The best afternoon tea in London: our favourites to book now
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It was in 1840 that the Duchess of Bedford shared her guilty secret of enjoying tea and snacks a few hours before dinner, setting a trend that would evolve to become a national tradition complete with a new set of afternoon tea etiquette rules. Today, afternoon tea in London enjoys celebratory status. Flutes of Champagne and pretty pastries are a given, while exotic nibbles and potent cocktails mean that what now constitutes this most genteel of refreshments might well shock the Duchess of Bedford. We’ve sat down to countless cups of tea, finger sandwiches, scones and macarons to bring you our editors’ reviews of the best afternoon teas in London – from the traditional spreads to the modern interpretations that roll on into evening drinks.
Best afternoon teas in London at a glance
- Best for classic afternoon tea: The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum & Mason, from £80
- Best for royalists and traditionalists: Afternoon tea at The Goring Hotel, from £70
- Best for a taste of London: Afternoon tea at The Wolseley, from £44.50
- Best for fashion fans: Prêt-à-Portea at The Berkeley, from £80
- Best for old-school glitz: Afternoon tea at The Ritz London, from £75
- Best for timeless elegance: Afternoon tea at The Lanesborough, from £80
- Best for affordable treats in an iconic setting: Afternoon tea at the British Museum, from £35
- Best for tea connoisseurs: Afternoon tea at Claridge's, from £90
Our pick of the best afternoon tea in London
David Cotsworth1. Bridgerton Afternoon Tea, The Lanesborough
Best afternoon tea for: fans of the Netflix series
Don your finery and visit the centre of the Ton, where The Lanesborough is hosting a very special afternoon tea in honour of series three of Netflix's Bridgerton. Fans of the show will be transported to the finest ballroom (the hotel's Regency dining room, where glistening chandeliers sparkle in the centre of the room) where a live pianist plays some of the songs the show is known for, plus some extras, as you indulge. The tea itself has all of the classic sandwiches, so expect salmon, cucumber and cream cheese, truffled egg mayo and chicken, plus a deliciously moreish cheese and crispy kale tart, made especially for the Bridgerton tea. You'll get two scones each – a plain and a fruit one – with homemade cream, jam and lemon curd – and trust me when I say it'll take all of your strength not to ask for a third. Stay strong, though, because you'll need room for the cakes, which are all a nod to the show. There's the rich, chocolate 'Social Butterfly', the tart, raspberry 'Colin's Travels', the blueberry ‘Book of Eloise’, and, to finish off, a sharing 'Lady Whistledown', which is pistachio mousse on a biscuit base. The cherry on top of the tea is (quite literally) the cocktail, 'Friends to Lovers', which is a twist on a margarita made with coconut tequila, cherries, cranberry juice, honey and lime. A perfect pairing, some might say. Abigail Malbon
Address: The Lanesborough, Hyde Park Corner, London SW1X 7TA
Website: oetkercollection.com
Price: from £85 per person
2. Rosewood London, Art Afternoon Tea
Best afternoon tea for: Art lovers
A tiny orange-brushed chocolate lobster is balanced atop a bite-sized pyramid of chocolate cake filled with passionfruit jelly. Beside it is a squared-off madeleine filled with blueberry sauce sandwiched between two pieces of white chocolate – artfully spray-painted blue. Can you guess what it is yet? It’s edible versions of Salvadore Dali’s Lobster Telephone and David Hockney’s Bigger and Closer installation; just two of the cakes served up as part of the latest edition of Rosewood London’s Art Afternoon Tea. Headed up by executive pastry chef Mark Perkins since 2017, this iteration, launched in January 2024, nods to some of the most celebrated offerings from the series to date. Afternoon tea is taken within the hotel’s sweeping open-plan Mirror Room, with its glittering wall of glass and towering sweetly-scented bouquet centrepiece, and it’s not long before a glass of fizz is being poured (and subsequently frequently replenished) as you’re taken through the menu. Tea recommendations sought – the best pairing will change with each course – the sandwiches arrive. You’re in for a traditional start – delicately truffled egg mayo, roast beef and smoked salmon sarnies – all impeccably cut into finger-sized pieces, before moving onto the lightest, fluffiest scones, toasty warm and fresh out of the oven, served with a liberal dollop of jam and cream. Things change up with the arrival of the star of the show: the arty cakes. These aren’t replicas but homages to the world’s most iconic pieces; a jammy Black Forest-flavoured patisserie (very 70s) arrives shaped like Andy Warhol’s soup can, garnished in a fire engine red glaze. Yayoi Kusama’s chunky flower sculptures have been piped delicately onto a coconut mousse cake. Banksy and Van Gogh also appear, with their masterworks finished not with oil or spray paints but fresh new mediums such as vanilla cream choux, matcha green tea sponge and almond blossom. What fun. Charley Ward
Address: Rosewood London, 252 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EN
Website: rosewoodhotels.com
Price: from £68
Paul Winch-Furness3. The Carlton Tower Jumeirah Afternoon Tea
Best afternoon tea for: the virtuous
Take a minute to marvel at the thick wodges of cake in the counter in The Chinoiserie, the bright, breezy French patisserie and all-day dining spot inside The Carlton Tower Jumeirah in London, before plopping yourself down on one of the squishy jewel-toned sofas. They’re likely to be the sugariest goodies you lay eyes on all day as you’re about to partake in the most gloriously guilt-free afternoon tea you’ll ever try. All treats on the menu are made without added sugar, meaning all the sweetness is derived solely from the ingredients’ naturally occurring sugars, be it from fruits, cocoa or the like. First, choose your tea from the extensive menu (plus a glass of fizz, if you like). All are strong and flavourful and can be switched up as often as you wish. Then comes the seasonally-themed courses. We had some of the last sittings of the wintery fare, served in a tiered birdcage adorned with a pretty spray of pink dried flowers. A savoury cheese creme brulee kicks things off, along with a caviar-drizzled brioche and a duck egg and truffle canolo – heavy on the truffle, each making an exciting change from typical sandwich offerings. It is just the beginning of an afternoon tea unlike any we’d tried before. A zingy palette cleaner of pear and back lime sorbet follows, so creamy I’d have believed it was ice cream before we’re presented with a selection of four scones, each with their own condiment. This includes the likes of Ceylon cinnamon scones with orange jelly and sesame seed scones with date jam (a favourite) – forget rehashing any tired arguments over jam and cream here. But the final patisserie course is where the natural sugar ethos really shines. An apple tamarind, made with crunchy Granny Smiths, is wonderfully sharp and fresh, and a moussy chocolate delice delivers a thoroughly indulgent punch for just 65kcal – a triumph. We leave completely satisfied, minus any sugar headache or lingering guilt. I dare any sugar addict not to enjoy this experience. Charley Ward
Address: The Carlton Tower Jumeirah, 1 Cadogan Place, London SW1X 9PY
Website: jumeirah.com
Price: Afternoon tea, £75; champagne afternoon tea, from £90
Jean-Baptiste Strub4. L'Amour du Thé Afternoon Tea, Socca
Best for: a quiet indulgence or celebration in the heart of Mayfair
Who says you need scones and clotted cream with your afternoon tea? Not Claude Bosi. The two Michelin-starred chef and his partner Samyukta Nair have recently launched their L’Amour du Thé afternoon tea to mark the first anniversary of their French bistro Socca in Mayfair, and they’re putting a Gallic twist on this traditional British, post-prandial ritual.
