The best afternoon teas in London for the perfect tier of treats
Where to indulge in mini sandwiches, scones, cakes, and delicate brews.
Afternoon tea is a British tradition steeped in history. In the 1800s, the Duchess of Bedford, a close friend of Queen Victoria, needed something to satisfy her hunger between lunch and dinner. She settled on a ritual of small bites and sweet treats, and let’s just say, it really caught on. Today, the best afternoon teas in London offer something for all budgets at every corner of the city, including within the best five star hotels.
The best afternoon teas in London for all budgets
1. The Lanesborough | Hyde Park Corner
One of London’s luxurious fab five, The Lanesborough is a remarkable destination, not just for overnights but for any single F&B visit. Afternoon tea pays homage to Bridgerton, giving guests the elegant Regency-era touch. It’s served within the ornate dining room, illuminated by a domed glass roof by day or a chandelier sparkle come evening. Under it, your tiers include fresh truffled sandwiches, warm scones just baked, and sweet concepts inspired by the series, including Colin’s Travels, a Colin Bridgerton chocolate treat encased in a travel trunk. Bridgerton devotee or not, you’ll be charmed by the whole thing, and the service is Michelin-grade.
Find out more about The Lanesborough
2. Brigit’s Afternoon Tea Bus London Sightseeing Tour | Central London
For a classic afternoon tea with a twist, Brigit’s Bakery offers an exceptional experience for both tourists and those playing tourist in their own backyard. With collection from a range of easily accessible spots in Central London, hop aboard a vintage-style red double decker bus and sample exquisite sweet and savoury treats as you get up-close-and-personal with sights including The Thames, Big Ben, and Royal Albert Hall.
This 90-minute journey has a soundtrack that tells you about the different places you’re passing and the wonderful team will keep you from getting dehydrated thanks to their selection of teas, coffees, and drinks. Of course scones make an appearance with lashings of jam and clotted cream – we were so full after our trip, but thankfully they give you cool little takeaway boxes for enjoying any excess at home (if you have any left!)
If you can’t make a bus tour work, Brigit’s Bakery has a beautifully curated storefront in the heart of Covent Garden that serves the same delicious morsels along with a selection of seasonal specials in a stationary position 😉
Learn more about Brigit’s Afternoon Tea Bus London Sightseeing Tour
3. Café Royal | Soho
If you want to dine in a lavish royal setting, look no further than Café Royal. The gilded golden salon was once Oscar Wilde’s regular retreat, amongst many other notable figures in history. Afternoon tea is crafted by Executive Pastry Chef Loic Carbonnet, where every sweet delicacy is a work of art. Not to mention the fluffy traditional scones and luxury tea sandwiches (the egg and truffle will steal the show). Add a glass of Veuve Clicquot and the melodic sounds of a live pianist and you’re transported to another time and place.
Find out more about Hotel Café Royal
4. Ham Yard Hotel | Soho
Be served savouries and sweets in company of the chic spaces of Ham Yard, within their floral drawing room that basks in natural light no matter how gloomy the weather. This Piccadilly hotel is from the folks behind Firmdale’s Soho and Covent Garden Hotels, and you’ll notice that signature boutique meets members club essence, dressed in distinctly British fashion. The tea courses echo that fancy, spinning miniature sausage rolls and roast chicken sandwiches, then with scones and jams, and a delicate array of mini pastries to finish. Bubbles are brought in from the UK and France, and extra scones and sandwiches may be ordered for a small supplement.
Find out more about Ham Yard Hotel
5. The Wolseley | Mayfair and City of London
A favourite of Londoners, The Wolseley in Mayfair is an afternoon tea institution, but did you know there’s another outpost in city? Offering a similar signature tea experience, this one’s a stunner on King William Street by Monument Square. Whichever you visit, expect assorted finger sandwiches, fruit scones, and cakes, on a classic Wolseley silver tier. Canton teas and bubbles complete the occasion, all at exceptional price points. No wonder city locals keep on coming back.
