Quirky Afternoon Tea London

• Location: 39 Buckingham Palace Road, Westminster, SW1W 0PS
• When: every day, 12pm - 6.30pm
• Price: from £70 per person
• Why we recommend: we feel like this is a luxurious experience in plush surroundings, and we love the fact that there's a variety of options, such as halal, vegan, and more, so no one has to miss out

Embrace five-star luxury at The Rubens at the Palace, where afternoon tea is 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 an advance booking. Prices start at £70, with a bottomless Champagne option for those who want to keep the royal treatment flowing.

• Location: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, 28 East Bay Lane, Here East, London E15 2GW
• When: every day, 12pm - 11pm
• Price: £75 for two people
• Why we recommend: this is undoubtedly one of the most quirky places for an afternoon tea in London; where else would you be able to devour crispy wings and loaded fries in the name of this leisurely activity? 

Think afternoon tea is just about scones and finger sandwiches? Think again. Randy's Wing Bar offers an unusual afternoon tea in London, 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.

• Location: various pick-up points across central London (booking confirmation provides details)
• When: every day, multiple departures
• Price: from £45 per person
• Why we recommend: combining sightseeing with indulgence, this isn't your average afternoon tea - think delicious pastries and sandwiches served while cruising past London's most iconic landmarks on a vintage Routemaster bus

Hop aboard Brigit's Afternoon Tea Bus for a quirky twist on a classic British tradition. Over 90 minutes, you'll enjoy a sumptuous selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, and an assortment of sweet treats, all while taking in the sights of London from the comfort of a double-decker bus.

Whether you're after a classic afternoon tea experience, a gin-infused twist, or a Monopoly-themed adventure, each tour is a playful way to combine sightseeing with indulgence. 

• Locations: 28 Maiden Lane, Covent Garden, WC2E 7JS, and 31-35 Kew Road, Richmond, TW9 2NQ
• When: every day, 12pm - 4pm
• Price: £27.50 per person
• Why we recommend: this is a quirky afternoon tea that's affordable in London and fabulous, with some moreish savoury snacks we just can't get enough of, like the mustard fish finger sandwiches

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.

• Location: 21 Piccadilly, Piccadilly Circus, W1J 0BH
• When: every day, 12.30pm - 3pm
• Price: from £49 per adult, £39 per child
• Why we recommend: this is a super fun afternoon tea for all the family, thanks to its child-friendly snack options, and we highly suggest rolling it all into one with a sightseeing tour of the city

Built in 1908, The Dilly is an elegant space with huge arches that's long been known as one of London's finest hotels, offering afternoon tea and sightseeing bus tour packages.

Plus, the Terrace at The Dilly has views across Piccadilly and serves a British-themed afternoon tea inspired by all things iconic to London. Think mini Big Bens, sandwiches, scones and more for £49 per person.

• Location: 33- 34 Rathbone Place, Fitzrovia, W1T 1JN
• When: Saturdays, 3pm - 5pm
• Price: from £38.50 per person
• Why we recommend: Lucy Wong comes packed with sleek red velvet interiors, intimate lighting and a great selection of mini bao buns, our personal favourite when it comes to finger food 

Lucy Wong is the destination for a Chinese-inspired afternoon tea in London. Not only do you get the 1950s Hong Kong-inspired interiors, but also the tiers of Cantonese-inspired savouries and dim sum alongside sweet treats. That's accompanied by bottomless tea, including options like oolong, pu-erh or silver needle white tea.  

Fancy upgrading? Then you'll be able to bask in 90 minutes of bottomless spritz cocktails at £59.40 per person or Suntory cocktails at £79.50 per person, for a boozier affair.

• Location: 50 Berners Street, Fitzrovia, W1T 3NG
• When: every day, 12pm - 7pm
• Price: from £65 per person
• Why we recommend: super fun and creative, this afternoon tea is a hit with anyone who's a fan of the movie or is simply looking to tickle their mind with curiosities in the form of cake

For an Alice in Wonderland-inspired afternoon tea? Look no further than The Restaurant At Sanderson. This slick destination is serving a themed affair from £65 per person, featuring 'Waldorf Forest Double Decker' sandwiches filled with roast chicken and rosemary mayonnaise, homemade scones, and pastries like the 'Tweedle Brothers' (a Valrhona dark chocolate and salted caramel tart), 'The Knight Chess' (red velvet cake), and 'Queen of Hearts' (pistachiio and ricotta cheesecake).