Finger sandwiches and pastries, presented on a three-tiered stand, are made with Cote d’Azur finesse. The duck rillette finger sandwich has a mouth-watering pickled cucumber and grain mustard filling that brings a complimentary sweetness to the confit duck. Other nods to Bosi’s Riviera origins include the prawn and lobster roll with cucumber and lettuce, as well as the (slightly dry but tasty) lamb croquette with mint and black olive. It’s almost enough to make you forget your sweet tooth, especially when paired with the Roger Brut Reserve 2013 or the 'Rare' Champagne 2015. Piled up on the second tier are marble-sized chouquettes filled with chocolate cream, which we knocked back like pellets. Meanwhile, third-tier highlights include the "Mont Blanc", a confection of passion fruit cream and banana compote, as well as the Yorkshire Rhubarb, with its swirling peak of vanilla custard and cream. Teas are normally a vehicle for cake, but Socca’s brews could serve as a standalone treat. The Darjeeling 2nd Flush, a floral-noted black tea, goes down very nicely, but the real star is the guzzle-inducing Garden of Eden – a black and green tea with a Japanese peach infusion.
No scones? All is forgiven. Noo Saro-Wiwa
Address: 41A South Audley Street, London W1K 2PS
Website: soccabistro.com
Price: £35 per person; £57 with Champagne
Steven Joyce5. Sushisamba Covent Garden afternoon tea
Best for: tea with a Japanese twist
Situated atop a graffitied spiral staircase designed by Brazilian street artist Felipe Yung is Sushisamba in Covent Garden, a Japanese, Latin American fusion restaurant located in a famed Opera Terrace with rooftop views over The Piazza below and cobblestone market. Floor-to-roof glass designed by Eric Parry crowns the dining area, with a sea of green that is the living canopy dangling above the market-side seats. Open for drinks and sushi, the restaurant is bustling with groups and Londoners when we arrive for the new afternoon tea.
Ceremonially presented to the table following a champagne opener, each branch of the ‘tea tree’ provides its own gustatory experience. To start, light but hearty yellowtail and salmon gunkan sushi, topped with salmon roe, are followed by thick rolls of tiger maki sushi, each with a hat of wasabi mayonnaise, to be enjoyed lovingly rolled in soy at the table. What starts as just a nibble on the tenderstem broccoli and green bean tempura ends up a swift devouring of the brassicas. Interjected between the crunch of show stealers like the wagyu katsu slider and lobster taquitos, are the indulgent flavours from the sweets; a meringue-fired tart with amarena cherry is enjoyed first, followed by a quintessentially British Battenberg square. The chocolate cream choux is inhaled, while the sugar-glazed banana topper is tended to more delicately by those at the table. To finish, a round of Jasmine Pearl tea to wash it all down before a finale of warm scones.
Address: Sushisamba Covent Garden 35 The Market Building, London WC2E 8RF
Website: sushisamba.com
Price: £65 per person; £80 per person with a glass of Champagne
BEN CARPENTER6. Afternoon tea at The Goring Hotel
Best for: royalists and traditionalists
The Royal Family make no secret of their affection for The Goring Hotel. It’s where the Duchess of Cambridge spent the night before her wedding, where Queen Elizabeth II held her annual staff Christmas lunch, and the only hotel in the world to hold a royal warrant. Tucked away on an unassuming side street in Belgravia, there are even rumours of a secret tunnel linking the hotel to Buckingham Palace, so the royals can slip in unnoticed. And what makes the place extra special is its private garden out back – almost unheard of in central London – where you can enjoy your tea in good weather before working it off with a game of croquet. It’s an institution about as British as it gets.
Pre-book your afternoon tea to guarantee seating in the peaceful, old-school gilded dining room, decked out with thick gold curtains, whimsical tree-like Swarovski chandeliers and a roaring fire in the winter. The same family has owned the hotel since opening in 1910, and they take their roles seriously: CEO Jeremy Goring himself is the in-house master of tea, personally selecting and tasting each blend on the menu. Start with The Goring’s afternoon blend, a refreshing and subtle mix of Assam and Darjeeling, before navigating through some of the more ambitious-sounding options (such as dragon well or organic maojian) or herbal infusions.
Before the carbs, a plate of strawberries arrives – which goes perfectly with the glass of pink Bollinger poured at the table from a colossal magnum. Layer up scones with The Goring’s own homemade jam, filled with strawberries and raspberries foraged from their farm in Suffolk. Come hungry – everything’s swiftly replenished the moment there’s space on the plate – but staff are happy to pack you off with a doggy bag if you’ve overdone it. And it’s worth knowing that the tea can be made gluten-free, too.
Address: 15 Beeston Place, London, SW1W 0JW
Website: thegoring.com
Price: From £70 per person; from £80 with a glass of Bollinger
7. Prêt-à-Portea at The Berkeley
Best for: fashion fans
The Berkeley's afternoon tea offering gets the award for the most fashionable in London. The crowd here is well-heeled – I lost count of the Manolo Blahnik Hangisi heels I saw. It’s not a coincidence either – Prêt-à-Portea has been drawing fashion fans for years with its edible edit of the hottest ready-to-wear shows.
Each season, the head pastry chef has the dream job of taking inspiration from the latest runway shows and recreating them in sweet form. Khia teams his incredible eye for patterns, sculptural shapes and signature items with his talent for innovative textures and flavours. The six-month revolving menu inevitably ends up as a ‘greatest hits’ of the latest fashion trends, featuring accessories or motifs from all the top designers – Spring/Summer featured Hermès, Loewe and Zimmermann – served in delicious and dainty edible treats. In previous years, some of fashion’s great icons have also been served, most famously Anna Wintour, complete with signature bob and sunglasses, in biscuit form. Seeing these edible works of art is a treat; eating them is a delicious adventure.
If you’re a traditionalist, be warned that while there are the usual canapés and sandwiches, there are no scones. Tea is taken seriously, though, with a page on the menu dedicated to the scientific process of how The Berkeley makes its tea. Champagne is also on offer, plus a seasonal and refreshing mocktail. But really, this one is all about fashion, both in person and on the plate. Lauren Burvill
Address: Wilton Place, London SW1X 7RL
Website: the-berkeley.co.uk
Price: £80 per person
8. Afternoon tea at Dean Street Townhouse
Best for: soaking up the buzz of Soho
There’s a charming, old-world glow that whooshes around you when you enter Dean Street Townhouse. Perhaps the leaded windows make the room seem like a throwback to Dickensian London, the single candles flickering in Wee Willie Winkie-style brass holders on every table or the clink-clink-clink of silver on china. Or perhaps, more than all this, it’s the notion that you’ve ducked out of the humdrum for a while; afternoon tea here feels comforting and fun, like you’re joining the others living it up in Soho at 4pm on a Tuesday.
Tea is served in the lounge, with its handsome velvet armchairs in sage green and ketchup red, jade-painted wooden panelling, jazz soundtrack and curated art – the collection in Dean Street includes pieces by Tracey Emin, Peter Blake, Fiona Banner and Mat Collishaw, alongside several emerging artists such as illustrator Dan Hillier. The Thiénot Brut Champagne (if you’re boozing) comes in a cut-glass coupe, while the tea, of which there are several varieties, is served black-and-white floral-print Burleigh Pottery (a special commission for the Soho House group). The scones are fluffy, the Burford Brown-egg-and-mayonnaise sandwiches dainty, and the cakes brilliantly retro.
But most delicious of all is the laid-back atmosphere. Around you are thirty-something couples sharing bottles of rosé, media types getting creative over cappuccinos, and groups of friends pondering another round of G&Ts. Come for afternoon tea in the lounge, move on to a cocktail or two at the bar and maybe even make an evening of it by checking into the townhouse for the night. You are in Soho, after all.
