The Duchess of Bedford, back in 1840, had a craving for something sweet and savory in the afternoon. This simple act of indulging in tea and snacks sparked a tradition that has blossomed into a national treasure—afternoon tea in London.
While the Duchess might be surprised by the modern interpretations, afternoon tea in London is a celebrated experience. Forget the simple tea and snacks, today’s afternoon tea is a feast for the senses, a celebration of flaky scones, moreish finger sandwiches, and exquisite pastries.
A Peek at the Best
We’ve sampled our way through countless afternoon tea experiences, from classic spreads to modern twists, to bring you the crème de la crème of London’s best afternoon teas. Our team of editors has carefully selected these venues, considering everything from high-end luxury to affordable charm, outstanding offerings, and top-notch service, all while prioritizing inclusivity and sustainability.
Here are some of the best places to enjoy a truly British experience:
- 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)
A Taste of Bridgerton
Step into the world of Bridgerton, the hit Netflix series, at The Lanesborough. This special afternoon tea will transport you to the finest ballrooms, complete with a live pianist serenading you with the show’s iconic melodies.
The menu is a classic affair with delicious finger sandwiches featuring flavors like salmon, cucumber and cream cheese, truffled egg mayo, and chicken. But the true highlight is the moreish cheese and kale tart, created especially for the Bridgerton experience. And let’s not forget the scones, two per person—one plain and one fruit, served with homemade cream, jam, and lemon curd. It’s impossible to resist a third!
The cakes are a delightful nod to the show, with offerings like the rich, chocolate “Social Butterfly”, the tart, raspberry “Colin’s Travels”, the blueberry “Book of Eloise”, and the sharing “Lady Whistledown”, a pistachio mousse on a biscuit base.
To top it all off, there’s the “Friends to Lovers” cocktail, a unique twist on a margarita featuring coconut tequila, cherries, cranberry juice, honey, and lime. It’s the perfect pairing for this extraordinary afternoon tea.
Artfully Inspired Afternoon Tea
At the Rosewood London, the Art Afternoon Tea is a delightful journey through the world of iconic art. Executive pastry chef Mark Perkins has meticulously crafted edible masterpieces, inspired by works from famous artists. Imagine a tiny, orange-brushed chocolate lobster perched atop a chocolate cake filled with passionfruit jelly, a madeleine filled with blueberry sauce, and a white chocolate sculpture spray-painted blue—these are just two of the edible works of art inspired by Salvador Dalí’s “Lobster Telephone” and David Hockney’s “Bigger and Closer”.
The afternoon tea experience unfolds in the hotel’s magnificent Mirror Room, with its glittering glass walls and towering floral centerpiece. As you savor the traditional finger sandwiches, the delicate scones, and the artisanal cakes, a glass of fizz is constantly refilled, making this a truly indulgent experience.
Each artistic cake pays homage to a different masterpiece, from the Black Forest-flavored pastry shaped like Andy Warhol’s soup can to the coconut mousse cake adorned with delicate flower sculptures inspired by Yayoi Kusama. The creativity and artistry of the cakes are truly astounding, a testament to the chef’s talent and passion.
These unique afternoon tea experiences offer a glimpse into the world of art, history, and British tradition. Whether you’re seeking a classic afternoon tea, an artistic indulgence, or a transporting experience, London has something to offer everyone. So, grab your friends, put on your finest attire, and prepare for an unforgettable afternoon.