There's also the option to book an overnight stay as part of the hotel's 'Wake Up In Wonderland' package, which includes breakfast in the morning too. 

• Location: Cutter and Squidge, 20 Brewer Street, Soho, W1F 0SJ
• When: Fridays to Sundays, 12pm - 6.30pm
• Price: from £43.20 per person
• Why we recommend: if you're a fan of the hit show, then you're going to love this experience, available until the end of the year. Cutter and Squidge is being transformed into a space that nods to the set that we all know and love, and we're thrilled about it

Head to Cutter & Squidge in Soho for two brilliant afternoon tea experiences, themed around the grand finale of Downton Abbey. There are two stunning sets inspired by the film, where you can enjoy scrumptious feasts of sandwiches, scones, cakes and hot drinks.

Downstairs, the bustling Mrs Patmore's kitchen promises communal tables, pots and pans and cast iron cookers, where you'll enjoy hearty bites in a lively atmosphere. For something more refined, the Grantham afternoon tea upstairs comes with bubbles, white tablecloths and delicate China.

• Location: 45 St Martin's Lane, Covent Garden, WC2N 4HX
• When: daily, 2pm - 4pm
• Price: from £55 per person
• Why we recommend: we love to slink down into leather sofas in The Den at St Martin's Lane and soak up the cheeky British decor while tucking into a clever selection of sweet treats, such as the passionfruit pavlova, filled with red currants 

Located in St Martin's Lane hotel, The Den serves a delighftul quirky afternoon tea in Covent Garden. With surreal paintings, subtle touches, and a luxurious setting, it's a great place to unwind with your friends or family after midday, delighting in bubbles and a spot of Jasmine tea. 

Cleverly titled 'Tea & Tales', the offering features creative bites such as the 'Revolving Door', the Game of Chess' and the 'Cricket Ball', and you'll also receive a map of Te Dene's unique art display so you can learn a little while chomping on matcha sponge and yuzu cheesecake.

• Location: 35-39 George's Drive, Victoria, SW1V 4DG
• When: every day, 12.30pm - 5.30pm
• Price: from £40 per person
• Why we recommend: be sure to wear your best wizarding attire for this event - it's highly encouraged, as is taking any unfinished treats away with you on your broom

For a magic afternoon tea in London, the Georgian House Hotel is your very best bet. Expect to chow down on a load of themed treats presented on smoking cauldrons and with bottomless prosecco to boot. 

The Wizard Afternoon Tea starts at £40 per person, and you'll be taken down into the hotel's Pimlico Pantry basement to devour three courses, with a little bit of tickery thrown in with the treats. 

• Location: The Gherkin, 30 St Mary Axe, City of London, EC3A 8EP
• When: weekends, 12.30pm - 3pm
• Price: from £55 per person
• Why we recommend: set inside a gorgeous landmark with stunning views - what's not to love? This afternoon tea comes complete with shrimp cocktail bouchées, tonka bean cheesecake, sacher tortes, and much more

Take your quirky afternoon tea in London with a view to new heights (literally) with Searcys at the Gherkin. Located just a stone's throw from Liverpool Street, this sky-high bar and restaurant will have you sipping tea, chomping sandwiches and scoffing cakes with unbeatable views across the city. 

Book either a wine afternoon tea, from £55 per person, complete with a glass of Gérard Bertrand white, red or rosé, or upgrade for £5 for a glass of Searcys Selected Cuvée Champagne. If you want to go all out, secure the Limitless Sparkling Afternoon Tea for £99 per person with Champagne for 90 minutes.

• Location: 20 Warwick Street, Soho, W1B 5NF
• When: Tuesdays to Saturdays, 12pm - 6pm
• Price: from £33 per person
• Why we recommend: this swanky hotel oozes a rock 'n' roll legacy, and features gorgeous interiors which you can enjoy on the roof terrace while tucking into tuna tataki

Swap sandwiches and cakes with Karma Sanctum Soho's awesome Japanese-inspired afternoon tea. Eats include aged wagyu beef sliders, steamed vegetable gyozas, and sweet treats such as their signature matcha panna cotta, along with some delicious cocktails, all for £44 per person.

