21 Of London’s Loveliest Afternoon Teas To Tuck Into
We've rounded up some of the very best afternoon teas in London - so why not try some of them before they're scone? Oh darling!
Samuel Hopkins - Staff Writer
Who doesn’t love an afternoon tea hey? From scones and cups of tea to egg and cress sarnies and bubbly, we like to think we’ve got the whole afternoon tea thing down in our beloved capital city. So, whether you’re after a quirky afternoon tea, a casual affair, or a flamboyantly fancy day out, there’s something here for everyone. Here’s our rundown of the best afternoon teas in London.
1. DUO London’s Mean Girls Afternoon Tea
Sandwiches for you, cakes for me, and none for Gretchen Wieners, bye. An utterly fetch, all-pink tribute to the eminently quotable film, you can expect cakes, chocolate-dipped strawberries, and cookies, all furnished with an appropriately kitsch name. There’s even a Burn Book for you to air your grievances in – perhaps starting with the fact that it’s taken you this long to find a Mean Girls afternoon tea…
When: Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Where: DUO London, 22 Inverness Street, Camden, NW1 7HJ.
Price: £45 per person.
Reservations: Book here.
2. Sherlock’s Boozy Afternoon Tea
“Elementary, my dear Watson!” Dive head-first into your own mini-mystery as you enjoy freshly made savoury delights and sweet treats in this Sherlock Holmes-inspired hideaway in West London! Just like the detective and his accomplice, you’ll need to work together as a team to crack a puzzle and solve a mystery – all whilst indulging in Sherlock’s boozy afternoon tea of course. You’ll get to indulge in sandwiches, scones, sweet treats and tea or coffee, as well as 90 minutes’ worth of bottomless prosecco. The game is afoot…
When: Saturdays and Sundays.
Where: Doyle’s Opticians, West 12 Shopping Centre, Shepherd’s Bush, W12 8PP.
Price: £49 per person.
Reservations: Book here.
3. Bottomless Champagne Afternoon Tea Fit For a Royal
London is the home of the Royals, so what better place than to wine or dine like a king or queen? With this experience – which is fit for a Royal we might add – you’ll get to enjoy bottomless champagne and tea while overlooking the Royal Mews of Buckingham Palace. Oh daaaaarling! You’ll also get to sip on the perfect cup of tea – if we say so ourselves – with some mouth-watering pastries that are heavily influenced by the House of Windsor. The crown jewel of the pastry tier is an Earl Grey infused mousse with Yuzu chocolate, celebrating Her Majesty The Queen’s love of chocolate and Earl Grey tea. Your majesty…
When: Various dates and times.
Where: The Rubens at the Palace Hotel, 39 Buckingham Palace Road, SW1W 0PS.
Price: £90.
Reservations: Book here.
4. Bottomless Sushi and Fizz Afternoon Tea at Inamo
If you’re more fond of a savoury meal, this non-traditional afternoon tea is for you: Come to Inamo for delicious sushi and Asian tapas, and enjoy everything from fresh sashimi and maki rolls to gyoza and futomaki. If you’re feeling thirsty, you can add one hour of bottomless fizz, making it a boozy, Asian-inspired afternoon tea experience like no other.
When: Mondays – Sundays.
Where: Inamo Soho, 134-136 Wardour Street, W1F 8ZP, or Inamo Covent Garden, 11-14 Hanover Place, WC2E 9JP.
Price: From £21.95 per person.
Reservations: Book here.
5. Dabbers and Drag Bottomless Afternoon Tea
This isn’t your usual game of bingo! Step inside Clapham’s Tonight Josephine for a totally wild, drag-hosted afternoon of lip-sync battles, prizes and an extra sassy game of bingo. This is bingo at its most kitsch and it wouldn’t be complete without a steady supply of bottomless bubbles and cocktails, naturally. Plus. in true afternoon tea fashion, expect a menu of sweet treats, savoury snacks and sarnies to keep your moves fuelled.
When: Saturdays.
Where: 38 Clapham High Street, London, SW4 7UR.
Price: Starts at £49.
Reservations: Book here.
6. Sherlock’s Mind Palace Afternoon Tea and Mini Mystery
Join in this secret speakeasy to indulge in a delicious afternoon tea and test your skills of deduction with an original case to crack. You’ll need to work together as a team to solve the mini-mystery quiz, all whilst tucking into a tasty selection of savoury snacks, buttery scones, and homemade sweet treats. Your experience will include freshly-made savouries, such as cream cheese salmon pretzels, plus a selection of homemade sweets, including hazelnut choux buns, Black Forest cupcakes and lemon tarts.
When: Saturdays and Sundays.
Where: Doyle’s Opticians, West 12 Shopping Centre, Shepherd’s Bush, W12 8PP.
Price: Starts at £34.
Reservations: Book here.
