pretzels and hazelnut choux buns alongside a mini mystery or a slightly boozier alternative if you fancy kicking things up a notch.

Searcys at the Gherkin

An afternoon tea in London with a view? Don't mind if we do. Searcys at the Gherkin is nothing short of luxurious as the restaurant serves a killer set of scones, sweet treats and mini sandwiches daily, such as prawn cocktail bouchée, Islands dark chocolate delice and blackcurrant mousse alongside sky-high sips - we'd recommend the English sparkling wine, it's super refreshing. At just £55 per guest, it's an absolute steal.

The Common Room: Wizarding Afternoon Tea

@ Cutter & Squidge on Various dates from Saturday 20th April 2024

Get ready for The Common Room: Wizarding Afternoon Tea Experience at Cutter & Squidge. So, what's in store? At this magic-themed venue in Soho, you can dig into delicious all-natural sweet and handcrafted savoury treats including vegan tartlets, brownie bites, macarons, cake slices, a sweet station and so much more, all while taking in an eclectic backdrop. Plus, with bottomless tea, coffee and booze, you'll be running back for more to this mystical venue at the heart of London.

Haxells Restaurant & Bar

Located on the ground floor of the Strand Palace Hotel, Haxells Restaurant & Bar oozes class. And for those looking for afternoon tea? This top-notch venue has a cinema-inspired special up for grabs, including sweet and savoury delights accompanied by bubbles. Get set for a mouthwatering journey filled with cocktails inspired by Peacock Theatre performances, unexpected flavours like the lively Samba Sambal wrap and the Stagehands' Sausage Roll, as well as aromatic teas like the Headliner and the Ballerina's Bliss, starting at £49 per person.

The Orchid Lounge

Evening Afternoon Tea for two, including a bottle of luxurious MV Nyetimber Classic Cuvee English Sparkling Wine, priced at £155

In collaboration with renowned Cantonese-style bun specialist Bun House, the Orchid Lounge in Pan Pacific London is taking you on a Singaporean-inspired afternoon tea experience in the heart of London. Indulge in three delish bao buns with fillings like barbecue pork belly and yam as you sip on Newby Tea's Chinese New Year blend, made exclusively for the hotel, all for just £68 per person.

May Fair Kitchen

2 or 3 Dish Set Menu Lunch – £30/£35 and 5 other offers

On the hunt for unique experiences and affordable afternoon teas in London? Head to the West End to find the renowned May Fair Kitchen, which creates international dishes against a backdrop of stylish surrounds. Hosting one of the most decadent afternoon teas in town in collaboration with Charbonnel et Walker, they offer offer gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian menus to make sure there's something for everyone. Hungry? Indulge in their spread that's made up of freshly baked goods and sandwiches, which can be paired with Champagne, cocktails or loose leaf tea. A chocaholic's ultimate fantasy, their selection of sweet treats include tiramisu topped with chocolate shavings, sugar-coated doughnuts drizzled with a rich chocolate sauce and more.

Royal Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at The Palace Hotel

Craving a quintessential English afternoon tea with a little extra decadence? Situated just across from Buckingham Palace, The Rubens lets you enjoy tiers like true royalty with its offering of bottomless Champagne, mini sandwiches, cream scones and delicious pastries alongside a cheeky Jammy Dodger to finish up, with 90 minutes of their Champagne tea setting you back £80. Opt for one of their signature pastries such as a whipped Ivoire chocolate blackberry jam doughnut served with a choice of milkshake or hot chocolate enjoyed in opulent surrounds.

Ping Pong St Katharine Docks

Lazy Sumday Bottomless Dumplings and 5 other offers

Dim sum, anyone? Ping Pong St Katharine Docks has you covered with a unique afternoon tea spread overlooking the stunning waterfront. Enjoy six best-selling savoury picks, from spicy chicken dumplings to crispy duck spring rolls, alongside black coconut ice cream-stuffed bao mini cheesecakes and a choice of boozy upgrades at just £20 per person.

