London's afternoon tea scene is a lovely mix of tradition, new ideas and elegance, with something for everyone and every occasion. Offering a plethora of options for discerning visitors, London has an impressive selection of top-class afternoon tea locations that serve up a unique take on this timeless tradition.
A few of the best afternoon tea options in this guide include the Ritz afternoon tea, The Savoy Afternoon Tea, the spectacular skyline views at TĪNG at Shangri-La, The Shard and the fantastical Peter Pan afternoon tea at Aqua Shard. These venues provide a unique perspective on the afternoon tea experience from freshly baked scones with Cornish clotted cream to beautifully presented pastries on a tea stand.
From a luxury hotel, a dining room with picturesque views of Hyde Park, or an imaginative themed afternoon tea concept based on books and theatre, find the best afternoon teas in London for special occasions.
Luxury Afternoon Teas in London
The Ritz Afternoon Tea
When it comes to afternoon tea in the UK, the Ritz afternoon tea epitomises this ritual better than any other establishment.
Location: 150 Piccadilly, London W1J 9BR, United Kingdom
Setting & Atmosphere: In the glistening Palm Court of this luxury hotel, the room sparkles with chandeliers as live piano music plays quietly in the background. It all comes down to the rhythm that is created here. Service never feels rushed and the ritual of afternoon tea unfolds with deliberate elegance.
Afternoon Tea Experience (What’s Included): A classical three-tiered afternoon tea stand offers a combination of savouries, freshly-baked scones and exquisite sweet treats, offering guests a perfectly classical afternoon tea.
Menu Highlights:
Classically-cut finger sandwiches, such as cucumber and cream cheese, egg mayonnaise and smoked salmon
Warm scones accompanied by Cornish clotted cream and strawberry jam
Fresh seasonal pastries that can be ordered on request
High-class tea selection made up of 20 types of loose-leaf teas
An upgrade to the Champagne afternoon tea with premium sparkling wine
Price Range: From £81 for adults; upgrade to Champagne from £25.
Dietary Options: Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free menus available.
Booking Information: For bookings, visit their website or call +44 (0) 20 7300 2345
Dress Code: Formal smart attire; jacket and tie preferred.
Best For: Special occasions and celebrations, as well as for experiencing the benchmark traditional afternoon tea in central London.
Why The Sybarite Recommends: The Ritz maintains the structure very well: fresh finger sandwiches, excellent freshly baked scones, careful tea service are just a few things that keep this one of the most consistent afternoons in London.
The Savoy Afternoon Tea
As one of London's architectural icons, The Savoy continues to shape the concept of afternoon teas in London with heritage and elegant modernity.
Location: Strand, London WC2R 0EY, United Kingdom
Setting & Atmosphere: The famous glass dome in the Thames dining room provides the ideal location for enjoying your afternoon tea. It is both spacious and intimate.
Afternoon Tea Experience (What’s Included): Traditional afternoon tea is elegantly served on a three-tiered stand by a professional team using polished silverware.
Menu Highlights:
Various types of delicious finger sandwiches, including coronation chicken and smoked salmon
Classic scones and fruit scones with clotted cream and homemade strawberry jam
Seasonal patisserie, beautifully arranged on the plate
The signature blend of tea is included in a selection of 20 types
Upgrade to Champagne or sparkling wine
Price Range: From £90 per person.
Dietary Options: Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free menus.
Booking Information: For bookings, visit their website or call +44 (0) 20 7836 4343
Dress Code: Smart casual attire
Best For: An elegant way of spending your anniversary, a weekend treat or for anyone looking for the best afternoon tea experience in central London.
Why The Sybarite Recommends: By analysing the service policy of this venue, we've discovered that precision and professionalism are what help The Savoy preserve its place among the best afternoon teas.
The Goring Afternoon Tea
Nestled next to Buckingham Palace, The Goring is a prime example of the classic British afternoon tea.
