From London Bridge to Bridgerton, here are the top afternoon teas in London.
Afternoon tea is the quintessential British activity, perfect for all occasions. Whether you’re looking for a classy day out with friends, a tourist activity, or a celebratory meal, London has a plethora of places to try. In recent years, afternoon tea has seen a much-needed rebrand, with an increase in themed teas and seasonally changing menus. Londoners have since been reminded that the activity has something for everyone, regardless of age or food preferences. So dress in your finest and come hungry, because the city has some serious options waiting for you to indulge in. Here are the top afternoon teas in London.
Claridge’s
Claridge’s is up there as one of the most regal afternoon tea spots in London. From the decadent pastries to the fluffy scones and classic finger sandwiches, Claridge’s never disappoints. Delicious food paired with a live pianist and cellist makes for the perfect afternoon out. Indulge in a high-end tea with a relaxing atmosphere, in a spot that doesn’t have to try too hard to be the best of the best.
GO: Visit www.maybourne.com for more information.
Fortnum & Mason
Famous for serving the royals their tea, Fortnum & Mason is a fan favourite among tourists. Expect to be pleasantly surprised: despite its esteemed, ever-so-fancy reputation, guests feel right at home. Taking over the entire fourth floor, afternoon tea here is a whole experience. From the top service to the perfectly classic menu, Fortnum & Mason is the place to be for one of the top afternoon teas in London.
GO: Visit www.fortnumandmason.com for more information.
Jumeirah Carlton Tower
Afternoon tea at Jumeirah Carlton Tower is a tribute to nature, inspired by the flora of British gardens. The internationally curated menu is served throughout the day in a refined and warm setting. Elegant presentation and an inviting atmosphere come together to elevate the tea and turn it into a memorable day out. Presented in collaboration with the historic Cadogan Gardens and inspired by its history and beauty, the reimagined menu pays tribute to the gardens' heritage, crafted by Executive Pastry Chef Martin Haidar. Guests can sample an amuse-bouche of beetroot and orange espuma, classic savoury British sandwiches, four seasonal scones, and a curated selection of four pastries celebrating the gardens' botanical offerings.
GO: Visit www.jumeirah.com for more information.
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park
The Rosebery at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park provides a theatrical afternoon tea, with high ceilings, a live violinist, and more. This multi-sensory experience is best known for the top quality of its food offerings, with perfectly crafted sandwiches and artistic desserts. The moreish menu and calming atmosphere make for an enticing and unforgettable visit, leaving you scheduling your next visit before you’ve even left.
GO: Visit www.mandarinoriental.com for more information.
Rosewood London
Afternoon tea at the Rosewood Hotel in Holborn is truly unique, offering an immersive experience inspired by a rotating roster of artists. This season’s artist is Claude Monet, with a dessert menu crafted by Executive Pastry Chef Mark Perkins, who was inspired by his use of light and colour. Monet-style desserts include The Water Lily Pond – a pistachio delight made of morello and griottine jelly with cherry blossom, whipped pistachio ganache and matcha chocolate; Woman with a Parasol – vanilla madeleine sponge, rosemary white chocolate namelaka with apricot vanilla jelly and Emperor’s 7 Treasures tea ganache, with pistachio crumb and a green chocolate parasol, and more. Guests can enjoy these works of art in a mesmerising mirror-filled room.
GO: Visit www.rosewoodhotels.com for more information.
Shangri-La The Shard, London
Shangri-La The Shard offers afternoon tea high in the sky. Escape to the clouds with a tea served 35 storeys up, encapsulating the magic of the city’s skyline. Curated by Executive Pastry Chef Piero Sottile, the experience features elegant sandwiches and savoury bites, warm scones with jam and clotted cream, and a trio of seasonal pastries. With panoramic views of London, this afternoon tea is elevated by its stunning backdrop.
GO: Visit www.shangri-la.com for more information.
sketch
The Gallery at sketch exudes class and creativity. From the art-lined walls to the luxe velvet furniture, this space is made to be marvelled at. Tourists come from all over the world to enjoy the décor, particularly the famous egg-shaped toilets. Designed by artist Yinka Shonibare and designer India Mahdavi in 2022, the striking colour palette and unforgettable interiors are enough to convince anyone to visit. The afternoon tea menu is consistent, fusing the classic with the obscure. Specialities such as smoked salmon, éclairs and Battenberg cake always feature, while the fruits in the patisserie options change to reflect the seasons.
GO: Visit https://sketch.london for more information.
