The Best Afternoon Teas in London

Craving a classic afternoon tea in London? This city offers the finest places to indulge in this beloved British tradition, renowned for some of the world’s most celebrated tea experiences.

Legend has it that afternoon tea was born when an English duchess requested a light snack of cake and tea before dinner in the mid-1800s, eventually evolving into a luxurious social event.

Today’s afternoon tea typically includes warm, freshly baked scones, a variety of finger sandwiches, and indulgent sweets, all paired with a generous pot of tea. While London is home to many classic offerings, we’ve also highlighted some unique twists, like teas served aboard a vintage double-decker bus or those inspired by the whimsical world of Alice in Wonderland.

Fortnum & Mason

No one does tea better than Fortnum & Mason, a London institution since 1707. Visitors can enjoy their world-renowned teas and more in the spacious, sophisticated Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon, often accompanied by the soothing sounds of a live pianist.

“Entering the tea room felt like stepping onto the set of a 19th-century BBC drama,” says blogger Hannah Kacary of That Adventurer.

Tea sommeliers engage with guests to understand their flavor preferences and guide them to the perfect tea from an extensive selection. There are also traditional sommeliers available to help with champagne pairings.

Make sure to save room for dessert. Fortnum’s signature cake cart lets guests choose from a tempting selection of freshly made cakes.

Best For: True tea aficionados

Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly, London; +44 207 734 8040

Sketch

Sketch’s Gallery room, drenched in shades of pink and brimming with artistic charm, stands out as one of the most visually stunning spots in London to enjoy afternoon tea.

“It’s like walking into a candy shop with bubblegum pink seating and quirky messages at the bottom of your cups and plates,” says blogger Aftab Pathan of Fresh and Fearless.

The tea menu features delights like finger sandwiches (the comté cheese panini is a standout), warm scones, and indulgent treats like cassis cheesecake and citrus meringue. For a truly unique experience, try the Sketch Exotic Tea, where staff pour Sketch’s own Champagne over chai, vanilla, or Earl Grey tea leaves served over ice.

Best For: Experimental tea lovers

Sketch, 9 Conduit St, Mayfair, London; +44 20 7659 4500

The Goring

It’s no wonder that The Goring’s afternoon tea is a refined and royal affair, given that the hotel has long been a favorite of the Queen, located just a short stroll from Buckingham Palace.

Afternoon tea is served in a lounge with golden ceilings, plush red walls, and a welcoming fireplace. The menu of finger sandwiches and sweet treats – including salmon with crème fraîche, strawberry-pistachio macarons, and mini banana cakes – is updated regularly.

For those seeking an extra touch of luxury, the Afternoon Tea with Bollinger Rose Champagne is the ultimate indulgence, accompanied by fresh strawberries and cream, alongside all the traditional delights.

Best For: The royal experience

The Goring Hotel, 15 Beeston Place, London; +44 20 7396 9000

Mad Hatter’s Tea, Sanderson

The whimsical world of Alice in Wonderland continues at the chic Sanderson Hotel, home to one of London’s most adored themed afternoon teas.

Every aspect of this tea is infused with quirky charm, from the five tea blends inspired by 'Alice' characters to macaroons cleverly designed as animated pocket watches, with only the savory snacks remaining a bit more grounded.

“The menu is tucked inside an antique book, teapots are adorned with crowns… we truly tumbled down the rabbit hole and never wanted to leave,” says Stacey Smith, blogger at Crummbs.

For those looking for a more adult twist on this fantasy experience, the Mad Hatter’s Tipsy Evening Tea includes four cocktail flights and decadent boozy cake bites.

Best For: A delightful, whimsical experience

Sanderson Hotel, 50 Berners St., Fitzrovia, London; +44 207 300 5588

B Afternoon Tea Bus Tour, BB Bakery

For an afternoon tea with a twist, hop aboard BB Bakery’s iconic bus tour.

