The Best Places for Afternoon Tea in London
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The best afternoon tea in London ranges from the theatrical to the practical, the whimsical to the woozy (“a second glass of Champagne, perhaps?”). While the quintessentially English tradition doesn’t have its roots in the capital, it’s certainly well celebrated across the width and breadth of London. The glitziest hotels and quirkiest bars constantly look to outdo each other with curious new creations and fabulous themes and partnerships, from vineyards to celebrated patisserie chefs and even jewelry brands. Offerings across London vary greatly, but the format remains largely the same. Teapots of the chosen brew, from Earl Grey to signature house blends, arrive alongside bubbling flutes should you choose, before savory nibbles roll out of the kitchen. Timeless treats include sandwiches packed with wafer-thin slivers of cucumber, coronation chicken medleys, and chutney-fied cheese favorites. Is it really an afternoon tea without the signature scone? Very rarely, an establishment may declare it so, but usually, they’re the star of the show, chefs from far and wide working their magic before they're served piping hot to be caked in various preserves and helpings of thick clotted cream. Finally, the cakes, which, for discerning afternoon tea-goers with a particularly sweet tooth, are the thing they’ll be raving about for years to come. With countless afternoon teas in London to choose from, the Condé Nast Traveller UK editors have been out in the field, sampling an ever-changing array of delights to compile the ultimate guide.
Best afternoon teas in London at a glance
- Best for classic afternoon tea: The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum & Mason, from 82 British pounds, which is about $111.
- Best for a taste of London: Afternoon tea at The Wolseley, from 46.50 British pounds, which is about $63.
- Best for old-school glitz: Afternoon tea at The Ritz London, from 79 British pounds, which is about $107.
- Best for timeless elegance: Afternoon tea at The Lanesborough, from 89 British pounds, which is about $120.
- Best for affordable treats in an iconic setting: Afternoon tea at the British Museum, from 40 British pounds, which is about $54.
- Best for tea connoisseurs: Afternoon tea at Claridge's, from 95 British pounds, which is about $130.
Best afternoon tea in London for 2025
The reviews below detail the afternoon tea experience enjoyed by one of Condé Nast Traveller UK's editors. Afternoon teas in London can change seasonally and reflect cultural events with frequently altered menus—please see the linked websites for all the latest information.
Read our complete London travel guide here, which includes:
1. Ham Yard Hotel Terrace Tea
Best afternoon tea for: Creative playfulness
Stepping into Ham Yard is always a cloud-lifting experience. The playfully designed hotel and its orangery—all glass ceiling and huge windows—is a light-drenched oasis in the middle of Soho and an excellent spot for one of the more creative afternoon teas in town. Ham Yard’s trademark quirkiness carries through in its patisserie options. My inner child loved the carrot and pecan cake, its cream cheese frosting topped with what looks like a miniature carrot but is actually white chocolate dyed orange, given a green tip, and shaped to resemble the vegetable. In another twist, the scones and clotted cream came with passionfruit jam, alongside traditional strawberry preserve. The fresh and not-too-sweet Biscoff and mascarpone éclair was a knockout, although, like some of the other patisserie items, it was so dinky as to be more like a sugary amuse-bouche. There were innovative touches in the savory section, such as the spinach and ricotta pastry parcels, or the apple chutney and cheddar sandwich. Most intriguing among the teas was the Sailor’s Farewell, made of red fruits, sweet papaya, hibiscus, and smoked black tea that lingered on the tongue like a hot mezcal. But the most popular is the rooibos, with its fruity papaya, licorice, and orange. Alternatively, there’s by-the-glass Spanish Raventós Blanc de Blanc or a Rathfinny Rosé from Sussex for bubbly. Guests wanting the drinking to continue can nip across to the other side of the crittall windows for an evening at the buzzy bar. —Noo Saro-Wiwa
Address: 1 Ham Yard, London, W1D 7DT
Website: firmdalehotels.com
Price: From 45 British pounds per person (or about $61)
2. Lily Vanilli's Afternoon Tea at Four Seasons Hotel at Tower Bridge
Best afternoon tea for: A fun, frivolous experience
There seems to be a consensus that once you’ve done one afternoon tea in London, you’ve done them all. And while there’s undoubtedly something enchanting about finger sandwiches, it can feel like even the fanciest offerings blend into one. Enter Lili Vanilli, with her signature whimsical cake styling, to shake up the city’s afternoon tea offerings and bring something new to the table.