But that's not all, as there's a gentleman's version as well, from £33 per person, with a £30.25 add-on for a Davidoff cigar and a glass of whiskey.

• Location: 593 Holloway Road, Archway, N19 4DJ
• When: every day, excluding Wednesdays, 10am - 5pm
• Price: frrom £35 per person
• Why we recommend: this afternoon tea is cuteness overload. Not only will you get to spend time with some gorgeous cats, but you'll also be de-stressing thanks to the furry cuddles, all while enjoying some locally-sourced snacks

Whiskers & Cream is an adorable cafe in Archway that rustles up a range of tasty afternoon teas, including vegetarian and vegan options. While you dive into the sandwiches and sweet treats, enjoy the company of the venue's resident cats, who all love a cuddle and a play.

On the menu, you can expect to find mature cheddar cheese and artisan chutney sandwiches, and sweet treats such as orange and carrot cake, raspberry cheesecake, and salted caramel brownies. 

• Location: 72 St John Street, Farringdon, EC1M 4DT
• When: Tuesdays, Fridays and weekends, 2pm - 4.30pm
• Price: from £27.50 per person (including booking fee) 
• Why we recommend: we think this is the perfect experience for chocolate lovers who simply can't get enough of the good stuff. Their Chocotini cocktail is not to be missed 

Do something a little different in London and make your way to The Chocolate Cocktail Club for their fabulous afternoon tea. Enjoy a delicious range of nibbles, from cakes to sandwiches, with their awesome range of cocktails (the signature Chocotini is a must) and bubbles.

From £27.50 per person, you can look forward to honey roast ham and wholegrain mustard finger sandwiches, warm scones served with strawberry preserve and clotted cream or Nutella, and a selection of cakes, including the triple chocolate Calypso mousse. All of this will be served with unlimited hot chocolate, tea or coffee. 

• Location: 35 Charles Street, Mayfair, W1J 5EB
• When: daily, 12.30pm - 5pm
• Price: from £75 per adult, £45 per child
• Why we recommend: the Original Sweetshop afternoon tea has been awarded the best themed afternoon tea at the Afternoon Tea Awards 2025, which is no small feat. It's truly spectacular to look at, and the selection of homemade cakes and scones are droolworthy 

If you've got something of a sweet tooth, you'd be mad to miss the Original Sweetshop afternoon tea on offer at The Chesterfield Hotel. A nostalgic and colourful affair, expect unique treats alongside some of the best sweets in the business.

You can tuck into the likes of 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.

• Location: 321 Kingsland Road, Haggerston, E8 4DL
• When: every day, 12pm - 7pm
• Price: from £32.50 per person
• Why we recommend: Map Maison offers a delightful twist on the classic, serving mini Iberico burgers and banoffee pies over the course of 90 minutes 

If you want something a little extra with your quirky London afternoon tea, check out Map Maison's tapas-style version in its sultry Haggerston-based den.

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.

• Locations: 11-14 Hanover Place, Covent Garden, WC2E 9JP, and 134-136 Wardour Street, Soho, W1F 8ZP
• When: Sundays to Mondays, 12pm - 4pm, Saturdays, 4pm
• Price: £39.95 per person
• Why we recommend: this afternoon tea is ideal for those who fancy something a little different and have more of a savoury tooth. It's practically a sushi lover's dream

Not just one for fine sushi and interactive tables, Inamo is also a top choice for a cheap quirky afternoon tea in London. Devour panko prawns, dragon rolls and salmon sashimi washed down with bottomless bubbles from Soho to Covent Garden.

The offering is available most days from 12pm, and on the sweet side of things, you can look forward to tucking into miniature tortes, macarons, and more.

• Location: 15 Bury Street, St. James's, SW1Y 6AL
• When: every day, 12pm - 3pm
• Price: from £55 per person
• Why we recommend: Ginza St James's offering is sophisticated, unexpected and quietly show-stopping. The finger sandwiches are scrumptious, and the restaurant itself sets an elegant scene to enjoy a long afternoon in 

If your idea of afternoon tea involves scones and clotted cream, think again. Ginza St James is rewriting the rulebook with a stunning Japanese twist on the British classic. Nestled in the sleek heart of St James's, this fine-dining spot is all elegant minimalism, polished service and culinary craftsmanship.