Location: 15 Beeston Pl, London SW1W 0JW, United Kingdom
Setting & Atmosphere: This iconic afternoon tea takes place either in the exclusive Veranda surrounded by lush greenery or the elegant dining room on Saturdays, which exudes a unique, almost aristocratic feeling. This is one of those places where the atmosphere reminds you of a private residence rather than a luxury hotel restaurant.
Afternoon Tea Experience (What’s Included): A thoroughly executed traditional afternoon tea based on the principles of refinement and simplicity.
Menu Highlights:
Delicately-cut finger sandwiches with various ingredients, for instance, coronation chicken or Montgomery cheddar
'Her Life In Style' Afternoon Tea Menu
Classic scones and fruit scones with rich clotted cream
Fresh seasonal pastries and cakes
Unique house blend of tea in the tea menu
An upgrade to Champagne or English sparkling wine
Price Range: From £75 per person.
Dietary Options: Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free variants.
Booking Information: For bookings, visit their website or call +44 (0) 20 7769 4475
Best Suited For: Guests who love the royal family, those passionate about heritage and those looking for the real traditional afternoon tea near Hyde Park.
Why The Sybarite Recommends: The essence of The Goring's excellence is restraint: the quality of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and devotion to the beloved British tradition contribute to its reliability.
Unique Themed Afternoon Teas
Sheraton London Grand Park Lane Great Gatsby Afternoon Tea
This themed afternoon tea experience immerses guests in the opulent world of Jazz Age elegance, where the sophistication of the Art Deco period becomes an edible work of art.
Location: Piccadilly, London W1J 7BX, United Kingdom
Setting & Atmosphere: Served in the grand Palm Court of this five-star hotel on Park Lane, the space reflects the lavishness of the Roaring Twenties. This isn't merely a gimmick; this themed tea is executed with the grace befitting its period inspiration.
Afternoon Tea Experience (What’s Included): A narrative-driven afternoon tea experience inspired by F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, blending storytelling with traditional formality.
Menu Highlights:
The Gatsby Club Sandwich and Daisy's Tropical Choux
Innovative finger sandwiches and intricate patisseries
The Green Light Martini and other themed cocktails
A complimentary glass of Louis Pommery sparkling wine throughout August
Upgrades to the champagne afternoon tea are possible
Price Range: Starting at £65 per person; Champagne £85; Cocktails from £19.
Dietary Options: Vegetarian options are offered. Other restrictions may be accommodated on request.
Booking Information: Advanced reservations are advised through this site.
Dress Code: Formal attire is preferred.
Best For: Celebrations, birthdays, theatre enthusiasts and elegant gatherings.
Why The Sybarite Recommends: Analysing various themed afternoon teas in London, we’ve found that these experiences can sometimes overwhelm the core elements of afternoon tea. This unique concept, however, strikes the right balance, ensuring that it is not only themed but also maintains the integrity of its components.
Peter Pan Afternoon Tea at Aqua Shard
Few themed afternoon tea experiences feel as immersive as the Peter Pan afternoon tea at Aqua Shard, perched high above the city skyline.
Location: Level 31, The Shard, 31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9RY, United Kingdom
Setting & Atmosphere: With breathtaking views of central London, the dining room creates an experience that goes beyond mere entertainment. The theatrical elements enhance the luxury of the experience.
Afternoon Tea Experience (What’s Included): A captivating themed tea experience served in a custom-designed pirate ship-themed tea stand, incorporating storytelling in every tier.
Menu Highlights:
'Lost Boys' Chicken and Bacon Sandwich
'Codfish' Captain Hook Brandade Croquette
Tinker Bell Cookie and Chocolate Cake Confections
Custom-blended tea, including Darling Tea
Upgrade to the champagne afternoon tea option
Donation of £2 per guest to Great Ormond Street Hospital
Dietary Options: Available vegetarian, vegan and pescatarian options.
Booking Information: For bookings, visit their website or call +44 (0) 20 3011 1256
Dress Code: Smart casual attire. Be stylish but avoid being overly formal or casual.
Best For: Families, romantic dates, milestones.