The grandeur of the Four Seasons Hotel at Tower Bridge combines with frivolity in the new experience, which focuses on fun snacks and chic drinks rather than cucumber sandwiches. While there is, of course, tea—the rose one paired perfectly—it’s the cocktails that steal the show. Available in a tasting flight or to order separately, the spicy margarita was one of the smoothest I’ve had, while the espresso martini went down a treat. Paired with the food menu, which features delicate parmesan puffs, flavorful gildas, and crisp confit potato bites with salmon, the time flies. Consequently, you might find yourself hanging around until the evening, but luckily, that has already been considered. This afternoon tea purposely begins at 2 p.m. and runs until 7 p.m., allowing diners to embrace merrymaking at their own pace. —Abigail Malbon
Address: 10 Trinity Square, London EC3N 4AJ
Website: fourseasons.com
Price: 48 British pounds per person (or about $65); 81 British pounds (or about $110) with cocktail pairings
3. Rosewood London Hokusai Art Afternoon Tea
Best afternoon tea for: Cakes as good as art (literally)
Stepping into Rosewood London, a Grade II-listed 1914 gem, its grandiosity immediately strikes you, the perfect blend of contemporary elegance and English heritage. It’s the ideal setting for an afternoon tea in London, but this isn’t just any tea—it’s an immersive experience inspired by Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai. Set in the enchanting Mirror Room, with bonsai trees and delicate floral arrangements, the atmosphere is a seamless fusion of art, flavor, and culture.
The savory selection kicks off with Japanese-inspired bites like BBQ beef brisket with wasabi coleslaw, sake-marinated smoked salmon with yuzu kosho mayo, and the standout tamago sando—a Japanese-style egg sandwich that stole the show for me.
The sweets offer a twist on tradition, with freshly baked scones, clotted cream, and jam, plus a divine lemon curd that I’d happily buy by the jar. The finale? The Art Cakes, crafted by executive pastry chef Mark Perkins, each inspired by Hokusai’s masterpieces. Hidden in bespoke "Washitsu" reveal boxes, they’re art in cake form. The Great Wave of Kanagawa, a white chocolate and lemon chiffon creation with strawberry compote and lychee vanilla cream, was a highlight—maybe even too pretty to eat.
To complement the menu, the Mirror Room offers an exclusive selection of Japanese teas. I highly recommend the sencha sakura, a cherry blossom-inspired brew that perfectly ties it all together. —Chelsea Hughes
Address: Rosewood London, 252 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EN
Website: rosewoodhotels.com
Price: 80 British pounds per person (or about $109)
4. Bingham Riverhouse, Richmond
Best afternoon tea for: All the classics at a pleasing price
There’s little more quintessentially British than afternoon tea. But among the string of themed offerings you’ll find scattered across the capital, Bingham Riverhouse’s offering feels especially timeless. And what else would you expect from such a beautifully classic building in well-to-do Richmond? Sat on the banks of the Thames, the imposing London stone building was, in a former life, an artistic hub frequented by writers including W.B. Yeats, John Ruskin, and Robert Browning. Now, its storied history continues as the UK’s only Black female-owned hotel and members’ club. Tea is taken in the drawing room, where the sun spills in through full-length windows and imposing tall ceilings set the backdrop for a hum of activity. Choose your loose leaf tea and a glass of fizz should you fancy, then it’s onto egg mayo, ham, and mustard and cheese and tomato sandwiches, four warm scones with jam and fresh cream nestled in a napkin, lemon drizzle cake, chunks of brownie, and British strawberries. A trio of rose profiteroles, gooey with melting chocolate, are the stars of the show. Don’t expect the unexpected, but for the chance to enjoy crowd-pleasing old favorites with a leisurely riverside amble afterwards, this is a lovely option in West London. —Charley Ward
Address: Bingham Riverhouse 61-63 Petersham Road, Richmond TW10 6UT
Website: binghamriverhouse.com
Price: From 42 British pounds (or about $57); sparkling afternoon tea 58 British pounds (or about $79)
5. Showstopping Afternoon Tea at Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Best afternoon tea for: An indulgent night at the theater
Theatre Royal Drury Lane has set the stage for an unforgettable new experience with the launch of the Showstopping Afternoon Tea. Among the historic Regency grandeur of the iconic theater’s Grand Saloon, this is a theatrical journey through taste, history, and spectacle. From the moment guests are welcomed by the theater’s iconic Red Coats to the final lip-lick after the treat that tiggers something along the lines of, “I’ve overdone it,” this is a central London experience that delivers in drama, not disappointment.