7. Celebratory Champagne Afternoon Tea at The Wolseley
A champagne afternoon tea at The Wolseley is exactly what we need to celebrate making it through this past year. Treat yourself to an assortment of finger sandwiches, cakes, and fruit scones with homemade jam and clotted cream, and add a glass of Pommery Brut Royal NV to make it even more extravagant.
When: Tuesdays – Sundays.
Where: The Wolseley, 160 Piccadilly, W1J 9EB.
Price: Starts at £33, or £44.50 for the Champagne Afternoon Tea.
Reservations: Book here.
8. Elegant Afternoon Tea at The Savoy
Speaking of extravagant: The Savoy Hotel is an expert in all things fancy (have you seen their gorgeous pop-up terrace?). Head to the hotel’s Thames Foyer for a traditional afternoon tea consisting of fine finger sandwiches and handmade pastries and cakes, or opt for the fancy high tea with an extra main dish on the menu. There are also vegetarian and vegan versions available, and of course you have the option of adding champagne.
When: Mondays – Sundays.
Where: The Savoy, The Strand, WC2R 0EZ.
Price: Starts at £65.
Reservations: Book here.
9. Sketch’s Seasonal Afternoon Tea
Inside this 18th Century townhouse, you’ll find the playfully pink and pretty Gallery, where this tea is held. As well as being easy on the eye, the delightful treats — including quail’s egg finger sandwiches, puffy macaroons and pastries — are sure to please your tastebuds.
When: Mondays – Sundays.
Where: 9 Conduit Street, Mayfair, W1S 2XG.
Price: Tends to vary based on seasonal offers.
Reservations: Book here.
10. Peter Pan-themed Tea at Aqua Shard
Aqua Shard are back with their magical Peter Pan-themed afternoon tea experience on the 31st floor of The Shard. Take a trip to the enchanting world of Neverland and enjoy panoramic views of the London skyline while you nibble on sweet and savoury treats served on a tea-stand resembling Captain Hook’s infamous ship.
When: Mondays – Sundays.
Where: Aqua Shard, Level 31, The Shard, St. Thomas Street, SE1 9RY.
Price: Starts at £52 per person.
Reservations: Book here
11. Fortnum & Mason’s Afternoon Tea
With a rich history of over 300 years producing and selling tea, there’s arguably no better place to go for a classic and elegant brew. Afternoon tea is served in the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon (which, we’ll have you know, was opened by HM The Queen herself). You’ll note the running theme of F&M’s famous pale blue and the selection of finger sandwiches and cakes is traditional, as expected. Choose from a traditional menu, as well as a vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and children’s version.
When: Mondays – Sundays.
Where: 181 Piccadilly, St. James’s, W1A 1ER.
Price: £62.50 per person, with the option of adding champagne.
Reservations: Book here.
12. The Royal Horseguards Hotel’s Afternoon Tea
You can spot The Royal Horseguards Hotel’s grand exterior from miles away, overlooking the River Thames on the Embankment. It’s no surprise that the 5-star hotel also offers a stunning afternoon tea experience in the beautifully decorated Lounge. The too-cute-to-eat pastries, sandwiches, and scones are delightful treats that go perfectly with a glass of bubbly.
When: Mondays – Sundays.
Where: 2 Whitehall Court London SW1A 2EJ.
Price: Starts at £39.
Reservations: Book here.
13. B Bakery’s Gin Lovers Afternoon Tea and Bus Tour
Slingsby and Brigit’s Bakery have come together to offer a unique Gin Lovers Afternoon Tea Bus Tour – currently the only gin bus tour London has to offer. This exciting alternative to your normal London bus tour will give you the opportunity to admire London sights including the London Eye, Westminster Abbey and Marble Arch, all while savouring some delectable cakes from Brigit’s Bakery and sipping on three different gin and tonics from the Slingsby collection. It’s the perfect way to relax and take in the sights of the city we say.
When: Fridays and Saturdays.
Where: No.8 Northumberland Avenue (Fridays) or Victoria Coach Station.
Price: £65 per person.
Reservations: Book here.
14. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea at One Aldwych
If we can’t visit Willy Wonka in his chocolate factory to lick the wallpaper and eat everlasting gobstoppers, then this is certainly the next best thing. The menu is full of scrumdiddlyumptious treats, including cake, homemade candyfloss, marshmallows, and scones with snozzberry jam and clotted cream. There’s also chocolate and caramel tea, and a wacky cocktail made with whiskey, chocolate bitters, cherry, and grapefruit. Don’t knock it till you try it…
When: Wednesdays – Sundays.
Where: One Aldwych, Covent Garden, WC2B 4BZ.
Price: £52 per person, with the option of adding champagne.
Reservations: Book here.
15. Prêt-à-Portea Afternoon Tea at The Berkeley
The Berkeley is back with a vibrant seasonal makeover of their fashion-fabulous afternoon tea, the ‘Prêt-À-Portea’. Featured on ‘The Couture Cakewalk’ are seven designers, and with biscuits, cakes, and teas all dressed in the finest Versace and Valentino, this is surely one of the fanciest teas in town.
