An Essential Guide to the Etiquette of British Afternoon Tea—and Where to Experience It in London

Even if you’re not well-versed in English culture, you probably know that teatime is a beloved tradition, as integral to British life as the Royals and pub pints. In my early 20s, I lived in West Kensington while working in a photo archive at a British fashion magazine. With limited funds but a strong desire to immerse myself in local customs, I often indulged in afternoon tea. Occasionally, especially when friends visited, I reserved a table at Fortnum & Mason, Claridge’s, or The Savoy to enjoy the elegant display of delicate sandwiches, glossy pastries, and scones accompanied by clouds of clotted cream, preserves, and generous pots of tea.

More often than not, I would simply stop by the Café in the Crypt at St. Martin-in-the-Fields church, where, for just a few pounds, I could savor English breakfast tea while seated atop ancient gravestones in the atmospheric underground space. Since returning to the USA, I’ve traveled back to London countless times, and I always partake in the cherished tradition of afternoon tea during my visits.

What is the origin of the afternoon tea tradition?

Tea is among the oldest beverages in the world, tracing its roots back to China around 2700 B.C.E., according to legend. However, the tradition of afternoon tea in England began around 1840. Anna Maria Russell, the Duchess of Bedford and a lady-in-waiting to Queen Victoria, is often credited with its invention. By the mid-19th century, gas lighting had become widespread in cities and affluent households, leading to later dinner times. This shift created a significant gap between lunch and dinner, which proved too lengthy for some, including the Duchess, who famously requested tea along with cake, bread, and butter in the late afternoon to stave off hunger. This request evolved into a ritual, gaining popularity among the drawing rooms and parlors of England’s elite during the Victorian era.

From the 19th to the 20th century, afternoon tea in England transformed from an exclusive upper-class tradition into a practice embraced by a broader range of social classes. Factors contributing to this change included increased leisure time and disposable income for the middle class, driven by industrialization, as well as the rise of tea rooms and cafés in urban areas that made afternoon tea more accessible and affordable for the general public.

Today, you may also find “high tea” on menus, but it should not be confused with afternoon tea. Originating in working-class homes, high tea is more of a substantial meal—usually featuring meat, vegetables, bread, and, of course, tea—typically served between 5 and 6 p.m.

What is the experience of afternoon tea like today?

Across tea rooms, upscale hotels, and restaurants nationwide, afternoon tea remains a beloved choice for both tourists and locals. “People often enjoy afternoon tea to commemorate special occasions or simply to reconnect with friends,” explains Piero Sottile, executive pastry chef at Shangri-La the Shard, London. “It’s viewed as a quintessential British experience that continues to be cherished.”

The menu typically features a curated selection of scones topped with clotted cream and jam, delicate pastries, and savory finger sandwiches filled with ingredients like egg salad or smoked salmon. The sandwiches are traditionally crustless and crafted with meticulous attention to detail.

“At the Dorchester, we have honored the national tradition of afternoon tea for nearly a century,” shares Martyn Nail, culinary director at the luxurious Mayfair hotel. “We believe the ideal finger sandwich is based on two essential factors: premium ingredients and precisely cut bread, maintaining a two-thirds bread to one-third filling ratio.”

Beyond their standard offerings, restaurants and hotels frequently present seasonal and themed teas to mark occasions like Mother’s Day or a royal wedding. At Ting in Shangri-La the Shard, the hotel's 10th anniversary tea features Instagram-worthy treats like pastries shaped like Big Ben and a mousse-filled replica of the Shard (the 72-story skyscraper designed by Renzo Piano that houses the hotel) made from elegantly painted chocolate. The breathtaking views of Tower Bridge enhance the overall experience.

“Afternoon tea has become quite the sensation on social media, which has shifted the focus towards visually appealing presentations,” notes Sottile. There’s also a greater emphasis on diversity, including vegetarian choices and, as Sottile points out, “a notable increase in the incorporation of international flavors and dishes into the offerings.”

At the Nobu Hotel London Portman Square, for instance, afternoon tea is enriched with traditional Japanese elements like wasabi and miso, while many venues across the city offer Indian-inspired afternoon teas. At Colonel Saab in Covent Garden, the menu features dhokla sandwiches paired with mint chutney and macarons flavored with cardamom, saffron, and rose, alongside an array of teas like turmeric citrus and spiced chai.

Before indulging in any multi-tiered selection of treats, you’ll need to choose your beverage. Over the years, tea menus have broadened significantly, with many establishments providing a signature blend and others offering a wide range of choices among black, green, oolong, and herbal teas, as well as tisanes. If you find the options daunting, a tea specialist on staff can assist you.

What etiquette should you observe when drinking tea?

In line with the country’s tradition-loving reputation, teatime is accompanied by its own unique set of customs. Some rules mirror those of any fine dining experience: place your napkin on your lap and avoid clinking the sides of your teacup while stirring in milk and sugar. Others may catch you off guard. For example, keep your pinkie finger down—lifting it while sipping is seen as impolite. Also, always add milk after pouring your tea. It might surprise you that this guideline needs mentioning, but a small yet passionate group insists on adding milk first; this practice dates back to when milk was poured in first to prevent inexpensive ceramics from cracking due to the hot tea.

However, the most surprising rules pertain to scones. “When enjoying scones, it’s best to break them apart instead of slicing with a knife,” advises Sottile. “Generously apply both jam and clotted cream, but there's a significant debate over which should go on first.”

In this light-hearted yet fiercely debated regional dispute over layering clotted cream and jam, the Devonshire approach advocates for cream first, while the Cornish method favors jam first. Whichever you choose, it contributes to the cherished English tradition of afternoon tea.

Top Four Spots for Afternoon Tea in London

Ting at Shangri-La the Shard
Indulge in the hotel’s 10th anniversary tea, featuring pastries shaped like iconic London landmarks such as Big Ben.

Nobu Hotel London Portman Square
A delightful fusion of Eastern and Western flavors, the menu includes sushi cups, miso chips, freshly baked scones, and an extensive selection of teas.

Colonel Saab
Savor Indian-inspired tea and treats in the historic former Holborn Town Hall.

The Dorchester
This elegant establishment, which opened its doors in 1931, radiates the luxury of a bygone era while maintaining a relaxed atmosphere, complete with an afternoon tea menu for children.