The performance unfolds in two acts. First, savory bites arrive on bespoke boards crafted from the theater’s original 101-year-old stage that was removed during the 2019 renovations; expect the likes of “The Villain” (whipped smoked tofu, rye cracker, and breakfast radish) and The Femme Fatale (hot smoked salmon, horseradish cream, carway rye melba toast). Next, the grand reveal of the sweets, hidden behind a miniature red velvet curtain, pays homage to theater’s most iconic moments. Squeal in sweet delight as strawberry preserve and clotted cream is smothered across warm scones, before moving onto layered chocolate brownies and a selection of macarons.
Theatre Royal Drury Lane is the only West End theater offering Afternoon Tea, making it a unique destination for both theatre lovers and food enthusiasts. As the terrace bar opens for the season, visit for post-tea cocktails overlooking Covent Garden, raising a toast to a fabulously British tradition.
Address: Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Catherine Street, London WC2B 5JF
Website: thelane.co.uk
Price: From 68 British pounds per person (or about $92)
Courtesy Brown's Hotel6. Afternoon tea at Brown's Hotel
Best afternoon tea for: Sweets in a historic setting
Step back in time at Brown’s Hotel, a London institution with foundations in the early 19th century, for a timeless afternoon tea experience like no other. Just by passing through the establishment, you’re following in the footsteps of icons such as The Jungle Book author Rudyard Kipling, literary doyenne Agatha Christie and horror writer Stephen King. There must be something in the air with such creative outcomes of such visits.
Chocolate and chestnut tones offset by velvety reds set the mood for afternoon tea in the drawing room, where guests ponder over the never-ending list of hot concoctions available. There are the classics, naturally, including the hotel’s signature blend, hand-crafted from the Shire Highlands of Malawi and various other black-leaf favourites. By all means, ease yourself in, but be sure to step outside your comfort zone eventually, whether it’s via the buttery Japanese genmaicha green tea or a white tea scented and flavoured by the delicate Jasmine flower.
Savouries range from a prawn cocktail concoction atop pillowy brioche, beef pastrami and tangy beer mustard mayo between shokupan bread, and a zingy zaatar and pickled cucumber creation. Scones follow, screaming to be smothered in homemade strawberry jam and clotted cream, before the pastries arrive. Indulge in crispy-yet-gooey macarons, fruity madalaines and a spread of other almost-too-pretty-to-devour dessert favourites that’ll send you into the afternoon gently rubbing your bellies for hours afterwards.
Address: Brown's Hotel, 33 Albemarle Street, London W1S 4BP
Website: roccofortehotels.com
Price: From 80 British pounds per person (or about $109)
johnny stephens photography7. Sushisamba Covent Garden Afternoon Tea
Best afternoon tea for: A sun-drenched way to spend an afternoon
High above the cobbled heart of Covent Garden, Sushisamba’s leafy, light-filled space brings its bold Japanese-Brazilian-Peruvian fusion flair to the British tradition of afternoon tea. Their take is anything but classic: served on a sculptural three-tiered “tea tree,” the menu blends punchy tropical flavors and delicate savory bites with playful, picnic-inspired sweets, each as delicious as it is pretty.
The Wagyu katsu sando is a standout—rich, tender beef topped with oscietra caviar, sandwiched between pillowy white bread with a touch of truffle mayo. The rock shrimp scotch egg reimagines a British picnic classic with a crisp, perfectly seasoned shell encasing a soft quail egg at the center for a playful, lip-smacking twist. The Rainbow Roll makes a welcome mini sushi addition to the afternoon tea—a vibrant medley of fresh salmon, tuna, and yellowtail, topped with sweet snow crab and a zesty citrus mayo that ties it all together.
Surprisingly subtle, the sesame macaron with white chocolate ganache strikes the perfect balance of sweet and savory—a quiet standout that lingered long after. Of course, no afternoon tea is complete without scones, which arrive warm, accompanied by clotted cream and jam, alongside a glass of crisp Champagne. With sweeping views over the piazza, it’s an indulgent, sun-drenched way to spend an afternoon and a welcome change from the traditional tea room. —C.H.