Why The Sybarite Recommends: Aqua Shard's concept stands out. It manages to incorporate the theatrical aspect while keeping the culinary execution grounded, ensuring that the finger sandwiches, pastries and bespoke loose leaf tea still maintain the structure of a classic afternoon tea experience.
One Aldwych - Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea
One Aldwych takes afternoon tea to a whole new level by using Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory as a major inspiration.
Location: 1 Aldwych, London WC2B 4BZ, United Kingdom
Setting & Atmosphere: Located in this contemporary luxury hotel, the space embodies playfulness combined with elegance. This one successfully attracts both adults and children.
Afternoon Tea Experience (What’s Included): An indulgent chocolate-themed afternoon tea experience that retains the traditional three-tier structure while adding unique storytelling elements.
Menu Highlights:
Chocolate Fountain and chocolate mousse creations
Unique savoury dishes along with sophisticated finger sandwiches
Charlie-themed bespoke loose-leaf tea
Quirky nods like mentions of fizzy lifting drinks
Option to upgrade to Champagne
Price Range: £75 per adult; £55 per child under 12.
Dietary Options: Vegetarian options available; other dietary accommodations can be made with advance notice.
Booking Information: For bookings, visit their website or call +44 20 7186 2444
Dress Code: Smart casual attire, polished outfits that elevate the entire experience
Best For: Family outings, creative birthdays, fun-filled but elegant afternoons.
Why The Sybarite Recommends: Its success lies in balancing innovation and tradition. Despite its playful nature, the chocolate theatrics never overshadow the fundamentals: well-structured sweet treats, cohesive presentation and the integrity of the tea menu.
Afternoon Teas with a Twist
The Greenhouses Afternoon Tea Experience
Marrying the formality of afternoon tea with the elegance of Middle Eastern influence, The Greenhouses serves one of the most unique afternoon teas in London.
Location: 1 Marylebone Rd, London NW1 4AQ, United Kingdom
Setting & Atmosphere: A truly unique and elegant experience hosted in private greenhouse-style dining rooms filled with lush flowers. The atmosphere of this place makes storytelling much more effective than usual, thanks to natural light.
Afternoon Tea Experience (What’s Included): A beautifully crafted theme afternoon tea that retains British formality and is enriched by the influence of Levantine cuisine.
Menu Highlights:
Challah bread finger sandwiches with pomegranate-cured salmon and roasted beetroot
Spiced fruit, freshly baked scones with molasses jam
Valrhona chocolate delice and rose pavlova
English breakfast loose-leaf tea
Glass of bubbles included
Price Range: £55 per person (£30 without bubbles). Exclusive private greenhouse experience available for groups of 14+. Private greenhouse experience £55+.
Dietary Options: Vegetarian options available on request.
Booking Information: Booking ahead is recommended. For bookings, visit their website or call +44 (0)20 7300 0400
Dress Code: Smart and elegant.
Best For: Celebrations, birthdays, intimate special occasion gatherings.
Why The Sybarite Recommends: Based on our research of the best immersive London afternoons, this place offers the perfect balance between the twist and a classic afternoon tea experience.
The Academy Hotel’s Mr Ma’s Afternoon Tea
The Academy Hotel in Bloomsbury introduces its Mr Ma’s concept of classic British tea enhanced by the sophisticated touch of Eastern culture.
Location: 16-22 Great Russell St, London WC1B 3NN, United Kingdom
Setting & Atmosphere: Based on the book "Mr Ma and Son" by Lao She, this culturally rich afternoon tea provides a harmonious combination of exquisite tastes and captivating stories. Literally served in the literary-themed townhouse setting, the environment here feels very cultured.
Afternoon Tea Experience (What’s Included): An exciting cultural take on the traditional afternoon tea experience.
Menu Highlights:
Chinese egg tarts and sesame Jian Dui
Macarons and freshly baked scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam
Extensive tea menu with both Asian and British blends
A glass of sparkling wine or Champagne
Price Range: £38 per person.