Find out more about The Wolseley
6. Brown’s Hotel | Mayfair
A favourite afternoon tea destination of Queen Victoria’s, Brown’s today continues a royal tradition within its irresistible Drawing Room. Warm wooden panelling, a grand fireplace, and inspiring art collection make for an elegant and cosy respite away from all Mayfair traffic. Let a golden masala chai soothe (or an Exton Park sparkling from Hampshire) and commence a very British brew time journey. Your tier features the beloved greats: coronation chicken and smoked salmon sandwiches, plain and fruit scones, and a delightful Kipling cake to finish.
Find out more about Brown’s Hotel
7. Fortnum & Mason | Mayfair and City of London
When it comes to the best afternoon teas in London, Fortnum’s has to be on the list. Whilst the Piccadilly flagship’s Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon often takes the spotlight (and rightly so, it’s incredible), we want to take a moment to appreciate the outpost at The Royal Exchange.
Stunning in its own unique way, it sits within a grand central courtyard that’s lined with Romanesque pillars and limestone walkways. Expect a menu of seasonal and contemporary offerings, including perfect sandwiches, scones, and cake. Plus, what Fortnum & Mason is unparalleled in crafting: tea. Our pick is the dark and flavourful Royal Exchange Blend, which can also be picked up from the store within the building.
Find out more about Fortnum & Mason at The Royal Exchange
8. The Clermont | Charing Cross
Attached to Charing Cross train station, it’s no wonder The Clermont’s tea has partnered with Hidden London tube tours, but this is worth a standalone visit too and one of our favourite (semi) hidden gems in London. Though situated by one of the capital’s busiest zones, the restaurant is a calming respite, and guests can sip on warm brews for hours in peace on a plush velvet armchair or sofa. Tea is joined by classic British savoury sandwiches, warm scones, and sweets like the Eton mess and chocolate & orange tart. Bubbles like the Chapel Down (additional £5) and afternoon tea cocktails like the gin-based Fizzy Journey (additional £12) are also available and highly recommended.
Find out more about The Clermont
9. The Savoy | Covent Garden
The Savoy’s afternoon tea has been a bucket list endeavor for centuries: served within the iconic hotel since 1889. Today, guests sip and savour in the Thames Foyer, a chandelier-strewn atrium basking in natural light. Start with the classic British sandwiches with a twist, served alongside savoury bites like the parsnip and parmesan cake, then sweeten up with a freshly baked plain or raisin scone and cake selection including blueberry tartlet and a creamy gianduja. There are 28 types of tea leaves to choose from, as well as Nyetimber English sparkling.
Read our full review of a stay at The Savoy.
Find out more about The Savoy
10. Swan London | Bankside
If you’re seeing a show at Shakespeare’s Globe, then make a meal of it at the venue’s neighbourhood restaurant, The Swan. Here you’ll find a delectable afternoon tea, served weekdays from 12-5 pm, which includes a signature Love Potion cocktail, plus classic savouries, warm scones, and sweets. Best of all they’re themed to a timeless Shakespeare story to really get you in the spirit of the production. A huge array of teas is available too, and the full cocktail list is fantastic. Try the Lady Macbeth (Sipsmith sloe gin, Martini Rubino, Campari, and lemon) if you like them gin-based.
Find out more about Swan London
11. Caviar House & Prunier | Piccadilly
Champagne and caviar go hand in hand, so it only makes sense to incorporate them into an afternoon tea. Caviar House & Prunier lets guests indulge. The savouries include prawn brioche rolls and the grilled egg yolk sandwich & caviar; the freshly baked scones are served with Balik salmon fillet, crème fraiche, and caviar; and the cakes, small but perfectly crafted, include macaroons and lemon tarts topped with a dollop of, you guessed it, caviar. Pair with Caviar House Brut Champagne or one of the mixologist’s special cocktails.
