The afternoon tea has leveled up as of recent, bringing you quirky alternatives and unusual flavours. And while the scone may be ungdergoing something of a remix, there's nothing quite like the hotel afternoon tea in some of London's most elegant spots. To help you find the best? We've created a list of the finest in the city.
Last edited by Marcus Sanigar
Last updated on 11th December 2025
When it comes to afternoon tea in Richmond, 144 On The Hill is a stunning spot offering up beaut interiors and the gorgeous tiers to match. Expect to chow down on smoked salmon with dill caper cream cheese and chickpea roast pepper sandwich fillings, alongside scones, macaroons, raspberry profiteroles and blueberry-pistachio opera cake.
If you're looking to celebrate a special occasion with an elegant afternoon tea, look no further than Searcys at The Gherkin. Perched atop one of the city's most recognisable sky-scrapers, this gorgeous spot promises sweet treats and sparkling sips aplenty.
If you're a bit of a tea-lover, you'll enjoy this. The Milestone Hotel and Residences in Kensington is offering you a unique experience, where you'll get to tuck into all kinds of traditional sandwiches, scones and more, all while learning more about Earl Grey, Lapsang Souchong and other such brews.
If you're a big fan of mini cakes and scones, then check out NYX Afternoon TeaQuila. With a Mexican-inspired twist, you'll get to chow down on dark chocolate chilli brownies, chicken tacos, grilled shrimp and so much more at this fabulous spot.
One of the best places for a hotel afternoon tea in London, The Rubens at The Palace is a gorgeous, traditional spot fronting a range of fun midday meals. Tuck into dainty tiers washed down with bottomless booze, or get into the summer spirit with their Wimbledon-themed offering.
Offering a quintessentially British afternoon tea, this gorgeous Kensington hotel offers tea and cake inspired by Queen Victoria herself including delicious finger sandwiches, hand-crafted pastries and a signature meringue lollipop.
Housed within the best-loved Doubletree by Hilton in Ealing, W5 Bar and Kitchen is a great venue for afternoon tea. Treat yourself to a quintessentially British experience, including Coronation sandwiches, fluffy scones and macarons galore.
Searching for the best hotel for afternoon tea in London? From a Champagne-laced affair to a Teddy Bear's Picnic, The Egerton offers some stunning afternoon teas for you to try out, all packed with fresh finger sandwiches, sweet treats and hand-made scones.
Located in Victoria, The Clermont London is a refined hotel that's home to its very own Tea Lounge. Enjoy a traditional British afternoon tea in elegant surroundings, which feature plush armchairs, decadent chandeliers and white pillars around the edges of the room.
For £40 per person, you can enjoy dainty finger sandwiches filled with cured ham and mustard or smoked salmon and cream cheese, followed by scones and sweet treats. There's also an option to add on fizz or cocktails, and there's even a whimsical Wicked-themed option too.
This pick of London hotel afternoon teas has a setting of Victorian grandeur and Parisian chic. Tuck into tasty tiers of prawn cocktail brioche, lemon meringue tartlets, Batternberg cake and more across the indulgent spread.
Head to The Palace Hotel where a Royal Afternoon Tea awaits. Chow down on cucumber sandwiches, traditional scones and tasty pastries with in the gorgeous surrounds of The Rubens, one of the best luxury hotels for afternoon tea in London.
The Restaurant At Sanderson is serving a gloriously quirky afternoon tea inspired by Alice In Wonderland. From Mad Hatter-themed buns stuffed with savoury delights to caterpillar-shaped hazelnut eclairs and bespoke tea blends, there's a whole host of treats here.
It should come as no surprise that one of London's swankiest hotels serves up one its most spectacular afternoon teas. There's every sort of scone, smoked salmon, mortadella, and spiced egg sandwiches, plus caramel truffles, hazelnut mousse patisseries and plenty more, piled high on a traditional platter.
The choice of drinks is just as dandy. As well as a long and luscious list of loose leaf teas, you can wet your whistle with champagne, rose or English sparkling wine.
Just a short hop from the West End, The Stage adds some spectacular performance to your afternoon tea. Curated by its executive chefs, there are three exceptional acts - artisan loose tea, seasonal sandwiches and the finest of fancies from the dessert trolley.