Dietary Options: Vegetarian options available. A 24-hour advance reservation is required for vegetarian menus.
Best For: Cultural enthusiasts, intimate afternoons or literary lovers.
Why The Sybarite Recommends: While exploring mid-range afternoon teas in London, this concept stood out to us with its originality and preservation of the form of a traditional afternoon tea experience.
TING at the Shangri-La Hotel Afternoon Tea
Enjoy one of the most spectacular afternoon teas in London at Level 35 of the Shard, high above the capital. TĪNG offers a stunning afternoon tea experience that combines British style with an Asian twist.
Location: Level 35, 31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9QU, United Kingdom
Setting & Atmosphere: Located on level 35 of the Shard building, the restaurant offers fantastic views of central London skyline. The impeccable service is another feature that sets Tīng apart.
Afternoon Tea Experience (What’s Included): A uniquely themed afternoon tea that combines the traditional form of afternoon tea with Asian nuances.
Menu Highlights:
Finger sandwiches with various fillings such as Coronation Chicken with Madras curry and smoked salmon with dill crème fraîche
Seasonal desserts such as "Big Ben at Ten" and "Lady in Pearls"
Special signature dish called Chocolate Shard prepared in a theatrical way
Custom blend of Tīng loose leaf tea
Upgrade to either Veuve Clicquot Rosé or St-Germain cocktail available
Price Range: £45 per person for "QĪNMI" Lunch Sharing; £40 per person for Guaranteed Window Seat with a View; £169 per person for Romance in the Clouds Window Experience by TĪNG.
Dietary Options: Vegetarian and vegan menus available.
Booking Information: Reservations recommended in advance. Visit http://opentable.co.uk/ or contact +44 20 7234 8108
Dress Code: Smart and elegant
Best For: Romantic afternoons, skyline celebrations, special occasion dining.
Why The Sybarite Recommends: The skyline views, the cute tea stands, the quality of the snacks and the accuracy of the pastry program all make it one of the most interesting afternoon teas in London with a modern twist.
Sushisamba Covent Garden Afternoon Tea
Afternoon Teas in Unusual Locations
Ochre Restaurant Near Trafalgar Square London
Ochre at the National Gallery is located in one of the most famous cultural institutions in the world. It's a cultured setting surrounded by some of the world's most famous works of art.
Location: National Gallery, Trafalgar Sq, London WC2N 5DN, United Kingdom
Setting & Atmosphere: Served in an elegant contemporary restaurant, the ambience feels culturally rich and refined, not like the busy central London area around you. Entering the gallery space creates an intermission from reality.
Afternoon Tea Experience (What’s Included): A themed afternoon tea experience based on exhibitions and anniversaries, with the current Bicentenary and Van Gogh themes.
Menu Highlights:
Assortment of finger sandwiches
Freshly-made scones served with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry jam
Pastries influenced by the current exhibits, such as sunflower-shaped pastries
Upgrade to a Telmont Brut Champagne or "Bicentenary Brush" cocktail
A selection of premium teas from a tea menu
Price Range: £55 per person; £65 with Champagne or cocktail.
Dietary Options: Vegetarian and other adaptations are available upon request.
Booking Information: Bookings are highly recommended through the site.
Dress Code: Smart casual.
Ideal For: Cultural buffs, special occasions, cultured breaks.
Why The Sybarite Recommends: From our perspective, location-based afternoon tea concepts are best when the food doesn't get lost in the environment. Ochre accomplishes this feat, offering an authentic classic afternoon tea experience with additional artistic flair.
The Stage at The Londoner – Leicester Square
The Stage at The Londoner is located near the busy Leicester Square and serves as a spectacular venue for the afternoon tea that combines theatre elements with luxury.
Location: 38 Leicester Square, London WC2H 7DX, United Kingdom
Setting & Atmosphere: Providing an exclusive afternoon tea experience complete with live performances, this venue in a five-star hotel has a unique appeal. The ambience is sophisticated but dramatic.
Afternoon Tea Experience (What’s Included): A contemporary version of traditional afternoon tea served with a show.
