By Talya Honebeek, Jade Braham and Katie Wilson
Looking for the best afternoon tea in London? You’ve arrived at the right place.
The British tradition of taking tea in the afternoon, accompanied by a selection of sweet and savoury treats, dates back almost 200 years.
It was started by the Duchess of Bedford in 1840 as a treat before dinner, but it’s fair to say afternoon tea has upped its game a bit since then.
From champagne and cocktail teas inspired by art and fashion to plant-based afternoon teas – and the oldest afternoon tea in the UK – these are the best afternoon teas in London.
We’ve also said which area of London each of the below afternoon teas are in, including if they are near popular tourist attractions, and separated the list into ‘afternoon teas under £100’ and ‘afternoon teas under £50’.
Best afternoon teas in London 2023
Afternoon teas in London Under £100
Afternoon Tea at Pan Pacific London, Liverpool Street
For an afternoon tea with a twist, try the Floral Fantasy Afternoon Tea in The Orchid Lounge at Pan Pacific London.
Escape the crowds and spend an elegant afternoon in this five-star hotel, just a short walk from Liverpool Station. As well as a quintessentially British afternoon tea of finger sandwiches and scones, guests can order a Singapore-style afternoon tea.
First up is a starter of Iced Pea and Mint with Truffle Pods. Then comes a selection of Asian Savouries, such as Steamed Buns with Kaya Jam and Spinach, Prawn and Caviar and Beef and Onion dumplings, uniquely presented in a hanging birdcage at the side of the table.
Matcha Scones come next with Clotted Cream and Homemade Lemon Curd and Rhubarb and Ginger Preserves. The tea ends with four delicate patisseries inspired by the iconic ‘Floral Fantasy’ installation in Singapore.
Elevate your afternoon tea with a glass of fizz (the first one is £10, from £16 after). When it comes to the tea, try The Orchid Lounge’s Bespoke Blend. They also sell gift tins to take home for £25. Don’t worry about your tea going cold here, as each pot is placed on a tea warming candle on your table and poured by the very attentive staff.
Afternoon Tea at Pan Pacific London is served daily 12.30pm to 4.30pm
Prices start from £68pp
Book Afternoon Tea at Pan Pacific London here
Skyline Afternoon Tea at Shangri-La, The Shard
For an afternoon tea with the best view in London book a table at TING restaurant in The Shard, part of the Shangri-La hotel.
Their aptly named Skyline Afternoon Tea is served on the 35th floor and offers breathtaking panoramic views across the capital. Request a table with a view of Tower Bridge if you can.
The tea is served in three sittings and the menu changes with the seasons. When we visited we had mini Prawn Cocktails and Foie Gras Profiteroles. This was followed by delicious finger sandwiches such as Truffled Egg, Beef and Smoked Salmon and Cucumber in multi-coloured bread. You are allowed to order seconds of your favourite.
Then the show-stopping sweet treats like Raspberry Éclairs, Plum Tarts and perfectly-sized scones with clotted cream are brought out on a cake stand. Get your cameras ready for the theatrics of the dry ice giving the effect of an afternoon tea truly in the clouds.
The Skyline Afternoon Tea at Shangri-La The Shard is served Monday to Thursday 12.30pm to 3.30pm and Friday to Sunday 12.30pm to 4pm
Prices start from £71pp
Book Skyline Afternoon Tea at Shangri-La The Shard here
Oblix at The Shard Afternoon Tea
Another afternoon tea with a view can be found at Oblix in the eastern side of their skyline restaurant on the 32nd floor of The Shard. Again, book a window seat if you can or guests are allowed to move tables if one becomes available.
The food here is seriously impressive. It’s easily one of the best afternoon teas we’ve tried in London, especially for the price which starts from £58pp for a classic afternoon tea. Bottomless rose wine (£78pp) and champagne (£105pp) can be added.
Beautifully presented savouries are served on a plate first. When we visited there was Truffle Egg Mayonnaise on Brioche, Smoked Salmon with Seaweed and Cucumber, Coronation Chicken and our personal favourite, Mini Prawn and Lobster rolls.
