Who doesn’t love an afternoon tea hey? From scones and warming 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 some of the best afternoon teas in London to enjoy for the King’s Coronation:
1. Afternoon Tea Experience at L’oscar London
L’oscar London, a luxurious five-star hotel right in the heart of Holborn, have launched their new afternoon tea inspired by the historical grade II*-building that was once the headquarters of the Baptist Church. In true tradition, guests can expect delicious savoury sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and chapel-shaped cakes, all which are accompanied by ‘world’s most awarded’ luxury tea brand, Newby.
The afternoon tea features a selection of savoury and dainty sandwiches including pastrami and cheddar cheese, egg mimosa and black truffle, and smoked Scottish salmon filled with lemon cream cheese too. Add in freshly-baked scones – served with classic clotted cream and homemade raspberry jam – and flutes of Michel Reybier Champagne and you’ve got yourself a real winner here.
When: Mondays to Sundays.
Where: L’oscar, 2-6 Southampton Row, London, WC1B 4AA.
Price: Starts at £49.
Reservations: Book here.
2. Hockney Art Afternoon Tea at Rosewood London
Renowned for its theatrical and refined take on the city’s greatest art exhibitions, the iconic Rosewood London has announced its latest show-stopping afternoon tea inspired by the legendary David Hockney, whose latest art exhibition ‘Bigger & Closer’ is now on display at the Lightroom.
Executive pastry chef Mark Perkins – well known for his exceptional portfolio of intricate afternoon teas – is showcasing his interpretations of Hockney’s immersive show, which are all served in the exquisite Mirror Room throughout Spring and Summer. The expertly-designed cakes take inspiration from Hockney’s life in both Yorkshire and Los Angeles, combining classic British flavours with iconic US desserts crafted in never-before-seen ways. They’ve also teamed up with stylist and set designer, Camilla Wordie to ‘Hockneyfy’ the Mirror Room’s interiors. This is definitely one you want to check out…
When: Mondays to Sundays.
Where: Rosewood London, 252 High Holborn, London, WC1V 7EN.
Price: Starts at £75.
Reservations: Book here.
3. 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, London, W12 8PP.
Price: Starts at £98 for two.
Reservations: Book here.
4. Afternoon Tea at the Nobu Hotel London Portman Square
This sumptuous new experience blends essentials of a traditional afternoon tea with elements of Japanese culture for a new Nobu take on the British tradition. The tea will be served in The Lounge where guests can choose from a selection of teas, including a berry and hibiscus blend, a choice of green teas or honey orchid tea from the imposing Wudong Mountain.
Food comes in the form of a beef tataki bun with wasabi sauce and a yellowtail jalapeño and tomato ceviche, before you finish up with a miso chocolate caramel tart and a Hojicha tea cheesecake along with freshly baked scones, served with raspberry mint jam, Cornish clotted cream and an oozing yuzu curd too. A vegetarian option is also available and a glass of Champagne can be added to add some razzmatazz to your afternoon!
When: Thursdays to Sundays.
Where: Nobu Hotel London Portman Square, 22 Portman Square, London, W1H 7BG.
Price: Starts at £65.
Reservations: Book here.
5. 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 to Sundays.
Where: Inamo Soho, 134-136 Wardour Street, W1F 8ZP, or Inamo Covent Garden, 11-14 Hanover Place, London, WC2E 9JP.
Price: Starts at £22.95.
Reservations: Book here.
6. Afternoon Tea at the Hotel Café Royal
With its unparalleled location just off Regents Street and Piccadilly Circus, and an afternoon tea set within the hotel’s Grade II-listed Grill Room, this glitzy afternoon tea is really one to remember and one that’ll well and truly satisfy a sweet tooth.
Guests can expect gilded features that decorate the mirrored room and artistic ceilings, combined with delightful delicacies and sumptuous sweets, courtesy of Executive Pastry Chef Loic Carbonett and his pâtisserie team. Add in cups of tea or an optional glass of N.V. Veuve Clicquot Brut, and this remarkable yet intimate setting will transport you back to the days of a time gone by. This charming spot also used to be a favourite of the Irish poet and playwright Oscar Wilde, so you’re in good company at this one.