Here, matcha reigns supreme. The experience unfolds like a serene Tokyo tea ceremony meets Mayfair indulgence. Expect delicate savoury bites such as miso-marinated black cod, chicken katsu finger sandwiches and prawn tempura rolls, followed by jewel-like desserts infused with yuzu, matcha and sesame.  Wash it all down with a selection of fragrant Japanese teas or, if you're feeling fancy, upgrade to a glass of fizz or a lychee martini. 

• Location: 101 Buckingham Palace Road, Westminster, SW1W 0SJ
• When: every day, 12.30pm - 4.30pm
• Price: £55 per person
• Why we recommend: whether you're a fan of the hit West End musical or not, the Wicked afternoon tea is heaps of fun and the chocolate and pistachio bombe is as indulgent as it sounds

Head to Victoria to discover The Tea Lounge at The Clermont London, an elegant space for this decadent feast. They offer a traditional afternoon tea, as well as a Wicked-themed version that's inspired by the classical musical, shown at The Apollo Victoria Theatre, which is just moments away.

This experience costs £55 per person, and you can add on a glass of fizz for an extra £10. Devour finger sandwiches filled with smoked ham and mustard or egg mayonnaise, followed by sweet, green treats like lime cheesecake and a chocolate pistachio bombe.

• Location: 50 Dean Street, Soho, W1D 5BQ
• When: Saturdays and Sundays (as of January 2026), slots at 2.30pm and 3pm
• Price: from £45 per person
• Why we recommend: Mr Fogg's are masters in theatrics and they do not do their afternoon tea by halves. Three crafted cocktails will be on offer, as well as choco-curio cakes, which are delicious 

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.

• Location: Victoria Station, Coach Bay 40B, WC2N 6PB
• When: Tuesdays to Thursdays, 12.30pm
• Price: from £75 per adult, £45 per child
• Why we recommend: this a super fun way to sightsee around London while enjoying a quintessential afternoon tea. There's also the option to upgrade to a bottomless affair with prosecco 

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

Drive around catching glimpses of Big Ben, the London Eye and more, and fear not - there's a cloakroom and loo on board, so there's no need to press pause on the prosecco. 

• Location: 6-7 Chandos Place, Covent Garden, WC2N 4HU
• When: every day, 12pm - 5pm
• Price: from £40 per person
• Why we recommend: if you like your cafes pretty and pink, then you'll love Bridget's Bakery. Its tea tour bus is a brilliant way of sightseeing landmarks like Westminster Abbey and Hyde Park while tucking into dainty finger sandwiches with your friends 

This unique offering from Brigit's Bakery brings you a range of treat-filled tiers, bottomless fizz and plenty of vegan, halal and gluten-free alternatives, so no one has to miss out. You can delight in a feast among its bright pink furnishings at its Covent Garden store from £40 per person.

On the menu? Dinky finger sandwiches filled with classics like smoked salmon and cream cheese, pasties and cakes, and of course, scones and jam. 

• Location: Macclesfield Road, Shoreditch, EC1V 8DG
• When: every day, 12.30pm - 4pm 
• Price: £25 per pooch
• Why we recommend: your pup deserves some treats too, and what better way than giving them some than with this affordable, quirky afternoon tea in London? 

Fancy chomping on delectable tiers of grub while accompanied by your dog? NHow London is hosting Pawesome Afternoon Teas, where your puppy pal will wolf down cupcakes, peanut butter pies and a puppuccino. Of course, parents will also get a selection of sweet treats and drinks.

This four-legged fiesta comes in at £25 per dog and even features some Pooch & Mutt calming dog treats in case they get a little too overexcited.

• Location: 17-19 Egerton Terrace, Knightsbridge, SW3 2BX
• When: daily, 1pm - 6pm
• Price: from £75 per adult, £45 per child
• Why we recommend: while the Treasures And Tea offering is sublime, we think there's something very fantastic about its doggy instalment. It's such a special opportunity to get a clever portrait of your beloved pooch and treat it to some snacks  

Serving you an afternoon tea with a twist, this swanky Knightsbridge spot welcomes you and your furry friends for the ultimate Doggy Afternoon Tea. From pawsecco to homemade doggy biscuits and pup-friendly ice-cream, this one's paw-fect for those who like a little bark with their bite.