Take in London’s top landmarks – including Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and Piccadilly Circus – while savoring a delightful afternoon tea on a vintage 1960s double-decker Routemaster bus.

“A fun and unique experience for both tourists and locals wanting to see London from a different perspective – I highly recommend spending a sunny afternoon on this tour,” says Milly Youngman of Mini Adventures.

The 90-minute tea tour departs from either Victoria or Trafalgar Square and includes a spread of scones, sandwiches, cupcakes, and French pastries, complemented by live or recorded commentary of the city's sights.

It's advisable to book ahead to secure a spot on the top deck for the best panoramic views.

Best For: First-time visitors to London

BB Afternoon Tea, 24 Raymouth Rd, London; +44 020 3026 1188

Bea’s of Bloomsbury

Bea’s Bakery offers one of the most laid-back and budget-friendly afternoon teas on the list, priced at about half of what you'd pay at other top spots around the city.

The tea menu is simple yet delightful, featuring seven loose leaf options, while sandwiches are swapped out for mini-brioches like Parma ham with mascarpone and avocado with spiced yogurt.

As expected, Bea’s excels in desserts, serving up treats like delicate meringues, marshmallows, brownies, and cupcakes. Though Bea’s now has multiple locations in London, afternoon tea is only available at St. Paul’s, Marylebone, and the original Bloomsbury cafe.

Best For: A relaxed, casual tea experience

Bea’s of Bloomsbury, 44 Theobalds Rd, London; +44 20 7242 8330

Pret a Portea, The Berkeley

For anyone who can’t decide between designer shoes and sweet treats, Pret-a-Portea at The Berkeley brings the best of fashion from the runway to the dessert table with treats inspired by the latest Fashion Week trends.

The recent 10th Anniversary collection features the iconic Moschino bag inspired by McDonald’s – Pret-a-Portea’s edible take on it is a sponge cake wrapped in red chocolate – plus stiletto-shaped cookies inspired by designers like Nicholas Kirkwood.

This themed tea skips the traditional scones, but that’s hardly an issue given the wide array of haute delicacies and savory bites available. A trendy afternoon tea experience in the heart of British fashion.

Best For: The fashion-forward

The Berkeley, Wilton Pl, Belgravia, London; +44 20 7235 6000

The Ritz

The Ritz is undoubtedly London’s epitome of elegance, hosting its iconic afternoon teas since the early 1900s.

This timelessly traditional and extravagant experience features live harpists, pianists, and classical quintets accompanying your tea. Served in silver pots by impeccably dressed waiters, guests can choose from 18 loose-leaf teas and indulge in the classic three-tier spread of scones, finger sandwiches, and desserts, all within the stunning, gilded Palm Court.

Reservations must be made well in advance, and guests should be aware that it is a formal event: gentlemen are required to wear a suit and tie to be admitted.

Best For: The ultimate in luxury and indulgence

The Ritz, 150 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London; +44 20 7493 8181

Fancy Tea, Lyaness

Since its transformation from South Bank’s iconic Dandelyan – crowned World’s Best Bar in 2018 – to Lyaness in 2019, its unique cocktail tea experience has evolved with a fresh new vibe.

Fancy Tea is Lyaness’s bold reinterpretation of 80s society soirées, offering four cocktail pairings (with optional tea) alongside savory bites, all set to a backdrop of retro synth tunes. Savories like deviled eggs and sausage rolls are paired with a banana-green tea-Grey Goose cocktail, Carter Cobbler, while pineapple upside-down cakes with clotted cream and cherry jam are washed down with a citrusy jasmine-pineapple gimlet.

Although the menu has evolved and the venue’s signature bubblegum pink leather seats have been replaced with baby blue ones, the spectacular views of the Thames remain as stunning as ever.

Best For: A boozy twist on tea

Lyaness, Sea Containers London, 20 Upper Ground, London; +44 203 747 1063

The Savoy

The Savoy’s Thames Foyer, with its enchanting winter garden gazebo beneath a glass dome, offers one of the most refined settings for afternoon tea in London.