Address: 69-71 Dean Street, London W1D 3SE
Website: deanstreettownhouse.com
Price: Afternoon tea £28; Champagne afternoon tea with a glass of Thienot Brut NV Champagne £40
9. Cédric Grolet's Goûtea at The Berkeley
Best for: French flair
When French patissier Cédric Grolet chose London as his first outpost outside of France (at Belgravia’s The Berkeley, no less), he brought an exciting wave of sweet innovative concoctions to London's dessert scene. Then he upped the ante by unveiling Goûtea, Grolet’s playful take on British afternoon tea – with a French twist.
Set in the golden-hued Berkeley Café, the seasonally-changing menu may not look like much (there are only two small tiers), but come hungry, trust us. It’s recommended to start with the savoury dishes and eat your way down to the sweet treats. At Goûtea, finger sandwiches are deliciously elevated – say goodbye to coronation chicken or cucumber with cream cheese and hello to avo-on-toasts and fluffy scrambled egg croissants. Sticking to the Frenchman's roots, classic French pastries such as buttery-flaky croissants and decadent pain Suisse are also on the table. Up next are his signature fruit and flower trompe l’oeil creations – ultra-realistic desserts that are (almost) too pretty to eat. Both delight the eyes and the palate; the lemon is tangy, while the green apple is tart and is paired perfectly with the sweet vanilla flower pastry. No afternoon tea is complete without scones, and the ones here have already come generously slathered with clotted cream and house-made jam.
As for teas, you won’t find an endless list of artisanal blends. Instead, only essentials are available: black, mint, green, matcha and chai teas. However, the lavender-infused latte is a must-try. Zahra Surya Darma
Address: The Berkeley, Wilton Place, London SW1X 7RL
Website: the-berkeley.co.uk
Price: £85 per person
The Connaught10. Afternoon tea at The Connaught
Best for: tea lovers
Doormen in top hats stand sentinel by the ever-revolving doors of The Connaught, which deposit guests into the hallway of one of London’s most innovative hotels. With its quiet elegance, sense of timelessness and British sensibility, there are few places quite like it. That said, French chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten's arrival and his international flair have relaxed the rules a little, doing away with formalities such as dress codes and allotted time slots.
The overwhelming choice of jams is a thing of the past, and the warm bakes are now served simply with Cornish clotted cream, homemade preserve and lemon curd. Sandwiches are classic picnic favourites (coronation bronze turkey, slow-cooked beef brisket), and the patisserie stand displays the handiwork of executive pastry chef Nicolas Rouzaud, highlights of which include an irresistible chocolate tart. At first, we were disappointed to be served tea with tea bags (rather than loose-leaf), but a conspiratorial waiter let us in on a secret: the Connaught kitchen hand-fills its tea bags. They resemble tiny pillowcases and are made from Egyptian cotton, without plastic, glue or staples, for maximum freshness, flavour and sustainability. It turns out that most (likely more sophisticated) guests prefer not to pick tea leaves out of their teeth. If you like your tea strong enough to fuel rocket ships, ask for extra leaves – the staff will happily oblige. Try to get a table in the front section of the restaurant, where light filters through the stained-glass windows by Parisian artist Jean-Michel Othoniel, and you get a great view of passers-by.
Aside from the traditional afternoon tea, The Connaught regularly switches things up and serves special treats and dedicated menus for events such as Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and Easter. Anna Prendergast
Address: Jean George at The Connaught The Connaught, Carlos Place, London W1K 2AL
Website: the-connaught.co.uk
Price: from £85
11. Afternoon tea at St James's Hotel & Club
Best for: a taste of spring
With its gold-lettered shop fronts, St James's is an easy place for a spot of time-travelling, to rewind to the Victorian age and go shopping for a badger-hair shaving brush, or a silver-topped walking cane or that velvet smoking hat you always wanted. Set behind a red-and-white gateau of Victorian neogothic, St James's Hotel & Club has the air of having resided here since Kipling was a nipper but has only been a hotel since 2008, although the club has been around since the 19th century. A sense of discretion wafts around the silk wallpaper and narrow corridors. There is a chocolate and cherry choux, lemon ginger cake, a delightfully homely apple cinnamon crumble, and savouries including Cheshire cheese muffins and a selection of sandwiches.
Tea is taken by the bar, an intimate, Deco-inspired space of gold and polished black lacquer, large yellow vases, a wall of 20th-century oil paintings and an eyeful of mild Hungarian erotica from the 1940s. It's small and tucked away, so you won't find the coachload of gawpers that some other hotels get.
Address: 7-8 Park Place, St. James's, London SW1A 1LS
Website: stjameshotelandclub.com
Price: From £45 per person
12. Afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason at the Royal Exchange
Best for: a classic in a spectacular historic setting
An offshoot of the Piccadilly original, this is Fortnum & Mason with a twist. The trademark eau de nil is there – on velvet seats and leather booths – but the majestic 16th-century setting in London’s financial district lends it an even grander air, as though tea sippers are members of an elite secret society.
The impressive stone-and-column façade of the Royal Exchange betrays the building’s trade roots. Boutiques sit beneath huge arches; the newest, a mini Fortnum’s, now takes up three shop fronts. At the centre of the vast courtyard is a giant almond-shaped bar, a glittering metal oasis ringed by mint-green stools, each pair lit with individual gold lamps. Two small seating areas bookend the bar, and it almost feels like you're outside, with light pooling through the glass ceiling.Tea is the most crucial element of Fortnum’s tradition, given that the brand has been producing its own (and, later, serving it) for about 300 years. But you won’t find its breakfast blend on the menu here; instead, opt for the Royal Exchange, a light Sri Lankan and Kenyan loose-leaf tea that represents this cool new base, or – better yet – Champagne.
Afternoon tea stands are brought down a flight of stone steps from a faraway corner of the courtyard, almost ‘off stage’; as they are set down on the table, it’s clear this is the main event. First are simple finger sandwiches filled generously with egg and cress, Suffolk cured ham, coronation chicken and smoked trout. Then soft, warm plain and fruit scones are accompanied by clotted cream, strawberry jam and lemon curd – Fortnum’s own, naturally. The finale is a dazzling array of patisserie cakes.
While the afternoon tea was undeniably pleasant, the historic surroundings make the new Fortnum’s a worthwhile pit-stop. And despite the serene, exclusive vibe, this offering is brilliantly affordable. Like the City crowd, stop here for a sweet reviver following an afternoon’s hard work, then browse the foodie delights in the enticing shop. Leah Craig
Address: The Courtyard, The Royal Exchange, London EC3V 3LR
Website: theroyalexchange.co.uk
Price: £38 per person (£48 with a glass of Champagne)
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Steve Ryan13. Afternoon tea at Theatre Royal Drury Lane
If you aren’t obsessed with all things royal, visiting the Regency Afternoon Tea at Theatre Royal Drury Lane will make a believer out of you. Afternoon tea is served in the restored Grand Saloon, a space fitting its name. Glimmering chandeliers and neoclassical columns of marbled green complement the pastel walls. We’re wisped to our table, where plush velvet chairs envelop us, and I’d be remiss not to mention the bespoke china by Kit and Willow Kemp. Characters adorn the plates, teacups and saucers, each representing costume designs from the theatre.