The Berkeley
Casual yet chic, The Berkeley offers neutral tones with soft furnishings, bringing café culture to the afternoon tea scene. Every aspect is intentionally crafted, from its classy interiors, designed by French designer Rémi Tessier, to the menus that blur the day into night. Home to famed French pastry chef Cédric Grolet’s patisserie, guests can sample a petit déjeuner of intricate viennoiserie and edible works of art. When afternoon hits, Goûtea – Grolet’s fusion of goûter, the French tradition of sweet snacks – comes into play. This elegant offering combines French tradition with a classic British afternoon tea, standing out in a sea of options for afternoon teas in London.
GO: Visit www.maybourne.com for more information.
The Cadogan
Just a stone’s throw from Knightsbridge and Sloane Square, The Cadogan provides contemporary luxury housed in its striking 1887 red-brick building. Hidden within the botanically inspired Cadogan Lounge is Benoît Blin’s take on the English tradition of afternoon tea. The experience is served in courses, with unlimited top-ups of its delicious dishes. The menu includes salmon gravadlax on toasted croissant with quail egg and cream cheese; egg mayonnaise sandwich with Parmesan crisp and winter truffle; barbecued cornbread with cured Wagyu beef and chilli sauce; Cornish crab brioche, and more. This is followed by freshly baked scones with house strawberry jam and clotted cream, and rich desserts such as a chocolate religieuse and framboise with ‘la rhubarbe’.
GO: Visit www.belmond.com for more information.
The Connaught
The Connaught is the chic afternoon tea of choice. Don’t be fooled by the pressures of a Mayfair-based institution – The Connaught encourages you to relax in a casual setting. The atmosphere is lively and the service top-notch, with the perfect window spot for people-watching. The restaurant displays art by Louise Bourgeois and stained glass by Jean-Michel Othoniel, giving it a truly creative and individual personality. A plethora of flavourful teas paired with British–South East Asian fusion sandwiches makes for a memorable experience.
GO: Visit www.maybourne.com for more information.
The Dorchester
Afternoon tea at The Dorchester is hard to forget. Housed in one of Mayfair’s most beautiful rooms and serving around 3,000 meals each day, this experience is like no other. The Dorchester has been awarded a Highly Commended certificate at the Afternoon Tea Awards 2018 in recognition of its outstanding quality and high standards. Served in The Promenade, the room is decorated with potted palms and flowering plants surrounding comfortable seating. The menu’s pastries are created by award-winning Chef Michael Kwan and are inspired by seasonal flavours.
GO: Visit www.dorchestercollection.com for more information.
The Lanesborough
The Lanesborough has curated a truly individualistic vibe, from the name-embossed soil at the hotel entrance to the faultless service during afternoon tea. This five-star Knightsbridge location is in a league of its own. Evoking period drama scenes in the Regency Dining Room, the experience feels cinematic. Currently themed as a “Bridgerton Afternoon Tea”, the curated menu paired with a regal setting (and resident cat Lilibet) creates a one-of-a-kind day out.
GO: Visit www.oetkerhotels.com for more information.
The Langham
Opening in 1865, The Langham became the first hotel in the world to serve afternoon tea. Now, nearly 160 years later, it continues to celebrate this legacy. The menu highlights the hotel’s history through a modern lens, serving Victorian-inspired cakes, pastries and sandwiches by Executive Pastry Chef Andrew Gravett and Michel Roux. The Langham is perfect for a relaxed, no-frills afternoon tea. The mirrored, silver-toned Palm Court, decorated with Wedgwood crockery, creates a refined yet comfortable setting for an unhurried day out.
GO: Visit www.langhamhotels.com for more information.
The Ritz London
The Ritz is exactly what it thinks it is – one of the essential afternoon teas in London. Gold detailing, flawless service and silver teapots, paired with a cake trolley rolled up to your table – it doesn’t get much better than that. Spend hours wining, dining and catching up with friends; The Ritz doesn’t mind, as long as you’re having a grand time. With over 20 types of loose-leaf tea, it takes the tradition seriously and is the only hotel in the UK with a certified Tea Master, Giandomenico Scanu.
GO: Visit www.theritzlondon.com for more information.
The Savoy
The Gallery at The Savoy on the Strand is like the new kid at school – cool, mysterious and someone everyone wants to be friends with. With a warm-toned palette and unbelievably comfortable sofas, visit once, and you’ll struggle to leave. A live pianist accompanies you as you indulge in traditional sandwiches and free refills. With a seasonally changing menu, The Savoy keeps things fresh while leaving you eager to return.
GO: Visit https://thesavoylondon.com for more information.
The Wolseley
The Wolseley in Mayfair is suitable for any occasion; no matter who you’re with, it’s always a reliable go-to. The atmosphere is lively yet familiar, and vast yet comfortable. Set in a converted 1920s car showroom with high ceilings and marble columns, the venue makes every visit feel special. Afternoon tea is reasonably priced and consistently delicious, even if it’s almost always busy with tourists.
GO: Visit https://www.thewolseley.com for more information.
