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.
Available every day of the week, The London Secret Garden's afternoon tea is a must-try. This secluded spot is tucked away in Kensington, with the backdrop of a gorgeous 19th-century church and lots of nature.
Check out their dome-style seating, and tuck into tiers of finger sandwiches, warm scones and desserts like red velvet roses and lime elderflower tart.
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.
The Montague on The Gardens Hotel is a gorgeous place for an affordable afternoon tea. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or are just craving a pick-me-up, head to one of the city's most glamorous haunts and revel in an afternoon of Champagne sipping in lavish surroundings.
This place has been highly commended for several years in the Afternoon Tea Awards, thanks to their gorgeous tiers of smoked salmon sandwiches, fruit scones, seasonal pastries and more. Their standard offering costs £60 per head, or £24.50 for children, with optional boozy upgrades.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tucked away inside a striking 19th-century townhouse, The Queen's Gate Hotel offers a refined yet wonderfully imaginative escape from London's traditional tea circuits.
Served in the newly renovated, sunlit Q Restaurant, their afternoon tea menu balances classic British elegance with high-quality ingredients, featuring everything from Wimbledon smokehouse salmon to artisan Godminster cheddar scones. Paired with an exceptional, curated selection of premium Newby teas - or upgraded with a crisp glass of Taittinger Brut - it's an upscale South Kensington experience that perfectly captures the sophisticated charm of a boutique hotel tea service.
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.
Boasting numerous awards, The Chesterfield Mayfair's Original Sweet Shop Afternoon Tea is not to be missed, and is perfect for adults (from £65 per person) and kids (£39 per under 12) alike. There are also vegetarian, vegan and halal afternoon teas available.
Inspired by Hardy's Original Sweetshop, this stunning afternoon tea in London features tiers of delicious bites brimming with nostalgia, from dainty finger sandwiches (filled with smoked salmon, egg mayonnaise and more) to freshly baked traditional and chocolate chip scones, served with clotted cream and strawberry jam. Topping it off is the selection of pastries; think Coca-Cola delice, Reece's peanut butter cups, orange and lemon Battenberg and beyond.
The Milestone Hotel and Residences is found opposite Kensington Palace, offering a sense of traditional luxury - which you can enjoy as part of their afternoon tea. Either in The Park Lounge or Cheneston's Restaurant, you can dig into their delicious array of treats from £85 per person.
On the menu? Tasty finger sandwiches, featuring smoked salmon with dill and lemon creme fraiche, Wiltshire cured ham with English mustard and more, as well as a range of hand-crafted French pastries, cakes and tartlets. Oh, and you can't forget the warm, freshly baked traditional and raisin scones, served with clotted cream and homemade strawberry preserve, paired with a steaming cup of top-quality tea (or even Champagne if you're feeling extra fancy).
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.
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.
Searching for the best hotel for afternoon tea in London? From a Champagne-laced affair to a dog-friendly session, The Egerton offers some stunning afternoon teas for you to try out, all packed with fresh finger sandwiches, sweet treats and hand-made scones.
Take a seat in their luxurious dining room where five-star service can be expected, and tuck into tasty bites galore. We're talking cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches, carrot, cake, chocolate tart and so much more.
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.
If you're a big fan of mini cakes and scones, then check out NYX Hotel London Holborn & Sabine Holborn 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.
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.
@ Karma Sanctum Soho Hotel on Various dates from Wednesday 4th November 2026
Karma Sanctum Hotel is Soho is bringing back its famous Gentleman's Afternoon Tea that puts a Japanese twist on the classic British tradition. Tuna tataki, aged-wagyu beef sliders and pecan pie re among the treats on display, with the option to upgrade to the signature whiskey and cigar pairing on the roof terrace to round off the day.
A range of classic and Japanese teas will also be available as a refined way to refresh you palate between bites.
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.
@ Karma Sanctum Soho Hotel on Various dates from Wednesday 4th November 2026
London's original rock and roll hotel, Karma Sanctum serves up a distinctive twist on the classic British tradition. Its Japanese-inspired Afternoon Tea is packed with sensational savouries, showstopping sweets and, of course, brilliant brews.
We're talking soft-shell crab sliders, tuna tataki, pecan pie, panna cotta, matcha and hojicha. Get down here Tuesday to Saturday between 12pm and 6pm and this is all yours from just £44 per person.
Managing to make the quintessentially British afternoon tea elegantly refined without being stuffy or stingy with the food offerings, The Hyde at five-star Roseate House London is a go-to if quality is what you're after. From picture-perfect cakes to warm scones and delicate finger sandwiches, the tiered treats come plentiful and beautifully crafted.
As for the teas, you'll have the option to sip on floral infusions plus black and green varieties like the Elite Earl Grey and Smoky Mountain Tea with rose notes.
Among London's grand hotel afternoon teas, The Rubens at the Palace consistently ranks as one of the finest.
Served in the elegant Palace Lounge or the English Grill, the Royal Afternoon Tea, from £70 per person, features handcrafted pastries, traditional finger sandwiches and freshly baked scones, all prepared daily by an expert pastry team. Bottomless Champagne, vegan, halal and gluten-free versions ensure there's an option for everyone.
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.
Located on Regent Street, Café Royal Grill is a Grade II-listed landmark that's full of gorgeous decor. It was once a favourite of Oscar Wilde, featuring striking golden walls lined with mirrors, paintings across the ceiling and vibrant red furniture.
Check out their afternoon tea menu for tiers of cucumber sandwiches, raisin scones, chocolate brownies and more. This costs £85 per person, with optional drink add-ons. Plus, their sister venue Cakes & Bubbles offers and even sweeter twist on afternoon tea.
Located in Knightsbridge, close to Hyde Park, The Lanesborough is a luxurious hotel that's known for its excellent afternoon tea. Expect beautifully restored interiors that create a timeless sense of elegance, with Regency‑era detailing and a gorgeous glass dome ceiling in the restaurant.
If you're a fan of the iconic Netflix show, then you'll love the official Bridgerton Afternoon Tea too. This starts from £92 per person, including themed treats like Benedict's Masquerade pastries and a Forbidden Love cocktail.
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.