Address: Sishisamba, 35 The Market, London WC2E 8RF
Website: sushisamba.com
Price: 65 British pounds per person with a glass of Champagne (or about $88)
8. A Midsummer Night's Dream Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences
Best afternoon tea for: A whimsical escape in the city
I find myself unintentionally caught in a tangled web of love and confusion, bewitched by “Puck’s Mischief,” a delightfully sweet mocktail that enchants my senses. I savor it in a setting that evokes a dreamy woodland scene, complete with fairy-tale decor, perfectly setting the stage for the culinary journey ahead.
Inspired by Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences transforms the timeless tradition of afternoon tea into a delicate theatrical experience, filling childhood dreams with poetic savory treats and sweet confections that pay homage to the play’s themes of romance and mischief.
The first spell is cast with a Viola Moelleux, a violet-infused confection, and I willingly give in to Love’s Mischief, a world of culinary artistry and theatrical wonder. The enchantment deepens with a true classic: melt-in-the-mouth smoked salmon on spinach bread with dill and cream cheese. A spiced butternut squash hummus and caramelized onion puff, alongside thyme-roasted chicken and apricot mayo in caraway bread, ignite my curiosity for the next act: A Banquet for Fairies, a fairy-tale medley of sweet enchantments, each capturing love’s whims. I’m wooed by the Heart of Love & Confusion, a dark chocolate heart with tropical notes, mirroring the twists of love. But I am not confused, only certain that the Enchanted Forest, with its tarragon-cherry notes, pistachio-lemon charm, and deep berry tart encased in a crisp, buttery pastry has me utterly bewitched before I dive into a warm medley of fluffy scones.
The poetic journey ends with Puck’s Magic, a final, sweet memento ensuring the dream lingers just a little longer. The attention to detail extends beyond the menu; as I leave through the hotel’s historic courtyard, home to the world’s longest Shakespearean frieze, it offers a picturesque backdrop that enhances the enchanting immersion into the Bard’s world. —Sandra Denda
Address: Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences, 51 Buckingham Gate, London SW1E 6AF
Website: taj51buckinghamgate.co.uk
Price: From 75 British pounds per person (or about $102)
David Cotsworth9. Bridgerton Afternoon Tea, The Lanesborough
Best afternoon tea for: Fans of the Netflix series
Don your finery and visit the center of the Ton, where The Lanesborough is hosting a very special afternoon tea in honor of the third season of Netflix's Bridgerton. Fans of the show will be transported to the finest ballroom (in the hotel's Regency dining room, glistening chandeliers sparkle in the center 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. —A.M.
Address: The Lanesborough, Hyde Park Corner, London SW1X 7TA
Website: oetkercollection.com
Price: From 89 British pounds per person (or about $121)
10. Secrets & Spies Afternoon Tea, Raffles at the OWO
Best for: Fans of espionage and mystery
Behind the rich mahogany doors of The Drawing Room is a steep, storied history shaped by the daring spies who once operated in the shadows, their espionage woven within the very walls of the Old War Office, now home to Raffles London.
We settle into opulent red leather chairs, with the soft ambient music of the grand piano drifting through the room, to elegantly honor the legacy of these enigmatic characters of the Old War Office through afternoon tea.
We begin by indulging in a fragrant pot of "Between the Leaves," an infusion of subtly flavored notes. What starts as a familiar herbal blend unfolds into something altogether unexpected. Notes of lemon, warming ginger, and the subtle intrigue of a spice we can't quite place keep our palates guessing until the very last sip. It's a shapeshifter in a teacup, perfectly aligned with the afternoon's theme of "Secrets and Spies", a satisfying complement to the classic savory assortment of egg, chicken, ham, salmon, and cucumber sandwiches.
The three-tiered pastry stand takes center stage, and perched on top with drama is the sharing cake, a chocolate pocket watch prepared as a tribute to the timepieces worn by Air Force One soldiers. It’s so artfully crafted, it felt criminal to take the first bite. There’s a tiny camera lens peeking out from its chocolate face, a clever nod to the era's hidden spy craft. Beneath its delicate white chocolate shell lies a decadent dark chocolate mousse and a soft caramel filling—an ode to chocolate in all its glorious forms. The lower tiers pay homage to four remarkable women spies: Vera, Virginia, Christine, and Odette. Odette's tribute is a standout: a raspberry and elderflower yogurt confection so perfectly balanced, we could've happily devoured four more.