When: Mondays – Sundays.
Where: Collins Room at The Berkeley, Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RL.
Price: £60 per person, or £70-110 with champagne.
Reservations: Book here.
16. The Great British Summer Afternoon Tea at the Town House
This offering at the Town House at The Kensington is inspired by the Great British Summer, and is done in collaboration with the Rathfinny Wine Estate. You’ll get to scoff on classic Victoria sponge, elderflower and rose-filled mousse, tarts, smoked salmon sandwiches, a selection of amuse bouche … the list goes on. Oh and, of course, there are scones with jam and clotted cream. You can also add in some wine pairings from the Rathfinny Wine Estate for a real treat. Cheers!
When: Mondays – Sundays.
Where: 109-113 Queen’s Gate, Kensington, SW7 5LP.
Price: The tea costs £45 per person or an extra £30 per person
Reservations: Book here.
17. The Original Sweet Shop Afternoon Tea at The Chesterfield
The Chesterfield surely takes the title of ‘sweetest afternoon tea in London’. Taking place in the hotel’s beautiful conservatory, filled with pick ‘n’ mix and jars of old fashioned sweets, the experience has a real retro vibe. Feast on finger sandwiches, scones, pastries, and cakes, all inspired by an old fashioned sweetshop. Think Coca-Cola slices, chocolate chip scones, peanut butter cups, drumstick macaroons, and strawberry liquorice allsorts cheesecake – it’s a truly nostalgic affair. On top of it all, you’ll also be greeted with a magical welcome drink of homemade pink lemonade, floating within a cloud of dry ice and flying saucers.
When: Mondays – Sundays.
Where: 35 Charles Street, Mayfair, W1J 5EB.
Price: £47 per person (£54 with a glass of Champers, or £31 for kids).
Reservations: Book here.
18. Jasmine Indian Afternoon Tea at Taj 51 Buckingham Gate
This afternoon tea is taken in the sublime Kona tea room of the St James’ Court Hotel, which is sure to seriously impress your guest. We’re featuring their Jasmine Indian afternoon tea today, but we wouldn’t be able to mention this place without telling you about their other intricately-themed offering, the ‘Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Afternoon Tea’. You’re not far from Buckingham Palace so why not wine and dine like a Royal hey?
When: Wednesdays – Sundays.
Where: 51 Buckingham Gate, Westminster, SW1E 6AF.
Price: £45 per person.
Reservations: Book here.
19. Alice In Wonderland-Themed Afternoon Tea at The Franklin
London’s appetite for Alice remains undimmed over 150 years after Lewis Carroll’s tales were first published, and boutique hotel The Franklin London is satisfying that appetite with a charming Alice-themed tea. Featuring delectable sandwiches and Alice In Wonderland-themed cakes and pastries (plus optional champagne), this particular afternoon tea experience is something that you really don’t want to miss out on!
When: Mondays – Sundays.
Where: 24 Egerton Gardens, Knightsbridge, SW3 2DB.
Price: £45 per person, or Champagne Afternoon Tea for £55.
Reservations: Book here.
20. Classic, Rosé and Champagne Afternoon Tea at Oblix At The Shard
Another Shard-based afternoon tea here – this time at Oblix on the 32nd floor. Enjoy panoramic views and some of the tastiest cakes in town with a selection of three different afternoon teas. The Classic Afternoon Tea includes a selection of sandwiches such as the smoked salmon, cream cheese and rye and the free range egg and truffle, an array of scones with seasonal jam, fresh honeycomb and clotted cream. Add in pastries, a wide selection of eclectic teas and a chance to upgrade to one including bottomless rosé and selected cocktails or free-flowing Champagne, and you’ve got yourself an afternoon to remember!
When: Thursdays – Sundays.
Where: The Shard, 31 St Thomas Street, London, SE1 9RY
Price: £49 per person +
Reservations: Book here.
21. Luxury Regency Afternoon Tea by Lily Vanilli at The Lane
Served in the opulent surroundings of the Grand Saloon at The Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, this afternoon tea kicks off with a glass of Taittinger Brut Reserve and a welcome serving of blinis with Exmoor Royal Beluski caviar. You’ll then be able to tuck into a generous array of savoury bites with madeleines topped with lapsang-souchong glazed salmon, bitesize canelés with whipped ricotta, and a signature Lily Vanilli puff pastry sausage roll made with Cornish sausage meat, roast bacon lardons and a cider vinegar deglaze. It’s only running until August 14, and they’ve even got a harpist playing over the weekend, so don’t miss out!
When: 8 – 14 August (regular tea is served throughout the year)
Where: The Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Catherine Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2B 5JF.
Price: £99 for the Luxury Regency Afternoon Tea, £49 for the regular tea
Reservations: Book here.
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Fancy a more in-depth look at the Peter Pan afternoon tea? Find out more here.
Also published on Medium.