The Best Afternoon Teas in London: Your Ultimate 2026 Guide
Looking for the best afternoon tea in London? Here’s where to find the best afternoon teas in the city — from a Londoner.
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British afternoon tea is a captivating tradition adored worldwide (I mean, who doesn’t love a good scone).
Modern-day, London has an incredible mix of traditional and contemporary afternoon tea experiences that are sure to make any London trip worth remembering.
Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason!
I’ve had more afternoon teas in the city than I can count and have gained plenty of recommendations along the way, and now I want to share them with you.
Without further ado here’s where to find the best afternoon teas in London, from a certified afternoon tea lover.
About the Author
Hi, I’m Candace — a London-based travel writer and content creator who traded the East Coast of the US for the charm of the UK back in 2016. London’s been my home ever since.
On this blog, you’ll find hundreds of thoughtfully crafted London, UK, Europe and Worldwide travel guides alongside lots of insider London tips, honest hotel and restaurant reviews and advice for content creators.
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🗞️📺 As featured on the BBC, USA Today & Recipe.TV.
Where to Find The Best Afternoon Tea in London
A Walk Down Memory Lane: The Story of Afternoon Tea
Before you go for afternoon tea you should probably know the history of it.
Afternoon tea emerged in the 19th century as an invention of Anna, the Duchess of Bedford.
To satiate her late afternoon hunger, she would enjoy a pot of tea with a light snack in her private chambers.
Her private ritual transformed into a social event as she invited friends over, and the concept of afternoon tea soon caught on among other socialites.
Today, afternoon tea is a quintessentially British tradition—a chance to relax, chat and enjoy a range of mouth-watering treats.
The Ritz: The Epitome of Traditional Afternoon Tea (Piccadilly)
150 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1J 9BR
Our journey begins at the iconic Ritz, where the grandeur of traditional afternoon tea has been a tradition since 1906.
The Palm Court, adorned with shimmering chandeliers and elegant mirrors, promises an indulgent afternoon tea experience that goes beyond the ordinary.
For an additional touch of luxury, The Ritz also offers a Champagne Afternoon Tea option.
How much is afternoon tea at The Ritz?: £50-£72 per person
Pro: Authentic and grand afternoon tea experience, amazing for special occasions.
Con: It can be quite pricey, and reservations must be made well in advance.
Sketch: A Modernist’s Dream (Mayfair)
9 Conduit St, London W1S 2XG
Next, we step into Sketch, an eclectic Mayfair tea room.
With its millennial pink interiors and offbeat decor, Sketch offers a unique twist to the afternoon tea tradition.
P.S. – They have vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free menus
How much is afternoon tea at Sketch?: £59 per person
Pro: It’s an avant-garde and innovative afternoon tea.
Con: The unique modern decor may not be your vibe if you’re looking for a traditional setting for your afternoon tea.
Fortnum & Mason: A Tea Lover’s Dream (Piccadilly)
181 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1A 1ER
Fortnum & Mason is a 300-year-old London institution, offering several afternoon tea options in various parts of the store.
However, for the ultimate experience, head to the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon.
How much is afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason?: £78 per person
Pro: A very historic tea-drinking experience with a seasonal menu.
Con: It can get quite crowded, so booking ahead is essential.
P.S. – Make sure to explore the Food Halls at Fortnum & Mason after!
The Dorchester: An Ode to Luxury (Mayfair)
53 Park Ln, London W1K 1QA
The Dorchester is the epitome of luxury, and that becomes clear when you have a go at their afternoon tea.
The afternoon tea, served in The Promenade’s elegant setting, is a multi-course affair of exclusive brews, finger sandwiches, warm scones, and French pastries. For an extra dash of extravagance, don’t miss their champagne option.
How much is afternoon tea at The Dorchester?: £110 per person
Pro: An extravagant and luxurious afternoon tea experience.
Con: The opulent setting might feel a bit intimidating for some.
Claridge’s: The Ultimate English Experience (Mayfair)
Brook Street, London W1K 4HR
Claridge’s is synonymous with timeless elegance, ever so apparent in their afternoon tea.
The tea, served in the grand Foyer & Reading Room, boasts classic British fillings, freshly baked scones, and artisan pastries.
To elevate your experience, they offer an option of champagne afternoon tea, making it an excellent choice for celebrations.
How much is afternoon tea at Claridge’s?: £85 per person
Pro: A quintessential English afternoon tea experience in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Con: Expensive (but worth it).
The Berkeley: Fashion on a Plate (Knightsbridge)
Wilton Pl, London SW1X 7RL
The Berkeley deviates from tradition with its fashion-themed ‘Prêt-à-Portea’.
The menu, echoing the current fashion season, includes pastries and cakes designed to resemble the latest fashion trends.