Freshly baked plain and cranberry scones are accompanied by whipped clotted cream, raspberry jam, and we liked the addition of fresh honeycomb as the sweets came out on a cake stand.
The Praline and Pear Oblix Rocher is their twist on a Ferrero Rocher. The Passion Fruit and Pistachio Bar is a winner, and you must try the Apple and Rhubarb Tart with Crème Fraiche. A delicious afternoon tea that won’t break the bank with the best view in London.
Oblix Afternoon Tea is available Thursday to Sunday 12-4pm
Prices start from £58pp
Book Oblix at The Shard Afternoon Tea here
Sketch Afternoon Tea
The Gallery at Sketch recently changed from its iconic pink, which it had been for a decade, to shimmering gold.
British-Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare is the man behind the stunning transformation to mark the iconic London restaurant’s 20th anniversary.
Afternoon tea is still firmly on the menu and comes accompanied by a live classical string trio. This is truly one of the most beautiful settings to take afternoon tea in London. Don’t forget to visit the egg shaped toilets.
Afternoon Tea in The Gallery at Sketch is served daily 11am and 4pm
Prices start from £80pp
Book Afternoon Tea at Sketch here
Prêt-à-Portea at The Berkeley, Knightsbridge
Afternoon tea has been given a high fashion makeover courtesy of Prêt-à-Portea at The Berkeley in London’s Knightsbridge.
The most glamorous tea in town sees a unique range of ‘couture cakes’ from the catwalk reflected in pastry and cake form. What we love about afternoon tea at The Berkeley is it changes each season to reflect the best looks on the runway.
Fashion icons to have been represented in biscuit form so far include Iris Apfel and Anna Wintour. Their latest pays homage to the late fashion designer, Vivienne Westwood.
Prêt-à-Portea: The Couture Cakewalk at The Berkeley is served daily 1pm to 5.30pm
Prices start from £80pp
Book Prêt-à-Portea Afternoon Tea at The Berkeley here
Afternoon Tea at The Ritz, Mayfair
The Ritz hotel in Mayfair is synonymous with afternoon tea, so we definitely couldn’t leave it off this list of best afternoon teas in London.
A traditional classic, afternoon tea here is an experience and for the first time in over a century, the hotel is using its show-stopping former ballroom in The Ritz club on the lower ground floor as the setting.
There is an ostentatious gold dome above the piano, dazzling chandelier, and hand-painted murals in the arches, so you’ll be feeling fancy.
Service is immaculate with waiters taking pride in pouring your choice of champagne or a cup of one of their 18 types of loose-leaf tea. The Ritz is also the only hotel in the UK to have a certified Tea Master.
Afternoon Tea at The Ritz is served daily at 11.30am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm, 5.30pm and 7.30pm
Prices start from £70pp
Book Afternoon Tea at The Ritz here
Afternoon Tea at Claridge’s, Mayfair
We can’t get enough of Claridge’s gorgeous china tea sets (which you can buy on their website). But if you don’t have £1,800 to spare on crockery, dropping in for one of their classic afternoon teas is the next best thing.
It is served in the Art Deco Foyer & Reading Room, which has floor-to-ceiling mirrors and Grecian style columns. Just sitting here is quite an experience, and that’s before the afternoon tea is served.
Expect traditional sandwiches, raisin and plain scones, plus a selection of handmade pastries including treats like Grapefruit Macaron and Rhubarb Crumble Tart.
Claridge’s also serve special afternoon teas for Mother’s Day, Easter and the Chelsea Flower Show.
Claridge’s Afternoon Tea is served daily 2.45pm to 5.30pm
Prices start from £85pp
Book Afternoon Tea at Claridge’s here
Fortnum & Mason Afternoon Tea, Piccadilly
If a quintessentially British afternoon tea is more your style, book into the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum & Mason.
Founded in 1707, the iconic Piccadilly department store – which is also the birthplace of the scotch egg – is famed for its traditional tea offering.
Expect dainty finger sandwiches, warm scones and a rotating menu of seasonal pastries served in signature blue Fortnum tableware.
