By Talya Honebeek 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 afternoon teas with a view to a very special Twilight Tea, these are the best afternoon teas in London you can book now.
To make it easier to choose, we’ve mentioned 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 £50’, ‘afternoon teas under £80’ and ‘afternoon teas under £100’.
*Prices correct as of September 2026
Best afternoon teas in London 2026
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 £40pp
Book the Anya Cafe 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. It was voted London’s best by restaurant guide, Hardens, and we’re inclined to agree. Not only that, it’s also one of the best value.
Set in super stylish surroundings, tea is served in the restaurant, drawing room or orangery, all 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. 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 £45pp
Book Afternoon Tea at Ham Yard Hotel here
Twilight Tea at The Savoy hotel
A unique addition to this best afternoon teas in London list is the ‘after hours’ Twilight Tea in partnership with Nyetimber at The Savoy Hotel on the Strand.
Exclusively served from 7pm to 9pm in the beautiful blush-coloured Gallery room, enjoy traditional finger sandwiches followed by the hotel’s ‘scones of the day’, made in their very own Scoff scone shop.
The setting is stunning, the service impeccable, and we definitely think more hotels should follow suit with the twilight tea trend – it’s perfect for those who find it a struggle to meet friends in the day.
Twilight Tea at The Savoy hotel is served daily from 7pm to 9pm
Prices start from £49pp
Book the Twilight Tea at The Savoy
Afternoon Tea at Dalloway Terrace, Bloomsbury
One of our favourite restaurants, 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. They also do a vegan and children’s afternoon tea menu. 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 £55pp
Book Dalloway Terrace Afternoon Tea here
Mariage Frères Afternoon Tea, Covent Garden
Mariage Frères in Covent Garden is home to the largest tea wall in the world – and some of the world’s most expensive teas – 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 £58pp
Book Mariage Frères afternoon tea here
Oblix at The Shard Afternoon Tea, London Bridge
Want an afternoon tea with a view? Book Oblix on the 32nd floor of The Shard. Opt for 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 £59pp for a classic afternoon tea. Bottomless prosecco and cocktail packages 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 Rolls. This is followed by scones and sweet treats like the Praline and Pear Oblix Rocher, their twist on a Ferrero Rocher.
Oblix Afternoon Tea is available Thursday to Sunday 12pm to 4pm
Prices start from £59pp
Book Oblix at The Shard Afternoon Tea here
Afternoon Tea at The Londoner, Leicester Square
Set on the corner of the capital’s famous Leicester Square, The Stage champagne bar at The Londoner is where to book for a posh and super central London afternoon tea.
Step inside the world’s first ‘super boutique’ hotel for this special experience. 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 £59pp
Book Afternoon Tea at The Londoner here
Afternoon teas in London Under £80
Afternoon Tea at Great Scotland Yard Hotel, Charing Cross
Experience a unique afternoon tea in what was once the Great Scotland Yard building, home of the Metropolitan Police headquarters. Now a five-star hotel, their afternoon tea is served in style in The Parlour (pictured above).
This intimate room has a colonial feel with whicker furniture, palm plants, animal wallpaper and botanical inspired furnishings. Once seated, guests are offered a choice of teas from their Jing Tea Trolley. Turn it into champagne afternoon tea for £80pp.
Menus change throughout the year but savouries like Asparagus Quiche, Tarragon Chicken Salad on Brioche and Prawn Cocktail are currently on the menu. This is followed by warm scones and an assortment of special cakes and pastries.
Afternoon Tea at Great Scotland Yard Hotel is served daily from 12pm to 7.30pm
Prices start from £65pp
Book Afternoon Tea at Great Scotland Yard Hotel here
Gatsby Afternoon Tea at The Beaumont
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 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 Sunday 12pm to 6pm
Prices start from £70pp
Book Gatsby Afternoon Tea at The Beaumont 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 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 12.30pm to 3pm and weekends from 12.30pm to 7pm
Prices start from £75pp in the week and £85 Friday to Sunday
Book Afternoon Tea at Corinthia London here
Afternoon Tea at Nobu Hotel Portman Square, Marylebone
Nobu Hotel Portman Square in Marylebone is a chic place to take afternoon tea in a five-star hotel just moments from the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street.
Their afternoon tea menu changes with the seasons and, as you’d expect with Nobu, it has an Asian influence. Their current offering is a Sakura Afternoon Tea in a nod to Japan’s cherry blossom season.
Expect savoury favourites like Nobu Crispy Rice and fresh Black Cod Butter Lettuce. For a sweet finish enjoy Sakura & Matcha ice cream mochi. Guests can also 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 from 12.30pm to 5pm
Prices start from £78pp
Book Nobu Hotel Portman Square Afternoon Tea 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. Upgrade to a champagne afternoon tea for an extra £10pp.