Its tea menu is equally intriguing, and they also offer a champagne or cocktail option for an added touch of chic.
How much is afternoon tea at The Berkeley?: £80 per person
Pro: A unique fashion-themed afternoon tea experience.
Con: It’s quite niche so might not be everyone’s cup of tea (pun intended).
The Sanderson: An Adventure in Wonderland (Fitzrovia)
50 Berners St, London W1T 3NG
If it’s a whimsical afternoon tea you’re after then it’s time to journey to The Sanderson, where their Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea brings Lewis Carroll’s classic tale to life.
Enjoy savory and sweet treats inspired by characters and quirks from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
The playful ambiance makes this a perfect choice for families in London or anyone with a fondness for the book or film.
How much is afternoon tea at The Sanderson?: £48 per person
Pro: An enchanting, Alice in Wonderland-themed experience.
Con: The playful theme might not resonate with those seeking a more traditional afternoon tea.
The Shard TĪNG Lounge: Tea with a View (London Bridge)
32 London Bridge St, London SE1 9SG
Take your afternoon tea to new heights at The Shard, where the TĪNG Lounge offers panoramic views of London, alongside a brilliant afternoon tea experience.
As you sip on fine tea indulge in a wide range of sandwiches, pastries, and the city’s bustling energy unfolding beneath you.
In other words, an afternoon tea worth remembering.
How much is afternoon tea at The Shard?: £81 per person
Pro: Breathtaking view of London’s skyline.
Con: The modern setting might lack the cosy charm of more traditional tea rooms.
Brown’s Hotel: A Taste of History (Mayfair)
33 Albemarle St, London W1S 4BP
Established in 1837, Brown’s Hotel promises a taste of history (and a divine afternoon tea).
In the sophisticated setting of the English Tea Room, you’ll find traditional afternoon tea served with all the trimmings.
Expect finely cut sandwiches, warm scones served with clotted cream and homemade jams, and a variety of cakes and delicate pastries.
How much is afternoon tea at Brown’s Hotel?: £75 per person
Pro: Brown’s Hotel has a rich history, being London’s oldest hotel.
Con: The classic British menu might seem less adventurous compared to more theme-driven afternoon teas.
P.S. – Did you know Brown’s Hotel inspired Agatha Christie’s ‘At Bertram’s Hotel’?
The Goring: A Royal Affair (Belgravia)
15 Beeston Pl, London SW1W 0JW
Nestled in Belgravia, The Goring presents a truly regal afternoon tea experience.
Served in an exquisite, Michelin-starred dining room or in the spacious garden during warmer months, their afternoon tea menu features impeccably crafted sandwiches, homemade scones, and a selection of mouth-watering pastries.
How much is afternoon tea at The Goring?: £65 per person
Pro: Their afternoon tea is royal status — awarded a Royal Warrant from The Queen in 2013.
Con: It’s a smaller, more intimate setting, so reservations may be more challenging to secure.
The Savoy: Art Deco Elegance (Strand)
Strand, London WC2R 0EZ
I couldn’t list my favourite afternoon teas in London without giving The Savoy a mention.
Their hotel is the epitome of art-deco sophistication, and their afternoon tea is no different.
Set in the stunning Thames Foyer with a backdrop of live piano music, their menu includes a fine selection of teas, finger sandwiches, homemade scones, and irresistible pastries.
How much is afternoon tea at The Savoy?: £75 per person
Pro: The Savoy offers a glamorous, art-deco-inspired setting with live piano performances.
Con: It’s on the higher end of the price spectrum for afternoon tea.
Dalloway Terrace: A Bloomsbury Hideaway (Bloomsbury)
16-22 Great Russell St, London WC1B 3NN
Hidden within Bloomsbury, Dalloway Terrace offers a delightful afternoon tea experience amidst floral decor that changes with the seasons.
Named after the eponymous character in Virginia Woolf’s novel, this quaint spot offers a selection of finely crafted treats, from delicate sandwiches to Instagram-worthy pastries, creating a truly charming tea experience.
How much is afternoon tea at Dalloway Terrace?: £45 per person
Pro: The tea is served in a picturesque, terrace setting that changes with the seasons.
Con: The outdoor setting may be less comfortable during colder weather.
Aqua Shard: Sky High Tea (London Bridge)
Level 31, The Shard, 31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9RY
The Shard also offers a lovely tea time in the Aqua Shard, promising an unforgettable afternoon tea experience.
With floor-to-ceiling windows, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the city while sipping on carefully selected teas and indulging in a classic spread of British savoury and sweet delicacies.
They also like to switch it up a bit with themes, with their Peter Pan Afternoon Tea in full swing for the season.
