Quirky Afternoon Tea In London

Red buses, bad weather and overpriced pubs, there's few things we Londoners excel at, but one thing is for certain, we know how to knock up a good afternoon tea. The capital has loads of options for midday treats and it's not all scones and Earl Grey, there's a brilliant selection of unusual offerings out there too. If you prefer your drinks a little more Mad Hatter and devilish drag than Queen of England, then look no further as we've rustled up the best quirky afternoon teas in London.

Last edited by Kiera Chapman

Last updated on 26th February 2025




Karma Sanctum Soho

Swap those boring ol' sandwiches and cakes with Karma Sanctum Soho's awesome Japanese afternoon tea events. Think eats including chicken katsu sliders, steamed vegetable gyozas, and sweet treats such as their signature matcha panna cotta along with some delicious cocktails. But that's not all, as there's a gentlemen's version as well complete with whisky and cigars.

Americana London

Motown Thursdays

Indulge in Americana's unique twist on the classic British afternoon tea with a Southern American flair, all for just £25 per person. Sip on classic hot or homemade iced tea while you enjoy a spread of sweet and savoury treats. They'll be serving up a selection of home-smoked and barbecued pulled meats, slow-roasted salmon bound in Texas-style cream cheese, and a tempting array of Louisiana sweet treats like apple and salted caramel doughnuts, as well as Southern State sweet eclairs.

Bustronome

Already one of London's most unique dining experiences, Bustronome now offer an equally tantalising afternoon tea. See the sights of London from the upper-deck with a platter full of minature eggs benedicts, finger sandwiches and tiny sweet treats.

Afternoon Tea at The Chesterfield Mayfair

Complimentary Room Hire & Prosecco for Afternoon Tea Parties and 1 other offer

If you've got something of a sweet tooth, you'd be mad to miss the afternoon tea on offer at The Chesterfield Hotel. A nostalgic and colourful affair, expect unique treats alongside some of the best sweets in the biz. You can tuck into smoked salmon finger sandwiches, mini bubblegum-flavoured Battenburg, freshly baked scones and much more, all for £75 per person. And while you're there? Their resident artist Shelley Levy will be offering bespoke portraits of you and your friends or family, beginning from £350 for two people.

RAILS Restaurant At Great Northern Hotel

Afternoon Tea - From £41.50 and 3 other offers

Step into the golden age of rail travel with the Great Northern Hotel's new afternoon tea (from £39.50 per person), taking inspiration from its iconic history as London's original railway hotel. Savour a delightful array of savoury bites like Wensleydale scones with sundried tomato cream cheese, egg mayonnaise finger sandwiches, and a hearty 'Scouse Pie' filled with tender beef.

Then, satisfy your sweet tooth with treats such as Yorkshire Parkin with Chantilly cream, Millionaire's shortbread topped with a golden chocolate train, and a Scottish Cranachan choux bun, celebrating Edinburgh as the final destination. All this, paired with freshly baked scones and unlimited tea blends, makes for an unforgettable afternoon. For an extra touch of glamour, you can raise a glass of prosecco, Nyetimber English sparkling wine, or champagne.

Mr Fogg's Topsy Turvy Tea

@ Mr Fogg's Pawnbrokers on Saturday 15th March 2025 and 35 other Saturdays

Fancy a boozy afternoon tea in quirky interiors? Then head down to Mr Fogg's Pawnbrokers in Soho, where you'll find vintage furnishings and a welcoming atmosphere when you indulge in their Topsy Turvy Tea.

Setting you back £40 per person, you can expect three carefully curated cocktails during the two-hour experience. Plus, there'll be Earl Grey tea-infused chicken sandwiches, delicious macarons and mini Champagne cream and jam scones.

Rhythm Kitchen

For a delicious Caribbean-style afternoon tea in Walthamstow, head to Rhythm Kitchen. They're dishing out mango-glazed chicken wings, handmade spiced scones and more for £40, with a rum cocktail thrown in the mix too.

Callooh Callay Chelsea

A chic cocktail bar on Chelsea's Kings Road, Callooh Callay creates the atmosphere of a cosy living room through comfy velvet sofas and patterned wallpaper. They also serve a Hendrick's Gin afternoon tea, costing just £40 per person.

You'll receive a glass of prosecco on arrival, as well as a choice of Hendrick's gin cocktails. You'll get to pair these with a tiered stand full of sweet and savoury delicacies - think smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwiches, homemade scones and fresh berries, with vegetarian and vegan options available on request.

TAPAS STYLE AFTERNOON TEA

@ Map Maison on Various dates from Saturday 15th March 2025

If you want something a little extra with your afternoon tea, check out Map Maison's tapas-style version. You'll enjoy a complimentary bubbles on arrival, before tucking into Iberico ham and black olive tapenade savoury treats, mini burgers and even cheesecake dessert shots. What's more, you can even upgrade your drinks to bottomless.

The Mandrake

This luxurious hotel and restaurant can be found in Fitzrovia, filled with quirky, animal-based decor and lots of greenery. The Mandrake is no stranger to an unusual menus either, as their Seven Chakra afternoon tea is designed to nurture your soul while tantalising your tastebuds, featuring Kate Mos COSMOSS Dusk Tea collection. This is available at the YOPO bar and restaurant every Saturday between 1 and 4pm, with plenty of bite-sized treats on the cards too.

The Perception at W London

Après Tea with with a glass of Black Run cocktail - £67.50 and 3 other offers

Tuck into a delicious cosmetics bag full of themed sweet treats. Yep, you heard us right. The Perception is staying true to its wacky nature with the creation of this fabulously quirky afternoon tea. Expect makeup-inspired edible bites such as salted caramel lip gloss and bronzed chocolate pearls.

Royal Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at The Palace Hotel

Mother's Day Afternoon Tea

Step into five-star luxury at The Rubens at the Palace, where Afternoon Tea is more than a tradition - it's a regal experience. Overlooking the Royal Mews of Buckingham Palace, this lavish setting serves up delicate finger sandwiches, fresh scones, and exquisite pastries, including their signature crown-shaped vanilla cheesecake.

Upgrade your tea time with cocktails from the hotel's fully serviced bar, or opt for a vegan, halal, or gluten-free menu with advance booking. Prices start at £70, with a bottomless Champagne option for those who want to keep the royal treatment flowing.

Cinnamon Bazaar

Cinnamon Bazaar is a vibrant, pretty restaurant that can be found in the heart of Covent Garden serving up founder Vivek Singh's Indian-inspired take on a classic afternoon tea. It's bringing fire and spice to the traditional tea-time spread by seamlessly marrying the flavours of East India with modern culinary techniques. On the menu, you'll find reimagined classics like Masala fish finger sandwiches, Kadhai chicken spring rolls and saffron and pistachio macarons from £27.50 per person.

Randy's Wing Bar (Hackney Wick)

Think afternoon tea is just about scones and finger sandwiches? Think again. Randy's Wing Bar offers a unique twist on afternoon tea, combining the classic experience with some indulgent savoury delights.

Enjoy award-winning wings, delicious sides like loaded fries, and mouthwatering burgers, all while sipping on crafted cocktails or your favourite drink. It's a fun, casual way to enjoy the tradition of afternoon tea - perfect for those who want to enjoy something a little different with their tea and treats.