11 Best Afternoon Teas in London: Elegant Places to Visit
London is the global capital of afternoon tea. The city offers visitors an extraordinary selection of experiences across its finest hotels and restaurants.
Legendary establishments have perfected their recipes over decades. Innovative venues reimagine traditional service, presenting options for every taste and budget.
The city’s top hotels and tea rooms offer carefully curated menus with delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream, and exquisite pastries served alongside premium teas. Whether you want a classic British experience at a historic venue or a themed presentation with a unique twist, London’s afternoon tea scene blends tradition with modern creativity.
1) Afternoon Tea at Claridge’s
Claridge’s is one of London’s most prestigious venues for afternoon tea. Guests enjoy tea in the elegant Foyer & Reading Room.
The experience follows the traditional ritual invented by Anna Russell, 7th Duchess of Bedford, in 1840. Claridge’s adds its own creative touches to this timeless custom.
The menu balances sweet and savoury offerings. British specialities like smoked Scottish salmon appear alongside delicate pastries that change with the seasons.
Each item is freshly prepared daily. The hotel maintains exacting standards for every dish.
The tea selection impresses, ranging from rich Oolong to Claridge’s own signature blend. These teas complement the food and create a harmonious dining experience.
Staff provide attentive service and understand the importance of proper afternoon tea etiquette. Pricing starts at £95 per person for the traditional afternoon tea.
You can add Champagne for £110 or Rosé Champagne for £125 per person.
⭐Rating: 4.6 (291 reviews)
📍Location: Claridge’s, Brook St, London W1K 4HR, United Kingdom
📞Contact: +44 20 7629 8860
🌐Website: Claridge’s Website
2) Afternoon Tea at The Savoy – Gallery
The Savoy’s Gallery offers one of London’s most elegant afternoon tea experiences. The stunning domed atrium feels grand yet intimate.
Natural light filters through the glass ceiling, creating a perfect atmosphere for a leisurely afternoon. The tea service follows traditional British customs with precision.
Guests receive tiered stands filled with finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and delicate pastries. The scones arrive warm with clotted cream and jam on the side.
Marble columns and Art Deco details remind visitors of The Savoy’s rich history. Staff know the menu well and answer questions about the different teas available.
Booking ahead is essential as tables fill up quickly, especially at weekends. The experience feels special without being overly formal, making it great for celebrations or treating guests.
⭐Rating: 4.5 (919 reviews)
📍Location: Strand, London WC2R 0EY, United Kingdom
📞Contact: +44 20 7420 2111
🌐Website: The Savoy’s Gallery Website
3) Afternoon Tea at The Beaumont Mayfair
The Beaumont Mayfair offers a refined afternoon tea experience in the heart of Mayfair. Guests relax on luxurious sofas while enjoying classic finger sandwiches, freshly baked homemade scones, and beautifully crafted cakes and pastries.
The tea service features an extensive collection of JING Tea blends. Visitors can choose their favourite variety or add a glass of champagne for extra elegance.
The hotel serves afternoon tea daily from 12pm to 6pm. The setting balances sophistication and comfort, making it ideal for special occasions or casual gatherings.
The Beaumont maintains a smart casual dress code. Guests feel comfortable while enjoying a refined atmosphere.
⭐Rating: 4.8 (179 reviews)
📍Location: The Beaumont Mayfair, 8 Balderton St, Brown Hart Gardens, London W1K 6TF
📞Contact: +44 20 7499 1001
🌐Website: The Beaumont Mayfair Website
4) Afternoon Tea at The Rubens
The Rubens at the Palace overlooks Buckingham Palace’s Royal Mews. Guests can choose between the charming Palace Lounge with royal views or the opulent English Grill for their teatime setting.
Sarah Houghting, a skilled chef who appeared on Bake Off: The Professionals, leads the pastry kitchen. Her signature crown pastry features vanilla cheesecake, mango, and passionfruit curd on coconut sponge.
