19 Of London’s Loveliest Afternoon Teas

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: £102 for the afternoon tea for two people and immersive experience!
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. Made in Manhattan Afternoon Tea

Follow in the footsteps of JLO herself with this afternoon tea, which includes a selection of unlimited teas, an array of sweet treats – including lime drizzle cakes and rich, chocolate brownies – and smoked salmon or egg and cress sarnies for veggies. Much like Jenny from the Block herself would no doubt do, you’ll also get to indulge in a classic Big Apple-themed cocktail – that is a cosmo or a lychee martini. Afternoon teas don’t get much better than this…

When: Wednesdays and Thursdays 
Where: 45-47 Hoxton Square, London, N1 6PD.
Price: Starts at £42.
Reservations:Book here.

6. Sherlock’s Mind Palace Afternoon Tea

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 £35.
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. Hush Brasserie’s Afternoon Tea

Hush Mayfair’s quintessentially British afternoon tea provides the perfect mixture of traditional and new elements. You are welcomed with a ‘tipple’, created with Hush’s own boutique gin, before being served up a delectable selection of sandwiches and sweets.

When: Mondays – Sundays.
Where: 8 Lancashire Court, Brook Street, W1S 1EY.
Price: £45 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 to 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. London Landmarks Afternoon Tea at the Town House

This offering at the Town House at The Kensington is inspired by London’s most famous and historic landmarks. Scoff on the Gherkin, which has been recreated with white chocolate filled with a dark chocolate ganache, or take a bite out of the Shard, made from carrot cake and milk chocolate. Big Ben is a tasty lemon curd tart, while the iconic red telephone box is a tasty rhubarb mousse. Oh and, of course, there are scones with jam and clotted cream. (Sadly not in the shape of City Hall, but they’re an essential part of afternoon tea so we’ll let them off).

When: Mondays – Sundays.
Where: 109-113 Queen’s Gate, Kensington, SW7 5LP.
Price: The tea costs £42 per person or £54.50 with a glass of champagne.
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), the tea also comes with tickets to London’s wonderful Alice exhibition at the V&A.

When: Mondays – Sundays.
Where: 24 Egerton Gardens, Knightsbridge, SW3 2DB.
Price: £45 per person (£55 with exhibition tickets), or Champagne Afternoon Tea for £55 (£65 with exhibition tickets).
Reservations: Book here.

All our events are recommended by editors. Tickets purchased through Fever may earn Secret London commission.

---

Also published on Medium.