Afternoon tea is more than just a meal in London; it’s a cultural experience, a celebration of British tradition. It all started back in 1840, when the Duchess of Bedford, craving a light snack before dinner, decided to enjoy tea and pastries. This simple act sparked a trend that would become a national phenomenon, complete with its own set of etiquette rules. Today, London’s afternoon tea scene is thriving, offering a variety of options from classic to contemporary.
From Traditional Delights to Modern Interpretations
Forget just tea and sandwiches! London’s afternoon tea now boasts Champagne flutes, exotic snacks, and potent cocktails, a far cry from the Duchess of Bedford’s humble beginnings. We’ve sampled countless cups of tea, finger sandwiches, scones, and macarons to bring you the best afternoon tea experiences in London, from traditional spreads to modern interpretations that extend into the evening.
Condé Nast Traveler editors have meticulously curated this list, working with local contributors who have personally visited each venue. We’ve considered both high-end and affordable options, evaluating factors like standout offerings, location, service, inclusivity, and sustainability credentials. We’re constantly updating the list as new venues open and existing ones evolve.
A Taste of History and Luxury: The Classics
Here’s a quick glimpse at some of the top contenders for the best afternoon tea in London:
- Best for classic afternoon tea: The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum & Mason (from £80, around $105)
- Best for royalists and traditionalists: Afternoon tea at The Goring Hotel (from £70, around $92)
- Best for a taste of London: Afternoon tea at The Wolseley (from £44.50, around $58)
- Best for fashion fans: Prêt-à-Portea at The Berkeley (from £80, around $105)
- Best for old-school glitz: Afternoon tea at The Ritz London (from £75, around $98)
- Best for timeless elegance: Afternoon tea at The Lanesborough (from £80, around $105)
- Best for affordable treats in an iconic setting: Afternoon tea at the British Museum (from £35, around $46)
- Best for tea connoisseurs: Afternoon tea at Claridge’s (from £90, around $118)
Step Into the World of Bridgerton
For fans of the Netflix series Bridgerton, The Lanesborough offers a special afternoon tea that will transport you to the world of the show. Step into the hotel’s Regency dining room, adorned with glittering chandeliers, and listen to a live pianist playing the show’s iconic tunes as you indulge in a classic afternoon tea menu. Expect delicious finger sandwiches, including salmon, cucumber and cream cheese, truffled egg mayo, and chicken, along with a moreish cheese and crispy kale tart, created exclusively for the Bridgerton tea.
Two scones each, one plain and one fruit, are served with homemade cream, jam, and lemon curd. Don’t overindulge, though! You’ll need room for the show-inspired cakes:
- The rich, chocolate ‘Social Butterfly’
- The tart, raspberry ‘Colin’s Travels’
- The blueberry ‘Book of Eloise’
- The sharing ‘Lady Whistledown’, a pistachio mousse on a biscuit base
To top it all off, enjoy the ‘Friends to Lovers’ cocktail, a twist on a margarita featuring coconut tequila, cherries, cranberry juice, honey, and lime. It’s the perfect way to end this immersive Bridgerton-themed afternoon tea.
Address: The Lanesborough, Hyde Park Corner, London SW1X 7TA
Website: oetkercollection.com
Price: from £85 per person (around $111)
Art-Inspired Delights at Rosewood London
Prepare to be amazed at Rosewood London’s Art Afternoon Tea, where edible masterpieces come to life. Imagine chocolate lobsters perched atop chocolate cakes filled with passionfruit jelly, or madeleines with blueberry sauce sandwiched between white chocolate, artfully painted blue. These are just two examples of the culinary interpretations of famous works of art that grace this unique afternoon tea.
Led by executive pastry chef Mark Perkins, the Art Afternoon Tea, launched in January 2024, pays homage to iconic artworks from different eras. Set within the hotel’s spacious Mirror Room, with its dazzling wall of glass and fragrant floral centerpiece, you’ll be treated to a glass of fizz and a menu that takes you on a culinary journey through art history.
Start with traditional finger sandwiches, including delicately truffled egg mayo, roast beef, and smoked salmon, before moving on to warm, fluffy scones, served with jam and cream. But the true stars of the show are the arty cakes. These aren’t mere replicas; they’re inspired by the world’s most famous pieces.
- A jammy Black Forest-flavored pastry shaped like Andy Warhol’s soup can
- Yayoi Kusama’s flower sculptures delicately piped onto a coconut mousse cake
- Masterpieces inspired by Banksy and Van Gogh, crafted with vanilla cream choux, matcha green tea sponge, and almond blossom
The Art Afternoon Tea is a feast for the senses, a delightful combination of artistry, culinary creativity, and indulgence.
Author: Charley Ward
