Looking for the best gluten-free afternoon tea in London? Look no further. Here’s your gluten-free guide to the very best places to have high tea in London — from a London travel blogger.
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There’s nothing quite like the experience of having an afternoon tea in London.
Between feasting on an endless supply of dainty sandwiches, soft scones, and of course, delicious tea; if you’re in London for any amount of time it’s a must for your bucket list.
But just because you’re gluten-free doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the action! And an amazing afternoon tea experience.
In this post, I’ll be sharing:
- where to find London’s best gluten-free afternoon teas
- how to choose the best gluten-free afternoon tea for you
- a map to the best gluten-free afternoon teas in London
- gluten-free afternoon tea Q&A (all your gluten-free afternoon tea in London questions answered!)
Let’s get into it, shall we?
Disclaimer: The prices for the gluten-free afternoon teas listed below are subject to change based on the venue.
Where to Get Gluten-Free Afternoon Tea in London
Brigit’s Bakery
6-7 Chandos Pl, London WC2N 4HU, UK
When it comes to gluten-free afternoon teas in London, Brigit’s Bakery has been an absolute trailblazer.
Not only do they have options for nearly every dietary requirement under the sun (including gluten-free) but they really make a point to make sure your afternoon tea experience is the best — no matter what you can or can’t eat.
The French patisserie will whizz you through the city on a vintage double decker bus for 90 minutes, all while sipping on glorious tea, and indulging on pretty cakes and treats (check out our experience on the Brigit’s Bakery Bus Tour here!).
You’ll also visit iconic London landmarks like Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament, Hyde Park, The Royal Albert Hall, Nelson’s Column, Downing Street, Harrods, Marble Arch and more!
Gluten-Free Afternoon Tea: The gluten-free afternoon tea at Brigit’s Bakery is a lovely mix of fresh gluten-free sandwiches with a variety of yummy fillings, from roasted pepper to smoked salmon.
Dessert wise you’ll be treated to a wide selection of handcrafted gluten-free cakes including everything from lemon tarts to strawberry cupcakes.
And as we all know, no afternoon tea is a complete without gluten-free scones.
When you book, there’s an option to choose your dietary requirements and it’s very important to tell them you’re gluten-free in the booking process.
As it’s part bus tour part afternoon tea, they need to have all the orders prepared in advance to bring on the bus.
If you don’t tell them you’re gluten-free in advance, it’ll be too late to change your order by the time you get onboard — so don’t forget!
Price: £60 per person
Other Dietary Afternoon Tea Options Available: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal
What makes them special?: For the price of an afternoon tea at any standard hotel you’ll get an afternoon tea and a guided bus tour around London with the Brigit’s Bakery Bus Tour.
This truly makes it one of the most unique experiences in London in my opinion, so if you’re looking to have an afternoon tea that does things a bit differently, this one’s definitely for you.
Fortnum and Mason
Pancras Rd, London N1C 4QP, United Kingdom
Fortnum and Mason’s afternoon tea easily makes the cut for the best gluten-free afternoon tea in London (it’s a royal favourite after all).
Enjoy scrumptious afternoon tea at their staple location, The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon.
Gluten-Free Afternoon Tea: Fortnum and Mason has a dedicated Gluten-Free Afternoon Tea Menu consisting of coronation chicken and cucumber with basil finger sandwiches (to name a few), sweet desserts like fresh cookies, pineapple cheesecake and chocolate and blood orange mousse.
Don’t forget to top it off with warm scones and cream straight from Somerset.
You’ll also have the option to add a glass of Fortnum’s champagne or sparkling tea to your experience along with their wide array of specialty teas.
Unlike many gluten-free afternoon teas in London, you won’t need to tell them in advance as a gluten-free menu is readily available when you arrive.
Price: £70 per person
Other Dietary Afternoon Tea Options Available: Dairy-free, Vegan
What makes them special?: Fortnum and Mason’s afternoon tea is as delicious as it is historic.
The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon was opened in 2012 by the late Queen Elizabeth II herself, making it one of the most authentic afternoon tea experiences you could have in London.
Harrods Tea Room
87-135 Brompton Rd, London SW1X 7XL, United Kingdom
We’ve all heard of Harrod’s but did you know they do an excellent afternoon tea too?
And if you’re wondering ‘does Harrods do gluten free afternoon tea?’ the answer is yes!
The luxury department store serves an afternoon tea like no other in their Harrods Tea Room with a gluten-free menu to match.
Gluten-Free Afternoon Tea: Harrod’s gluten-free afternoon tea menu isn’t as accessible as their standard menu, but Is available upon request.
Make sure to ask them for gluten-free options when you arrive and they’ll adjust your experience accordingly.
Finger sandwiches include everything from Devonshire Crab to poached & smoked salmon with crème fraiche and a patisserie collection of Meadow Honey Cake and red berry cheesecake.
You’ll also be privy to a wide selection of classic and signature tea blends from across the globe.
Price: £62 per person
Other Dietary Afternoon Tea Options Available: Vegetarian, Vegan, Halal
What makes them special?: There’s nothing quite as luxurious as Harrods, and their afternoon tea experience matched with the backdrop of the classic Harrods Tea Room is guaranteed to make memories.
