The best afternoon teas in London for the perfect tier of treats

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

1. The Savoy

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

2. Fortnum & Mason

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: 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

3. Café Royal

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. The Clermont

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

5. Caviar House & Prunier

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

6. The Rubens at the Palace

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. Ruben’s also offers excellent substitutes to match dietary requirements. 

Find out more about The Rubens at the Palace

7. The Royal Horseguards Hotel

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

8. Rotunda

As far as hotel lobby-side restaurants go, this Trinity Square offering is one of the most impressive. Guests dine under a striking domed ceiling, over an all-day menu that encompasses breakfast, afternoon tea, lunch, and dinner. The recent Crown Jewels tier is inspired by the treasures of the nearby Tower of London—‘The Crown’ pastry, for example, deserves a spotlight of its own. Live music strums while guests tuck in with plenty of Billecart Salmon for good company.

Find out more about Rotunda

9. 1901 Wine Lounge

One of five unique dining destinations within Andaz London, Liverpool Street, 1901 Wine Lounge is, as its name suggests, where to enjoy a quality bottle, except now you needn’t leave to line the stomach. Their afternoon tea presentation, in collaboration with Moët & Chandon, offers guests savoury and sweet delicacies alongside premium Jing teas. Sittings take place daily and packages for two start from just £45.

Find out more about 1901 Wine Lounge

10. The Wellington Lounge

As the former childhood residence of Queen Elizabeth II, the InterContinental London Park Lane has fittingly rolled out a new Elizabethan Royal Tea, and it’s absolutely divine. The spread includes hand-crafted savoury finger sandwiches, pastries, cakes, and homemade scones served on Wedgewood English bone china. You won’t find a better Coronation Chicken Royale on Park Lane… and the sweet spot? The Imperial Citrus Drizzle Cake. Teas are courtesy of heritage brand, The East India Company, including a specially crafted blend called, you guessed it, Elizabeth II. Diners feeling jubilant should upgrade with a glass of Veuve Clicquot for an additional £12. 

Find out more about The Wellington Lounge at InterContinental London Park Lane

11. Sketch

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

12. Lanes of London

Located within the London Marriott Hotel Park Lane, this botanical afternoon tea is inspired by neighbouring Hyde Park. You have items on tier such as delicate rose and raspberry cream choux swan, garden pond cheesecake, and lemongrass and pistachio chocolate forest log, to name but a few nods to the park and in what ends up being a fantastically floral display. They’re paired with JING teas, or bubbles and house cocktails. Available Friday to Sunday between 12 and 4.

Find out more about Lanes of London at London Marriott Hotel Park Lane

13. Searcys Helix Restaurant

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

14. BBar

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

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