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 afternoon 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 7th March 2024




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 is 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 Battenburg cake and creamy eton mess.

Chocolate Afternoon Tea at The Chocolate Cocktail Club

@ The Chocolate Cocktail Club on Various dates from Friday 29th March 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 and triple chocolate calypso mouse, served with cocktails and bubbles for just £32 per person. Need we say more?

116 Pall Mall

Fronting pretty interiors and the friendliest staff, 116 Pall Mall will have you indulging in delicious confectionery, baked goods and savoury nibbles. Located a stone's throw from Theatreland, this is the perfect place to unwind ahead of a show with a selection of smoked salmon rillette, cream tea of freshly baked scones with clotted cream and Galloway fruit preserve, salt beef reuben brioche buns as well as passionfruit éclairs for just £35 per person.

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 theatre-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 Headliner and the Ballerina's Bliss, starting at £49 per person.

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.

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 glowyearly 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.

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 blackcurrent mousse alongside sky-high sips - we'd recommned the English sparkling wine, it's absolutely refreshing. At just £55 per guest, it's an absolute steal.

Ping Pong St Katharine Docks

Lazy Sumday Bottomless Dumplings and 3 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 Coral Room

Offering one of the best 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 sandwhiches with creme fraiche, freshly-baked buttermilk scones and summer strawberry tarts.

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 choccie 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.

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 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.

Scoff & Banter Kensington

Group offer: 25% off beverages and 2 other offers

Get your smackers around homemade smoked salmon and cream cheese sarnies, warm raisin scones slathered with Cornish clotted cream, and floral-inspired pastries over at Scoff & Banter in the chic Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. To top it off? Prosecco and a fantastic selection of teas. The homely and atmospheric dining room flooded with natural light is the perfect place to relax before or after visiting local hotspots like the nearby museums, boutiques in Knightsbridge, or Hyde Park. 

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 (yep), mini sandwiches, cream scones and tasty 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 whipped ivoire chocolate blackberry jam doughnut served with a choice of milkshake or hot chocolate enjoyed in opulent surrounds.

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 culinary 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 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.

The Stage

Easter Afternoon Tea and 2 other offers

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 tasty 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.

May Fair Kitchen

2 or 3 Dish Set Menu Lunch – £30/£35 and 6 other offers

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.

Sherlock's Boozy Afternoon Tea

@ The Mind Palace on Various dates from Friday 29th March 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.

Bbar

National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day and 2 other offers

Bbar is a top choice for afternoon tea in Victoria, especially when washed down with their collection of over 60 cocktails from expert bartenders. A sprawling South African-inspired restaurant, bar and event space, complete with vibrant botanical paintings, it's a brilliant place to unwind after a busy day, with a high-tea menu celebrating all things South Africa featuring goodies like mini bunny chows and marula scones. You'll also get to sip on delish flavoured Rooibus tea, all for just £30 per person.

Galvin at Windows

With both meat and vegan options, this stunning Mayfair tea is one of the best the capital has to offer. Hosted by sky-high hotel restaurant Galvin at Windows, boasting the best views in London 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 Afternoon Tea 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.

Rhythm Kitchen

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.

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 home-made raspberry cheesecakes, salted caramel brownies and amuse bouche of avocado on sour dough with a drizzle of sriracha.

Ferry Boat Inn Tottenham

Served every afternoon of the week, a relaxed afternoon tea at Ferry Boat Inn Tottenham is a sure fire treat. Think sandwiches, scones and desserts, all washed down with prosecco, from a delightful riverside location. Grab your mates and head down for a truly lush experience.

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 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 design 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.

RAILS Restaurant At Great Northern Hotel

RAILS' Afternoon Tea - From £39.50 and 3 other offers

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 savory 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.

Doubletree Kensington

For the best afternoon tea in London with a view, head to London Secret Garden for a glorious day delving into tiers of scrumptious cakes, sarnies and scones, accompanied by plenty of bubbles. The South Kensington hotspot located a step away from Hyde Park will seat you in their gorge garden's delightful dining domes overlooking a beautiful 19th-century church as you revel in a traditional English afternoon tea during the day, and a tasty Asian tasting menu in the eve.

The Common Room: Wizarding Afternoon Tea

@ Cutter & Squidge on Various dates from Friday 29th March 2024

Get ready for The Common Room: Wizarding Afternoon Tea Experience at Cutter and 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 in the heart of London.

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 tasty treats and all the tea your heart (or stomach) can handle.

Brigit's Afternoon Tea Ltd

When it comes to unique experiences and affordable afternoon teas in London, rest assured that on a vintage Routemaster double decker bus 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 red choux with vanilla cream patissiere alongside BYOB booze should the afternoon so take you. Sip your tea while taking in the views of iconic landmarks in London like Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament, and many more. P.S. don't forget to try the scones with jam and clotted cream, it's delicious.

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 tea in London. 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.

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-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.

Lucy Wong

Happy Hour 💋

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 bao's, 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.

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 for a fancy-schmancy afternoon tea 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.

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 notorious for its awards, this is a deluxe way to treat those tiers, with a traditional afternoon tea atop white tableclothes coming in at £42.50 per person. We're talking cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches, traditional fruit scones and a selection of seasonal pastries.

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 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.

Angelo Musa

From Pastry World Champion to executive pastry chef at the Michelin-starred Hôtel Plaza Athénée in Paris, Angelo Musa has now brought his winning formula to a swanky London location, namely iconic department store Harrods. For high tea, you can expect arancini, crab and lobster brioche, and the likes of chocolate-peanut delice, tatin tartlet and exotic petit gateau at £75 per person, or £87 if you opt for a glass of Champagne.

Jack And Beyond

A cool, award-winning bakery and cafe, Jack And Beyond's afternoon tea in Battersea 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 choco's. Yum.

Hithe + Seek at The Westin London City Hotel

Hidden away at The Westin, Hithe + Seek is a little slice of heaven overlooking the Thames. Taking you on a luxurious journey through food, wine and cocktails, their Not-So-Traditional Afternoon Tea is an enchanting escape filled with a selection of delicate finger sandwiches, freshly-baked scones and your pick of dainty pastries. Priced at £45 per person, the whimsical party is on, serving a parade of exquisite delicacies and traditional Asian Jing Tea.