Britain is famous for its tradition of afternoon tea, and London is full of tea rooms and hotels that offer this quintessentially British experience. Whatever you’re looking for, there are countless places where you can treat yourself to scones, finger sandwiches and a cup of tea – or maybe some bubbles.
Whether it’s Mother’s Day, a birthday party, or a friend of a friend, it can be a great way to show love and appreciation. Whether you prefer a traditional setting or a modern twist on the classic experience, London has a place that will cater to you and your loved ones.
So here at , we’ve picked out 10 of the best places you can visit for afternoon tea. From budget-friendly options to luxurious treats, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum & Mason
Address: 181 Piccadilly, London W1A 1ER Award: from £80 per person
One of the best places to have a traditional afternoon tea is the Diamond Jubilee Tea Room in Fortnum and Mason, which dates back to 1707. Since then it has specialized in providing the finest products and service and now offers over 100 rare and exotic teas from India, China, Nepal, Japan and Ceylon, along with their own traditional blends.
The ever-changing menu includes lobster scones with cream cheese and caviar topping. There is also a children’s afternoon tea available, which comes with light finger sandwiches, plain scones and fruit scones and a selection of cakes served with hot chocolate, fruit juice or a glass of milk.
Red coffee
Address: St Paul’s (5-14 St. Paul’s Churchyard, London EC4M 8BX) and St Katherine Docks (Tower Bridge House, 4 St Katharine’s Way, London E1W 1BA) Award: from £15 per person. Complete list of branches.
The Savoy
Address: The Strand, London WC2R 0EZ Award: from £80 per person
Savoy is another classic when it comes to afternoon tea. There is an extensive range of over 30 teas to choose from, along with classic sandwiches, homemade scones with clotted cream, jam and lemon curd, and a selection of pastries.
And for an extra special experience, a glass of Laurent-Perrier Champagne or Nyetimber sparkling wine can be added to your afternoon tea.
Oblix at The Shard
Address: 31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9RY Award: from £58 per person
If you’re looking for afternoon tea with a view, Oblix – on the 32nd floor of the Shard – is the place for you. Curl up on one of its sofas and enjoy views of Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf and beyond while sipping tea – or champagne.
The menu includes both traditional and experimental mozzarella and cherry tomato tarts, shrimp and lobster rolls topped with salmon roe and duck egg, and buns with truffle mayonnaise. On the sweet side, there are madeleines served with warm chocolate sauce, fresh wax cookies, strawberry jam and clotted cream, and desserts such as raspberry and pistachio financiers and crunchy hazelnut rochers.
Brigit’s bakery
Address: 6-7 Chandos Place, Covent Garden, London WC2N 4HU Award: from £39 per person
Brigit’s Bakery London specializes in afternoon tea with a French twist – L’Afternoon Tea. But not only can you visit its bakery in Covent Garden, you can also hop on one of their Afternoon Tea London Sightseeing Bus Tours.
The bus tour departs from Victoria Coach Station or Trafalgar Square and gives you the chance to see some of the capital’s landmarks such as Westminster Abbey, St James’s Park, Hyde Park, Royal Albert Hall, Marble Arch and Downing Street. And while you enjoy the views of central London, enjoy the sweet and savory flavors of France with a selection of finger sandwiches, such as smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwiches, as well as cakes and pastries.
Gantry
Address: 40 Celebration Ave, Stratford, East London E20 1DB Award: from £25 per person
The Gantry’s new location overlooks the Stratford skyline. There, guests can sample London East End classics such as mini fish ‘n’ chips and Brick Lane’s mini corned beef beigels, alongside British favorites such as brioche sandwiches with aged Cheddar Gorge cheese, cultured butter and homemade red onion jam.
There are also fruit scones served with Cornish clotted cream and homemade strawberry preserves, a ‘Jellied Eel’ consisting of retro champagne jelly, fruit gum and strawberry dust, and a selection of chocolate biscuits to pair with The Gantry’s tea and coffee.
The Coral Room at the Bloomsbury Hotel
Address: 16-22 Great Russell St, London WC1B 3NN Award: from £55 per person
Set in a Grade II listed neo-Georgian building that was once home to Princess Elizabeth’s teatime suite, the Coral Room at The Bloomsbury Hotel is the perfect place to enjoy a quintessentially English afternoon tea. Ornate candelabras and patterned sofas set the tone for a traditional spread that includes buttermilk scones and unusual sandwiches plus seasonal fruit tarts, Victoria sponges and other classic cakes.
Boulevard Brasserie Covent Garden
Address: 40 Wellington St London, WC2E 7BD Award: from £26.95 per person
This traditional afternoon tea at Boulevard Brasserie Covent Garden is in the heart of London’s dazzling theater district, just a stone’s throw from the Royal Opera House. Choose from fine teas and coffees accompanied by a selection of flavours, classic baked scones and an assortment of cakes and tarts.
Petersham Nurseries
Address: Church Lane, Off Petersham Road, London TW10 7AB Award: from £55 per person
There is no more magical setting for afternoon tea than the cozy teahouse at Petersham Nurseries. There you’ll find a conservatory worthy of being included in Alice in Wonderland, filled with foliage, antique garden chairs and whimsical touches.
Included on the menu are savory treats like corned beef mini bagels with pickles, and radicchio and wild mushroom sandwiches, along with clementine and pomegranate cookies and pecan tarts with crème fraiche. The scones, buttery soft and filled with fruit, are served with orange jam and clotted cream – there are also vegan and vegetarian options.
The Little Tea House
Address: 1152 High Road, Whetstone, North London, N20 0RA Award: from £35 per person
Nestled between Barnet and North Finchley, Little Tea House is a small business that opened just a few years ago. There are three menus to choose from: halal, vegan and vegetarian.
Each includes scones along with clotted cream and jam. There are also savory treats, such as garlic and coriander pies or chicken tikka pies, as well as sweet delicacies such as mille feuilles and chocolate cakes.
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