Menu Highlights:
Elegant finger sandwiches
Seasonal desserts and sweet treats, beautifully displayed
Up to 16 types in the extensive tea selection
Upgrade to the champagne afternoon tea experience
Price Range: £60 on average.
Special Dietary Options: Vegetarian and other adaptations can be made upon request.
Book information: Bookings are highly recommended through the site.
Dress Code: Smart attire recommended.
Ideal For: Pre-show refreshments, special occasions, luxurious afternoons.
Why The Sybarite Recommends: When it comes to high-concept venues, it can be tricky to strike the perfect balance between performance and substance. However, in this case, it's been successfully done. The traditional afternoon tea experience structure remains unaltered while adding live entertainment.
The Grand Saloon – Theatre Royal Drury Lane
One of the most impressive venues for an afternoon tea experience can be found at The Grand Saloon at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. From the menu, presentation of food, to the grand interiors, everything is designed as an immersive theatrical performance.
Location: Catherine St, London WC2B 5JY, United Kingdom
Setting & Ambiance: It offers a truly atmospheric afternoon tea experience. This is one of the most unique afternoon teas in London, because of the fancy setting and theatrical presentation of the culinary delights. Grand and luxurious setting covered with velvety surfaces, gilded decoration, chandeliers, ceilings with exquisite artwork, and the presentation of food with the iconic ‘curtain rise come together to make you dive deep into the magical essence of theatre.
Afternoon Tea Experience (What's Included)
Act One: Savouries including Blythburgh pork sausage rolls, finger sandwiches and smoked salmon selections
Act Two: Decadent pastries and sweet treats unveiled theatrically
Classic scones served with clotted cream and strawberry jam
Optional champagne afternoon tea upgrade
Menu Highlights:
Blythburgh pork sausage rolls
Smoked salmon served with exquisite accompaniment
Layered chocolate brownies garnished with gold leaf
Patisserie selections based on season
Exquisitely curated tea menu consisting of high-quality varieties
Price range: £59 per person
Dietary Options:
Separate menus for vegans, vegetarians and people with gluten intolerance
Children's afternoon tea for approximately £28-£35
Halal and other specific diets catered to by advanced request
In addition to separate tea menus, the gluten-free diet includes dishes like herb canelé with whipped English feta and pickled heritage carrots and John Ross Jnr smoked salmon with Earl Grey infused cream cheese on gluten-free bases
Booking Information: Bookings are highly recommended through the site.
Dress code: Smart occasionwear
Best For: Immersive experience of the best afternoon tea London suited for special occasions
Why The Sybarite Recommends: This is one of the very few afternoon tea locations that truly embrace their theatrical approach, making it a highlight of the ceremony instead of distracting from it.
Special Mentions
The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon | Afternoon Tea in London
One of the capital’s finest examples of an afternoon tea, the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon is located on the fourth floor of Fortnum & Mason’s flagship store in Piccadilly.
Location: 4th Floor, Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly, London W1A 1ER, United Kingdom
Setting & Atmosphere: Formally unveiled by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in March 2012, the salon was established as a celebration of time-honoured British tea culture. Decked out in the iconic shades of blue known as Fortnum’s “Eau de Nil,” as well as crisp white décor, this salon exudes both ceremony and warmth.
Afternoon Tea Experience (What’s Included): An elegantly staged traditional British afternoon tea service on the classic three-tiered tea stand, taking approximately one hour and 45 minutes.
Menu Highlights:
Classic finger sandwiches, such as Coronation Chicken, Kames Bay smoked trout and a cucumber sandwich with lemon and mint
Freshly baked warm scones with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry jam
Technical patisseries made fresh for the season
Choice of over 150 types of tea served with the Jubilee Blend included
Live music Monday through Saturday
Price Range:
Classic Afternoon Tea: £84 per person
Savoury Afternoon Tea: £85 per person
Dietary Options: Full menu options for Vegetarians, Vegans and guests with gluten or dairy intolerances are offered.