The menu balances traditional British elements with creative modern touches. The Royal Afternoon Tea includes freshly baked scones, delicate finger sandwiches, and handcrafted pastries starting from £70 per person.
The Royal Champagne Tea adds a glass of bubbly for £90. The venue accommodates vegan, gluten-free, and halal options with the same attention to detail as the classic menu.
Service runs Monday to Friday from 12pm to 5pm, Saturdays until 6pm, and Sundays from 12pm to 5pm. The restaurant also offers a children’s afternoon tea for £45, making it suitable for families.
⭐Rating: 4.8 (596 reviews)
📍Location: 39 Buckingham Palace Rd, London SW1W 0PS
📞Contact: +44 20 7834 6600
🌐Website: The Rubens Website
5) Afternoon Tea at The Milestone Hotel
The Milestone Hotel serves afternoon tea in its elegant Park Lounge, overlooking Kensington Palace Gardens. The traditional spread features expertly crafted finger sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream and homemade preserves, plus a selection of French pastries and tartlets.
The hotel’s extensive loose-leaf tea collection pairs beautifully with each course. Guests can add a glass of Champagne Lanson, which holds a Royal Warrant.
The award-winning afternoon tea earned recognition at the 2023 and 2024 Afternoon Tea Awards. Three daily sittings run from 1pm to 3pm, 3pm to 5pm, and 5pm to 7pm.
The traditional afternoon tea starts from £85 per person. The Champagne option begins at £98.
Special themed menus occasionally appear, such as the current Cirque du Soleil-inspired offerings running until 6th March. The opulent Victorian setting creates an authentic English atmosphere.
Children under 12 can enjoy a specially adapted menu for £45. Families find this prestigious Kensington location welcoming and memorable.
⭐Rating: 4.7 (130 reviews)
📍Location: 1-3 Kensington Ct, London W8 5DL
📞Contact: +44 20 7917 1000
🌐Website: The Milestone Hotel Website
6) Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea @ Sanderson London
Step through the looking glass at this whimsical tea experience inspired by Alice in Wonderland. The themed afternoon tea features inventive bites and treats based on Lewis Carroll’s beloved characters.
Kings and queens decorate the teapots while playful items like “Grow Me, Shrink Me” treats and Red Knight Army shortbread biscuits create an immersive experience. The traditional elements remain beautifully executed alongside the creative touches.
Homemade sultana and plain scones arrive with strawberry preserves and clotted cream. The tiered trays showcase both sweet treats and savoury delights.
Families appreciate the Little Hatters Tea option for children aged 4-11, which includes kid-friendly alternatives like juice, milk, and peanut butter sandwiches. The venue operates with a relaxed dress code, so guests can come as they are.
Service runs daily from 12:30pm to 7pm, making it easy to visit for lunch or early evening. The stylish Sanderson London setting provides an elegant backdrop for this theatrical dining experience.
⭐Rating: 4.4 (1,841 reviews)
📍Location: 50 Berners St, London W1T 3NG
📞Contact: +44 20 7300 1400
🌐Website: Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea Website
7) Afternoon Tea at Corinthia London
The Crystal Moon Lounge at Corinthia London offers afternoon tea beneath a stunning Baccarat-crystal chandelier. This elegant hotel lounge serves traditional afternoon tea with sweet and savoury treats in a sophisticated setting.
The menu features both traditional and champagne afternoon tea options. Prices start at £75 for traditional afternoon tea and £102 for champagne afternoon tea from Monday to Thursday.
Weekend prices increase slightly, and special occasions like Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day command premium rates. Service runs Monday to Friday from 12:30pm to 4:30pm.
On weekends, hours extend until 6:30pm. The final sitting is at 3pm on weekdays and 5pm at weekends.
The lounge also offers all-day dining from 10am to midnight for lighter meals outside afternoon tea hours. The Crystal Moon Lounge combines timeless elegance with modern luxury, making it a standout choice for special occasions or a treat in central London.