The afternoon tea is a collaboration with the one and only Lily Vanilli – the menu celebrates the rich history of Theatre Royal with an added seasonal touch. The unique take on an afternoon tea menu is a breath of fresh air, but do not worry, there are still plenty of indulgent sweet and savoury treats to enjoy. Miniature sticky toffee pudding with caramelised popcorn, vanilla cake with passionfruit topped with a chocolate cupid, and a refreshing mint chocolate chip ice cream sandwich make for a delicious start.
The savoury options are just as unique. We loved the John Ross Jr. smoked salmon with Earl Grey-infused cream cheese on cushy crumpets. But my favourite was the coronation chicken pie, a fun take on a British classic. And don’t worry – you can still enjoy a Lily Vanili signature scone served with endless Rare Tea Company teas or a glass of champagne, depending on your mood.
Theatre Royal Drury Lane is the perfect place to enjoy afternoon tea in London, whether you’re a traditionalist or looking for something a little different. Amber Port
Address: Catherine Street, Covent Garden, London WC2B 5JF
Website: thelane.co.uk
Price: £59 per person
14. Afternoon tea at Petersham Nurseries, Richmond
Best for: the green-fingered
Petersham Nurseries in Richmond has long been known for its beautiful garden centre and homeware shop stacked with artisan trinkets and a fabulous little restaurant. Now, the team is plating up a Garden Afternoon tea, served in the Teahouse. Rustic furniture, distressed copper-topped tables and matching chairs are lit up by fairy lights strung from the glass ceiling and surrounded by thriving plants.
Afternoon tea doesn’t get prettier than this – the hand-picked wild bouquet takes centre stage at the top of the hand-blown-glass tiered stand, its seasonal blooms paired with the sweet and savoury bites (which are also sprinkled with petals). Loose-leaf tea is served in a glass kettle that you’ll want for your kitchen – the Giardino blend is as fresh as can be.
Unsurprisingly, this menu changes seasonally depending on what’s growing, keeping in line with the brand’s ethos of using responsibly sourced produce. There are always scones: they’re served with seasonal jam and clotted cream here. Savouries mix British classics with an Italian influence, from sun-dried tomato and basil scones to smoked chicken brioche.
The food is faultless but, best of all, you’ll leave inspired to redecorate your home and garden. Sophie Knight
Address: Church Lane, Off Petersham Road, Richmond, Surrey TW10 7AB
Website: petershamnurseries.com
Price: From £55
15. Afternoon tea at Brown's Hotel
Best for: Classic tastes with a twist
There are very few places that can reinvent the traditional afternoon tea and still make it feel as English as ever. But Brown’s does just that, with its modern take on tried-and-tested classics – and a glass of Champagne for those wanting to make things a little more grown-up. It is served in a dedicated English Tea Room with snug armchairs and floral china; book in advance to bag one of the larger corner spots for extra privacy if you want to catch up over a scone (or three).
The tea menu is so extensive it is suitably labelled a library, but charming and informative staff are available to help with recommendations. The Jing Chai is particularly heady, and the Silver Needle white tea is wonderfully refreshing. There are also plenty of herbal infusions for those seeking an option without caffeine.
It’s not just hot tea that is the focus at Brown’s: a dainty glass of seasonal iced tea marks the start of the procession of miniature treats arriving at the table. The sandwiches include egg and mayonnaise, roasted Iberico ham, and smoked salmon with horseradish yoghurt.
The desserts are just as decadent, from the signature Brown’s chocolate orange to the crumbly almond and pair tartlet. Lottie Stanners
Address: Brown’s Hotel, Albermarle Street, London W1
Website: roccofortehotels.com
Price: from £75 per person
16. Afternoon tea at Anya Café, Chelsea
Best for: Original and quirky cakes and pastries
Propped up on the corner of Pont Street in the smart Kensington and Chelsea neighbourhood as part of accessories designer Anya Hindmarch’s neighbouring stores, this is a quintessentially British affair filled with coffee, tea and cakes galore. Take a seat on the sunny roadside terrace – this is Hindmarch’s take on the old-school café. The focal point is the glass counter lined with show-stopping baked goods, from sponge cakes and handmade biscuits to chocolate truffles, piped beautifully with rich icing in a vibrant mix of colours. The staff are dressed to impress in their suited uniform, which makes it feel as if you’ve stepped into a Fifties, diner-style coffee bar.
Everything here has been carefully considered and gives a nod to the brand, with its comical edge and trademark humour shining through the cheeky but chic menu. Dive into the ‘mini chubby heart’, (a rich and creamy dark chocolate mousse with a raspberry centre and raspberry white chocolate glaze) and embrace the crumble of the ‘frosted raspberry caterpillar tart’ (sweet pastry tart with vanilla pastry cream and fresh raspberries). Pair the sugary treats with an iced coffee or creamy cappuccino, or choose from a selection of tea infusions to create your own afternoon tea experience. Raise a glass of Esterlin Champagne or a classic cocktail for added opulence. Cordelia Aspinall
Address: 9 Pont Street, London SW1X 9EH
Website: anyahindmarch.com
Price: £35 per person
17. Afternoon tea at The Ritz London
Best for: Old-school glitz
Tea at The Ritz. Is there a more archetypal English institution? The Ritz London sets the standard for afternoon tea. Tea is served in the hotel’s Palm Court, deliciously grand and swimming in gold with a live pianist or harpist at every sitting.
Tea-takers select from a list of 20 types. They can learn as much or as little about the teas as they wish from the friendly but reassuringly formal staff, who not only know the correct way to make tea (milk first, obviously) but have spent many months in Sri Lanka, tasting and experimenting to bring back the perfect blend.
On to the food itself, which, as you might expect, is proudly traditional.Sandwiches are fresh, crustless, finger-sized and not shy of a cucumber slice or two, and the scones are warm, gigantic and accompanied by strawberry jam and lashings of Cornish clotted cream. The top of your three-tiered stand is reserved for pastries, chocolate cake and fruit tarts, and whatever your party can't manage is boxed up for you to take home – along with a personalised cake if your tea is in honour of a birthday.
There is a dress code (we would be disappointed if there wasn't): men must wear a jacket and tie, and women must appear at least smart-casual. Jeans and trainers will be confiscated on sight. With multiple sittings a day, The Ritz tea operation is extremely well-oiled whilst managing not to rush diners – helped by the fact that the time you need to vacate your table is made clear when you book it. Becky Lucas
Address: 150 Piccadilly, St. James's, London W1J 9BR
Website: theritzlondon.com
Price: £75 for adults and from £53 for children
18. Afternoon tea at The Petersham, Covent Garden
Best for: floral fancies
Taken amid the elegant surroundings of The Petersham – a secret garden hideaway and one of the best restaurants in Covent Garden – this is one of the prettiest afternoon teas in London. Blooms take pride of place here, even on the glass cake stand, which arrives flourished with a posy of wildflowers spilling out of a vase.
It’s also one of London’s tastiest afternoon teas. Highlights include a selection of tramezzino (Italian sandwiches) filled with foraged mushroom and truffle, pumpkin and spinach, and Haye Farm organic cured beef. It’s almost worth skipping the scones (though they do come with a yummy Petersham jam) and moving straight to the cakes where traditional Italian treats steal the limelight. The hazelnut and gianduja tart is food for thought for a long while after visiting.