When: Wednesdays to Sundays.
Where: Hotel Café Royal, 68 Regent Street, London, W1B 4DY.
Price: Starts at £70.
Reservations: Book here.
7. Sherlock’s Mind Palace Afternoon Tea and Mini Mystery
Head to 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, London, W12 8PP.
Price: Starts at £78 for two.
Reservations: Book here.
8. Celebratory Champagne Afternoon Tea at The Wolseley
A champagne afternoon tea at The Wolseley is exactly what we need to celebrate the arrival of Spring. 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. Time to raise a glass?
When: Mondays to Sundays.
Where: The Wolseley, 160 Piccadilly, London, W1J 9EB.
Price: Starts at £37.50.
Reservations: Book here.
9. Coronation Afternoon Tea at The Savoy
This month in celebration of the King’s Coronation, The Savoy will offer its own visual crowning glory to hotel guests, visitors and passers-by on the Strand. The hotel’s world-famous sign will be bedecked with the official Coronation crown, while the Lalique fountain will be decorated with flowers and limited-edition bottles of Nyetimber. Walking through the revolving doors of The Savoy, guests will be transported into a spectacular English garden that weaves through into the Thames Foyer.
Spring flowers with purple accents will be complemented by eye-catching gold crown installations. Beautiful wisteria, HM King Charles III’s favourite flower, will adorn the walls and entwine the famous birdcage centrepiece in the Thames foyer, where guests can enjoy a special Royal Afternoon Tea. Sounds like a celebration to us!
When: Mondays to Sundays.
Where: The Savoy, The Strand, London, WC2R 0EZ.
Price: Starts at £65.
Reservations: Book here.
10. Sketch’s Seasonal Afternoon Tea
Inside this 18th Century townhouse, you’ll find the playfully pink and pretty Gallery, where is 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 to Sundays.
Where: 9 Conduit Street, Mayfair, London, W1S 2XG.
Price: Tends to vary based on seasonal offers, but starts at £85.
Reservations: Book here.
11. 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. This is definitely one you want to try at least once.
When: Mondays to Sundays.
Where: Aqua Shard, Level 31, The Shard, St. Thomas Street, London, SE1 9RY.
Price: Starts at £61.
Reservations: Book here
12. 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 the traditional menu, or opt for the vegan, gluten-free or dairy-free versions. They’ve even got a children’s version here too.
When: Mondays to Sundays.
Where: 181 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London, W1A 1ER.
Price: Starts at £75.
Reservations: Book here.
13. Jurassic Afternoon Tea at The Ampersand Hotel
With its close proximity to the cultural powerhouses of the Exhibition Road museums, The Ampersand Hotel’s highly revered afternoon tea series has historically always taken inspiration from its neighbourhood, as seen in both its Science- and Jurassic-themed afternoon teas. As Patagotitan mayorum makes its first ever European appearance adjacent to the hotel this Easter, the hotel’s Jurassic-themed tea takes its cue from the time dinosaurs roamed the earth over 200 million years ago.
Alongside savoury treats such as mini hot dogs, T-Rex cheese straws, dinosaur jam sandwiches and homemade scones, you can expect a raspberry and lemon crémeux volcano eruption, a dark chocolate and caramel dinosaur egg nest and a mini dinosaur biscuit & milk chocolate fossil. Whilst kids can enjoy their accompanying hot chocolate, adults can sit back and indulge in a more grown-up offering comprising the choice of either a glass of Charles Heidsieck Brut NV or rosé Champagne, a glass of alcohol-free Wild Idol sparkling rosé or one of a selection of specially created cocktails. Sign us up!
When: Mondays to Sundays.
Where: The Ampersand Hotel, 10 Harrington Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 3ER.
Price: Starts at £35 for children and £49.50 for adults.
Reservations: Book here.
14. Coronation Afternoon Tea at Cellarium Café and Terrace
In celebration of His Royal Highness King Charles’ Coronation, the magnificent Westminster Abbey is launching a brand-new afternoon tea at the Cellarium Café and Terrace. The offering is in keeping with HM The King’s passion for sustainability, using British ingredients to provide a refined balance of fresh, seasonal, sweet, and savoury items.
