There’s really no better way to spend an afternoon than sipping on tea and nibbling on cakes and pastries. Afternoon tea is the perfect activity to do for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or you just feel like heading out for the day and doing something a little special. So we’ve put together 23 afternoon tea ideas so you can personally pick the best afternoon tea in London for you and your significant other.
Table of Contents
Our Criteria
We know that the best afternoon tea in London means something different to everyone. And because everyone’s looking for something different when it comes to their perfect afternoon, we’ve ranked each of our suggestions based on what you’re looking for so that you can find the best afternoon tea experience for you. The criteria we have used for this post is as follows:
Price
We’ll let you know how pricey each experience is
Food
We’ll tell you if the sandwiches are fresh and cakes are soft!
Atmosphere
Afternoon tea is an experience, so the mood has to be right.
Customer reviews
average ratings based on Google and TripAdvisor
Our Top 10
Venue | Price | Food | Atmosphere | Customer Reviews | |
The Savoy | |||||
The Lanesborough | |||||
The Ritz | |||||
Oblix West, The Shard | |||||
Cinnamon Bazaar | |||||
Sketch, Mayfair | |||||
Alice Queen of Hearts | |||||
Claridge’s | |||||
Prêt-à-Portea at The Berkeley | |||||
London Landmarks at the Town House |
Afternoon tea is a quintessentially British tradition, and what better place to experience that than in the capital itself? Between the bottomless tea, tasty cakes and delicate finger sandwiches, afternoon tea always goes down a treat. And London offers a wide variety of ways to enjoy this classic – from themed extravaganzas to traditional tea parties.
We know that it can be difficult to settle on just one choice, so we’ve split our 23 best afternoon teas in London into 4 categories: the classics, the luxury spots, the unique afternoon tea experiences and some afternoon teas with a little extra flavour! So, let’s get started.
For Classic Afternoon Tea in London
They say if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right? Well, when it comes to afternoon tea, this couldn’t be truer. The best afternoon tea in London is often the most traditional, with simple British flavours and style providing an elegant yet effortless experience every time. Each of the afternoon tea venues on this list are classic in every sense of the word; from the finger sandwiches down to the decor.
The Wolseley
It doesn’t get more traditional than afternoon tea at this iconic London hotel. Enjoy your afternoon tea complete with classic scones and clotted cream and a selection of sandwiches and cakes in their lavishly decorated tea room.
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10 |
The Savoy
The Savoy is another iconic hotel in the capital, and you can enjoy their utterly classic British afternoon tea in the Thames Foyer. The glass-domed atrium fills the room with natural light and the decor is soft and light. Plus, with over 30 teas on the menu to try – you won’t want to leave!
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10 |
The Lanesborough
A stone’s throw from Hyde Park, The Lanesborough Hotel is hands down one of the most elegant locations in the city. And their afternoon tea is no different. With a live in-house pianist on the weekends, you can sip on your tea in style.
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10 |
Fortnum & Mason
Fortnum & Mason have been serving up afternoon tea for over 100 years in their tea salon – so if the best afternoon tea in London is the most authentic for you, then this is the place to be. And they really do know their stuff – their tea list features over 45 infusions so you’re bound to be spoilt for choice here.
Plus, if your plans change and you’re spending the afternoon at home – you can have your afternoon tea delivered from Fortnum & Mason!
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10 |
The Ritz London
If you’re looking for a little luxury in your afternoon tea, then there’s really no other choice but the Ritz really. A very British affair, this makes for one of the best afternoon tea experiences in London. Opt for a glass of champagne rather than tea if you’re feeling fancy and relax over delicious treats in this beautiful venue. Note: This is an expensive one – so be prepared!
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10 |
For Luxury Afternoon Tea in London
These afternoon tea experiences in London offer all the best things we love about afternoon tea, but with a little more luxury. Perfect for celebrating a special occasion, these luxury afternoon tea ideas are worth every penny if you’re looking for an experience to remember.
It goes without saying that each afternoon tea experience here will check all the usual boxes: fresh, beautifully prepared dishes and a selection of teas and champagne. But they also provide luxurious surroundings, elegant decor and attentive service too.
Harrods Afternoon Tea Experience
When you think about true British opulence, Harrods almost always comes to mind. And it’s not just a high-class shopping experience you can get from here. Amongst the designer brands is the afternoon tea experience to end them all. Their High Tea comes with all the trimmings you’d expect, in the elegantly decorated Tea Room with a live pianist to really set the scene.
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10 |
Oblix West, The Shard
For afternoon tea with a view, head up the iconic Shard to Oblix West. Their afternoon tea is, in short, exceptional. Expect dishes with locally-sourced ingredients, an extensive selection of teas, and of course, breathtaking views across the capital. Forget people watching for the afternoon, here you can watch the entire city!
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10 |
Claridge’s, Mayfair
With not one, but two rooms to enjoy their afternoon tea in, Claridge’s in Mayfair provides the ultimate luxury afternoon tea experience. The epitome of elegance, both the Foyer and Reading Room offer plush surroundings, a classy atmosphere and, of course, beautifully prepared and displayed afternoon tea treats.
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10 |
The Goring Hotel
A favourite spot of many members of the Royal Family, the Goring Hotel is a must if you’re looking for the most luxurious, best afternoon tea in London. Their afternoon tea is (literally) fit for a queen – so expect all the bells and whistles, and a tea list selected by the CEO personally.