There are thoughtful extra touches to be found on the drinks menu. ‘Afternoon tea on the rocks’ is available for £75 per person, and pairs the treats with three cocktails – a lychee and rose martini, a jasmine tea mojito, and a cosmo Earl Grey sour). Olivia Holborow
Address: 2 Floral Street, London WC2E 9FB
Website: thepetershamcoventgarden.com
Price: classic afternoon tea £55 per person
Chris Orange19. Afternoon tea at the Royal Albert Hall
Best for: a slice of culture with your cake
The Royal Albert Hall is one of the world’s most famous performance venues and one of the UK’s most treasured buildings – and a thoroughly British institution. Queen Victoria had the red-and-gold domed auditorium built as an extravagant tribute to her husband, Prince Albert, and in its long history, it has hosted some of the country’s most important cultural events and both rock – and real – royalty. It’s put on some pretty big-deal tea parties, too; Queen Elizabeth II clinked china here with the WI to mark their 100th anniversary. A fitting venue, then, for afternoon tea.
Don’t let the location on Museum Mile put you off: this London afternoon tea certainly isn’t just a tourist box-ticker. Anyone who’s always wanted a sneak peek through the hallowed doors can combine tea with a tour (and history lesson), as guests are guided around the auditorium, the gallery and the usually off-limits Royal Retiring Room before being greeted with three tiers of taste. Time your tea wisely, and you can even eavesdrop on rehearsals for the evening’s performance.
The tea itself takes place in the first-floor Verdi Restaurant – admittedly, it’s a lot less regal than the auditorium, but with crisp white tablecloths, a turquoise tiled bar and sweeping views of the Royal College of Music, it’s a step up from most museum cafés. Choose your brew from a carefully curated selection by H.R. Higgins Limited – from Earl Grey Superior to Chun Mee Green Tea. Dainty sandwiches come with proper British fillings (cucumber and cream cheese, honey-roasted ham and Coronation chicken), but it’s the cakes and miniature puddings, with their adorable decorative touches, that are the highlight. In addition to a selection of miniature cakes, select a slice from the trolley – red velvet, lemon drizzle, carrot and Battenburg among them. Teddy Wolstenholme
Address: Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP
Website: royalalberthall.com
Price: £51 per person
20. Afternoon tea at Ham Yard Hotel, Soho
Best for: design buffs
Bang in the centre of busy Soho is the colourful Ham Yard Hotel from Tim and Kit Kemp, whose portfolio includes the splashy Whitby in New York. Although the 'yard' is a surprisingly quiet thoroughfare connecting Great Windmill Street and Denman Street, the hotel itself is lively, complete with rooftop garden, cinema and an original Fifties bowling alley imported from Texas.
The Orangery, home to the afternoon tea, is a gently lit glass-ceilinged room with designer Kit's oh-so-quirky-yet-tasteful stamp all over it. It is paved with reclaimed Purbeck stone and the walls are papered with Kemp’s signature bold textures; the tea itself is served in her contemporary ceramic range for Wedgwood – you'll find mythical creatures or sailors prancing around the gold rims on the delicate bone-china teacups and saucers.
The menu is a creative take on the traditional – think smoked salmon, cucumber and chive cream cheese sandwiches, devilled egg mayonnaise on herb bloomer and pumpkin and gorgonzola tartlets. Smother seasonal preserves on freshly-baked scones and indulge as the selection of treats appears; rich salted caramel and spiced pear macarons and Irish coffee tarts among them. We recommend you add a cocktail to accompany your Earl Grey. This is a more-than-stylish spot to sit and people-watch. Karin Mueller
Address: 1 Ham Yard, London W1D 7DT
Website: hamyardhotel.com
Prices: £45 per person
21. Afternoon tea at Roast
Best for: a ring-side seat at a buzzing London landmark
Going to Borough Market is always a treat, whether you’re planning to stock up on ingredients to assemble at home following the ‘prime produce needs little technique’ strategy or aiming to browse the fresh food, ranging from raclette to oysters on the shell. Even on a non-market day, it’s a lovely area for a wander, and for a pit-stop right in the heart of it, Roast is in a hard-to-beat, elevated location inside the Floral Hall. The name says it all, and most people come here for meat, but the afternoon tea is worth swinging by for.
This isn’t a traditional afternoon tea, but it’s all the more of an experience as a result. Tuck into pulled pork and apple sandwiches, braised beef croquettes, scotch eggs with a horseradish emulsion, and sausage rolls with a red pepper pesto. Of course there are scones – served with clotted cream and raspberry jam – but other desserts such as the walnut cake with chocolate cremaux are hefty servings that will have you leaving very well-fed and potentially in need of a much-deserved lie down.
Address: The Floral Hall, Stoney Street, London SE1 1TL
Website: roast-restaurant.com
Price: £45 per person
22. Afternoon tea at Great Court Restaurant, British Museum
Best for: affordable treats inside a breathtaking British institution
As you sip tea beside the curling Ionic capitals of stone columns, it’s hard not to be impressed by the majesty of the British Museum. The Great Court Restaurant is perched at the top of the former reading room, a rotunda in the central courtyard of one of London's best museums. Since its major revamp in the 1990s, the entire quadrangle has been covered with an undulating glass roof and the round space inside now contains the museum shop. The restaurant above is open on all sides to expose the surrounding feats of architecture, old and new. From Sir Robert Smirke’s original neoclassical design to the tessellated glass canopy by Foster and Partners, this is an ancient temple with a modern touch.
The restaurant itself is intimate – particularly in comparison to its surroundings. There’s a small bar pouring Prosecco into coupes at one end and an open kitchen at the other. Clinking china and the happy chatter of patrons, either eating lunch (the couple beside us had a lovely-looking Sunday roast) or enjoying a classic three-tier afternoon tea, resound. We did the latter, gobbling up finger sandwiches so that our scones wouldn't lose their warmth. Expect typical British delights: smoked salmon and cream cheese, roasted turkey with spinach and cranberry, and truffle egg mayonnaise. The freshly baked scones, plain and raisin, are fluffy with just a slight crunch on the outside. The top-tier sweets are baked in-house, and the stars of the show are definitely the red velvet torte and the mango and passion fruit burnt meringue pie. Lauren Hepburn
Address: Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG
Website: britishmuseum.org
Price: £35 per person; £39 with a glass of Prosecco
23. Royal Afternoon Tea at The Milestone Hotel
Best for: its private room opposite Kensington Palace
Visiting a place such as The Milestone reminds you just how much rich history swirls through London’s every corner and crevice. You may not have heard of the hotel before – you might have even marched straight past its red-and-white bricks, so typical of its neighbourhood – but it’s been standing there, directly opposite Kensington Palace, since the late 19th century. The original building’s roots stretch back even further, to 1689, and it’s since been home to various royal commissioners and bodyguards and even Shakespeare’s grandson before it became a place to stay in 1922. Today its focus is on making all of its original features sing as much as possible, from its chequered tile floors to its wood-panelled walls, coffered ceilings and shelves lined with leather-bound books.
Understandably, it tends to get a little over-shadowed by its world-famous royal neighbour, but its lower-key location also makes it a great, quieter spot to take tea before a walk around the Palace Gardens or its latest exhibition, as well as somewhere more likely to be frequented by Kensington locals. There are three, if not four, rooms to choose between – the more traditional Park Lounge, with its open fire, well-spaced tables and armchairs ideal for quiet conversations, the airy Conservatory, or the larger and multi-chandeliered Chenestons Restaurant. A further, more inside-track option is the tiny converted house chapel, which today serves as a space for small groups – ideal for those with babes or toddlers. As well as stained-glass windows framed by beautiful arches, there’s a small alcove to the left of its direct entrance where it’s believed an altar once stood.