Alongside classics like scones and cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches, you’ve also got more out-of-the-box options like a courgette, pea and mint tart with viola flowers and a carrot and British quinoa cake too. On top of tea and coffee, you can also opt for a glass of deliciously-crisp English sparkling wine from scenic East Sussex.
When: Mondays to Sundays.
Where: Cellarium Café and Terrace, Westminster Abbey, Dean’s Yard, The Sanctuary, London, SW1P 3PA.
Price: Starts at £32.50.
Reservations: Book here.
15. 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 whisky, chocolate bitters, cherry, and grapefruit. Don’t knock it till you try it…
When: Wednesdays to Sundays.
Where: One Aldwych, Covent Garden, London, WC2B 4BZ.
Price: Starts at £58.
Reservations: Book here.
16. 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. They’re also doing a special Mother’s Day version this year too.
When: Mondays to Sundays.
Where: Collins Room at The Berkeley, Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 7RL.
Price: Starts at £80.
Reservations: Book here.
17. Afternoon Tea at The Stage
Available from 12-4pm every Saturday and Sunday – the perfect post-shopping, pre-theatreland pitstop – afternoon tea at The Stage in The Londoner hotel comprises all the best of British high tea favourites – including a selection of sandwiches, freshly-baked artisanal cakes, and fluffy scones to boot too.
Square-cut sandwiches include smoked salmon and Devon crab with yuzu kosho crème fraiche on granary bread and lemon-roasted Norfolk chicken with truffle mayonnaise on basil-and-spinach-infused bread. Both plain and sultana scones, baked in The Stage’s kitchen that morning, are served with indulgent Cornish clotted cream, homemade strawberry preserve and a light bergamot curd. Plus, don’t miss out on the ‘English Rose’ – a delightful patisserie of blackcurrant and pear with shortbread and almond detailing, paying a whimsical tribute to the national flower of England. You can also add some fizz to your order here too if you want something a bit more high-end.
When: Saturdays and Sundays.
Where: 38 Leicester Square, London, WC2H 7DX.
Price: Starts at £65.
Reservations: Book here.
18. Mr Simm’s 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. You can also opt for a halal-friendly version here too, and the hotel is dog-friendly so no need to leave the pooch behind for this one!
When: Mondays to Sundays.
Where: 35 Charles Street, Mayfair, London, W1J 5EB.
Price: Starts at £35 for children and £65 for adults.
Reservations: Book here.
19. The Secret Garden Afternoon Tea at Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences
Launching on the first day of Spring (March 20), the award-winning restaurant Kona will be serving The Secret Garden Afternoon Tea which will transport diners to a stunning Yorkshire garden with every bite. The beautifully designed pastries and delectable savoury treats have been inspired by the timeless children’s classic tale of The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett.
The Secret Garden Afternoon Tea is complemented with a selection of teas from Bird & Blend Tea Company and gins from The Secret Garden Gin Distillery. Flavours include lemon verbena, apothecary rose and lavender and echinacea, and the tea will be served in the delightful Kona eatery.
When: Thursdays to Sundays.
Where: 51 Buckingham Gate, Westminster, London, SW1E 6AF.
Price: Starts at £75 with a 50% discount for children aged 4-11.
Reservations: Book here.
20. Nyetimber Sparkling Wine Afternoon Tea at RAILS
The luxurious, Grade II-listed Great Northern Hotel in King’s Cross is proud to introduce its Nyetimber Sparkling Wine Afternoon Tea, which is taking place in its recently-opened RAILS Restaurant.
A chic and stylish brasserie, it’s a lovely spot to while away a few hours and tuck into savoury delicacies including classic finger sandwiches, cranberry and sausage rolls or a vegetarian wild mushroom tartlet featuring freshly baked flaky pastry. Sweet treats on offer include a zesty mango and passionfruit cheesecake; a banana deluxe, a light yet decadent chocolate mousse and a fluffy Victoria Sponge – alongside classic and fruity scones too. Let’s not forget the loose leaf teas and Nyetimber sparkling wine on the roster too. If you’re looking to go above and beyond, you can even go for a glass of Perrier Jouët Champagne – oh darrrrrling!