How much is afternoon tea at Aqua Shard?: £61 per person
Pro: It offers panoramic views of the London skyline from level 31 of The Shard.
Con: The open-plan seating may not be ideal for those seeking a more private afternoon tea setting.
The Lanesborough: A Regency-style Retreat (Knightsbridge)
Hyde Park Corner, London SW1X 7TA
The Lanesborough, a stone’s throw away from Hyde Park, presents a refined afternoon tea experience in the grandeur of its Michelin-starred Celeste Restaurant.
Expect a selection of finger sandwiches, homemade scones, exquisite pastries, and an atmosphere boasting gleaming chandeliers, bas-relief friezes, and all things regal tradition.
How much is afternoon tea at The Lanesborough?: £75 per person
Pro: Its Celeste Restaurant is a beautifully decorated, regency-style venue that adds grandeur to your tea experience.
Con: Their afternoon teas tend to be themed (based on Queen Charlotte right now!) so if you’re looking for a traditional afternoon tea experience it might not be best.
The Rose Lounge at Sofitel London St James: A French Touch (Piccadilly)
8 Pall Mall, St. James’s, London SW1Y 5NG
Experience a unique Franco-British fusion with afternoon tea at The Rose Lounge in Sofitel London St James.
This elegant venue serves a delightful mix of English classics and French patisseries, which is a fabulous combination if I do say so myself (plus themed afternoon teas throughout the seasons).
The tranquil setting, with rose-adorned interiors and a soft harp melody in the background, provides a lovely and relaxed atmosphere for your afternoon tea.
How much is afternoon tea at The Rose Lounge?: £55 per person
Pro: The lounge offers a unique Franco-British afternoon tea experience.
Con: Traditionalists might miss the quintessential English feel of afternoon tea.
The Langham: Birthplace of the Afternoon Tea (Marylebone)
1C Portland Pl, London W1B 1JA
The Langham takes pride in being the place where the tradition of afternoon tea was born, making it one of the most authentic afternoon teas in London.
Served in the Palm Court, a setting steeped in Victorian elegance, you’ll find a delightful mix of classic and innovative treats, from sandwiches and scones to delectable pastries, alongside a wide range of specialty tea brews.
How much is afternoon tea at The Langham?: £75 per person
Pro: The Palm Court, where afternoon tea was first served in 1865, oozes historical charm.
Con: The menu is on the higher end of the price spectrum, which might not suit everyone’s budget.
Kew Gardens: A Botanical Experience (Richmond)
Royal Botanic Gardens, Richmond TW9 3AB
Kew Gardens’ Botanical Brasserie restaurant takes afternoon tea to a green-fingered level. Their menu is inspired by the botanicals at Kew, offering an array of herb-infused delicacies and floral sweets.
This is the perfect choice for nature lovers looking to combine their visit to Kew Gardens with a unique afternoon tea experience.
How much is afternoon tea at Kew Gardens?: £27.50 per person
Pro: You can combine your tea with a visit to the world-renowned Kew Gardens.
Con: It’s quite a way out of Central London, so it might not be as convenient for some visitors.
Cutter & Squidge: A Wizard’s Afternoon Tea (Soho)
20 Brewer St, London W1F 0SJ
For my Harry Potter fans, I have two words for you, Cutter & Squidge.
The Soho establishment offers a ‘Wizard’s Afternoon Tea’ where guests can enjoy a themed menu in their Potion Room (and yes, it’s as cool as it sounds).
Expect ‘rock cakes’, ‘knotted wands’, and ‘butter beer’ in this fantastical afternoon tea experience.
And a delicious afternoon tea every other time of year.
How much is afternoon tea at Cutter & Squidge?: £34.99 per person
Pro: The Harry Potter-themed afternoon tea is a fun experience, especially for fans of the books and films.
Con: The fantasy theme might not appeal to everyone, particularly those seeking a traditional afternoon tea (but they do offer both FYI).
Brigit’s Bakery Bus Tour: A Tour on a Vintage Routemaster (Victoria)
8 Northumberland Ave, London WC2N 5BY
For those wanting to combine sightseeing with their tea, the Brigit’s Bakery Afternoon Tea Bus Tour is calling your name.
Their vintage Routemaster bus tours London’s landmarks while you enjoy an afternoon tea with an array of sandwiches, pastries, and scones.
It’s hands down the perfect way to sightsee in style and enjoy a classic afternoon tea in London.
How much is Brigit’s Bakery afternoon tea bus tour?: £60.50 per person
Pro: It combines a sightseeing tour with an afternoon tea experience.
Con: As it’s a moving bus, it may not be as comfortable as a stationary venue.
Thanks for reading my Best Afternoon Teas in London Guide. If you enjoyed it, let me know on Instagram!
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Happy Londoning,