Classic scones, delicate finger sandwiches, and irresistible desserts are complemented by the soothing sounds of a classical pianist.

In addition to its afternoon tea, The Savoy offers its own luxurious take on high tea, a tradition that was once a humble dinnertime meal, far removed from high society. The expansive tea menu also features exclusive blends from The Savoy itself.

Best For: Timeless elegance and luxury

The Savoy, Strand, London; +44 20 7836 4343

Ting

Located in the Shangri-La at The Shard, Ting doesn’t need to work hard to dazzle its afternoon tea guests – its breathtaking 35th-floor views of the London skyline are the main attraction.

Guests can choose between the traditional English Afternoon Tea or the Asian-inspired Afternoon Tea, featuring selections like gyoza, dumplings, and Asian-flavored desserts. Set in Western Europe’s tallest building, this five-star tea is a pricey experience, but the panoramic views are unmatched.

Best For: Sky-high tea with a view

Ting, Shangri-La at The Shard London, Shangri-La Hotel, 31 St Thomas St, London; +44 20 7234 8108

Cahoots Squiffy Picnic

Step into an underground ‘bunker bar’ and experience Cahoots’ unique Squiffy Picnic, a Saturday afternoon event that transports you straight to the post-WWII era.

‘We felt like we were in a vintage wonderland, enjoying our sandwiches, scones, and sweet treats served in wicker picnic baskets,’ says Binny Shah of Binny’s Kitchen.

Squiffy Picnic redefines afternoon tea, with teacups filled with hooch instead of traditional Earl Grey, while the sultry sounds of singer Lois ‘Legs’ Laurelle keep the atmosphere buzzing.

For those really in the mood to indulge, the Hollow Legs option offers bottomless booze or a bottle of Moet & Chandon Champagne.

A fun fact: guests must request ‘the captain’ at the entrance to gain access to this speakeasy-style venue, which is exclusively for those 21 and over.

Best for: A swingin’ good time

Cahoots, 13 Kingly Court, London; +44 20 7352 6200

Claridge’s

For over 150 years, the five-star Claridge’s Hotel has been an icon of luxury afternoon tea, with no sign of slowing down in its prestigious tradition.

Held in the hotel’s stunning art-deco foyer, designed by Thierry Despont, this refined tea experience is accompanied by the enchanting melodies of a pianist and harpist, transporting guests to a golden age of glamour.

Among the curated selection of premium teas, the menu features scones served with Marco Polo jelly and rich Cornish clotted cream, alongside finger sandwiches filled with corn-fed chicken, Parmesan, and lemon on malted bread.

Desserts like the tart sour cherry gateaux are elegantly presented on Claridge’s signature green-striped bone china. Reservations are essential for securing a spot at one of the city’s most iconic afternoon tea experiences.

Best for: Sheer elegance

Claridge’s, Brook St, Mayfair, London; +44 20 7629 8860

Brown’s Hotel: Tea-Tox

While afternoon teas are typically not the healthiest option, Brown’s – London’s first-ever hotel – offers a healthier alternative with its Tea-Tox, a lighter, lower-calorie version that still maintains high quality.

Served in the charming English Tea Room, this experience begins with a detoxifying juice made from beetroot, ginger, and kale. Instead of traditional scones and finger sandwiches, the menu features seasonal fruits with dips and miso-glazed salmon with radish on spinach bread.

Sweet tooths are also satisfied with treats like gluten-free raspberry and pistachio brownies and coconut panna cotta topped with lemon curd.

Brown’s Tea-Tox is the ideal spot to enjoy tea while keeping the carbs in check, all without sacrificing the fun.

Best for: Health-conscious tea

Brown’s Hotel, 33 Albemarle St, Mayfair, London; +44 020 7493 6020

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