Afternoon tea is one of those classic London experiences that never goes out of style. Some of the best are served in luxury hotels, stylish restaurants, and even art galleries.
Not really into tea? Me neither. But that doesn’t matter.
It’s more about the elegant settings, the towering trays of sweet and savory treats, and the chance to slow down and soak up the atmosphere.
Some places stick to tradition. Others push the boundaries with creative themes, bold flavors, and playful twists.
Afternoon tea isn’t staid and just for gossipy dowagers anymore. These days, everyone joins in, and each spot offers its own unique take on the ritual.
Afternoon tea is a mix of sweet and savory delights: delicate pastries, tiny cakes, finger sandwiches, and maybe even a mini quiche. Feeling fancy? Add a glass of champagne and soak in the swish service.
It’s a popular tradition in London, so booking ahead is a must. Prices typically range from £50 to £85, with special occasion teas costing even more.
I make a point to go every time I’m in London. So, I’ve done the taste-testing for you.
Best Afternoon Teas In London
Here are my picks for the best afternoon teas. But you can also check out the afternoon tea website for all your options. There are so very many!
If you want to sightsee and sip at the same time, you can also take the afternoon tea bus or do an afternoon tea cruise on the Thames.
Ritz
For a classic, no-expense-spared afternoon tea, the Palm Court at The Ritz is as grand as it gets. Set in the heart of Mayfair, it’s pure old school luxury, the kind of place where afternoon tea feels like an event.
The setting is spectacular—crystal chandeliers, plush furnishings, and gold everywhere. It’s all dripping in opulence.
The vibe? Decadent, timeless, and straight out of a bygone era.
The menu sticks to tradition. You’ll be served up delicate finger sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream and jam, and elegant pastries.
Tea lovers will find an extensive selection. But if you prefer, a latte or cappuccino is also on offer.
There’s a strict dress code, so come dressed to impress—dresses for women, suit and tie for men.
The waiters? They’re in full tuxedos, keeping the experience as polished as the surroundings.
Sketch
Sketch is another Mayfair institution. But it’s much more stylish and innovative than the Ritz. It’s know for its eclectic, contemporary design and creative take on tea.
Sketch is housed in a historic 18th century townhouse. Tea is held in The Gallery.
It’s got quite the avant garde interior. For 8 years, it was bubble gum pink.
But, in 2022, it transformed into shades of yellow and copper by the same architect India Mahdavi. He kept the futuristic looking pod seats.
You’ll find an innovative menu of delicious treats, quirky sandwiches, and bespoke tableware designed by artist David Shrigley. The tea cups even come with quirky message like “forget about it.”
FYI, besides The Gallery, Sketch offers a variety of unique dining experiences across its other distinct spaces:
- The Glade: A whimsical setting reminiscent of an enchanted forest, offering a serene ambiance for lunch and cocktails.
- The Parlour: A versatile space serving breakfast and transforming into a lively bar with music in the evenings.
- The Lecture Room & Library: An exquisite dining room that has earned three Michelin stars, providing an exceptional fine dining experience.
- The East Bar & Pods: An intimate bar area featuring futuristic pod-style seating, perfect for pre-dinner drinks or a nightcap.
Reservations are essential! You can book online or by phone.
Claridge’s
Claridge’s is another Mayfair icon and one of the top spots for afternoon tea in London.
The Art Deco-inspired setting is pure elegance. You’ll sit amid sparkling chandeliers, marble floors, plush seating, and enjoy an air of refined glamour.
This place is a tea lover’s dream. Claridge’s partners with the Rare Tea Company, sourcing an impressive selection from China, Sri Lanka, Africa, India, and even the UK.
Best of all, you can try as many as you like.
Their signature Claridge’s Blend is reimagined each season, offering something unique with every visit.
As you would expect at such a fancy place, there’s a dress code and reservations are required (at least on weekends).
Fortnum & Mason
Fortnum & Mason is a historic institution right in the heart of London’s Piccadilly district. This iconic department store has been around for over 300 years.