The Tea Room at The Egerton House Hotel

From Champagne-doused affairs to vegan snacks and a Teddy Bear's picnic, the Egerton House Hotel offers one seriously quirky afternoon tea in London, found in the heart of Knightsbridge. They're all packed to the gunnels with sandwiches, sweet treats, and yummy scones galore, served in the uber-luxe drawing room. A grand affair, expect to nibble on goodies like a decadent Lanson trifle, sticky Battenberg cake and creamy eton mess.

Ochre

Ochre's afternoon tea in the National Gallery At Trafalgar Square is one of the best in the city. Inspired by 'The Lavergne Family Breakfast' by Jean-Etienne Liotard, it's the perfect way to transport yourself to the glowy early morning depicted in the painting. Think finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and sweet treats, all washed down with a cup of tea for just £55 per person. For an added layer of luxury, opt for the £65 deal and nab a glass of Champagne or a themed cocktail.

Map Maison

Cocktails & Tapas

Sophisticated cocktail haven Map Maison on Kingsland Road is calm and soothing during the day, offering a great spot to grab a bottomless tapas-style afternoon pick-me-up. With a bar full of exotic fruits, delectable spirits and fiery spices, you'll be able to enjoy a few craft cocktails and eclectic teas while snacking on finger sandwiches, fresh pastries and delicious scones. What's included? Cheesecake dessert shots, mini Iberico burgers, red velvet cakes, sourdough baguettes and so much more.

Rhythm Kitchen

On the lookout for an afternoon tea in London that's cheap? Rhythm Kitchen in Walthamstow are dishing out delectable Caribbean afternoon teas, complete with mango-glazed chicken wings, jerk chicken sausage rolls, handmade spiced scones, tasty sweet treats and more. Tickets cost £40, with the promise of a complimentary rum cocktail too.

The Coral Room

Offering one of the top 10 afternoon teas in Central London, this gorgeous spread from The Coral Room is treating you to scones, sandwiches and an array of sweet treats, as well as the option to upgrade your offering to a fancy Champagne-fuelled affair. Expect goodies like Chapel and Swan smoked salmon sandwiches with creme fraiche, freshly baked buttermilk scones and summer strawberry tarts.

Afternoon Tea at The Chesterfield Mayfair

Over at The Chesterfield Hotel in Mayfair, you can feast on a nostalgic, indulgent and award-winning afternoon tea like no other. Inspired by Hardy's Original Sweetshop, there'll be a selection of homemade sweetshop-style cakes, pastries and scones like cherry love heart cheesecake, giant jazzies and drumstick macarons, all delivered with the highest level of service, and lots of childish fun along the way, for just £75 per person.

Chocolate Afternoon Tea at The Chocolate Cocktail Club

@ The Chocolate Cocktail Club on Various dates from Friday 19th April 2024

Sometimes we want to feel a little fancy, and The Chocolate Cocktail Club is here to make all our chocolatey wishes come true. Think delightful finger food, from savoury sandwiches to sweet pastries such as truffle torte with gold shimmering profiteroles, served with cocktails and bubbles for just £32 per person. Need we say more?

Brigit's Afternoon Tea Ltd

When it comes to afternoon tea in London on a bus, rest assured that on a vintage Routemaster double decker is one of the most interesting places to find it. A journey through London's heritage, join Brigit's Afternoon Tea Ltd for a cutesy experience full of French-inspired nibbles, coffee and bites like lemon and lime sable with whipped ganache alongside BYOB booze to quench your thirst. Sip your tea while taking in the views of iconic landmarks like Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament, and many more. P.S. Don't forget to try the scones with jam and clotted cream, they're delicious.

Nobu Portman Square

On the hunt for a themed afternoon tea in London? Nobu has got you covered. Inspired by artist Gavin Mitchell, who blends Eastern and Western cultures in his artistic creations, this afternoon tea experience is the ultimate treat for a loved one. Executive Chef Michael Paul has put his own spin on the classic British tradition, infusing it with a luxury Japanese twist. For just £68 per person (or £63 for the vegan option), you can enjoy a high-end lounge experience with a delicious fusion menu consisting of goodies like sushi cups, crispy chicken kara-age, Fuji apple shiso mirin pillow and hojicha cheesecake. The tea selection is also exceptional, with unique options like lychee and rose noir as well as Kabuse sencha on offer.

