Top 6 Places for Afternoon Tea in London
There’s nothing quite like enjoying a leisurely afternoon around 4 PM with a soothing cup of tea and perhaps some delightful cakes or cookies nearby. This blend of indulgences savored in a relaxing environment has become an art form in Britain.
Claiming that London is the heart of British tea culture is no exaggeration. The capital boasts a diverse selection of the finest afternoon teas. Whether you’re an aficionado of high-quality tea leaves, a lover of pastries, or simply someone seeking a tranquil escape during the day, London’s top venues will leave you eager to return.
This guide highlights the top spots in London for afternoon tea. These venues feature a mix of stylish architecture and thoughtful interior design, focusing on what constitutes a traditional Afternoon Tea while exploring how to creatively and innovatively reinterpret these customs.
1. Claridge’s: A Historic Afternoon Tea Experience
One of London’s most iconic hotels, Claridge’s, has been serving afternoon tea since the 1850s. Nestled in the heart of fashionable Mayfair, it provides a perfect setting for the traditional British tea ritual, exuding timeless elegance.
Why It’s Special:
Claridge’s is renowned for its sophisticated ambiance and impeccable service, making it one of London’s finest hotels. The Art Deco decor adds to the charm, while guests can choose from over 40 carefully blended teas that complement this culinary experience. The menu features a selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones served with clotted cream and strawberry jam, as well as an array of decadent pastries. The diverse tea range features rare blends that pair wonderfully with exquisite food.
The Experience:
Within the elegant and thoughtfully restored tea setting of Claridge’s, you can fully immerse yourself in the luxury of the Afternoon Tea experience. Enjoy traditional, freshly baked scones and a wide variety of pastries that cater to classic and modern tastes.
Highlights:
- Over 30 types of tea are available.
- Exquisite sandwiches, pastries, and scones.
- Impeccable service in an elegant Art Deco setting.
- Seasonal menu updates to keep things fresh.
2. The Ritz London: A Royal Afternoon Tea
The Ritz London is one of the most renowned venues in the world for enjoying traditional Afternoon Tea. Located in the elegant St. James’s District, next to the magnificent Ritz Hotel, this experience has been associated with wealth and royalty for over a century.
Why It’s Special:
For those seeking the pinnacle of British luxury, The Ritz exemplifies splendor. The decor is nothing short of regal, featuring grand chandeliers, beautiful marble floors, and exquisite Indonesian furniture that genuinely takes your breath away. Afternoon Tea at The Ritz is a refined traditional affair, attended to with meticulous attention to detail.
The Experience:
Tea is served in the stunning Palm Court, where art and nature are beautifully combined. The menu features a selection of finger sandwiches, homemade scones served with clotted cream and jam, as well as delicate pastries and cakes. The tea is in fine china, and the staff’s careful and polite service is unmatched.
Highlights:
- Over 17 types of loose-leaf tea.
- A large selection of finger sandwiches, including smoked salmon, cucumber, and egg mayo.
- A wide variety of pastries and freshly baked scones.
- Experience the elegance of the Palm Court.
3. Fortnum & Mason: A Tea Institution
Fortnum & Mason, established in 1707, is a distinctive landmark in London’s tea culture. As a luxury department store, it is renowned for its high-quality tea, and its afternoon tea service reflects this commitment to excellence.
Why It’s Special:
Fortnum & Mason is a prominent figure in the tea world, offering an authentic experience steeped in centuries of tradition. The afternoon tea is served in the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon, a beautifully designed room by acclaimed interior designer David Collins. The menu features a selection of finger sandwiches, delicate pastries, freshly baked scones, and, of course, the store’s exclusive tea blends.
The Experience:
Enjoying tea in the opulent surroundings of Fortnum & Mason is a compelling reason to visit London. Guests can choose from over 50 teas, many unique to the store. The food served is exceptional; all offerings are made with the finest ingredients. For instance, the freshly baked scones are served warm and accompanied by clotted cream, into which they can be generously broken.
Highlights:
- Over 50 teas to choose from, including exclusive blends.
- Elegant, historical surroundings.
- Signature pastries and freshly baked scones.
- Seasonal menu changes to highlight new ingredients and flavors.
4. The Dorchester: A Stylish, Modern Tea Experience
One of the top hotels in London, the Dorchester, is located in the desirable Mayfair area. The Dorchester is elegant and contemporary, luxuriously furnished, with a distinctive feature being its afternoon tea, which never fails to surprise in a serene environment.
Why It’s Special:
Afternoon tea at The Dorchester is held in the golden awning of the Promenade, whose authentic design and elegant approach to afternoon tea is characteristic of The Dorchester: stylish and modern. The Dorchester caters to the traditional yet imaginative individual who appreciates contemporary luxury and comfort. It also offers something slightly more unusual, but no less delicious, with vegetarian and even vegan choices available.