High Palms High Tea at The Landmark London is served Monday to Friday 2.3pm to 5pm and Saturday and Sunday 1pm to 5pm
Prices start from £79pp
Book High Palms High Tea at The Landmark London here
Afternoon Tea at Shangri-La The Shard, London Bridge
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. Sandwiches include Coronation Chicken, Truffle Egg and Cress and Roast Beef and Horseradish. You’re allowed to order seconds of your favourite.
Then show-stopping sweet treats like Pistachio Éclairs, Strawberry Meadow Cheesecake 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 £78pp
Book Skyline Afternoon Tea at Shangri-La The Shard here
Art Afternoon Tea at Rosewood London, Holborn
Rosewood London has an ongoing Art Afternoon Tea inspired by exhibitions being shown in the capital. Their current tea offering is an ode to French impressionist painter Claude Monet’s most celebrated works.
Served in the Mirror Room, it’s 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. They also have a menu for kids and one for larger groups, which is great if you’re planning a visit for a special occasion.
Art Afternoon Tea is served Thursday to Sunday 12pm to 6pm
Prices start from £80pp
Book Art Afternoon Tea at Rosewood London here
Afternoon teas in London Under £100
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.
As you’d expect from such an iconic institution, the afternoon tea here is traditional – sandwiches and scones followed by two generous slices of cake from the guéridon trolley. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free afternoon tea menus are available on prior request.
Service is immaculate, with waiters taking pride in pouring your choice of champagne or a cup of one of their 20 types of loose-leaf tea. The Ritz is also the only hotel in the UK to have a certified Tea Master. Try their Royal Blend Tea that’s exclusive available at The Ritz.
Afternoon Tea at The Ritz is served daily at 11.30am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm, 5.30pm and 7.30pm
Prices start from £95pp
Book Afternoon Tea at The Ritz here
Fortnum & Mason Afternoon Tea, Piccadilly
If a quintessentially British afternoon tea is what you’re after, book 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. In the warmer months, guests can enjoy high tea in the sunshine following an expansion of their outdoor terrace.
Vegan, dairy free and gluten free menu options are also available. Don’t have a sweet tooth? We love that Fortnum’s serves a Savoury Afternoon Tea for £80pp.
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 £84pp
Book Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason here
Sketch Afternoon Tea, Mayfair
The Gallery at Sketch recently changed from its iconic pink, which it had been for a decade, to shimmering gold.
Afternoon tea is still firmly on the menu, with their signature classics like eclairs and Battenberg cake. Each sitting is 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 Monday to Thursday daily 12pm to 4pm, Friday 11am to 4.30pm, Saturday 11am to 5pm and Sunday 11am to 4.30pm
Prices start from £95pp
Book Afternoon Tea at Sketch here
Afternoon Tea at Town House Kensington hotel
If you’re in London to visit the museums, Town House Kensington hotel – near the V&A, Natural History and Science Museum – is the perfect place to stop off for afternoon tea.
Escape the crowds at this exclusive hotel where afternoon tea is served in chic stripy crockery and is sometimes themed. In the past they have run a Tale As Old As Time tea inspired by Beauty & the Beast and a High Fashion High Tea to coincide with the Coco Chanel exhibition at the V&A.
Coco famously said she only ever drinks champagne when she is in love and when she is not, so add a glass for £70pp (including afternoon tea) to go with the stunning selection of amuse-bouches, sandwiches and delicious desserts.
Afternoon Tea at Town House Kensington is served daily 12pm and 4pm
Prices start from £85pp
Book the Afternoon Tea at Town House Kensington 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.
The food is a twist on the traditional afternoon tea. Expect savouries like Devilled Quail Egg Tartelette and Champagne Cucumber sandwiches. This is followed by Raisin scones with cream and seasonal preserves, along with pastries 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 12pm to 4pm on weekdays and 12.30pm to 5pm on weekends
Prices start from £85pp
Book Palm Court Afternoon Tea at The Langham 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.
This 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 Bridgerton afternoon tea inspired by the hit Netflix series.
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 12.30pm to 4pm, Friday and Saturday 12pm to 4pm and Sunday 3.30pm to 4.30pm
Prices start from £92pp
Book The Lanesborough Afternoon Tea 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.
Menus are traditional and feature finger sandwiches, savoury bites, freshly baked scones and seasonal pastries. Over 30 different teas are available, plus the option to upgrade to a glass of fizz. Veggie, vegan and kids menus are also available. They also offer a special Twilight Afternoon Tea. Click to read our review.
Afternoon Tea at The Savoy is served daily from 12pm to 6.45pm
Prices start from £90pp
Book Afternoon Tea at The Savoy 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’s 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, the Chelsea Flower Show and Christmas.
Claridge’s Afternoon Tea is served daily 2.45pm to 5.30pm
Prices start from £95pp
Book Afternoon Tea at Claridge’s here
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