The Ritz
50 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1J 9BR, United Kingdom
It’s not easy to become one of the world’s most recognized hotel brands and one of London’s best gluten-free afternoon teas in the same breathe, unless you’re The Ritz.
Dripping in elegance and everything classy, you’re bound to make all your afternoon tea dreams come true here.
And if you’re wondering, ‘does the ritz do gluten-free afternoon tea?’ — oh yes they do.
Gluten-Free Afternoon Tea: The Ritz’s gluten-free options aren’t reflected in their readily available menu online, but as you’ll see at the bottom, if you let them know you’re gluten-free on arrival they’ll have an alternative menu available for you.
As a teaser, expect a feast of finger sandwiches like their cheddar cheese with chutney on tomato bread or egg mayonnaise with chopped shallots and watercress on brioche roll.
Not to mention freshly baked scones with clotted cream and the sweet lull of The Ritz Resident Pianist playing in the backdrop.
Price: £67 per person
Other Dietary Afternoon Tea Options Available: Vegan
What makes them special?: Considering people fly from across the world just to stay a night at The Ritz speaks volume to the experience they seek to provide to all their guests — including their gluten-free afternoon tea enthusiasts.
I find the Resident Pianist to be a beautiful touch as well and would definitely suggest it for a special occasion afternoon tea.
The Stafford London
16-18 St James’s Pl, St. James’s, London SW1A 1NJ, United Kingdom
Tucked in St James, The Stafford brings forth everything that comes to mind when you think traditional afternoon tea.
From their finger sandwiches to their tea selection, the whole experience is inspired by the surrounding area and St James’s oldest boutiques.
Long story short, if you’re looking for a classy afternoon tea in the city, this is it.
Gluten-Free Afternoon Tea: The Stafford’s gluten-free menu is available upon request when you get to the venue, but to give you a taste…
Prepare for a savoury selection of Honey-roast Wiltshire ham and mustard and Truffled egg and watercress brioche bun sandwiches, followed by a St James’s inspired smokey cigar chocolate and hazelnut mousse and dainty Floris English strawberry and rose water cupcake (to name a few).
There’s also an impressive tea selection to try here, and yes, the Oyster Digestive Blend is definitely worth giving a go.
Price: £45 per person
Other Dietary Afternoon Tea Options Available: Vegan, Nut-Free, Halal (available upon request)
What makes them special?: The Stafford gives major James Bond vibes, so if you’re looking for a classically British afternoon tea, there’s no better place.
The Ampersand Hotel
10 Harrington Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 3ER, United Kingdom
The Ampersand Hotel has been making waves in the gluten-free afternoon tea scene for their classic offering and new experiences like the Science Afternoon Tea.
The hotel itself is plopped right in the beauty of South Kensington, making it the perfect addition to a day of exploring.
Gluten-Free Afternoon Tea: The Science Afternoon Tea is unlike any afternoon tea I’ve come across (and I know my afternoon teas!) and they have a dedicated gluten-free menu.
Taking you on a journey of physics, chemistry, and gastronomy,every item on the menu has a science-themed twist.
Starting off with the savoury you’ll try an eccentric take on finger sandwiches — from gluten-free lemon & basil chicken mayo to seasonal gluten-free quiches.
Then for dessert, you’ll get to try their oh-so-soft gluten-free cranberry, white chocolate & plain scones served with clotted cream and a side of Passion fruit curd.
Not to mention out-of-this-world pastries like their Raspberry, pistachio & almond moon cake, or Honey chocolate spaceman.
Price: £49.50 per person
Other Dietary Afternoon Tea Options Available: Vegetarian, Vegan
What makes them special?: The Ampersand really made the effort to make their gluten-free afternoon tea experience unlike anything you’ll find in London.
So if you’re looking for an afternoon tea experience on the quirkier side, don’t look anywhere else!
Especially if you’re looking for a gluten-free afternoon tea with kids as they’ll definitely find the science element quite cool.
One Aldwych
1 Aldwych, London WC2B 4BZ, United Kingdom
One Aldwych is a Covent Garden go-to for all things afternoon tea.
Served from the comfort of their Indigo Restaurant their afternoon tea experiences aim to combine the old with new, making an innovative afternoon tea experience that’s hard to match.
For an extra dose of thrill, they also offer the Charlie & The Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea.
Gluten-Free Afternoon Tea: Upon your reservation, you’ll need to make sure they know you’re gluten-free.
One Aldwych’s team really goes above and beyond to make sure you’re catered for on the day, but they’ll just need some extra time to prepare in advance.
Their Indigo Afternoon Tea comes with select favourites like their Golden raisin purée with toasted cumin and charred aubergine focaccia, followed up by their delectable chocolate and caramel scones.
If you want to release your inner child I highly suggest going for their Charlie & The Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea which caters to gluten-free as well.
Highlights include their savoury ‘Spinach Roly-Poly’ and ‘Not Quite As It Seems’ Beetroot Macaron and fabulously crafted desserts (Berry Eton Mess anyone?).