⭐Rating: 4.5 (336 reviews)
📍Location: Whitehall Pl, London SW1A 2BD
📞Contact: +44 20 7321 3150
🌐Website: Corinthia London Website
8) Afternoon Tea at The Park Room
The Park Room offers a sophisticated afternoon tea experience in an elegant setting overlooking Hyde Park. Located within Grosvenor House, this lounge provides a refined atmosphere perfect for special occasions or catching up with friends.
The afternoon tea service runs daily from 1 pm to 6 pm. Reservations are essential.
Guests can enjoy classic afternoon tea alongside à la carte options. The venue maintains a smart casual dress code, with shorts, caps, and flip-flops not permitted.
The Park Room transforms from daytime tea service into an evening cocktail destination. A signature Champagne trolley adds a touch of luxury.
The restaurant also serves light refreshments, salads, and dinner options. Views of Hyde Park create a peaceful backdrop.
The elegant interior and attentive service enhance the atmosphere. These features make the afternoon tea memorable.
⭐Rating: 4.5 (263 reviews)
📍Location: 86-90 Park Ln, London W1K 7TN, United Kingdom
📞Contact: +44 20 7499 6363
🌐Website: The Park Room Website
9) Afternoon Tea at The Goring
The Goring serves afternoon tea with Michelin-starred finesse in a charming dining room. Playful monkey artwork on the walls adds to the eccentric atmosphere as guests enjoy expertly prepared British classics.
Executive Chef Graham Squire brings serious culinary credentials. He trained at Claridge’s and Le Manoir aux Quat Saisons and has led The Goring’s kitchen since 2019.
The menu focuses on seasonal British ingredients from local farmers and suppliers. Afternoon tea includes signature dishes alongside traditional offerings.
Guests can expect beautifully presented tiers with delicate sandwiches, fresh scones, and creative pastries. The Goring operates as both a tea house and restaurant, making it ideal for a special celebration or an elegant afternoon out.
This family-run hotel combines excellent food with a sense of fun, ensuring a memorable experience.
⭐Rating: 4.4 (177 reviews)
📍Location: 15 Beeston Pl, London SW1W 0JW
📞Contact: +44 (0)20 7769 4475
🌐Website: The Goring Website
10) Afternoon Tea at Maison François
Maison François brings French elegance to St. James’s, offering a refined twist on traditional afternoon tea. The restaurant sits on Duke Street, where British teatime meets French pastry techniques.
The afternoon tea service showcases delicate French patisserie alongside classic elements. Guests can enjoy expertly crafted sweet treats that reflect the restaurant’s heritage.
The intimate setting creates a more exclusive atmosphere than many hotel tea services. The location in St. James’s places diners near Green Park and Piccadilly Circus.
Maison François welcomes well-behaved dogs. This pet-friendly policy sets it apart from many tea venues in the area.
⭐Rating: 4.8 (19 reviews)
📍Location: 34 Duke Street St James’s, London SW1Y 6DF, United Kingdom
📞Contact: +44 20 3988 5777
🌐Website: Maison François Website
11) Candella Tea Room
Candella Tea Room feels like stepping into a charming storybook setting. The traditional tea house sits on Kensington Church Street with shelves lined with delicate cups and saucers.
The atmosphere captures the whimsical glamour that makes afternoon tea special. Since opening in 2012, this tea room has worked to revive Kensington’s tea tradition.
The menu features proper breakfasts alongside afternoon tea classics. Fresh scones arrive warm with clotted cream and jam.
The loose leaf tea selection offers something for every taste. Adventurous drinkers can explore unique varieties, while classic options remain available.
Staff serve each pot properly brewed and with care. The cakes look as good as they taste, beautifully displayed throughout the space.
The setting encourages guests to slow down and enjoy the experience. Staff understand the ceremony of afternoon tea and serve each course at the right pace.