Price | Food | Atmosphere | Customer Reviews | Love Score | Book |
10 |
For Unique Afternoon Tea Experiences
Next up are the unique afternoon tea experiences in London. If you’re after a truly unforgettable day out, then level up a traditional afternoon tea with a fun theme, colour or location! These unique afternoon tea experiences are perfect for celebrating your significant other’s birthday or an anniversary, especially as you can choose a theme that your partner will love! Whether they’re into fashion or magic, you’ll find the perfect match here.
The Potion Room at Cutter and Squidge
The Cutter and Squidge is a lovely little bakery that offers themed afternoon teas throughout the year. They change their theme every year or so, and at the moment their Potion Room experience is all the rage. Disappear into the world of magic and mix your own potions whilst you nibble on sweet treats.
Plus, if you’d rather have your afternoon tea delivered, you can order at-home afternoon tea sets from here too!
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8 |
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea
Let your inner child roam free at One Aldwych with their fun and chocolatey afternoon tea package! Expect wacky recipes and colourful decorations on your afternoon tea cake stand here. Even the tea here has a sweet twist – of either chocolate or lemon sherbert. It’s a great choice if you have a sweet tooth!
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8 |
Alice’s Queen of Hearts Afternoon Tea
A nod to the iconic character the Queen of Hearts from childhood favourite Alice in Wonderland, this afternoon tea is definitely unique. Red is the flavour of this tea party, with treats like strawberry pocket watch macarons on the menu. The venue even includes Sir John Tenniel’s original Alice in Wonderland illustrations from the V&A Museum’s collection on your table!
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9 |
The Biscuiteers Afternoon Tea
The Biscuiteers are, well, as you’ve probably guessed, experts in all things biscuits. And that’s the main focal point of their afternoon tea – their famous iced biscuits and best-selling cakes and bakes take centre stage after a tray of finger sandwiches, perfect for dunking in your cup of tea! During the Christmas season, they also offer a festive-themed afternoon tea to help us all get in the spirit.
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9 |
Winter Wonderland Afternoon Tea at The Rubens Hotel
If you want to combine your afternoon tea experience with a festive celebration, this Winter Wonderland afternoon tea is a must try! The Rubens Hotel’s afternoon tea comes with festive themed treats and the option of bottomless mulled wine too. This venue also offers the option of having your afternoon tea delivered!
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10 |
Sketch in Mayfair
Sketch in Mayfair is renowned for its eclectic interiors and creative dishes, and their afternoon tea reflects this same flair! Be delighted by funky bakes and a lively atmosphere that you’d expect from one of London’s rave-reviewed restaurants – the price tag is steep but it’s worth it for the experience!
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9 |
London Landmarks Afternoon Tea at the Town House
Whether you’re a tourist or Londoner through and through, this afternoon tea inspired by London landmarks is a treat for us all. Pick your favourite sweet treat off your very own miniature London Eye cake stand and learn about London’s most famous landmarks as you sip your tea! Plus, being in South Kensington at Town House means you could actually go and visit a few of them after tea.
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8 |
Prêt-à-Portea: the Couture Cakewalk Afternoon Tea at The Berkeley
This is a must-do for all fashion lovers. Whether it’s a hobby or yours or your partner’s, this ‘couture cakewalk’ afternoon tea pays homage to the greats in the world of fashion design. From Gucci to Stella McCartney, you’ll see nods to numerous fashion greats during your time here. Expect exquisitely decorated bakes inspired by iconic designs and festive drinks if you visit in the winter months!
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8 |
Under The Sea Afternoon Tea at Fish Cafe
Over in Hampstead, there’s an underwater afternoon tea treat just waiting to be discovered. Dive into marine-inspired bites, including mermaid tail biscuits and seafood sandwiches. This is the best afternoon tea in London if your partner loves all things oceanic!
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8 |
For Afternoon Tea in London with a Global Twist
If you’ve had your share of traditional afternoon teas and are craving something a little more exotic for your next day out, then a global afternoon tea in London is just what you need. These afternoon tea ideas put their own twist on the British classic with flavours from around the world. And we’ve found the best of the best – from Scandinavia to India.
Petersham Nurseries
The Petersham Nurseries in Covent Garden is a beautiful little oasis in the centre of the city that deserves a visit. And if afternoon tea is on your mind, their Indonesian-inspired dishes will do the trick. Set in lush greenery, this is an afternoon tea experience to remember, whatever the occasion.
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10 |
Cinnamon Bazaar
For an Indian-meets-British afternoon tea experience, you have to go to Cinnamon Bazaar. The award-winning restaurant seamlessly converts Indian flavours into British afternoon tea favourites, with the addition of street food staples like chaat for a truly unique afternoon tea experience.
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10 |
Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard
The TING restaurant at the iconic Shangri-La Hotel in the Shard offers a tasty afternoon tea experience inspired by the cuisine of the Alpines. The chef has beautifully incorporated the flavours of central Europe that you can enjoy together with 360 views of London below.
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10 |
Aquavit Nordic Afternoon Tea
This afternoon tea takes us to Scandinavia, courtesy of the team at Aquavit. Choose between Swedish coffee or Danish tea, enjoy pastries from both, and relax in their laid back lounge. This is a budget-friendly afternoon tea, especially for what you get!
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9 |
Sexy Fish
Asian restaurant Sexy Fish has a reputation for its beautiful interiors, and even more beautiful dishes. Their afternoon tea is no less impressive, packed with East Asian flavours and brimming with colour. The presentation is so good that you won’t even want to eat it!
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10 |
The Best Afternoon Tea in London
After looking at all of these afternoon tea ideas, you’re probably craving a cuppa now! Whatever your tastes and style, we hope you’ve found the best afternoon tea in London for your next trip. Whether it’s for your partner’s birthday or another occasion, any of the picks on this list will make sure it’s a special experience for you both.
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