When: Saturdays to Mondays.
Where: RAILS Restaurant, Great Northern Hotel, King’s Cross St. Pancras Station, Pancras Road, London, N1C 4TB.
Price: Starts at £35.
Reservations: Book here.
21. 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 Champers), this particular afternoon tea experience is something that will really make you fall through the Looking Glass.
When: Mondays to Sundays.
Where: 24 Egerton Gardens, Knightsbridge, London, SW3 2DB.
Price: Starts at £55.
Reservations: Book here.
22. 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 a real afternoon to remember!
When: Thursdays to Sundays.
Where: The Shard, 31 St Thomas Street, London, SE1 9RY.
Price: Starts at £58.
Reservations: Book here.
23. The Crown Afternoon Tea at the Vintry & Mercer
Acclaimed boutique hotel Vintry & Mercer, is delighted to announce the arrival of its Crown Afternoon Tea, available in the Mercer Roof Terrace, in celebration of the upcoming coronation of King Charles III. On offer will be a selection of savoury treats, scones and pastries, all of which are perfectly enjoyed in the surroundings of the Mercer Roof Terrace, with views stretching from The Shard to St. Paul’s Cathedral.
The tea will start with a selection of savoury options – each named after a royal palace, including ‘Balmoral’ – truffle egg mayonnaise brioche buns and ‘Windsor’ – mini Yorkshire puddings with roast beef, horseradish and gravy. There will also be veggie options such as the ‘Sandringham’ – a delicious concoction of goat cheese, roasted red pepper and walnut. These will also be followed by plain and raisin buttermilk scones with Cornish clotted cream, Earl Grey jelly and strawberry jam before moving on to the jewel in the crown – the handcrafted pastry selection.
When: Saturdays and Sundays.
Where: Vintry & Mercer, 19-20 Garlick Hill, London, EC4V 2AU.
Price: Starts at £49.50.
Reservations:Book here.
24. Coronation Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason Tea Salon
Served every day in the timeless Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon, the Coronation Afternoon Tea menu will be fit for a royal. Celebrating the new reigning monarch through inventive takes on quintessential British flavours, the menu will take inspiration from the King’s favourite ingredients and passion for the environment.
Fortnum’s Executive Chefs, and their brigade of skilled chefs have considered every detail, from the precision of the sandwiches to the exquisite garnishes that top each individual pastry. The afternoon will begin with delicate fingers sandwiches with flavours including Cotswold legbar egg mayonnaise; cucumber with minted pea and horseradish and salt beef with kohlrabi and tarragon sour cream dressing. Freshly baked scones will follow, served with Fortnum’s strawberry preserve, lemon curd, a seasonal favourite, and Somerset clotted cream.
When: Daily.
Where: Fourth Floor, 181 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London, W1A 1ER.
Price: From £82.
Reservations: Book here.
25. Doggie Afternoon Tea at Jack and Beyond
If you’re looking for something a bit different and are really wanting to spoil your four-legged friend with an afternoon tea, then why not join this one? This pawsome (sorry) experience has everything your furry friend could dream of with a four-course selection of treats, free-flowing water and even ‘puppuccinos’ (with lactose-free milk) too! Treats here include a lamb liver and veggie stew, a banana ‘woofin’, a carrot ‘pupcake’ and a peanut butter and oats cookie – now what pooch isn’t gonna love that hey?!
And if your fluffy friend is still feeling hungry, Jack and Beyond also sell dog ice cream all year round, as well as delicious treats for us humans too. Set only five minutes’ walk from Battersea Park, the café is perfectly situated to go and burn off some energy before or after the experience on a lovely dog walk.
When: Daily.
Where: Jack and Beyond, 146 Battersea High Street, London, SW11 3JR.
Price: Starts at £14.
Reservations: Book here.
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So there you have it – a roundup of some of the best places offering afternoon tea in London. So put on your best garb, bring along a companion and get ready to eat your bodyweight in cake and scones!
Also published on Medium.