The selection of brews is impressive without being overwhelming; the caramelly New Vithanakande is a stand-out, as is the bergamot orange and lemon peel infused Planter’s Mistress (popular because of its intriguing name as well as its taste, the staff believe). The three tiers of food are particularly generous and include what is probably the city’s only circular, and perhaps very best, afternoon tea sandwich, plump with chicken mayonnaise and topped with toasted almonds. French pastries and tartlets are served alongside the cakes, including a signature baked vanilla cheesecake made using The Milestone’s president and founder, Bea Tollman’s original recipe. Becky Lucas
Address: 1 Kensington Court, London, W8 5DL
Website: milestonehotel.com
Price from: £85 per person
24. Afternoon tea at Dalloway Terrace, The Bloomsbury Hotel
Best for: seasonally themed menus
Every couple of months, the terrace at The Bloomsbury Hotel gets a revamp to fit in with the changing seasons, switching from a cosy space in autumn and winter to a light and elegant spot in the warmer months. The secret garden is currently in its spring dress in partnership with The Botanist Islay Dry Gin. Its floral get-up is inspired by the English countryside in full bloom, with full-bodied green foliage teeming with wildflowers, blossom, tulips and ranunculus designed by floral designers Early Hours, transporting you straight to a rustic garden, dappled with those delicious early-season rays of sunshine.
Classic sandwiches are filled with truffled egg mayonnaise, roast chicken and sage mayonnaise, cucumber and cream cheese, and smoked salmon and lemon butter, using a range of breads. When it comes to scones, things are a little less traditional. Choose from buttermilk, sultana or mini gruyere and chive scones, smothering them in mulled pear jam and Cornish clotted cream. That’s all before selecting treats, from the zesty blood orange tart to the salted caramel choux.
Address: 16-22 Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3NN
Website: dallowayterrace.com
Price: From £55 per person
25. Traditional afternoon tea at The Savoy
Best for: stretching out for a long afternoon beside the Thames
London today is as blessed with as many fine hotels, restaurants and tea houses in which to take afternoon tea as at any point in its history. Possibly even more of them. Nominating the best of the lot would be an impossible and unrealistic task, since so much depends on mood and whim and the exigencies of the moment. But in any case and under any circumstances The Savoy would have to be very, very, very near the top of such a list.
Service is lively, liveried and brisk, respectful but not fawning, attentive without being obtrusive, resolutely on the right side of stuffy. In short, it's spot-on. The tableware is pleasingly crisp of linen, silvery of pot and spoon, and floral of cup and saucer. Nor is there any faulting the foodstuffs. The obligatory finger sandwiches, scones, pastries and cakes are impeccable; the teas, from the house blend to the splendidly named Jade Sword to the fruity Vanilla Black.
The Savoy all but invented the thé dansant in its Thames Foyer, as it has become known. Despite its name, it's not actually very easy to see the Thames from here. (It's a different story from the suites above, which have river views to stagger the gods.) Yet there's a curiously riparian feel to the space, with its palette of pale greens, the light filtered softly through a splendid stained-glass dome, the staff eddying and flowing around the central gazebo, which itself seems to float on a bed of hydrangeas.
Address: The Savoy, The Strand, London WC2R 0EU
Website: fairmont.com
Price: Traditional afternoon tea, £65; add a glass of Louis Roederer Brut Premier NV for £10 extra
26. Afternoon tea at Claridge's
Best for: smart tea connoisseurs
There is a very skilled art in creating such an iconic experience as afternoon tea at Claridge's without the event becoming a parody of itself. As one of the best hotels in London, this could become a tourist sideshow, something to 'tick off' the list. The skill in keeping its authenticity lies, as ever, with the staff who create this experience, keeping it a treat while keeping it real.
There are two sittings of early and late afternoon tea at Claridge's, set in the hotel's sensational Foyer (our recommendation – if you can get a table), or the more tucked-away Reading Room. Claridge's is known for its warm welcome to all, and we were instantly made to feel like part of the family. Tunes from the 1920s played by a pianist and cellist create the perfect backdrop, while the incredible Dale Chihuly chandelier hovered above our heads as a modern-day talking point.
From the extensive menu, we chose a Tregothnan Earl Grey, made with a blend from an ancient Cornish estate that has been around since 1335, and Darjeeling, the 'Champagne of teas'. This is a great place to try something new – go with a recommendation from the knowledgeable staff.
A selection of sandwiches arrived – once we'd polished those off, more appeared. But onto the good stuff: the highlight was the freshly baked scones, plain and raisin, with stick-to-your-spoon clotted cream and Claridge’s own jam. Finally, cakes, and the pineapple and passion fruit cake nearly finished us off.
There is an art to feeling looked after, and at Claridge's that art has been perfected. A long early-evening stroll across Hyde Park is recommended to walk off the cake.
Address: Brook Street, London W1K 4HR1
Website: claridges.co.uk
Price: From £90 per person
27. Afternoon tea at The Stage, The Londoner Hotel
Best for: a traditional afternoon tea with added West End flair
The Londoner Hotel's decadence begins in the Gatsby-esque foyer lounge, also known as The Stage. A Champagne bar with all the nuances of a Parisian café, the bar itself is decorated with tan leather stools and premium bottles (Charles Heidsieck Magnums; ornate gins; single-barrel Jack Daniels). Intimate table settings are set with gold-trimmed china teacups and crystal Champagne glasses, enclosed by velvet armchairs in soft pinks and greys. Choreographed lighting provides an apt spotlight for each dish, providing an experience worthy of its namesake. And what is a stage without a show? Across from the bar is a small area for live music to soundtrack your tea service.
Afternoon tea comes in various forms, including traditional or Champagne, alongside a selection of exclusive loose-leaf teas from The East India Company. To start, the chef presents a refreshing amuse-bouche du jour. Each element is explained in delectable detail by the maître d'; we tried marinated cucumber and elderflower sorbet with a drizzle of manuka honey on a bed of white chocolate powder and topped with yuzu caviar. Three tiers of mini sandwiches are next; each a different colour to indicate the delights within.
Next comes a basket of warm, freshly baked, gold-top scones, so fluffy they pull apart in your hands; followed by a finale of handcrafted patisseries, displayed as the artworks they are – the toughest decision you’ll make all day will be choosing only two but be sure to ask the maître d' for one of their uber-chic stage bags for leftovers – trust us, you won't want to waste a single bite. Megan Wilkes
Address: The Stage at The Londoner, 38 Leicester Square, London WC2H 7DX
Website: thelondoner.com
Price: Traditional afternoon tea £55; Champagne afternoon tea £70
28. Afternoon tea at The Wolseley
Best for: a taste of classic Mayfair
There is something deliciously opulent about going to The Wolseley in the middle of the day. This Mayfair stalwart, swathed in gold with imposing chandeliers arching pillars and black-and-cream tiles, is best known for its lavish breakfasts. Head through the velvet curtain at the door on an afternoon, though, to find groups of smartly dressed people being served tea from silver pots by suited waiters in the grande-dame dining room.
Classic finger sandwiches on the afternoon tea menu include smoked salmon and smoked chicken. The vegetarian selection is just as varied and delicious: no endless egg-and-cress here. Instead, there’s avocado, cucumber with mint, and celery with cream cheese, served on various breads (sundried tomato, seeded and, our favourite, traditional, pillowy white). Second helpings are encouraged. Scones are of the fruity variety, kept warm under a cloche, to be topped with lashings of clotted cream and jam.
Pastries are surprisingly up-to-the-minute for a restaurant that trades so heavily (and so well) on old-school charm, and include a black forest gâteau, baked cheesecake and apple strudel with chantilly cream. Be sure to share so you can try them all – there’s not a dud among them.