Oblix at the Shard

Oblix At The Shard's afternoon tea in London offers a one-of-a-kind experience complete with gorgeous views and a contemporary take on traditional English classics. Head to the 32nd floor of the Shard to revel in a menu featuring goodies like mini prawn and lobster rolls, a variety of scones, and some delicious pastries such as warm honey madeleines with chocolate sauce as well as strawberry tartlets with buttermilk.

Dalloway Terrace

When it comes to a glamorous spot for afternoon tea indulgence, nowhere does it quite like chic indoor-outdoor Dalloway Terrace at the Bloomsbury Hotel. Brought to you by esteemed name Mariatu Kargbo and inspired by quintessential classics, expect an afternoon tea that pushes the delicious boundaries, and keeps you coming back for more. Priced at £55 per person, you'll get to choose between 19 unique varieties of hot drinks from Ronnefeldt Tea such as Green Dragon, a traditional Chinese delicacy with fragrant tartness, as well as revel in plenty of sweet treats, scones and savouries.

Afternoon Tea at the Montague on the Gardens Hotel

When you know that something pretty is the only thing that will cut it? Let Afternoon Tea At The Montague On The Gardens Hotel be your host. Just shy of the British Museum, and famous for its awards, this is a deluxe way to treat those afternoon cravings, with a traditional afternoon tea atop white tablecloths coming in at £42.50 per person. We're talking cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches, traditional fruit scones and a selection of seasonal pastries.

The Ritz London

Looking for afternoon tea in London that's halal? One of the most sought-after experiences in the world, head to The Ritz afternoon tea for a fancy-schmancy experience that'll have you feeling like royalty. As it's an experience fit for a queen (or king), you'll be surrounded by the grandeur of Palm Court as you're served a selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, as well as a variety of pastries and teacakes that look so good you won't want to eat them (but trust us, you will). Plus, with a certified Tea Master on hand to guide you through 20 different types of loose-leaf tea, you're sure to find one that tickles your fancy.

Jack And Beyond

A cool, award-winning bakery and cafe in Battersea, Jack And Beyond's afternoon tea is not to be missed. Putting the high in tea, from the perfectly gooey brownies, seasonal macarons, an array of seasonal scones and expertly crafted macarons to the delicious teas, glasses of bubbles and bottomless hot drinks, this one's a bit of a winner. We'd recommend their colourful specialty lattes and luxurious hot chocolates's. Yum.

The Harrods Tea Rooms

For a luxurious afternoon outing of dreams, look no further than The Harrods Tea Room. Whether you pair yours with Champagne or a range of loose leaf brews, you'll munch through poached salmon and whipped wasabi creme fraiche sarnies, alongside the most indulgent chocolate sponge smothered in ganache for £73 per person at this Harrods' afternoon tea experience.

City Cruises

Enjoy an afternoon tea with a twist by booking City Cruises' offering afloat the River Thames. Sail past famous landmarks like the London Eye and Big Ben while feasting on a pretty spread of miniature sandwiches, fresh scones alongside clotted cream and jam, plus an array of sweet treats to top it off. Tickets start from £55 per person, with VIP packages available. 

SUSHISAMBA Covent Garden

An afternoon tea in a lively, jungle-like atmosphere with oversized plants and a living ceiling canopy? Sign us up. Have your tastebuds tickled at SUSHISAMBA with a selection of sweet and savoury treats like lobster and wagyu beef sliders, mini tacos topped with caviar, Japanese Pandan custard tart and Battenburg with yuzu, all arranged carefully on a hand-crafted three-tier tree. Plus, you'll get to take your pick from five different Canton teas (bottomless, might we add) as well as three types of Champagnes to complete your experience.