Welcome to the delightful world of afternoon tea in London! A tradition born from a Duchess’s craving for a mid-afternoon snack has evolved into a national treasure, complete with its own set of charming etiquette. We’ve embarked on a delicious journey to bring you the very best afternoon tea experiences in the city, from the traditional to the innovative. Each spot listed has been carefully chosen by Condé Nast Traveler editors and reviewed by local experts. We consider everything from high-end to affordable options, stand-out offerings, location, and service, ensuring a well-rounded and informative list. We also prioritize inclusivity and sustainability. This list is constantly evolving as new venues open and existing ones refine their offerings.
Best Afternoon Teas: A Quick Guide
Here’s a quick peek at some of the best afternoon tea spots in London:
- Best for classic afternoon tea: The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum & Mason, starting at £80 (around $105)
- Best for royalists and traditionalists: Afternoon tea at The Goring Hotel, starting at £70 (around $92)
- Best for a taste of London: Afternoon tea at The Wolseley, starting at £44.50 (around $58)
- Best for fashion fans: Prêt-à-Portea at The Berkeley, starting at £80 (around $105)
- Best for old-school glitz: Afternoon tea at The Ritz London, starting at £75 (around $98)
- Best for timeless elegance: Afternoon tea at The Lanesborough, starting at £80 (around $105)
- Best for affordable treats in an iconic setting: Afternoon tea at the British Museum, starting at £35 (around $46)
- Best for tea connoisseurs: Afternoon tea at Claridge’s, starting at £90 (around $118)
The Best Afternoon Tea Experiences in London
A Bridgerton-Inspired Afternoon Tea at The Lanesborough
Step into the grand ballroom of The Lanesborough and be transported to the world of Bridgerton. This special afternoon tea celebrates the Netflix series with a live pianist performing show tunes and classical favorites. The tea itself is a classic affair, with delicious finger sandwiches like smoked salmon, cucumber and cream cheese, and truffled egg mayo, along with scones served with homemade clotted cream, jam, and lemon curd. And then there are the cakes, each a nod to the show, including the “Social Butterfly” (rich chocolate), the “Colin’s Travels” (tart raspberry), and the “Book of Eloise” (blueberry). The final touch? A “Friends to Lovers” cocktail, a margarita twist with coconut tequila, cherries, cranberry juice, honey, and lime.
Art Afternoon Tea at Rosewood London: A Feast for the Senses
This afternoon tea is a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Executive pastry chef Mark Perkins has created a delightful menu inspired by iconic works of art. The “Lobster Telephone” by Salvador Dalí is a mini chocolate lobster perched on a passionfruit jelly-filled cake. The “Bigger and Closer” by David Hockney is a blue-painted madeleine filled with blueberry sauce. Other highlights include a Black Forest patisserie shaped like an Andy Warhol soup can, a coconut mousse cake with delicate piped flowers inspired by Yayoi Kusama, and a Banksy-inspired vanilla cream choux pastry. The “Mirror Room”, with its stunning glass wall, provides the perfect setting for this artistic afternoon tea.
