Afternoon tea in London is more than just a delightful treat; it’s a cultural experience. Since the 1840s, when the Duchess of Bedford popularized the practice of enjoying tea and snacks before dinner, it has evolved into a national tradition with its own set of etiquette rules. Today, London offers an array of afternoon tea experiences, catering to all tastes and budgets.
From Traditional to Trendy: A Guide to London’s Best Afternoon Teas
This list, carefully curated by Condé Nast Traveler editors and reviewed by local contributors, features a diverse range of venues, each offering a unique take on the classic afternoon tea. We consider high-end and affordable venues, emphasizing stand-out offerings, location, service, inclusivity, and sustainability credentials.
Here are some of the best places to indulge in the quintessential 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 Bridgerton-Inspired Tea Experience at The Lanesborough
For fans of the popular Netflix series Bridgerton, The Lanesborough offers a truly immersive afternoon tea experience. Step into the hotel’s Regency dining room adorned with glistening chandeliers and a live pianist playing the show’s iconic tunes.
Indulge in a selection of classic sandwiches, including salmon, cucumber and cream cheese, truffled egg mayo and chicken, alongside a delightful cheese and crispy kale tart. Enjoy two homemade scones, one plain and one fruit, paired with cream, jam, and lemon curd. And don’t forget to save room for the show-inspired cakes:
- Social Butterfly: Rich chocolate cake
- Colin’s Travels: Tart raspberry cake
- Book of Eloise: Blueberry cake
- Lady Whistledown: Pistachio mousse on a biscuit base
Finish off with a “Friends to Lovers” cocktail, a margarita twist made with coconut tequila, cherries, cranberry juice, honey, and lime.
Address: The Lanesborough, Hyde Park Corner, London SW1X 7TA
Website: oetkercollection.com
Price: from £85 per person (around $111)
Artistic Delights: Rosewood London’s Art Afternoon Tea
Rosewood London’s Art Afternoon Tea is a unique experience that brings together delicious treats and iconic works of art. Executive pastry chef Mark Perkins has crafted a menu inspired by renowned artists like Salvador Dalí, David Hockney, Andy Warhol, Yayoi Kusama, and Banksy.
The tea begins with traditional finger sandwiches, followed by warm scones and a selection of arty cakes. The cakes aren’t mere replicas, but homages to the artists’ most famous works.
For example, a jammy Black Forest-flavored pastry, shaped like Andy Warhol’s soup can, is garnished in a vibrant red glaze. Yayoi Kusama’s flower sculptures are delicately piped onto a coconut mousse cake. Each cake is a visual and culinary delight, showcasing the chef’s creativity and passion for art.
This afternoon tea is a feast for the senses, offering a unique and memorable experience in the hotel’s beautiful Mirror Room.
Address: Rosewood London, 252 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EN
Website: rosewoodhotels.com
Price: from £65 per person (around $85)