Address: Raffles London at The OWO, 57 Whitehall, London SW1A 2BX
Website: raffles.com
Price: 85 British pounds per person (or about $115)
Courtesy Claridge's11. Afternoon tea at Claridge's
Best afternoon tea 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 95 British pounds per person (or about $129)
Courtesy The Dorchester12. Afternoon tea at The Dorchester
Best afternoon tea for: losing track of time
A glass of 2019 Rathfinny Estate Blanc de Noirs seems a fitting reward for a leisurely stroll through Hyde Park to reach The Dorchester. The hotel is an iconic symbol of luxury and elegance on Park Lane, and afternoon tea at The Promenade continues to attract celebrities, royalty, influencers, and an international crowd, all hoping to experience opulence and elegance amid coral-colored silk draperies, plush velvet sofas, and timeless grandeur.
Lounging between majestic Corinthian columns, we devour gourmet sandwiches filled with roast butternut squash and sage jalousie, cucumber with wild arugula, parsley, and lemon cream and Clarence Court egg mayonnaise and mustard cress on white bread. The exquisite Dorrington ham, truffle, and parmesan sandwich on onion bread is bursting with flavor.
We start the divine pastry selection with traditional warm raisin scones with seasonal preserves and clotted cream, followed by delicacies such as a walnut-glazed carrot cake with cream cheese. The mousse with chocolate crémeux and hazelnut praline is closely followed by a mango and coconut tart with a fruity pineapple and almond cream, coconut chantilly, and a tropical compote. —S.D.
Address: 53 Park Lane, London W1K 1QA
Website: dorchestercollection.com
Price: From 95 British pounds per person (or about $129)
Milo Brown13. The Art of Afternoon Tea, The Kensington
Best afternoon tea for: A tea experience as light as it is delightful
Tucked away among the white Victorian townhouses of South Kensington’s Queen’s Gate, The Kensington is an elegant place to rest your feet after shuffling around the nearby museums all day. Its generously proportioned lounge with bright bay windows, French armchairs, herringbone floor, and chandeliered high ceiling would befit the gossipiest Edwardian ladies, while the informative menu notes (not to mention the resident tea sommelier) will make a novices feel like semi-connoisseurs. True savants will appreciate the geographic range on offer, sourced by The Rare Tea Company, whose founder, Henrietta Lovell, buys sustainable, and often rare, leaves directly from farmers.
There’s an English Breakfast from the oldest estate in Malawi; black Cloud tea from India; chamomile from Cornwall; Japanese Genmaicha with its distinct, toasted brown rice flavor; and the Jasmine Silver Tip, once the preserve of China’s Imperial family. Foodwise, the gherkins lend a tangy and memorable kick to the pastrami and horseradish sandwich, which goes down well with a Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve. Down the dark chocolate mousse tart with passion fruit parfait; or the mango mousse “pumpkin” with coconut yogurt cream; or the white “chocolate” vanilla mousse with pineapple compote center. The scones and clotted cream are the grand finale before you embark on a dignified exit. —N.S.W.
Address: 109-113 Queen's Gate, South Kensington, London SW7 5LP
Website: doylecollection.com
Price: From 58 British pounds per person (or about $79)
Jack Hardy/The Ritz London14. Afternoon tea at The Ritz London
Best afternoon tea 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.
Onto 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 personalized cake if your tea is in honor 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: Adults from 79 British pounds (or about $107)
Chris Orange/The Royal Albert Hall15. Afternoon tea at the Royal Albert Hall
Best afternoon tea 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—in short, 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 Women's Institute 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 Coda Restaurant. 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, ham hock, 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: From 57 British pounds per person (or about $77)
16. Afternoon tea at the NoMad
Best afternoon tea 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 flavorings. Afternoon tea is served from a gold-tiered stand in two rounds. First up is the savory stand. Finger sandwiches come in all shapes and sizes. A cute salmon bagel with fresh avocado, a toasted bread sandwich filled with egg mayo and black truffle, a crumbly pastry topped with pastrami and pickles (our personal favorite), 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 savory 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 daintier 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: From 65 British pounds per person (or about $88)
17. Afternoon Tea at The Langham
Best afternoon tea for: A twist on the classic high tea experience
Chilled rosé Champagne, with notes of strawberries, raspberries, and black cherries, blends perfectly with the scent of hot Phoenix Honey Orchid loose-leaf tea. This is savored alongside classic cucumber sandwiches with Ivy House Farm clotted cream butter and, my personal favorite, the Gentleman's Relish sandwich with roast cauliflower, anchovy relish, and a deviled quail’s egg on the side as part of a refined sandwich ensemble. This delightful, Victorian-inspired menu with a modern twist was created by Executive Pastry Chef Andrew Gravett and two-Michelin-starred Chef Michel Roux.
