Best Afternoon Tea in London
Afternoon Tea is a quintessential British classic. Savoring delicious cups of tea carefully paired with treats, cakes and scones is the perfect way to experience London at its very finest. To help you choose where to go, we’ve compiled a list of the best afternoon tea in London…
A Classic
Heading our list of the best afternoon tea in London is a British classic. The Ritz is a favorite haunt of the rich and famous, and once inside you’ll see why. The grandness of the decor is enchanting: gleaming chandeliers, marble floors, golden-gilded mirrors and immaculate white tablecloths create a truly palatial feel. On top of this the afternoon menu by John Williams is truly exquisite, and beautifully presented on blue china plates. Enjoy a selection of delicate sandwiches, soft scones, freshly baked pastries and 18 types of loose tea, all set against an ambient backdrop of chinking china.
Monday – Saturday 11am & 2pm
Green Park Station (Jubilee / Piccadilly / Victoria)
6, 9, 14, 19, 22, 38, N9, N19, N22, N38, N97
3-9 Old Burlington St, Mayfair, London W1S 3AF
Brook Street, Mayfair, London W1K 4HR
Understated Elegance
Another classic British affair makes our list of the best afternoon tea in London. Unlike The Ritz there’s no strict dress code at Claridge’s, contributing to a warm, relaxed atmosphere. The tea room itself is casually elegant, combining classic British style with art-deco twists. As gorgeous as the surroundings are, the food is the real star of the show: deliciously fluffy scones with ample lashings of clotted cream and jam, generously filled sandwiches and perfectly formed pastries. There are 24 teas to choose from, all served in jade and white-striped china cups. We recommend the Darjeeling as the perfect accompaniment to a sophisticated spot of afternoon tea.
Mon-Sun: 14:45-17.30
Bond Street Station (Central and Jubilee lines)
7, 23, 98, 159
Parking: Q Park, (+44113 238 4200), Park Ln, Mayfair, W1K 7TY
Best View
What could be better than top notch afternoon tea coupled with sensational views of London? Aqua Shard is located on the 31st floor of London’s iconic Shard. Being whizzed up to the top of an gleaming skyscraper in a dizzying glass elevator is an exciting start to proceedings. Once you’ve arrived, the dining room itself is sleek and elegant – perfectly framing the dazzling views. Get there for late afternoon and watch the sun set over all the London landmarks you’ve visited that day whilst sipping on reviving cups of tea. Then as soon as it’s turned dark, drop the posh pretense and order a boozy cocktail!
Mon-Sat Lunch: 12:00-15:00 / Dinner: 17:00 to 23:00
Sundays: 12:00-15:30 Dinner: 17:00-21:30
London Bridge Station (Northern and Jubilee Line)
17, 21, 35, 40, 43, 47, 48, 133, 141, 149, 344. London Bridge Bus Station is located directly outside The Shard.
Parking: Tower Bridge Parking, The Circle, Queen Elizabeth St, SE1 2JE
Most Eccentric
Next on our list of the best afternoon tea in London is an eccentric take on a British classic. Think golden chocolate eggs and homemade candyfloss, all washed down with smoking tea pots full of mango and chocolate tea. Kids and adults alike will love how the magical world of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is deliciously brought to life!
Mon-Sun: 12.30-15.30
Covent Garden (Piccadilly Line)
Temple (District and Circle Lines)
4, 11, 15, 26, 76, 172.
Parking Q Park Covent Garden, (
020 8068 8628), 34-35 Bedfordbury, WC2N 4DU
Great Value
Last but certainly not least in our list of the best afternoon tea in London is an option that won’t break the bank. The Dean Street Townhouse has been winning hearts and minds in London’s fashionable Soho for years, not least because of their high-quality, low-budget afternoon teas. Just £21 will buy you a delicious assortment of 3 kinds of sandwiches with cakes and buttery scones. All the more money to spend in the area’s eclectic vintage and antique shops!
Mon-Sun: 14:00-18:00
Picadilly Circus (Picadilly and Bakerloo Line)
14, 19
Q Park, (+44113 238 4200), 39-41 Whitcomb St, London WC2H 7DT
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You can find out more information of this site, and some of the most iconic sites in the city, on our free London Walking Tour!
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You can find out more information of this site, and some of the most iconic sites in the city, on a private London walking tour!
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