Booking Information: Due to high demand, particularly for special occasion reservations, advance booking is strongly recommended.
Dress Code: Dress code: Smart, sophisticated and elegant.
Best For: Celebrations, lovers of royalty and visitors looking for a quintessentially British afternoon tea experience.
Why The Sybarite Recommends: Among London’s best tearooms, the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon is consistently the most precise and consistent. This salon retains all the qualities necessary for a great afternoon tea in London: balanced tiers, excellent quality clotted cream, impeccable service and unparalleled tea menu choices.
Pan Pacific London – Ginger Lily Bar & Lounge
Modern, serene and quietly refined, Pan Pacific London presents one of the more composed interpretations of afternoon tea in the City. It's a peaceful getaway in the middle of the city.
Location: 80 Houndsditch, London EC3A 7AB, United Kingdom
Setting & Atmosphere: Afternoon tea is normally served in either the Ginger Lily Lounge or, during certain periods, in the Maxwell Room. Two areas that offer a sophisticated setting with floor-to-ceiling windows and rich wooden interiors. The atmosphere is tranquil rather than flamboyant, which allows you to have a sophisticated and elegant afternoon tea experience in a luxury hotel environment.
Afternoon Tea Experience (What’s Included): Refined and well-balanced classic afternoon tea, which is influenced by both British traditions and Singaporean culture.
Menu Highlights:
Elegant, delicate finger sandwiches, including a Burford Brown egg and cress on brioche and smoked salmon with crème fraîche
Traditional and candied ginger freshly baked scones, warm with Cornish clotted cream, raspberry jam and marmalade
Seasonal delicacies and activities for children
Exquisite teatime menu in collaboration with Newby Teas
Option to upgrade your tea to champagne for a premium champagne afternoon tea experience
Price Range: From £58 per person. Champagne upgrades available.
Dietary Options: Separate vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free menus can be requested upon booking.
Best For: Glamorous city meet-ups, luxurious special occasions and elegant teatime events.
Why The Sybarite Recommends: Pan Pacific impresses us not just with the elegance of the atmosphere but also with how it successfully combines sophistication with innovation. It shows that a fancy afternoon tea can also be very traditional and balanced when executed right.
Rosewood London – Art Afternoon Tea
Rosewood London’s Art Afternoon Tea concept has emerged as one of the most visually appealing afternoon teas in London, with its tribute to the impressionist Claude Monet being hosted in 2026 within the galleries of the Mirror Room.
Location: 252 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EN, United Kingdom
Atmosphere & Setting: This unique offering is served in the stunning Mirror Room, which has been designed using floor to ceiling mirror panels, creating a sculptural and almost cinematic feel. One of the rare themed afternoon teas in London that combines its visual ambition with a focus on the culinary arts.
Afternoon Tea Experience (Inclusions): An artful interpretation of traditional afternoon tea, with each tier dedicated to Monet’s use of colour.
Menu Highlights:
Various savoury dishes that include a camembert custard tart with pear chutney, lobster and prawn profiteroles and roast chicken with tarragon mayonnaise.
Freshly baked scones (plain and raisin) accompanied by cornish clotted cream and topped with lemon curd and strawberry jam
Sculptural pastries based on some of Monet’s paintings: Water Lily Pond (pistachio and cherry), Impression Sunrise (peach and vanilla) and Woman with a Parasol (apricot & white chocolate)
Unique Rosewood London tea blend (Darjeeling, rose petals, elderflower and vanilla) together with loose leaf tea from Mariage Frères
Price Range (2026):
Art Afternoon Tea: From £80 per person
Wild Idol 0% Art Afternoon Tea: £90 per person
Cocktail Art Afternoon Tea: £98 per person
Billecart-Salmon ‘Le Réserve’ Brut Tea: £108 per person
Billecart-Salmon ‘Le Rosé’ Art Afternoon Tea: £116 per person
Dietary Options: Halal, vegetarian and vegan menus can be provided on request. Children’s Art Afternoon Tea menu for children under 12 years old.