The Langham became the first grand hotel in the world during the Victorian era to cater afternoon tea to British high society and its elite clientele, bridging the long gaps between lunch and a late supper. Afternoon tea at the Palm Court quickly became a fashionable social ritual among the upper class. Today, history, tradition, and contemporary elegance merge into an inviting ambience, featuring an eclectic clientele and a grand setting of soft neutral tones and plush seating, enchanting visitors with the sound of the piano.
Aesthetically pleasing and lush, the pastries include Juniper-infused baba with grapefruit confit and a blackcurrant, chestnut, and violet charlotte, which do not overshadow the traditional signature Langham scones served with Cornish clotted cream and homemade seasonal preserves, theatrically presented under a silver cloche. The scones are surprisingly light and fluffy, and after these sumptuous delicacies, the high tea’s finale is rounded off with a chocolate, praline, and pear pudding to share. Lady Gaga, Angelina Jolie, and Selena Gomez have all enjoyed a spot of time travel at this glamorous venue, which brings an innovative edge to the classic high tea experience. —S.D.
Address: The Langham, 1C Portland Place, London W1B 1JA
Website: langhamhotels.com
Price: From 85 British pounds per person (or about $115)
Courtesy The Connaught18. Afternoon tea at The Connaught
Best afternoon tea 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
Courtesy Corinthia London19. Afternoon tea at the Corinthia
Best afternoon tea 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 flavor. 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 flavor 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 and 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 Southbank. —Olivia HolborowAddress: 10 Whitehall Place, London SW1A 2BD
Website: corinthia.com
Price: From 75 British pounds per person (or about $102)
20. The Devil Wears Prada Afternoon Tea, The Coral Room
Best afternoon tea for: Fancy fashionistas
The Devil’s in town, dressed in all her designer finery—and it turns out she has a penchant for a sweet treat or two. To mark the arrival of The Devil Wear’s Prada in the West End, The Coral Room has put on quite the spread. We’re sat in the corner, backlit by the warm autumn afternoon light pouring through the imposing windows, and await our assortment of beverages while people-watching. Guests of The Bloomsbury Hotel raise a toast to leisurely Sundays around us while a stylish pair of girlfriends catch all the right angles of their sandwich spread on their smartphones—with the occasional “oops” of a camera flash. My companion opts for a delightfully floral green tea, but we’re preoccupied with astounded sniffs of my Irish Whisky Cream black tea, which smells (and tastes) like it's been spiked with a swig of Irish liqueur. The sandwiches arrive, gooey “Nate’s Grilled Cheese” toasties hiding a sweet caramelized onion chutney and the egg mayonnaise sandwiches delivering an indulgent hit of truffle. Aside from the scones (fruit and plain, both excellent), The dessert menu is a run-off of the blockbuster film’s most iconic quotes and references. Highlights include “A Single Cube of Cheese,” a morsel of rich New York cheesecake with Papua New Guinean vanilla, and “It’s Not Just Blue, It’s Cerulean,” a Greek yogurt mousse with blueberry on a biscuit base encased in chocolate. For added indulgence, opt for a Runway Royale cocktail—a heady concoction of Mijenta Tequila Reposado and Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve. —Connor Sturges
Address: The Coral Room, 16-22 Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3NN
Website: thecoralroom.co.uk
Price: From 55 British pounds per person (or about $75)
Courtesy Fortnum & Mason21. Afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason at the Royal Exchange
Best afternoon tea 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 center 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: From 38 British pounds per person (or about $52)
22. Straits Kitchen Afternoon Tea, Pan Pacific
Best for: A wallet-friendly option in bustling Liverpool street