If you're feeling a little more A-list, kick it up a notch with Champagne from France's mightiest mansions. We're talking the big boys, from Veuve Clicquot to Charles Heidsieck and Dom Pérignon.
Located within the Leonardo Royal Hotel London in St Paul's, Leo's Restaurant And Bar is a gorgeous restaurant that creates the feeling of a beautiful garden while being inside. Expect lots of greenery, as well as modern, comfortable furnishings.
They offer afternoon tea from £29 per person, or the prosecco option costs £35. Think smoked salmon and lemon cream cheese sandwiches, tomato and basil quiche, homemade carrot cake and more, with a wide range of teas to choose from as well.
Inspired by Hardy's Original Sweetshop, this stunning afternoon tea in London is the perfect treat for grown-ups and kids alike. Head to Mayfair where The Chesterfield Hotel has got homemade sandwiches, cherry bonbon cupcakes, chocolate fudge eclairs and more.
Mayfair Lounge and Grill is ready to serve you from breakfast all the way through to dinner, including a scrumptious afternoon tea. Head over between 2pm - 5pm to indulge in a tiered spread of sandwiches and sweet treats, washed down with bubbles.
The Dilly isn't just one of the capital's finest hotels, dating back to 1908, but it's also home to a pretty, foliage-laden restaurant that whips up a stellar afternoon tea. Going with a London theme, the tiers are made up of black cab biscuits, mind the gap macarons and plenty of tasty sarnies.
One of the best hotel afternoon teas in London, The Coral Room's offering is certainly one of the prettiest as well. Head over to Great Russell Street for a stunning spread of scones, sandwiches, sweet pastries and maybe a cheeky glass of sparkling.
Situated right by the Grand Union Canal in Brentford Lock, Holiday Inn is a great choice for an affordable afternoon tea. Their relaxed restaurant and bar boasts huge windows letting in lots of natural light, as well as colourful seating options.
Enjoy a selection of treats at just £25 for two people, or £35 with two glasses of prosecco. Think sandwiches filled with egg, cucumber and truffle chicken, alongside sweet treats like homemade scones and chocolate mousse.
Tucked away among London's most legendary landmarks, Jumeirah Carlton Tower serves up sensational views across the city. Take a pew on its luxurious seating and you can graze your way across all kinds of afternoon teas.
There's the festive platter, plus others serving up wines and champagne along with your speciality teas. Whatever you go for, you can tuck into traditional Cornish scones, pear tarts, the chef's signature crème brûlée and plenty more fine fancies.
In search of a hotel afternoon tea in Shoreditch? Head to NHow on Macclesfield Road. This glorious venue is flaunting a fabulous (and very vibrant) space to enjoy this quintessential event with sweet 'n' savoury delights. If you're a dog lover, opt for one of its pooch-friendly events.
Tucked away in the St Martin's Hotel, The Den is a rich, mahogany laced lounge that knows no bounds in bringing you a hotel afternoon tea experience to remember. Think exemplerary service and the finest China.
DoubleTree by Hilton London Kensington boasts a bunch of adorable private dining pods where you can tuck into a delightful afternoon tea. Head to London Secret Garden to dive into roast beef sarnies, freshly baked scones and a variety of sweet bites.
The Gourmet Bar is found tucked away inside Novotel London on Greenwich High Road, making sure you have a stylish dining destination complete with an eclectic colour scheme and themed wall art. Better yet, they offer afternoon tea every day of the week too, so you can get your fix of cucumber and meat-filled sarnies alongside macarons, tarts, scones and more.
Step into timeless elegance at The Landmark London's Winter Garden, where one of the city's most exquisite hotel afternoon teas awaits. Set beneath towering palms and a stunning glass atrium, guests are invited to indulge in a carefully curated selection of delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with Cornish clotted cream, and an array of award-winning pastries.
The serene atmosphere is enhanced by live piano music, creating the perfect setting for a quintessentially British experience. Running from mid-June to early October, the special Scent of Summer Afternoon Tea, in collaboration with ARgENTUM, offers a luxurious twist on this beloved tradition.