⭐Rating: 4.6 (1,323 reviews)
📍Location: 34 Kensington Church St, London W8 4HA
📞Contact: +44 20 7937 4161
🌐Website: Candella Tea Room Website
What to Expect from Afternoon Tea in London
London’s afternoon tea service follows centuries-old traditions while embracing modern innovations. Most places serve food on elegant three-tiered stands with proper tea service.
Contemporary venues offer creative twists and accommodate various dietary needs.
Traditional Components of Afternoon Tea
The classic afternoon tea arrives on a three-tiered stand with specific items on each level. The bottom tier features delicate finger sandwiches with fillings like cucumber, smoked salmon, egg mayonnaise, and ham.
Fresh scones sit on the middle tier. These come with clotted cream and strawberry jam.
The proper way to eat them involves splitting the scone, adding jam first, then cream. The top tier holds an array of petit fours and cakes.
These may include éclairs, macarons, fruit tarts, and seasonal pastries. Each treat is designed to be eaten in one or two bites.
Tea selection forms the heart of the experience. Premium venues offer menus with Earl Grey, English Breakfast, Darjeeling, and specialty blends.
Many places serve loose-leaf teas in fine bone china. Service typically lasts 90 minutes to two hours.
Staff often explain each component and proper etiquette. Some venues include champagne or prosecco as an upgrade.
Modern Twists and Dietary Options
Contemporary London venues reimagine afternoon tea with creative themes and presentations. Sketch offers Instagram-worthy settings, while Biscuiteers creates festive seasonal menus with decorative biscuits.
Vegan afternoon teas now appear at major hotels and restaurants. These feature plant-based alternatives to clotted cream, dairy-free cakes, and vegan sandwich fillings.
Gluten-free options include specially made scones, bread, and pastries. Many places provide separate preparation areas to prevent cross-contamination.
Themed afternoon teas celebrate holidays, pop culture, or seasonal events. Christmas versions might feature mince pie-flavoured treats, and summer menus showcase fresh berries and lighter fare.
Asian-inspired teas blend British tradition with international flavours. These might include matcha cakes, dim sum-style savouries, or jasmine tea selections.
Tips for Booking and Enjoying Afternoon Tea
Planning ahead and knowing what to expect makes afternoon tea more enjoyable. Most top venues require advance bookings and have specific dress requirements.
Making Reservations in Advance
Popular London afternoon tea venues fill up weeks or even months ahead. Hotels like The Ritz and Claridge’s often require bookings 6-8 weeks in advance for weekends.
Weekday bookings usually offer more availability. Many venues accept reservations online through their websites or third-party platforms.
Best booking timeline:
- Peak venues (The Ritz, Harrods): 6-8 weeks ahead
- Popular hotels: 3-4 weeks ahead
- Newer establishments: 1-2 weeks ahead
Some venues offer last-minute cancellations on their websites. Calling directly can sometimes secure tables when online booking shows no availability.
Understanding Dress Codes
Most traditional afternoon tea venues enforce smart casual or formal dress codes. Jeans, trainers, and sportswear are typically not allowed at upscale establishments.
Men should wear collared shirts and proper shoes. Jackets are required at some venues like The Ritz.
Women can wear dresses, smart trousers, or skirts with appropriate tops.
Common requirements:
- No flip-flops or athletic shoes
- No torn or ripped clothing
- Collared shirts for men at formal venues
- Smart footwear required
Checking dress codes before arrival prevents disappointment at the door.
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Afternoon tea usually runs from 12:00 to 17:00.
Early afternoon slots (12:00-14:00) often provide the freshest food and most attentive service.
Weekend afternoons tend to be busier and noisier.
Weekday visits offer a more relaxed atmosphere with better photo opportunities.
Allow 90-120 minutes to enjoy the full experience without feeling rushed.
Some venues offer multiple seatings, and earlier slots are generally better for quality and ambience.
Conclusion
London’s afternoon tea scene offers something special for every taste and budget.
From the elegance of The Ritz to innovative themed experiences, these eleven venues represent the finest the capital has to offer.