For the first time ever, guests can now enjoy high tea in the sunshine following an expansion of their outdoor terrace. Vegan, dairy free and gluten free menu options are also available.
The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon is open 11.30pm to 7.30pm Monday to Thursday, 11am to 8pm Fridays and Saturdays and 11.30am to 6pm on Sundays
Prices start from £78pp
Book Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason here
Afternoon Tea at The Kensington hotel
If you’re in London to visit the museums The Kensington hotel, near the V&A, Natural History and Science Museum, is the perfect place to stop off for afternoon tea.
Following on from their successful Tale As Old As Time tea inspired by Beauty & the Beast, they have now launched an around 80 Days Around the World Afternoon Tea.
Get a taste for far-flung climes, including Yemen, India, Hong Kong and Singapore with this stunning selection of amuse-bouches, sandwiches and delicious desserts.
Afternoon Tea at Town House Kensington is served daily 12pm and 4pm
Prices start from £58pp
Book the Afternoon Tea at The Kensington here
Afternoon Tea at The Londoner, Leicester Square
A newcomer to the afternoon tea scene is The Stage at The Londoner, the world’s first ‘super boutique’ hotel.
Set on the corner of London’s famous Leicester Square, this decadent champagne bar serves a Champagne Breakfast, as well as a Champagne Afternoon Tea.
Expect decadent cakes from a patisserie trolley served alongside square-cut sandwiches and scones. A selection of champagnes are available alongside loose-leaf teas from The East India Company, who curate special teas for The Londoner.
Afternoon Tea at The Stage is served Saturday and Sunday 12pm to 4pm
Prices start from £55pp
Book Afternoon Tea at The Londoner here
Afternoon Tea at The Lanesborough, Hyde Park Corner
Enjoy a truly decadent afternoon tea in the majestic surroundings of The Lanesborough hotel on Hyde Park Corner. Tea is served in the Céleste dining room, which has a naturally illuminated domed glass ceiling.
The five-star establishment is the perfect place to stop off for a break from shopping as it’s near Sloane Street, Harrods and Harvey Nichols.
They love a themed afternoon tea here and the current offering is a Queen Charlotte Afternoon Tea, inspired by the hit Netflix series Bridgerton.
Highlights Tea cured Salmon, Coronation Chicken and Devilled Egg Mayonnaise sandwiches and Montgomery Cheddar Scone with Cheese Custard. There is also a selection of Queen Charlotte inspired cocktails, mocktails and champagne to add on.
The Lanesborough Afternoon Tea is served Monday to Thursday 2.30pm to 4pm and Fridays and Saturdays 12pm to 4pm and Sundays 3.30pm to 4.30pm
Prices start from £75pp
Book The Lanesborough Afternoon Tea here
Art Afternoon Tea at Rosewood London, Holborn
Rosewood London has an ongoing Art Afternoon Tea inspired by exhibitions being shown in the capital. From now until summer book the Hockney Afternoon Tea.
Served in the Mirror Room, it has been voted one of the best contemporary afternoon teas in London.
The three-course afternoon tea includes a changing selection of sandwiches, plain and raisin scones and art-inspired pastries sure to delight the eyes.
Art Afternoon Tea is served Thursday to Sunday 12pm to 6pm
Prices start from £75pp
Book Art Afternoon Tea at Rosewood London here
Palm Court Afternoon Tea at The Langham, Marylebone
The Langham was the first hotel to serve afternoon tea to the public when it opened its doors in 1865 – and this is a tradition which continues to this day.
Overseen by Michel Roux Jnr and Executive Pastry Chef Andrew Gravett, the menu is a celebration all things British served in the beautiful Palm Court room.
These guys are such tea experts, they have their very own Tea Sommelier on hand to help you choose.
The food is also a twist on the traditional afternoon tea. Expect finger sandwiches like Roast Beef with Caramelised Onions and Stilton on Caraway Bread. Raisin scones with cream and seasonal preserves can also be found, along with pastries that have been inspired by the nation’s favourite baked tarts and biscuits – the Jammie Dodger and Custard Cream.