The Wolseley’s afternoon tea is delicious, and you will, undoubtedly, leave feeling uncomfortably full, as with all of the teas on this list. But something about being in the humming, clinking, tinkling dining room with its high ceilings and attentive – never over-bearing – staff makes it extra special. Sarah James
Address: 160 Piccadilly, St. James's, London W1J 9EB
Website: thewolseley.com
Price: £44.50 per person for the classic afternoon tea
Natasha Alipour29. Afternoon tea at Harrods
Best for: an iconic London experience
Harrods’ Tea Rooms first opened in 1911, the year of King George V’s coronation, and was initially named The Georgian, quickly becoming renowned for its tea dances on the specially sprung dance floor. Today, it is one of London's most Googled afternoon teas, offering a truly idiosyncratic ‘English’ experience. The fourth-floor space is huge – it’s no surprise to learn that it was formerly the biggest restaurant in town, with a capacity for 1,200 – and beautifully Art Deco: it has an intricate, light-splashing skylight with wrought ironwork, a mixture of lush booths and round tables, adjoining Perrier-Jouet Champagne terrace and a long-haired pianist tinkling out classics perfectly on a grand. The vibe is completely calm no matter how full it gets, with friendly, unflappable staff who manage to be incredibly precise while putting you at ease. (Note: dress code is smart casual, which means no trainers, shorts, sportswear, flip flops or midriffs, thank you very much).
The menu, featuring sweet illustrations by Alice Nyong, has no less than eight pages of teas to choose from – classic, black, green, oolong, white, herbal, plus coffees and hot chocolates – accompanied by a unique little key showing how sweet, floral, woody or astringent each is. There are also plenty of alcoholic options, such as interesting tea-based cocktails, and even really very good non-alcoholic rosé Champagne. The crustless sandwiches are all dainty and delicate, with the stand-outs being the classic English cucumber and mint cream cheese, the ‘King George’ salt beef, and the Faroe Island smoked salmon and lemon cream cheese with white chocolate sprinkled on top.
From the pastry selection, the meadow honey cake and chocolate pralines palet are just as pretty and indulgent as they sound – or you can explore the banoffee delice and Pink Lady apple crumble over on the entirely separate vegan menu. Don’t miss the Orient-Express style bathrooms or chic lounge heavy with Chanel tomes just next door, before working off your tea while languidly trying to find an exit in the world’s most famous labyrinth of a department store. Becky Lucas
Address: 87-135 Brompton Road, London SW1X 7XL
Website: harrods.com
Price: From £73 per person
30. The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum & Mason
Best for: a classic afternoon tea – and still one of the best
Dressed in trademark eau-de-nil, right down to the tea plates, Fortnum & Mason's Tea Salon is a peaceful oasis (accessed in a lovely wood-panelled lift) off Piccadilly. An oasis of tea and cake! It seems as if it hasn't changed in decades, in a wonderfully old-world way, but in fact was refurbished and subsequently reopened by Queen Elizabeth II in 2012. It remains a traditional affair and, located on the fourth floor of the iconic Fortnum & Mason shop (where London afternoon teas have been served for around 100 years), it's a delightful place to while away an afternoon.
And who knew there were so many different types of tea? If Willy Wonka ever swapped chocolate for tea, the menu might resemble that at the Tea Salon, listing dozens of fantastically-named infusions like Jasmine Dragon Pearls, Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe, and Hattialli, which takes its name from the Assamese words 'Hathi Alli', meaning 'Elephant Road'. Terrifically knowledgeable 'Tearistas' are on hand to help narrow down the choice.
Soft, warm scones are served with lashings of clotted cream and the most delicious jams which left us scraping the bottom of the jar. Luckily, these can be bought in the shop downstairs. The cake carriage is a feast for the eyes, with fig bakewell tarts and slices of salted caramel cheesecake among the treats.
Address: 4th Floor, Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly, St. James's, London W1A 1ER
Website: fortnumandmason.com
Price: from £80 per person
31. Afternoon tea at The Dorchester
Best for: losing track of time
Everything at The Dorchester is scaled up. There are bouquets the size of hot-air balloons in the lobby, quilted-brocade sofas dwarf the loftiest of guests and marble-effect pillars tower over tables in the Promenade, where afternoon tea is served. While the surroundings can make you feel rather small and insignificant, the discreetly charming staff have the opposite effect – you are treated like the server’s most important (and better yet, favourite) guests.
Inevitably, an element of performance accompanies the service at a hotel like The Dorchester. Between the savoury and sweet courses, you are presented with a palate-cleansing green tea with lily and jasmine wrapped in silver needles and infused with mango. As the maître d' explained with a smile and a sweep of his arm, “There is a theatre to it! This is the stage.” In the first act, sandwiches with fillings such as chicken with ginger, lime, garlic, mayonnaise and shallots or poached wild salmon with heritage tomatoes tread the boards on meticulously cut rectangles of white, multigrain and wholemeal bread. Creative vegetarian understudies include indulgent truffle tofu with vegan mayonnaise, but the salt-crusted golden-beetroot sandwich was the surprising scene-stealer, and the volume of food matched the oversized decor.
In all its grandeur, the Promenade is sink-into-the-cushions comfortable, too; those Chesterfields are ever so inviting, and the high-ceilinged ballroom-sized space is designed so that every table is positioned to prioritise privacy. If afternoon tea is the matinée performance, you might find yourself tempted to stick around for the late show, too; as the pianist rolls out a gentle medley on the Steinway grand piano by the bar, it’s all too easy to let tea turn into evening drinks. Anna Prendergast
Address: 53 Park Lane, London W1K 1QA
Website: dorchestercollection.com
Price: £110 per person
32. Afternoon tea at The Stafford
Best for: a quiet retreat
Enter this classic hotel to find the smooth sound of jazz echoing from The Game Bird – a room rimmed with plush velvet furnishings, frosted blue walls and subtle nods to the matriarch. The afternoon tea at The Stafford boasts recipes created collaboratively by head pastry chef Magdalena Velczenbach and Lisa Goodwin-Allen, who oversees the menu here (as well as being Executive Chef of Michelin-starred Northcote in Lancashire). First, a broad selection of tea from Camelia’s Tea House is introduced to the table – the White Apricot tea was the recommended choice, a fresh and fragrant white tea served alongside a glass of Louis Roederer Collection 243 Champagne. Next comes the traditional finger sandwiches: smoked salmon and cream cheese, cheddar, spring onion and tomato, coronation chicken and ham and mustard, all served on a selection of bread alongside a creamy truffle and egg brioche bun. On the bottom tier, thick, savoury scones sit neatly with a light, fluffy cream cheese and chive spread and a sweet option of plain and sultana scones with seasonal jam and clotted cream.
But the final show-stopper will leave you wanting more (assuming you have any room left). For the sweet-toothed, a selection of breathtaking cakes arrives tableside, served from a bespoke handcrafted cake trolley. Spoilt for choice, each party member can select up to five seasonal cakes or pastries from the delectable display, including a coffee choux bun for the more traditional palette or a chai latte honey cake for an intriguing spin on a classic pastry. A doggy bag may be necessary.
