When in the British capital, afternoon tea is practically a requirement. From old-school classics to innovative twists to blends with a kick to boozy blends, here’s a look at 14 places for afternoon tea in London.
From Henry James, T.S. Eliot and Charles Dickens to Downton Abbey, Mary Poppins and Alice in Wonderland, tea has made many a cameo in literature and pop culture.For something so quintessentially British, it can be hard to believe that the afternoon tea ritual that we know and love todaywasn’testablished until 1840.
To curb her hunger pangs between lunch and her late dinner time, Anna Russell, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, started requesting tea, bread and butter in the afternoon. She eventuallyinvited friends to join her, and voila…afternoon tea was born! Soon enough, England followed suit.
Nowadays, you might have your afternoon tea with a small snack at home. Or you can go out to one of these locales that pull out all the stops. You can even enjoy just the rightsweet and savory combo for a mini meal in and of itself, and just eat a light dinner the forthcoming evening. Whether you’re looking for something classic, innovative or with a kick, here–in no particular order–are 14 places to enjoy afternoon tea in London. Reservations are recommended for all.
The Classics:
These classic institutions serve the traditional three-tier sandwich, scone and pastry spread often to the soundtrack of live piano music. Almost all have the option of a Champagne upgrade or two, and, jeans and sneakers are usually not suitable attire.
1. Savoy Hotel
For an epitome of traditional afternoon tea experience in London, the renowned Savoy Hotel is a must-visit. The grandeur of this landmark hotel is further accentuated by the natural sunlight streaming through the glass dome of the Thames Foyer. Although there isn't much of a river view as per its name, the venue's extraordinary atmosphere certainly compensates. Their extensive choice of exquisite teas is complemented perfectly by their signature Savoy Éclair, which uniquely blends the flavours of mango, passion fruit, and chocolate. The prices for this indulgence start at £52 per person, offered daily from 1pm to 5.45pm (Strand, website).
2. Harrods' The Georgian
A quintessential icon of London for over a century and a half, Harrods department store merits a visit during your time in the city. Its fame is paired with the custom of afternoon tea, creating a delightful combination. An integral part of this experience is their signature strawberries served in Pimm’s syrup accompanying the scones. The afternoon tea experience at Harrods' The Georgian begins at £42 per person, and is available daily from 11.30am to 7pm (87-135 Brompton Rd website).
3. The Ritz
A lovers of the film Notting Hill likely have capturing a memorable picture of the iconic Ritz on their London sightseeing checklist, so why not combine it with an exquisite afternoon tea experience? The Palm Court, with its towering ceilings, grand spirit, and seemingly plated in gold feels as though it's from another world. Select your favourite concoction from 18 tea blends and pour it from a sterling silver teapot. Please note, the dress code is formal with men required to wear jackets and ties. Prices start from £57 per person and it is open from 11:30am to 7:30pm (website)
4. Claridge’s
Having served tea for over 150 years, this luxury hotel is a staple in London's afternoon tea culture. With servers donned in bow ties, sit back in the charming dining area as you appreciate the hotel’s renowned mint-green-and-white-striped dishware. Indulge in a choice of 24 loose tea leaves, and don’t forget to try their signature Marco Polo gelée served right next to the scones. Prices start at £60 per person and it operates between 2:45 pm to 5:30 pm (website).
5. Fortnum & Mason
This Piccadilly store has been serving afternoon tea and its signature checkered Battenburg Cake since 1926. However, the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon is relatively new, named for the Queen who inaugurated the space in 2012. The tea sommeliers will help you select the best possible blend for your taste, and don’t forget to pick up some boxed tea to take home with you, such as the popular gin and tonic flavor! From £44 per person. Monday to Saturday: 11.30am-7pm; Sunday: 12pm to 6pm (181 Piccadilly;website)
Here are some spots that step outside of the boundary of tradition and offer afternoon tea with a twist or two:
6. Sketch
Sketches by artist David Shrigley adorn the pink walls of The Gallery within this two-star Michelin restaurant fromthree-star Michelin French chef Pierre Gagnaire. From plush pink velvet furniture to cheeky plateware, the atmosphereexudes a sophisticated edginess. All the fare is quite pleasing, but the mini Comte cheese toast is the absolute must eat. From£45 per person. Daily: 12:30pm – 4:30pm. (9 Conduit St; website)
7. Revel in Hamilton-inspired tea at the Lanesborough
Londoners are in high anticipation that the exhilaration over 'Hamilton' tickets will mirror that which was experienced in New York. But even if you fail to secure these sought-after tickets, the Lanesborough hotel offers an opportunity to experience a slice of Hamilton. Pastry maestro Gabriel Le Quang has crafted five unique pastries, each triggering beautiful memories of the spectacular characters and scenes in the hit Broadway musical. The offerings include an Exotic Lace Cupcake, Blackberry Cheesecake, Grapefruit Religieuse, a delightful Pecan pie, and the must-try Caribs Chocolate Star, all starting at £39 per person. Be sure to treasure this wonderful experience, available daily from 2.30pm to 4.30pm by visiting the website.