Nestled in the heart of London’s vibrant City district, the Pan Pacific London promises an afternoon tea experience that fuses British tradition with the hotel’s signature Southeast Asian flair. This haven of modern business luxury, located steps away from Liverpool Street station, aims to elevate the quintessentially British ritual to a veritable feast of culture, refinement, and taste. The scene is set in the hotel’s Straits Kitchen dining room, a space that embodies contemporary sophistication. Sunlight filters through expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, revealing a small enclave where the soft murmur of conversation never feels overwhelmingly loud. The service is also faultless—attentive yet unobtrusive. Staff members trained to anticipate every need provide a seamless blend of professionalism and warmth. The Autumn Afternoon Tea menu is curated by pastry maestro Francesco Mannino and marries traditional British elements with nuanced Asian flavors. Diners are welcomed with a katsu chicken amuse-bouche, offering a playful prelude to the savory selection of buttery egg brioche, sushi rolls, tofu bao, and the obligatory cucumber sandwich. All perfectly pleasant, but perhaps lacking the wow factor. Choosing from the extensive selection of teas sourced from both renowned and rare estates adds a note of ceremony. A standout is the Milk Oolong, whose floral notes harmonize seamlessly with the varied flavors of the menu. For those seeking a touch of indulgence, Pan Pacific offers an upgrade with Taittinger Champagne, adding a sparkling note to the afternoon. Adhering to tradition, mini freshly baked scones are served with clotted cream and a selection of jams. Perhaps the crowning glory lies in its assortment of desserts, each a miniature work of art, with an exemplary raspberry choux and delectable coffee and hazelnut gianduja that will delight pudding fans. —Anita Bhagwandas
Address: Pan Pacific London, 80 Houndsditch, London EC3A 7AB
Website: panpacific.com
Price: From 58 British pounds per person (or about $79)
Courtesy Anya Café, Chelsea23. Afternoon tea at Anya Café, Chelsea
Best afternoon tea for: Original and quirky cakes and pastries
Propped up on the corner of Pont Street in the smart Kensington and Chelsea neighborhood as part of accessories designer Anya Hindmarch’s neighboring 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 colors. The staff are dressed to impress in their suited uniform, which makes it feel as if you’ve stepped into a '50s, diner-style coffee bar.
Everything here has been carefully considered and gives a nod to the brand, with its comical edge and trademark humor shining through the cheeky but chic menu. Dive into zesty lemon curd meringue “chubby clouds” and frosted berry caterpillar tarts, washing down the sugary treats with teas, coffees, cocktails, or freshly made juices. —Cordelia Aspinall
Address: 9 Pont Street, London SW1X 9EH
Website: anyahindmarch.com
Price: From 40 British pounds per person (or about $54)
Courtesy Roast24. Afternoon tea at Roast
Best afternoon tea for: A ringside 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 homemade seasonal jam—but other desserts, such as the fresh fruit tart packed with blueberry jam, lemon verbena mousseline, and fresh berries, 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: From 49 British pounds per person (or about $67)
Courtesy Great Court Restaurant, British Museum25. Afternoon tea at Great Court Restaurant, British Museum
Best afternoon tea for: Affordable treats inside a 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 seaweed crème fraîche, coronation spiced free-range chicken, and truffled free-range egg mayonnaise with mustard cress. 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—highlights include the Kentish pear frangipane tart with strawberry and Champagne ice cream and pistachio dust. —Lauren Hepburn
Address: Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG
Website: britishmuseum.org
Price: From 40 British pounds per person (or about $54)
Courtesy The Milestone Hotel26. Royal Afternoon Tea at The Milestone Hotel
Best afternoon tea for: Private rooms 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 neighborhood—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 checkered tile floors to its wood-paneled walls, coffered ceilings to shelves lined with leather-bound books.
Understandably, it tends to get a little overshadowed by its world-famous royal neighbor, 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 caramel-ly 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. —B.L.
