*This piece has been updated in 2021 to include the top ten Afternoon Tea locations in London
Who doesn’t love afternoon tea? Coming in a close second to the ever popular Bottomless Brunch, the quintessentially British past-time has fast become an institution for girly afternoons or catch ups with loved ones. From finger sandwiches, to jam and cream scones fondant fancies and the obligatory glass of champagne – here’s the top ten spots for Afternoon Tea in London.
Top Ten Spots for Afternoon Tea in London
Grosvenor House – Mayfair
The Classic Afternoon Tea
You can guarantee that a trip to Mayfair will include a quality Afternoon Tea. And, with beautiful views overlooking Hyde Park, why not visit the Park Room at Grosvenor House? To start off, try the mouth watering menu of finger and open sandwiches and plain scones. Then, when it comes to the sweet treats, it’ll be hard to resist the impeccable pastries and home-cooked cakes. It costs £55 with tea, or £64.50 when including a glass of champagne.
Book Afternoon Tea at the Grosvenor House here
Lele’s – Lower Clapton
The Vegan Home Delivery Afternoon Tea
If you’re still feeling wary about dining inside, enjoy the experience of an Afternoon Tea from home with Lele’s. The best part? It includes vegan offerings (although you won’t be able to tell the difference). A hint of savoury but mainly sweet treats, enjoy brownies, donuts, sausage rolls, and much more. Although the full selection is only available in London, you can get the sweet treats delivered nationwide for £45.
Email [email protected] to get an Afternoon Tea in London, or click here for the nationwide offerings.
The Berkeley – Knightsbridge
The Fashionistas Afternoon Tea
Chic in name, chic in nature, Prêt-à-Portea refresh their offerings for each fashion season. After a break, the SS21 is their best collection yet. Whilst the savoury collection is delectable in its own right – including corn fed chicken, pepper pastrami sandwiches and even a smoked duck profiterole – it’s the dessert menu which has the true fashionable flourish. Cakes and fancies are crafted, inspired by the Spring-Summer catwalk. With Tod’s, Versace, Isabel Marant and Valentino as some of the influences, the Berkeley offers not only an incredible experience, but an education. A real must.
Prices start at £60, book Afternoon Tea at The Berkeley here
Town House – Kensington
The London Landmarks Afternoon Tea
Whether you’re visiting London for a weekend away or want to reignite your love of the city, Town House’s London Landmarks Afternoon Tea is one to consider. At the heart of the city (and with the city at heart), enjoy sandwich courses and savouries including quiches, mini pies and the traditional sandwich to start. When it comes to the sweets, marvel at the decadent cakes, shaped as iconic landmarks such as The Gherkin and The Shard.
£42pp (or £64.50 with champagne). Book a visit here.
The Perception Bar – Soho
The Drag Queens Afternoon Tea
An experience fit for a queen, have a raucous afternoon at fun in urban Soho. Called ‘What’s the Tea’. Delve into the make up box of a Drag Queen and sample quirky sweets, including a violet sugar-dusted pot of Crème Catalan or ‘Glitter Ball’, a white chocolate-coated lemon and blueberry cake-pop. Once a month (on a Sunday) you can enjoy the experience with famous drag group, the Globe Girls. They’ll host, mingle and entertain you for an extravagant experience.
Book ‘What’s The Tea’ here. You can enjoy the experience from just £39.
The Baluchi – Southwark
The Indian High Chai
Feel like something a little different to tea and scones? The Lalit Indian high chai should whet your appetite. An exquisite mostly savoury menu, sample snacks such as the Chicken Kathi roll and the Punjabi Samosa, as well as energising Mango Lassi and a sumptuous selection of sweets.
Enjoy the High Chai from £47. Book your visit here.
The Coral Room – Bloomsbury
The Artistic Afternoon Tea
Imagine you’re part of the infamous Bloomsbury set, and head to the Coral Room for a sophisticated experience (and plenty of food). In 1920’s decor, marvel at the glass chandelier and marble bar centrepiece.
When it comes to the food, the seasonal menus can include anything from a smoked salmon and lemon sandwich to hummus and plum tomato, as well as vanilla and raisin scones. There’s something for everyone when it comes to dessert, whether it be a tangy carrot and pistachio to belvedere lemon and vodka cake, there’s plenty of flavours to enjoy from start to finish.
Prices start at £35, book Afternoon Tea at The Coral Room here
Claridges – Mayfair
The Famous Afternoon Tea
For the ultimate Afternoon Tea, Claridges in Mayfair is well worth a visit. A favourite with the Royals (and if it’s good enough for them…) Afternoon Tea has been served at Claridges for over 150 years – so you can guarantee that it’s going to be an impeccable experience. With a whole host of traditional sandwiches, scones and pastries, we recommend accompanying the meal with a glass of champagne for the full experience.
Book Claridges Afternoon Tea here
OneAldwych – Aldwych
The Themed Charlie & the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea
Whimsical and utterly fantastic, head to London’s theatreland for a theatrical Charlie & the Chocolate Factory themed Afternoon Tea. With splendid savouries and scrumptious sweets (not to mention the dark chocolate cake which is as incredible as it sounds), this experience is the perfect piece for a special occasion or a much-deserved pick-me-up. Make a day of it and book a West End show for after – now that we finally can.
Sketch Gallery – Mayfair
The cultured Afternoon Tea
Chances are, you’ve always wanted to take a picture in the ultra-Instagrammable pink decor at Sketch in Mayfair. The exclusive 18th century converted building boasts Afternoon Tea crafted by the executive head and pastry chef and includes an incredible truffle brioche bun, egg gougere, and a selection of sandwiches. Their unique square scones (taken from a method used in the War to avoid waste) are worth a try, as are the petit gateaux and choice of cakes from the cart. Delicious.
You can book for Afternoon Tea at Sketch here.
Words: Maria Loizou