Palm Court Afternoon Tea at The Langham is served Thursday to Sunday 12.30pm to 5pm
Prices start from £65pp
Book Palm Court Afternoon Tea at The Langham here
The Savoy Afternoon Tea, the Strand
Enjoy glorious views of the London skyline with an afternoon tea in the Thames Foyer at The Savoy hotel.
The glass-domed atrium, which looks out over the river, is filled with natural light and has a pianist playing for guests throughout the day.
Over 30 different teas are available, plus the option to upgrade with a glass of Nyetimber sparkling wine or Boutique Handbook favourite, Laurent-Perrier champagne.
An afternoon tea platter is served which is ‘traditional with a modern twist’. Treats include Rhubarb and Custard Tartlets, Spiced Carrot Cake and Forest Fruits served alongside scones and a selection of open and closed sandwiches.
Afternoon Tea at The Savoy is served Wednesday to Thursday 12pm to 4pm and Friday to Sunday 12pm to 6pm
Prices start from £65pp
Book Afternoon Tea at The Savoy here
Afternoon Tea at Corinthia London
Afternoon tea is taken seriously at Corinthia London and served in their Crystal Moon Lounge, illuminated by the warm glow of 1,001 Baccarat crystals.
Choose from a Traditional Afternoon Tea, Champagne Afternoon Tea or their special Champagne Caviar Afternoon Tea. The latter starts from £130pp.
The Caviar Afternoon Tea includes an exciting range of sweets, scones and savouries, but the star of the show is the 20g of King’s Golden Oscietra Caviar, which comes served with a mother of pearl spoon.
You can also choose from over 25 different teas, including three exclusive, bespoke blends.
Afternoon Tea at Corinthia London is served Monday to Friday 2pm to 6pm and weekends from 1pm to 7pm
Prices start from £65pp
Book Afternoon Tea at Corinthia London here
Farmacy Afternoon Tea, Notting Hill
Veggies will love this 100% plant-based afternoon tea at cool Notting Hill brunch spot, Farmacy.
Inspired by afternoon tea classics, the menu gives traditional elements a revamp with savouries like Mushroom Truffle Pie, Artichoke Croquettes, Beetroot Tartare and Jackfruit Brioche Buns.
Sweet treats include Farmacy Scones, Raw Chocolate Tart, Tiramisu, Banoffee Pie and Lemon Poppyseed Cake.
Farmacy Afternoon Tea is served Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 4pm and 4.30pm. Book at least 48 hours in advance
Prices start from £60pp
Book afternoon tea at Farmacy here
High Palms High Tea at The Landmark London, Marylebone
For afternoon tea in a truly spectacular setting, book a table at The Landmark London hotel in Marylebone.
Experience a quintessentially British afternoon tea under the palms of their Victorian Winter Garden atrium.
Set to the sound of soft piano, the High Tea menu features a selection of sandwiches, warm freshly baked scones and traditional desserts. Highlights include the Black Cherry Roly Poly and Lemon Curd Meringue Tartlet. Upgrade to a champagne afternoon tea for an extra £20pp.
High Palms High Tea at The Landmark London is served Monday to Friday 3pm to 5pm and Saturday and Sunday 1pm to 5pm
Prices start from £65pp
Book High Palms High Tea at The Landmark London here
Afternoon Tea at Nobu Hotel Portman Square, Marylebone
Nobu Hotel Portman Square in Marylebone has launched an an ‘East meets West’ take on a traditional afternoon tea.
Inspired by in-season Japanese florals such as cherry blossom, expect signature canapes of Sushi, Shrimp Salad Roll, Wasabi Beef Tataki Buns and Mushroom Tacos.
A palette cleanser of Lemongrass Ginger Tea with Sorel Sorbet is served before sweet dishes, including Ume Cherry Boshi Mousse, Momo Yuzu Macaroon and Miso Chocolate Caramel Tart.
Hojicha Tea Cheesecake also features, along with freshly baked scones served with Raspberry Mint Jam, Cornish Clotted Cream and Yuzu Curd.
If that didn’t sound delicious enough, guests can enjoy a selection of Japanese teas including a Berry and Hibiscus blend, Honey Orchid Tea from Wudong Mountain and Genmaicha from the famous Obubu Tea Gardens in Japan.