Book your spot now for £550 (includes a three-hour session, tea for two and a bespoke A4 portrait with a picture mount), or go for something a little dazzling for just the humans with The Egerton House Hotel's Treasure And Tea. From £75 per person, you'll enjoy an experience inspired by the dazzling world of fine jewellery.

• Location: 43 Buckingham Palace Road, Victoria, SW1W 0PP
• When: every day, 1pm - 5pm
• Price: from £30 per person
• Why we recommend: tuck into a classic dish under the guise of an afternoon tea near one of the greatest landmarks in the UK, let alone just London - how fabulous

Offering one of the quirkiest afternoon teas near Buckingham Palace, this fun Victoria spot will have you feeling like you're sipping with royalty. Bbar offers a bottomless prosecco affair from £60 per person, as well as a super fun 'Chip Shop' fish and chips version from £30. 

The latter includes exactly what you think it does: crispy battered fish and chunky chips served alongside mushy peas and a pickled egg. Plus, there are traditional scones and cakes too.

• Location: Arches 14-15, Deptford, SE8 4BX
• When: every day, 1pm - 5pm
• Price: from £33 per person
• Why we recommend: this is a brilliantly unique venue housed in the oldest railway structure in the UK (built by Little Nan's granddad back in 1836). It's perfect for birthdays, hens, stags, and friends and families looking to do something a little different 

When it comes to a quirky afternoon tea, London's Little Nan's Bar pulls a fabulous one off. A treasure trove of kooky furnishings, vibrant adornments and potent cocktails, it's no surprise that this Deptford-based, Grade II-listed den's offering is just as eccentric.

Push the boat out and turn it into a boozy affair with cocktails, or make it a sober one with loose-leaf tea. Enjoy homemade scones with Little Mum's raspberry jam and cream, cakes, and finger sandwiches to the soundtrack of disco anthems and 90s hits. 

• Location: Tower Millennium Pier, Lower Thames Street, EC3N 4DT
• When: select days, 3.30pm - 5pm
• Price: from £55 per person
• Why we recommend: we love a boat cruise and afternoon tea, so we're bound to love the two together. With this experience, you can sip a cup of Earl Grey while gliding past Big Ben - pretty fab, right?

What better way to spend a day than floating down the Thames, daintily nibbling on triangle sandwiches? Add a glass of champagne or two to your Afternoon Tea Cruise and sightsee in style, sipping on bubbly as you take in London's iconic landmarks. 

Before you head back to dry land, be sure to take to the upper deck for a full 360 of the city as you scoff your scones. 

• Location: Liberty, Regent Street, Carnaby, Soho, W1B 5AH
• When: every day, Mondays to Saturdays, 1pm - 8pm, and Sundays 1pm - 6pm
• Price: from £50 per person
• Why we recommend: do a bit of shopping and browsing Liberty's gorgeous prints and stocked designers before treating yourself to a bit of tea and cake - it's the only way, really 

Located within the iconic Liberty London, Seventy Five At Liberty is a stylish restaurant that offers a luxurious afternoon tea. There's a choice between the standard offering for £50 per head, or £66 with an added glass of Champagne

Tuck into the likes of wild mushroom and truffle vol-au-vents and coronation chicken brioche, followed by lemon tart and buttermilk fruit scones. As for the venue itself, expect deep olive green and burgundy tones, with plush seating to relax in.

• Location: 10 Harrington Road, South Kensington, SW7 3ER
• When: Monday to Friday 12pm to 7pm; Saturday to Sunday 11am to 7.30pm
• Price: from £64.50 per person
• Why we recommend: this is a playful, immersive experience where science, history, and gastronomy collide. Expect whimsical presentations, curious desserts, and a sense of discovery in every bite

Visit the drawing rooms of The Ampersand Hotel in South Kensington and prepare for a truly one-of-a-kind teatime. The Science Afternoon Tea draws inspiration from the nearby Science Museum, turning your dining experience into a hands-on exploration of physics, chemistry, and gastronomy. Treats include jams served in petri dishes, chocolate spacemen, and dinosaur biscuits, all accompanied by expertly brewed tea, coffee, or a glass of Champagne.

For a journey back in time, the Jurassic Afternoon Tea adds a prehistoric twist, with playful dishes such as volcanic eruptions, Jurassic mountains, and dinosaur egg baskets. There's even a selection of creative Tea Pot Tails cocktails to enjoy alongside your feast.