With the United Kingdom ranking among the top five tea drinking countries in the world, it’s clear that the British love their brew. Maybe it’s the frequent grey weather that makes them reach for a cuppa so often. Grab your own mug and settle in as Ker & Downey shares our top picks for the best afternoon tea in London.
Best Special Occasion Afternoon Tea
The Goring
Served on The Veranda overlooking the hotel's lush private garden, the ambiance offers a tranquil escape from the city's bustle. Guests can enjoy a selection of loose-leaf teas, including The Goring's own blend, alongside classic finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and an array of exquisite pastries and sweet treats. Guests can also enhance their experience with champagne options like Bollinger Special Cuvée or Rosé.
The Lanesborough Hotel
Feel like royalty in the blue tea room, topped with a domed glass roof that fills the room with light. The natural brightness makes crystal chandeliers and gold accents sparkle. Dainty cakes and macarons add to the elegant pops of color and lavish appeal of this iconic afternoon tea.
Seasonal Offer: A Bridgerton themed tea that is inspired by the regency era and pays tribute to season three characters.
The Rubens at the Palace
Afternoon tea at The Rubens at the Palace offers a luxurious and quintessentially British experience, served in the elegant Palace Lounge overlooking the Royal Mews of Buckingham Palace. The menu includes a selection of seasonal finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and preserves, and exquisite pastries.
Special Option: ‘Little Prince and Princess Tea’ is available for children.
Best Traditionalist Afternoon Tea
Fortnum & Mason, Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon
Browsing the shops on Regent Street can be tiring, and we recommend this local favorite for an afternoon pick-me-up. This quintessential British tradition has been a standard at this salon for over 100 years. Powder blue cups and pots filled with tea complement the pretty cakes. You’re surrounded by a blissfully blue space that makes you feel like you are floating on a fluffy cloud.
Brown's Hotel London
The Brown’s Hotel's award-winning afternoon tea is consistently praised for its quality, refined ambiance and exceptional service. Set in the stunning Drawing Room, the hotel's tea sommeliers guide guests through a wide selection of teas. In fact, given their collaboration with the Rare Tea Company, guests can enjoy responsibly sourced unique blends and single-origin leaves.
Children's afternoon tea is available with miniature pastries, fresh fruit juice, and hot chocolate.
Harrods
After a private shopping trip to this iconic department store, rest your feet in the Georgian for afternoon tea. Nibble on crust-less finger sandwiches with a vegetarian option of hummus and roasted red peppers. Servers cover your table with dainty deserts and a variety of teas; the crowning glory is undoubtedly the scones smothered with clotted cream and sweet strawberry jam. Harrods is already a must-see for many, which makes it a perfect way to combine luxury shopping with some of the best afternoon tea in London.
Best Creative Afternoon Tea
Haymarket & Knightsbridge Hotels
Both members of the quirky and creative Firmdale collection of hotels, the Haymarket and Knightsbridge Hotels put delightful twists on their classic afternoon teas.
The Knightsbridge Hotel serves “Rosie Lee” in style in their Victorian townhouse drawing room, and their pastries boast beautiful colors and patterns inspired by those found throughout the property.
Then at the Haymarket Hotel has a London Calling Afternoon Tea where guests can enjoy a selection of finely cut sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and beautifully crafted pastries, each inspired by a treasured landmark like their dark chocolate Big Ben or cinnamon and cream cheese London Eye.
Rosewood London
Afternoon tea at Rosewood London, served in the elegant Mirror Room, is a standout experience that combines art, flavor, and culture. The hotel offers an Art Afternoon Tea that changes themes regularly, often inspired by renowned artists. This unique tea features Japanese-inspired savory bites, alongside traditional finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and pastries.
Best Afternoon Tea in London for Families
Sanderson London
Afternoon tea at Sanderson London is a whimsical experience, particularly with theMad Hatter’s Tea inspired by "Alice in Wonderland." This unique tea is served in the stylish surroundings of the hotel's courtyard or restaurant, offering a blend of fantasy and luxury. The experience is enhanced by Alice-themed decor, including vintage book menus and teapots adorned with kings and queens making it one of the best afternoon teas in London for families.
Little Hatters Afternoon Tea is available for children.
Chesterfield Mayfair
The Original Sweetshop Afternoon Tea has a nostalgic menu that features sweetshop-themed cakes, scrumptious chocolate scones, and finger sandwiches, all complemented by an impressive selection of loose-leaf teas. The tea is served in either the Conservatory, which offers natural daylight and a garden view, or the elegant Butler's Restaurant, providing a quintessential British dining experience.
One Aldwich in Covent Garden
This whimsical Charlie in the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea is inspired by Roald Dahl's iconic story and features creative treats like snozzberry jam scones, chocolate swudge milkshakes, and fizzy lifting drinks. The tea is served in a dedicated room with its own entrance and offers a magical atmosphere perfect for families, fans of Willy Wonka, and is truly one of the best children's afternoon teas in London.
St. James Hotel & Club
Learn about the Victorian history of traditional afternoon tea and select from a variety of international brews. Afternoon tea became popular around 1840 during the reign of Queen Victoria, who was also an avid tea-drinker. Enjoy the Tipsy Cake—soaked in sherry served with custard—and sip on a fine loose tea blend from the East India Company.Children, in particular will love The Secret Garden Afternoon Tea, which transports guests to a Yorkshire garden inspired by the timeless children’s classic tale by Frances Hodgson Burnett.
Best Afternoon Tea in London for VIPs
The Rosebery at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park
The Rosebery is renowned for its award-winning English Afternoon Tea, which features delicate finger sandwiches, specially curated pastries, and a menu of 29 loose-leaf teas. The setting is sophisticated, with a beautiful view of Hyde Park, making it an ideal spot for a refined and relaxing experience. Guests can enjoy a variety of seasonal delights, including the Botanical Afternoon Tea, which celebrates spring's botanicals with seasonal treats and botanical-infused cocktails, easily making it on our list of the best afternoon tea in London.
The Palm Court at The Ritz
Experience one of the best afternoon teas in London at a very English institution. The Palm Court is a feast for the eyes with glittering chandeliers, glistening mirrors, and a live pianist and harpist. This venue provides the perfect backdrop for cut sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and teacakes. Eighteen varieties of tea are on the menu, along with champagne. This is the only hotel in London certified with a Tea Sommelier, who travels the world’s plantations to source the leaves. It is therefore a lavish affair with waiters dressed in formal wear and guests in smart suit and tie.
Children’s afternoon tea is available with decaffeinated tea and smaller portions.
Are your travel ideas brewing? Contact the luxury travel experts at Ker & Downey to plan your trip to indulge in some of the best afternoon tea in London, and check out our delightful journeys to the United Kingdom.
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