Afternoon Tea at Nobu Hotel Portman Square is served daily at 1pm, 1.30pm, 3.15pm and 3.45pm
Prices start from £65pp
Book Nobu Hotel Portman Square Afternoon Tea here
Gatsby Afternoon Tea at The Beaumont, near Oxford Street
For an afternoon tea just a stone’s throw from Selfridges, Gatsby’s Room at The Beaumont hotel is the perfect stop off after a long day of shopping on Oxford Street.
Named after The Great Gatsby novel, everything here is 1920s themed, including the beautiful room where they serve afternoon tea served to the backdrop of piano music.
Finger sandwiches are served first on individual plates, followed by freshly baked plain and raisin scones. They also have larger than average portions of sweet treats such as Boston Cream Pie, Rhubarb Cheesecake and Peanut Butter & Jelly Macarons.
Afternoon Tea in Gatsby’s at The Beaumont is served Monday to Friday 2.30pm to 5.30pm and 12.30pm to 5.30pm Saturdays and Sundays
Prices start from £52pp
Book Gatsby Afternoon Tea at The Beaumont here
Sri Lankan Afternoon Tea at Lyaness, Southbank
For a London afternoon tea with a difference head to Lyaness, the flagship cocktail bar from the award-winning Ryan Chetiyawardana, aka Mr Lyan, at the Sea Containers hotel on Southbank.
Their new Sri Lankan Afternoon Tea is inspired by Mr Lyan’s fondest memories of high tea in his parent’s hometown of Galle.
Feast on tasty finger sandwiches including Masala Spiced Tuna with Mayonnaise and Marinated Aubergine and Brinjal Butter, plus savoury bites like Mutton Croquettes.
A mix of plain and raisin scones follow and classic Sri Lankan sweet treats, such as the Pandan Swiss Roll, are given a British twist. All this is accompanied by traditional Sri Lankan tea with black, green, lemongrass and ginger flavours to choose from.
Sri Lankan Afternoon Tea at Lyaness is served every Saturday and Sunday from 12pm to 5pm
Prices start from £53pp with cocktail pairing, £63 with champagne
Book Sri Lankan Afternoon Tea at Lyaness here
Afternoon teas in London Under £50
Anya Cafe, Chelsea
Set on the corner of Pont Street in Kensington and Chelsea, this café from designer Anya Hindmarch has always been fun, but now it’s launched a quirky afternoon tea.
Chubby Hearts, Mini Smile Cakes and Frosted Caterpillar Tarts are just some of the delicious treats made from the finest ingredients, but designed to make you smile.
The menu inspiration comes from British cafes of old, but Hindmarch has put her trademark twist of humour on each cake, biscuit, truffle and beautifully iced bun. Choose to eat in or take them away as a gift, or just treat yourself.
Afternoon Tea at Anya Cafe is served daily 2pm to 5pm, booking essential
Prices start from £35pp
Book the Anya Cafe Afternoon Tea here
Staycation Afternoon Tea at Searcys St Pancras
Ever eaten afternoon tea from a suitcase? The Staycation Afternoon Tea at Searcys Champagne Bar St Pancras is a stylish way to pass the time while you’re waiting to board, or are perhaps on your way to Paris on the Eurostar.
Guests are invited to sit in a chic red leather booth for the unique experience, which is served with a choice of tea. Upgrade to a glass of Veuve Clicquot by tapping the ‘press for champagne’ button.
Expect a traditional afternoon tea of freshly baked scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream, plus a selection sweet and savoury treats. Highlights include the Celtic Prawn Cocktail Roll, Pistachio Cherry Slice and Passion Fruit Eclair.
The Staycation Afternoon Tea at Searcys St Pancras is served Monday to Saturday from 3pm to 5pm
Prices start from £45pp
Book Staycation Afternoon Tea at Searcy’s Champagne Bar St Pancras here
Mariage Frères Afternoon Tea, Covent Garden
Mariage Frères in Covent Garden is home to the largest tea wall in the world, so it’s worth visiting for a photo op alone.