It’s definitely one of the cities high end purveyors of find food and beverages. And the tea selection is out of this world.
The store offers a range of afternoon tea experiences. The classic afternoon tea is set in the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon. And there are also themed teas inspired by seasonal ingredients or special goings on.
Before or after your tea, you have to check out the Food Hall. It’s chock full of all things delicious — chocolate, preserves, biscuits, artisan goodies.
The Wolseley
The Wolseley in Piccadilly is a timeless London classic. It’s set in a grand 1920s building that once housed a luxury car showroom.
The tea room drips with old world charm, with marble columns, intricate moldings, and Art Deco touches. It feels like a swanky Viennese cafe. It’s elegant without feeling stuffy.
Afternoon tea arrives on silver tiered stands, stacked with classic finger sandwiches. The selection includes smoked salmon, cucumber and cream cheese, roast beef, coronation chicken, and cheddar with pickle.
Then come the warm fruit scones, served with homemade strawberry jam and generous dollops of Cornish clotted cream. And let’s be honest, you can never have too much clotted cream!
Burberry Thomas’ Cafe
This afternoon tea cafe is located on the first floor of the flagship Burberry store on Regent Street. As you would expect, it exudes fashion and understated luxury.
The cafe has a chic and contemporary decor with sleek furnishing, muted tones, and subtle Burberry accents.
And it doesn’t have just the hyper traditional tea menu offered at some of these uber elite establishments. You’ll be served a range of artisanal sandwiches and inventive pastries.
The cafe also has a hoard of skilled baristas. So, if like me you don’t love tea, you can get an expertly prepared roaster.
It’s also open for all day dining, if you can’t make tea time. I had a lovely breakfast there. The menu focuses on quality, not quantity. You won’t be disappointed.
Dorchester
The Dorchester is another iconic Mayfair hotel. There are never too many of these apparently.
With its Art Deco decor, the hotel epitomizes luxury and glamor. The afternoon tea is served in the elegant surrounding of The Promenade.
You’ll get an amazing array of pastries, cakes, and (of course!) scones and clotted cream. All this comes with a selection of 25 teas or you can have an espresso or velvety cappuccino.
Although London forever strides ahead, elegance never goes out of style. The Dorchester is very keen on the habit of dressing brilliantly. So refrain from wearing shorts and sportswear during afternoon tea.
Four Seasons Tower Bridge
This is a new afternoon tea launched in March 2025 called London by Lily Vanilli.
As you would expect with the Four Seasons, it’s exceedingly chic and glamorous. And yet unconventional too. Perfect for the cool girl.
It’s served in the hotel’s Rotunda Bar and Lounge. The experience is all about Basque-inspired savory snacks and mini martinis.
But London baker Lily Vanilli is rightly famous for her beautifully designed, colorful cakes made with decadent icing. So, of course sweet stuff will play a big part in your tea service too.
Palm Court at The Langham
The Langham Hotel in London is where it all began. It’s celebrated as the birthplace of afternoon tea, a tradition it began in 1865.
It’s served in The Palm Court, and is definitely one of London’s most opulent spots for afternoon tea. And the service is sensational.
There are both traditional and themed teas. The latter are inspired by holidays, special occasions, or just for something unique and special.
The afternoon tea menu is curated by Chef Michel Roux and Executive Pastry Chef Andrew Gravett.
Sanderson
Leave it the Sanderson, one of Philippe Starck’s fantasy hotels, to offer the Mad Hatter afternoon tea. As an homage to Lewis Caroll’s Alice in Wonderland, it’s as colorful and quirky as it sounds.
Right away, a waiter will bring a try of tiny glass vials for you to take a sniff and select your blend of leaves. The “Alice” blend is a black tea with hints of black currant. The “Mad Hatter” tea is green with passion fruit, guava, and mango.
Naturally, you can also get champagne.
The savory dishes are amazing. Think mini croque monsieurs, quail eggs, prawn tarts. It’s always changing.
The deserts are fanciful too, and named after book characters.