Address: 1 Kensington Court, London, W8 5DL
Website: milestonehotel.com
Price from: From 85 British pounds per person (or about $115)
Courtesy The Londoner Hotel27. Afternoon tea at The Stage, The Londoner Hotel
Best afternoon tea 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 grays. 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 color 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: From 59 British pounds per person (or about $80)
Courtesy The Wolseley28. Afternoon tea at The Wolseley
Best afternoon tea 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 favorite—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: 46.50 British pounds per person for the classic afternoon tea (or about $63)
Courtesy Fortnum & Mason29. The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum & Mason
Best afternoon tea 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-paneled elevator) 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 “Tea-ristas” 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: Fourth floor, Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly, St. James's, London W1A 1ER
Website: fortnumandmason.com
Price: From 82 British pounds per person (or about $111)
30. Afternoon tea at The Stafford
Best afternoon tea 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 culinary strategist Michael Caines, who oversees the menu here. 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 244 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, savory 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 strawberry 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 honor her incredible bravery with this dedication. —M.W.
Address: The Stafford London, 16-18 St James’s Place, London SW1A 1NJ
Website: thestaffordlondon.com
Price: From 78 British pounds per person (or about $106)
Addie Chinn31. Marylebone Afternoon Tea at Seymour's Parlour, The Zetter Townhouse
Best afternoon tea for: Georgian delights
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 parlor—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 a.m. 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 savory menus: finger sandwiches, including traditional sandwiches with a twist (the smoked cheddar, apple cider chutney, and sundried tomato sarnie is a must) and savory treats, which features a honey roast ham croque monsieur and a Ribblesdale goats cheese and fig tart. 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?). —M.W.
Address: Seymour's Parlour, 28-30 Seymour Street, London W1H 7JB
Website: thezetter.com
Price: From 45 British pounds per person (or about $61)
The Carlton Tower Jumeirah32. The Carlton Tower Jumeirah Afternoon Tea
Best afternoon tea for: The virtuous
Take a minute to marvel at the thick wedges 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 for one of the most delightful afternoon teas in London. First, choose your tea from the extensive menu (plus a glass of fizz, if you like). All are strong and flavorful and can be switched up as often as you wish. Then comes the seasonally themed courses. Savory highlights include pumpkin tartlets with ricotta and a zingy sprinkle of lemon zest, and quintessentially English coronation chicken sandwiches. We particularly like the chance to choose a slice of cake from the “Royal’s favorite” selection, from the chocolate biscuit cake that Queen Elizabeth and Prince William both had at their wedding to a classic Victoria sponge, generously filled with a layer of vanilla cream cheese.
Address: The Carlton Tower Jumeirah, 1 Cadogan Place, London SW1X 9PY
Website: jumeirah.com
Price: From 100 British pounds per person (or about $136)
Jean-Baptiste Strub33. L'Amour du Thé Afternoon Tea, Socca
Best afternoon tea for: Quiet indulgence 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 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. Petite prawn and lobster rolls house a delightful lettuce crunch, Brittany rabbit finger sandwiches offer a zingy hit of mustard, and the coronation crab quiche is a welcome take on a beloved classic. The dessert spread is particularly fruity—think figs in chocolate and caramelized apples. 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. —N.S.W.
Address: 41A South Audley Street, London W1K 2PS
Website: soccabistro.com
Price: From 45 British pounds per person (or about $61)
Courtesy St James's Hotel & Club34. Afternoon tea at St James's Hotel & Club
Best afternoon tea for: A seasonal spread
With its gold-lettered shop fronts, St James's is an easy place for a spot of time-traveling, 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 savory offerings, 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 loads of crowds that some other hotels get.
Address: 7-8 Park Place, St. James's, London SW1A 1LS
Website: stjameshotelandclub.com
Price: From 50 British pounds per person (or about $68)
35. Cédric Grolet's Goûtea at The Berkeley
Best afternoon tea 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 savory 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: 130 British pounds per person (or about $176)
Courtesy Petersham Nurseries, Richmond36. Afternoon tea at Petersham Nurseries, Richmond
Best afternoon tea for: The green-fingered
Petersham Nurseries in Richmond has long been known for its beautiful garden center 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 center stage at the top of the hand-blown-glass tiered stand, its seasonal blooms paired with the sweet and savory 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. The savory menu mixes British classics with an Italian influence, from rosemary and parmesan scones to pumpkin sunflower choux with maple glaze.
The food is faultless but, best of all, you’ll leave inspired to redecorate your home and garden. —S.K.
Address: Church Lane, Off Petersham Road, Richmond, Surrey TW10 7AB
Website: petershamnurseries.com
Price: From 60 British pounds (or about $82)
This gallery has been updated with new information since the original publish date. A version of this gallery originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller UK.
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