The Experience:
Itself an event, afternoon tea at The Dorchester is not only a selection of teas, but also a unique experience. The wide variety of tea blends ranges from traditional English  Breakfast to the exotic Japanese Sencha or even Chinese Jasmine Silver Needle. The pastries are divine, including a signature chocolate cake and an assortment of seasonal fruit-based delicacies. When the scones arrive, accompanied by Devonshire clotted cream and strawberry jam, they are one part of the experience not to be missed.
Highlights:
- Over 30 types of tea.
- Modern takes on classic sandwiches, scones, and pastries.
- A beautiful, stylish setting in The Dorchester’s Promenade.
- Excellent service and attention to detail.
5. Sketch: An Artistic Take on Afternoon Tea
Sketch in Mayfair is the perfect spot to unwind if you’re seeking a more artistic and distinctive tea experience. This venue features contemporary art and decor that will dazzle your senses while delighting your taste buds.
Why It’s Special:
Sketch seamlessly integrates art and cuisine. The restaurant’s vibrant design, adorned with works from world-class artists, creates an intriguing backdrop as you sip your tea. Its afternoon tea offerings are as innovative as the surroundings, presenting a variety of flavors and presentations.
The Experience:
Sketch takes the traditional English afternoon tea and elevates it with deliciously original dishes. Nearly every sandwich features a unique filling, and the pastries are crafted to reflect the establishment’s artistic concept. One of the most exciting aspects of Sketch’s afternoon tea is the “Tea Trolley,” where guests can select their pastries from mobile displays. This interactive experience enhances the creative atmosphere of the venue.
Highlights:
- A visually stunning setting with contemporary art and unique decor.
- Eclectic, imaginative menu.
- A “Tea Trolley” where guests choose pastries.
- A modern twist on traditional afternoon tea.
6. The Langham: A Sophisticated Tradition
The Langham has been an institution in the London hospitality scene for over 150 years. Afternoon Tea Journey: The Langham’s afternoon tea is a sophisticated and luxurious experience, complemented by its top-rate service.
Why It’s Special:
Palm Court is the setting for afternoon tea at the Langham. Soft yet vibrant tones and grand chandeliers decorate this beautiful space, where first-class service makes you feel at home. It is pure bliss here. The menu features the traditional afternoon tea combination of sandwiches, scones, and pastries, served alongside a wide range of teas. The Langham tea service is also renowned for its exceptional service and high-quality tea blends.
The Experience:
In an ultra-relaxed yet elegant environment at The Langham, you can savor luxury tea accompanied by traditional scones and clotted cream, delicious finger sandwiches, and an array of delightfully indulgent pastries. The hotel offers a selection of teas, including some exclusive, delicious blends available only at this five-star establishment, which have been aged for five years. It is ideal for those who enjoy their English afternoon teas with a modern twist and a touch of good respectability.
Highlights:
- Traditional afternoon tea with a wide selection of teas.
- Served in the stunning Palm Court.
- Exceptional service and attention to detail.
- Signature scones and pastries.
7. The Corinthia Hotel: A Luxurious Tea Experience
Located in the heart of London, The Corinthia Hotel is a five-star establishment known for offering one of the best afternoon tea experiences in the city. This stylish venue provides a chic setting for the traditional afternoon tea.
Why It’s Special:
Afternoon tea at The Corinthia Hotel features a large pot of fine tea paired with a carefully curated menu. The luxurious ambiance combined with high-quality service creates a tea experience that is both relaxing and exquisite. The freshly made scones and pastries are considered some of the best in London.
The Experience:
Tea is served in the beautiful Lounge, a peaceful and elegant space where guests can enjoy a selection of traditional and innovative tea blends accompanied by delicate sandwiches and scones. Additionally, there is a choice of light bites and cakes, which are highly recommended to complement the teas chosen from the menu, ensuring a perfectly balanced taste experience.
Highlights:
- Wide selection of teas and delicious, freshly made pastries.
- Elegant decor and serene atmosphere.
- Exceptional service and attention to detail.
Conclusion: The Best Afternoon Teas in London
In London, tea is abundant, and some of the most famous places for afternoon tea can be found here. Whether you’re looking for a traditional establishment or one with a modern flair, any of these options offers an unforgettable way to indulge in quintessential British habits. From Claridge’s with its timeless elegance to the contemporary chic Sketch in Mayfair, afternoon tea in London is as varied and cosmopolitan as its inhabitants.
At any of these venues, you’ll receive warm, friendly service and delicious food that’s always a pleasure to eat. Everyone, what is your idea of a good afternoon? So the next time you’re in London, be sure to sample a tradition that’s been esteemed around the globe for over two centuries—afternoon tea.