While these dazzling treats may steal the show, ask about the history behind the vanilla and raspberry cake. Fierce World War II resistance heroine Nancy Wake inspired the fluffy white mousse due to her code name, “The Mouse”. She frequently visited The Stafford as it became a refuge for the servicemen and women during the war. So, the hotel continues to honour her incredible bravery with this dedication. Megan Wilkes
Address: The Stafford London, 16-18 St James’s Place, London SW1A 1NJ
Website: thestaffordlondon.com
Price: from £70 per person
33. Sri Lankan High Tea at Lyaness, Sea Containers
Best for: afternoon tea with a flavoursome twist
South Bank’s quirky Sea Containers London Hotel is home to the award-winning Lyaness Bar and Sri Lankan High Tea offering. Served against lively views of the River Thames and St. Paul’s Cathedral, this delicious and surprising take on traditional British afternoon tea is the brainchild of much-awarded bartender Ryan Chetiyawardana. Known as “Mr Lyan”, his menu is inspired by flavours from a childhood spent in his parent’s hometown of Galle and features mouth-watering cocktails, including the aromatic Curry Leaf Champagne and the zingy Coconut Flower Daiquiri. The finger sandwiches, served on a banana leaf, come with a moreish and perfectly spiced Chicken kukul mas and coconut filling, Masala spiced tuna and mayonnaise and Marinated aubergine. Further savoury delicacies include the melt-in-your-mouth Turmeric-spiced devilled egg, delicately adorned with edible flowers and the Mutton croquette. Those with a sweet tooth can delight in the Pandan Swiss Roll, a creamy cake with notes of coconut and vanilla, or the Wattalapam tart, a nutty, spiced pudding reminiscent of the custard tart. And, of course, scones, clotted cream and jam come accompanied by aromatic pots of Rare Orange Blossom and Sri Lankan Black Tea. Jessica Rach
Address: Lyaness, Sea Containers London, 20 Upper Ground, London SE1 9PD
Website: lyaness.com
Price: From £43
Addie Chinn34. Marylebone Afternoon Tea at Seymour's Parlour, The Zetter Townhouse
Sandwiched between red brick, terraced houses on a side street in Marylebone, The Zetter Townhouse is markedly signposted by its iconic turquoise front door and cherry blossom archway. Arriving on a sunny Saturday, we are warmly greeted and ushered into the entranceway parlour – an intimate space within carmine walls brimming with trinkets and curios. The deep wooden furnishings and eclectic mix of faded leather sofas and scatter cushions feel familial. We sit window-side, bathing in the rare British sunshine surrounded by antiques. A selection of black, green, white or herbal tea is offered, served in ornate China teapots alongside bubbles or cocktails. In keeping with British tradition, anything after 11 am is fair game, so we opt for the alcoholic version of the Shiso cocktail – a fresh tipple made with rooibos and Perrier-Jouët Blason Rosé, created in collaboration with Everleaf non-alcoholic aperitifs. Next is a choice between two savoury menus: finger sandwiches, including traditional sarnies with a twist (the smoked chicken with celeriac remoulade is a must-try) and savouries, which features a cheese toastie with mustard, brisket croquettes, and truffle sausage rolls. For like-minded visitors who want it all, the amicable staff will combine the savoury menus on request. Freshly baked scones, bundled up like prized jewels, provide a hearty intermission before the finale of rainbow-toned patisserie sitting top tier – it will take the utmost restraint not to start here (but then, who’s judging at Wicked Uncle Seymour’s Parlour?). Megan Wilkes
Address: Seymour's Parlour, 28-30 Seymour Street, London W1H 7JB
Website: thezetter.com
Price: From £45
35. Afternoon tea at The Coral Room, The Bloomsbury Hotel
Best for: interior enthusiasts
There’s no need to guess where The Bloomsbury Hotel's Coral Room gets its name from, with the space painted the colour from head to toe. Bevelled mirrors and gold-framed illustrations hang on the tall walls; massive chandeliers cascade above the seating area and marble-topped bar. Choose to sit by the roaring fire or under one of the bay windows that flood nearby tables with light.
Are you sitting comfortably on your blue velvet or patterned fabric chair? Begin by selecting your drink. There are unlimited refills on dozens of brews – including iced coffee, matcha and turmeric lattes, jasmine silver tip and lemon verbena tea – all served in sturdy silverware and poured into gold-rimmed (obviously), grey- and white-striped fine china. You’ll soon notice that the crockery’s colour scheme precisely matches the Art Deco interiors.
Dive into the savoury sandwiches on the stand’s bottom tier; the roast chicken stands out with its sage-infused mayonnaise on onion bread. Next are three kinds of scones, from sweet to savoury – it wouldn’t be afternoon tea without them – served with cream and mulled pear jam. At the top of the stand are miniature creations so elegant you’ll feel guilty for demolishing them so quickly. The blood orange tart instantly catches the eye while the hazelnut financier lingers on the tongue. And, if you’re feeling particularly bold, the Coral Room will replenish your tier of choice for free. Still thirsty? As one of the best bars in London, there's no need to move to a second location – the cocktails here are a knockout. Sophie Knight
Address: 16-22 Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3NN
Website: thecoralroom.co.uk
Price: £40 per person; £48 with a glass of sparkling wine
36. Afternoon tea at the Corinthia
Best for: a relaxed Sunday afternoon followed by a walk along the river
The Corinthia’s light-flooded Crystal Moon Lounge is a grand setting for the hotel’s afternoon tea, which is all about choice. Vast displays of treats are wheeled around on silver gilded trolleys so that guests can make their selections or choose to indulge in them all. The tea has its dedicated station crewed by a sommelier who will weigh and infuse your selected brew to achieve the best flavour. The No.2 Mellow bespoke blend is a medium-strength, fruity refreshment. For something lighter, the China Milky Oolong is delicate, and one of those rare finds that tastes as fragrant as it smells.
The experience doesn’t fall short when it comes to the food either. Sandwiches are served with flavour twists such as pickled cucumber and goat’s curd with mint and capers, more of which you’ll seriously consider forgoing the cakes for, and a classic ham with mustard mayonnaise. Scones arrive like prized possessions in their wooden box, with clotted cream and a spiced plum jam. Just be sure to save room for the cakes, which include a handmade milk chocolate & hazelnut rocher – much better than your Christmas box of Ferrero.
The Corinthia isn’t a place to come in a hurry. Service is relaxed with a measured pace. Sit back among the fashionable young things, take a break from sightseeing, then cross the river and walk it off with a stroll along the South Bank. Olivia HolborowAddress: 10 Whitehall Place, London SW1A 2BD
Website: corinthia.com
Price: £75 per person, from £90 with champagne
37. Afternoon tea at the NoMad
Best for: the most glamorous dining room
The glass-roofed, aviary-style restaurant at The NoMad Hotel is quite possibly the prettiest restaurant in London. Large globular lighting hangs over the plush green velvet seating below, which sits symmetrically on either side of a bright green planter filled with foliage. Peer up to the sky surrounded by a courtyard of hanging vines packed with smartly dressed dinners sipping on fine English tea from clay teapots or bespoke cocktails, all with a breakfast twist - think earl grey syrup and oolong tea flavourings. Afternoon tea is served from a gold-tiered stand in two rounds. First up is the savour stand. Finger sandwiches come in all shapes and sizes. A cute salmon babel with fresh avocado, a toasted bread sandwich filled with egg mayo and black truffle, a crumbly pastry topped with pastrami and pickles (our personal favourite) and a classic, as it can’t be afternoon tea without - a cool cucumber and cream cheese finger. Warm scones were the next course to fill out bellies, one savoury and one sweet. A blue cheese and sage and a fruity jam option with silky cream. Then for the final stand filled with layers of sweet treats. Dainty cakes with even dantier piping are little works of art. The tropical cheesecake and lemony choux are worth saving room for. Sophie Knight
Address: NoMad London, 28 Bow Street, WC2E 7AW
Website: nomadhotel.com
Price: £65 per person