8. Experience artistry with your tea at the Rosewood
Get ready to immerse yourself in an artistic afternoon tea experience at the Rosewood's Mirror Room. Pastry artist Mark Perkins sources his inspiration from the works of globally recognized contemporary artists to design his distinctive, beautiful pastries. His extensive list of inspirational artists includes the likes of Banksy, Kandinsky, Pollock, Koons, and le Gall. The experience is further heightened by the tranquil atmosphere of the lounge, with its inviting Chesterfield sofas, intoxicating dim lighting, and alluring full-length mirrored walls. The sittings are available from 2 to 6 pm on weekdays, 12 to 7 pm on Saturdays, and 12 to 6 pm on Sundays. Don't miss out on this pinnacle of artistic and culinary melding, do visit the website to make your reservations.
9. Prêt-à-Porter at the Berkeley hotel
Instead of the familiar shapes of the usual edibles that grace our tea plates, pastry chef Mourad Khiatmakes draws his inspiration from the runway. You might recognize bite-size versions of iconic garments such as Gucci’s kimono, Gianvito Rossi’s red stiletto boots and Balenciaga’s black and white dress and more, all reworked into delightful little dreams. From £52 per person.Daily: 1pm-5.30pm. You can experience this extravagant affair at Wilton Place, nestled amidst some of the best London 5-star hotels at hotels-of-london.com . These hotels provide indulgence and grandeur complementing your luxurious afternoon tea and adding a regal facet to your London getaway. Explore more and make your reservations at their website.
If you prefer your afternoon tea with a kick, here are some boozy options for you:
10. Scandal Water at the Edition
Named after the nineteenth-century slang term for tea, Scandal Water at the Edition takes place in thehotel’s Punch Room. Its aim is torecreate what tea time was really created for…not just for curbing one’s appetite between lunch and dinner, but also for gossip! Scandal Water aims to bring afternoon tea back to its roots through a menu of five carefully curated, non-traditional food and tea pairings as well as tea-infused punches. The idea is to focus more on the flavors rather than how much you can eat. Guests select three pairings which are then served as flights. Friday – Sunday: 3pm to 5pm; reservations only. Starts at £35 per person (10 Berners Street; website)
11. Tipsy Tea at Mr. Fogg’s
This eccentric cocktail bar is inspired by Phileas Fogg, the Jules Verne character who traveled around the world in 80 days. The Victorian era decor is the perfect backdrop for Tipsy Tea, characterized by a selection of Spirited and Champagne teas like Ladies that Lapsang with Lapsang-souchong-infused Martini Rosso, Hendrick’s, Drambuie, homemade vanilla syrup and lemon juice, or the Drunken Duchess Reyka with vodka, crème de mûre, cranberry juice, lemon bitters, homemade sugar syrup and fresh lemon juice, topped with Veuve Clicquot. Starts at £38 per person.Friday and Saturday: 2pm to 6pm; Sunday: 3pm to 5pm(15 Bruton Ln and 1 New Row;website)
12. Gin and tonic afternoon tea at Duke’s
Duke’s London follows suit with a traditional afternoon tea and Champagne add-on options, but they also have a third: Gin and tonic afternoon tea. Sip gin-infused tea with housemade tonic syrup served alongside the typical sandwiches, scones and pastries. Starts at £32.50 person. Daily: 1pm – 6pm; (35 St James’s Place; website)
13. Sherlock Holmes afternoon tea at Taj 51
These mostly spiked sweet treats pay homageto literature’s most iconic detective. There’s a Scotch-infused 221 B macaroon while Moriarity’s Bomb comprises coffee and Baileys cheesecake. Smoked caramel mousse is shaped into a cigar and Watson’s Moustache is a boozyStout cupcake. Savory sandwiches are inspired bythe novel The Sign of The Four, and tea is served in theHome From Home Tea Set, which appears in the hit TV show. Starts at £40 per person. Reservations are required. Daily: 12.30pm – 6pm(51 Buckingham Gate;website)
14. Wyld Afternoon tea at Dandelyon in the Mondrian Hotel
Located in this award-winning cocktail bar, Wyld Afternoon pays homage to the exotic botanical flavors that explorers introduced to London during the early nineteenth century. Enjoy 1970s-inspired sweet and savory bites paired with specially created cocktails in a disco loungebackdrop. Bonus: a spectacular view of the Thames!Thursday to Sunday:12pm and 5pm. Starts at£55; a booze-free version is £35 per person. (20 Upper Ground, South Bank; website)