There are over 1,000 teas and tea accessories, a tea museum, plus the Salon de Thé restaurant, serving tea-infused afternoon tea.
Our favourite is the Luxury Parisian Tea served with scones, smoked salmon sandwiches infused with Paris Marais tea and perfect patisseries made fresh each day. Upgrade to a champagne afternoon tea for an extra £12.
Mariage Frères Afternoon Tea is served daily 12pm to 7pm
Prices start from £50pp
Book Mariage Frères afternoon tea here
Amusement Mile Afternoon Tea at Park Row, Soho
Superhero fans should pay a visit to Park Row, London’s first DC-inspired restaurant. The Amusement Mile Afternoon Tea is based on the fairground in Batman’s Gotham City.
Start with nitro popcorn followed by finger sandwiches such as Truffle Egg, Cured Salmon and Cucumber, Coronation Chicken and Roasted Aubergine with Peppers and Red Onion.
Sweet treats include freshly baked plain and raspberry scones and Joker-inspired desserts like Vanilla and Passionfruit Parfait, Lychee and Rose Mousse and Chocolate and Caramel Torte.
The afternoon tea is served in Park Row’s Rogues Gallery and guests can expect one free refill of sandwiches, scones or sweets on request. If you’re taking the family, kids under six eat free. There is also a chance to win a meal for two.
Amusement Mile Afternoon Tea at Park Row is served Thursday to Saturday 12pm to 4pm and 1pm to 4pm on Sundays
Prices start from £40pp
Book Amusement Afternoon Tea at Park Row here
Afternoon Tea at Dalloway Terrace, Bloomsbury
One of our favourite restaurants in London, Dalloway Terrace, is one of the prettiest places to take afternoon tea in London.
For sweets, expect treats like Saffron and Raspberry Tart, Dark Chocolate, Coffee and Passionfruit Delice and Pistachio Eclairs. Savouries come in the form of Poached Salmon and Citrus Crème Fraiche and Roasted Red Pepper and Hummus.
Even the scones are a little bit different in flavours of cheese or vanilla and lemon, plus traditional raisin, served with clotted cream and jam.
One thing you’ll definitely love is the beautiful terrace at Dalloway, which changes its flower installations with the seasons.
Afternoon Tea at Dalloway Terrace is served daily 1pm to 4pm
Prices start from £45pp
Book Dalloway Terrace Afternoon Tea here
Afternoon Tea at Ham Yard Hotel, Soho
Hidden in a secret courtyard in Soho, Ham Yard Hotel is one of the chicest places to take afternoon tea – and was once voted London’s best by restaurant guide, Hardens.
Set in super stylish and colourful surroundings, tea is served in the restaurant, drawing room or orangery, which have all been designed by interiors guru Kit Kemp.
The menu changes with the seasons and includes savoury specialities such as Smoked Salmon and Dill Sandwiches and Duck a L’Orange Croquettes. This is followed by indulgent sweet treats like Strawberry Baked Cheesecake, Rhubarb and Custard Macarons, and Homemade Scones with Clotted Cream and Preserves.
With dedicated healthy, reduced sugar, gluten free and vegan menus, there’s an option for everyone.
Ham Yard Afternoon Tea is served daily between 12pm and 4.45pm
Prices start from £40pp
Book Afternoon Tea at Ham Yard Hotel here
Afternoon Tea at HELIX by Searcys at The Gherkin
See 360-degree views over London, which are even more special at sunset, by booking afternoon tea at Searcys at The Gherkin.
This champagne restaurant is one of our favourites in the capital and it’s also in our favourite London landmark, which once inside slightly resembles a spaceship.
Get a bird’s eye view of Tower Bridge as you devour indulgent pastries like BlackBerry Macaron, Caramel Choux and Florentine Chocolate Tart.
With a choice of Classic, Sparking, Limitless and Extravagant afternoon teas, this is one for a treat.
Afternoon Tea at HELIX by Searcys at The Gherkin is served daily 1pm and 5.30pm
Prices start from £55pp
Book Afternoon Tea at HELIX by Searcys at The Gherkin here
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