The Berkeley
The Berkeley’s Prêt-à-Portea takes the crown for the most fashionable afternoon tea in London. The crowd is effortlessly chic. This tea has been a must for fashion lovers for years, serving up edible versions of the latest runway trends.
Each season, the head pastry chef transforms high fashion into haute cuisine. Inspired by the newest collections, the six month revolving menu features miniature edible versions of designer accessories and motifs. In past years, even fashion royalty like Anna Wintour has been immortalized in biscuit form.
Traditionalists, take note—no scones here. You’ll find canapes, finger sandwiches, and a carefully crafted tea selection with a whole page dedicated to the science behind the perfect brew. Champagne is available, along with a seasonal mocktail.
But really, it’s all about fashion—on the plate and in the room.
British Museum Great Court
Want to have tea in a world famous museum? Head to the British Museum for one of the best afternoon teas in London.
You can enjoy your tea in the Great Court under the iconic glass dome.
It’s a traditional afternoon tea with the usual selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, and an array of delicate pastries and cakes. Guests can choose from a variety of organic loose-leaf and flowering teas.
Unlike some more formal venues, the British Museum’s afternoon tea is suitable for all ages, making it an excellent choice for families exploring the museum.
>>> Click here to pre-book a spot
Peterhsam Nurseries
Afternoon tea at Petersham Nurseries is a world away from London’s classic hotel tearooms. No bubblegum pink or over-the-top gold flourishes here. Just rustic charm, cascading greenery, and that magical, just-stumbled-into-a-secret-garden feel.
Tea is served in the glasshouse. Fairy lights dangle from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over distressed copper tables and vintage chairs. Surrounded by lush plants, it’s the kind of place where you can sip tea alfresco—even when London’s weather refuses to cooperate.
The hand-blown glass tiered stand is a showstopper, topped with a wild, hand-picked bouquet that changes with the seasons. Delicate petals aren’t just for decoration. They’re sprinkled over the sweet and savory bites.
Tea is served in an elegant glass kettle. The Giardino blend offering a fresh, floral sip that perfectly complements the setting.
It’s afternoon tea at its dreamiest—natural, unfussy, and effortlessly elegant.
Rosewood London
The Rosewood afternoon tea is a contemporary tea for art lovers. The latest edition, launched in January 2024.
Afternoon tea is served in the Mirror Room, a sleek space lined with glass walls and a towering floral centerpiece. A glass of fizz arrives almost instantly—and is topped up just as quickly—as the menu is introduced.
The experience starts traditionally, with truffled egg mayo, roast beef, and smoked salmon finger sandwiches. That’s followed by warm, fluffy scones served fresh from the oven with jam and clotted cream.
Then, things get playful. The showstoppers are the art-inspired cakes, each a nod to a famous masterpiece.
A Black Forest dessert shaped like Warhol’s soup can, a coconut mousse cake decorated with Yayoi Kusama’s signature flowers, and tributes to Banksy and Van Gogh.
It’s a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. And, let’s be honest, it’s pretty fun too.
The Lanesborough
Last, but not certainly not least, Dearest Reader, is The Lanesborough afternoon tea. It has a Bridgerton theme, and rabid fans of the Netflix series (like me!) will be in heaven.
You can don your best finery and visit the Ton. You’ll dine in a ballroom with a live pianist. It’s naturally illuminated during the day by a domed glass roof.
The tea itself has the classic goodies, along with some from the actual Regency era. The scones with lemon curd are to die for.
But then come the cakes, even better if you have a sweet tooth. Many are named after the characters in the series.
You can also try the Social Butterfly cocktail inspired by Penelope Featherington.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to the best afternoon teas in London. You may find these other London travel guides useful:
- 3 Day Itinerary for London
- 5 Day Itinerary for London
- Hidden Gems in London
- Tourist Traps To Avoid in London
- Best Museums in London
- Day Trips from London
- Harry Potter Places in London
- Guide to the Tower of London
- London in Spring
- Best Floral Cafes in London
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