Each location brings its own character while maintaining the traditional charm that defines London as the world’s afternoon tea capital.
Finding the perfect afternoon tea spot becomes easier when you know the city well.
At JF Property Partners, we understand London’s neighbourhoods and can help you find the ideal serviced apartment or rental property near your favourite venues.
Whether you’re looking for short-term serviced accommodation or a long-term rental close to these iconic tea spots, we offer quality properties across the capital.
Our serviced apartments provide the perfect base for exploring London’s afternoon tea culture, combining comfort with convenient locations.
Contact us at info@jfpropertypartners.com or call +44 7457 427143 to discuss our available rental properties and serviced apartments.
The beauty of London’s afternoon tea culture lies in its variety and accessibility.
These venues ensure memorable experiences, from intimate celebrations to business meetings.
Visit our website to browse our rental properties and serviced apartments in areas close to these great establishments.
Explore our contact page for personalised assistance in finding your perfect London accommodation.
Frequently Asked Questions
London’s afternoon tea scene includes luxury hotels and unique themed experiences.
Establishments cater to various dietary needs and budgets while maintaining traditional British standards.
What are the top-rated venues for afternoon tea in London?
The Ritz stands as London’s most iconic afternoon tea destination.
Palm Court has served traditional afternoon tea since 1906, featuring classic British flavours and timeless elegance.
Claridge’s ranks among the top luxury options.
The hotel offers an opulent afternoon tea experience in their elegant Art Deco setting.
The Savoy’s Gallery provides another prestigious choice.
Fortnum & Mason receives consistent praise for their traditional service and quality.
Which locations in London offer a traditional afternoon tea experience?
The Ritz delivers the most authentic traditional experience.
Service follows classic British customs with finger sandwiches, scones, and premium teas.
Fortnum & Mason maintains traditional standards with a heritage dating back centuries.
They serve classic fare including cucumber sandwiches and clotted cream scones.
The Rubens offers traditional afternoon tea near Buckingham Palace.
The Milestone Hotel provides classic service in their Victorian setting.
Where can one find a unique and unconventional afternoon tea in London?
Sketch offers afternoon tea in their distinctive pink room.
The venue combines fine dining with artistic flair and unusual décor.
Rosewood London provides creative themed afternoon teas.
Their menus change seasonally and reflect current cultural events.
The Shard features afternoon tea with panoramic London views.
Petersham Nurseries serves tea in a greenhouse setting surrounded by plants.
Can you recommend afternoon tea spots in London that cater to dietary restrictions?
Most luxury hotels accommodate dietary requirements with advance notice.
The Savoy provides gluten-free and vegan options upon request.
Claridge’s offers alternative menus for various dietary needs.
Their chefs can prepare vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free versions of traditional items.
The Beaumont Mayfair accommodates special dietary requests.
Many venues now offer plant-based alternatives to traditional dairy products.
What are the most affordable afternoon tea options in London without compromising quality?
Budget-friendly options exist throughout London while maintaining good standards.
Many hotels offer weekday rates lower than weekend prices.
Department store restaurants like those in Harrods provide quality afternoon tea at moderate prices.
Some venues offer early bird pricing for afternoon slots.
Local tea rooms outside central London often provide excellent value.
These establishments maintain traditional quality without the premium location costs.
Are there any historic establishments in London renowned for their afternoon tea service?
The Ritz has offered afternoon tea since 1906. Their Palm Court still features its original design.
Fortnum & Mason began its afternoon tea tradition in the 18th century. The store started many customs that people still enjoy today.
The Savoy started serving afternoon tea in the 1890s. Their Gallery preserves the elegant atmosphere of London’s golden age of hospitality.
Related Articles
About the Author
Joost Mijnarends
Joost is the co-founder of JF Property Partners, a family-run property business in the UK. His journey began with a £1 course that led to their first rent-to-rent property in 2023, and today he helps landlords and tenants find better property solutions.