Find out more about Caviar House & Prunier
12. The Rubens at the Palace | Buckingham Palace Road, Victoria
Mark any Buckingham Palace occasion with afternoon tea at The Rubens at the Palace, an all-round quintessential English experience with panoramic views of the Royal Mews. Guests may be positioned to take full advantage, thanks to window-facing tables. Television’s Sarah Houghting helms the pastry kitchen, where raspberry sandwiches, pistachio choux, and banana caramel tarts masterfully top your tiers. Below them, scones and sandwiches harnessing all that’s seasonal and local. Teas are courtesy of PMD, a family-run tea company.
Find out more about The Rubens at the Palace
13. Sketch | Mayfair
Situated in a 1779 grade II listed building, The Gallery is a pink paradise for afternoon tea. The classics are all served with elevation, mainly by way of caviar. We love the Battenberg. As this is Sketch, you’ll want to down that Laurent-Perrier as much as you can. The futuristic egg-shaped toilets are a social media sensation, so multiple trips to the famous loos are a must.
Find out more about Sketch
14. Searcys Helix Restaurant | St. Mary Axe
Soar to the top of The Gherkin, where Searcy’s Helix Restaurant is the peak for special occasions. It’s £60 for tiered treats and a glass of Searcys Blanc de Blancs bubbles – excellent value when you factor in an observatory experience. Sample items include Norfolk roasted turkey and cranberry sandwiches, blackcurrant mousse, and of course, fresh baked scones.
Find out more about Searcys Helix Restaurant at The Gherkin
15. The Royal Horseguards Hotel | Embankment
This historic hotel is said to be one of J.K. Rowling’s inspirations for Hogwarts and has a revered history tied to the likes of Churchill and Ian Fleming. Afternoon tea is equally magic; held in The Lounge, and organised in a three-tier carriage beside fine China. Start with classic sandwiches like egg, mayo, and cress, move onto traditional all-butter scones, and you have at the summit British beloved treats like the Victoria Sponge. Both the Strawberry & Cream special blend tea, or Chapel Down English sparkling will marry them perfectly.
Find out more about The Royal Horseguards Hotel
16. The Orangery | Kensington Gardens
The Orangery has just made Kensington Palace one of the top spots for afternoon tea: both the new venue and the palace grounds complement a royally delicious experience. Menu items include the Castle Farm lavender éclairs and traditional scones with Cornish clotted cream and blackcurrant preserve, and the drinks list incorporates British favourites like Pimm’s and English sparkling wine, as well as your classic wines, champagnes, and teas.
Find out more about The Orangery
17. BBar | Victoria
Can’t decide what to save stomach space for? Then combine lunch and afternoon tea for a double helping of two British traditions at once. BBar on Buckingham Palace Road tiers beer-battered cod with thick fluffy chips and mushy peas, alongside decadent cakes and Amarula scones. At £30 per person, it’s an excellent value feast for the whole crew.
Find out more about Bbar London
18. The Wellington Lounge | Mayfair
As the former childhood residence of Queen Elizabeth II, the InterContinental London Park Lane has fittingly rolled out a new Elizabethan Royal Tea. The spread includes hand-crafted savoury finger sandwiches, pastries, cakes, and homemade scones served on Wedgwood English bone china. Teas are courtesy of heritage brand, The East India Company, including a specially crafted blend called, you guessed it, Elizabeth II.
Find out more about The Wellington Lounge at InterContinental London Park Lane
19. Oblix | London Bridge
If you’re looking for a sugar high as well as an elevation high, then Oblix has just the booking. Situated on floor 32 on the East side of the venue, guests are treated to British classics with a twist against the London skyline. Sandwiches include coronation chicken with mango chutney & coriander for a delightful tang, fresh scones that come with whipped clotted cream and honeycomb or raspberry preserve (both work brilliantly!), and Madeleines are made with warm honey and dipped with chocolate sauce. Guests can upgrade with cocktails, wines, and Champagne (including bottomless) for an additional fee.
Find out more about Oblix
But wait, there’s more…
- Here are our absolute favourite restaurants in London
- Looking for the perfect date spot? Peruse the most romantic restaurants in London
- Or head to Naifs in Peckham for divine vegan fare