Book information: Reservation required. Particularly for weekends, we advise making a booking about 2-3 weeks in advance. Online Booking at rosewoodhotels.com or call +442077818888
Dress Code: Smart casual.
Suitable For: Art enthusiasts, special occasions and visually driven afternoon tea lovers.
Why The Sybarite Recommends: Based on our experience of sampling the most artistic afternoon teas London offers, Rosewood London has managed to successfully combine a strong art theme with equally precise culinary elements in finger sandwiches, clotted cream and tea blends.
Rosewood London, Art Afternoon Tea
Afternoon Tea Essentials: What to Expect from an Afternoon Tea Experience
One can say that an afternoon tea experience in London is more of a well-composed ritual, rather than a meal in a restaurant. It usually starts in an elegantly decorated drawing room or dining room with comfortable chairs and exquisite décor that provides a relaxed environment.
Arguably the key element of any afternoon tea is the tea itself. Usually loose leaf teas are used, including floral teas, black teas, and jasmine tea.
Then come the appetisers which usually take the form of finger sandwiches. Expect to feast on fluffy sandwiches teeming with flavour combinations such as cucumber and cream cheese, smoked salmon, and coronation chicken.
Sandwiches aside, afternoon teas also include a plethora of other sweet and savoury treats such as scones with Cornish clotted cream and jam, pastries, and cakes which are often served on a tea stand or arrive on a trolley.
Tips for Booking the Best Afternoon Tea in London
Getting a spot at the best afternoon tea in London takes careful planning, especially since the city's most famous places are so popular. It's best to make reservations ahead of time, sometimes even weeks in advance, especially for weekends, holidays and popular themed afternoon tea events.
Before making a reservation, check the tea menu at each place to make sure it fits your tastes and dietary needs. A lot of places have vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, but you need to let them know ahead of time. People who are celebrating a special occasion might want to ask for a window seat, a private room, or other personal touches to elevate the overall experience.
Prices for afternoon teas in London usually range from £40 to more than £95 per person, depending on the location and how fancy it is. Adding sparkling wine or choosing a Champagne afternoon tea usually raises the price by £20 to £30, which makes it even more special.
Guests should also check the dress codes, since some five-star hotels have stricter rules. It's just as important to know the cancellation policies, so you don't get charged for things you didn't expect. Families will be happy to know that many places welcome kids and often have special menus to make the event enjoyable for everyone.
FAQs:
Ritz afternoon tea is a traditional classic afternoon tea celebrated in style with live piano music and exceptional service. Meanwhile, the Savoy tea ceremony will introduce you to their iconic Thames Foyer with an exquisite afternoon tea in the same location. Both venues can be considered the best afternoon tea for your special occasion.
Yes, experiencing afternoon tea in London means discovering a unique British tradition with lots of interesting facts behind it. Besides, there are many types of afternoon tea in London that will leave you amazed, no matter what your preferences are.
The afternoon tea experience starts from £78 if you visit the TING restaurant. However, you can choose to book a Champagne afternoon tea or a deluxe tea at £88 and £109, respectively.
Generally speaking, you can enjoy your afternoon tea experience from 2pm.
The cost of afternoon teas in London generally ranges from £40 to £75 per person. Premium experiences at renowned luxury hotel venues or those including sparkling wine or Champagne afternoon tea can exceed £90 per person.
Yes, it's very important to make reservations, especially for popular places and themed afternoon tea events.
Traditional afternoon tea includes finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam as well as an assortment of desserts and pastries.
Yes, you can expect gluten-free, vegan, or other food items during the afternoon tea in London. However, it is recommended to inform the manager about the venue of dietary requirements at the time of booking to ensure a tailored afternoon tea experience.
Depending upon the kind of venue you choose for your afternoon tea, you will need to follow their respective dress codes. Many five-star hotels have specific rules in this regard, so it is advisable to check that part in advance.
Most of the venues that offer afternoon teas in London accept children. However, make sure to check if there is a kids' menu available in advance.