Price: Indigo Afternoon Tea £58 per person, Charlie & The Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea £52 per person
Other Dietary Afternoon Tea Options Available: Dairy-Free, Vegetarian
What makes them special?: One Aldwych really goes the extra mile to make sure your afternoon tea experience isn’t waivered by being gluten-free.
The pastries and scones in particular are incredible and I love the old-new take they have on everything they do.
It also puts you perfectly in the heart of Covent Garden after to do some West End exploring.
The Lanesborough
Hyde Park Corner, London SW1X 7TA, United Kingdom
One of my favourite things about afternoon teas in London is their ability to suspend reality and truly make you feel like you’ve entered a different era — say hello to The Lanesborough.
Their afternoon tea experience is dedicated to all things British and luxury. Which is why it makes perfect sense that they’ve rolled out one of the first Bridgerton afternoon tea experiences in London (and I do love a bit of Brigderton in London).
Although this particular experience will only last a few months (til mid-November), The Lanesborough are constantly coming up with themed afternoon tea ideas to make your high tea unforgettable.
Gluten-Free Afternoon Tea: You’ll be pleased to know The Lanesborough has an exclusive gluten-free afternoon tea menu, and it’s delicious.
To start, you’ll indulge in a tasty mix of organic cucumber, yoghurt and mint sandwiches with rare roast beef sliders — followed by the infamous Lady Whistledown and ‘All is Fair in London & War’ pastries.
Homemade scones will of course be waiting for you throughout, along with a decadent Pall Mall cocktail and Bridgerton Blend Afternoon Tea.
Price: £65 per person
Other Dietary Afternoon Tea Options Available: Vegan, Vegetarian
What makes them special?: I always appreciate London businesses that lead with the times (i.e making a whole afternoon tea experience out of a Netflix series).
For Bridgerton fans and royal enthusiasts alike, it can’t be compared to your typical afternoon tea — it’s better.
The Grand Saloon at The Lane (Drury Lane Theatre)
Catherine St, London WC2B 5JF, United Kingdom
Drury Lane Theatre is one of the most beloved theatres in Covent Garden, and hidden inside its grandeur is the The Grand Saloon at The Lane and a dazzling afternoon tea experience.
Gluten-Free Afternoon Tea: The Lane offers a lovely afternoon tea experience, but they’ll need advance notice to accommodate for gluten-free afternoon teas.
Once you’ve booked you’ll be able to able to enjoy all the gluten-free afternoon goodness The Lane has to offer — all crafted by the famed ‘Queen of Cakes’ artisan baker Lily Vanilli.
Offerings include a worldly selection of teas like Portuguese Peppermint or Sri Lankan Lemongrass, savoury salmon and caviar sandwiches (or whipped goat cheese and beetroot), and royal signature scones, all served on fine bone china.
Price: £49 per person
Other Dietary Afternoon Tea Options Available: Vegan, Nut-free, Halal (advance notice required)
What makes them special?: The afternoon tea at The Lane encapsulates everything you’d want in a luxury London experience.
Not to mention, The Lane Theatre at Drury Lane does amazing theatre tours, which can be perfectly paired with a gluten-free afternoon tea after.
The Berkeley
Wilton Pl, London SW1X 7RL, United Kingdom
Love fashion and afternoon tea? Oh have I got the perfect recommendation for you.
The Berkeley’s Prêt-à-Portea Afternoon Tea encapsulates everything that comes to mind when you think of fashion in London — fit with a fine selection of canapés, finger sandwiches and loose-leaf teas all inspired by the styles and icons of the times.
Gluten-Free Afternoon Tea: It’s much appreciated that the Prêt-à-Portea Afternoon Tea experience is near identical for their gluten-free guests.
You’ll need to request your experience to be gluten-free when booking, but once you do you’ll instantly be indoctrinated into the Berkeley afternoon tea.
Opening with Oscar de la Renta apricot ganache and Gucci’s vanilla mousse, you’ll be whisked into a world of food and fashion, accompanied by all the canapés, finger sandwiches, and loose-leaf teas you fancy.
Price: £75 per person
Other Dietary Afternoon Tea Options Available: Vegetarian, Vegan
What makes them special?: I’ve never heard of a fashion-themed afternoon tea before The Berkeley and I don’t think I ever will, making it the perfect experience for any gluten-free afternoon tea lovers with a fashion bug.
More Gluten-Free Afternoon Teas in London
How to Choose the Best Gluten-Free Afternoon Tea for You
Facing gluten-free afternoon tea overload? Here’s how to choose the best one for you:
- Location – most of these afternoon tea spots are in Central London, but it’s worth looking at the map below to see which afternoon tea spot is closest to you for your trip — it may be walking distance away!
- Gluten-Free Options – some afternoon tea spots will naturally have a better selection than others, have a look at all the menus and decide what you fancy best!
- Price – the average afternoon tea cost in London falls between the £40 – £80 range, but this may play a role in which one you choose for your experience
- Time you book – as you’ll notice throughout this post there are certain London gluten-free afternoon tea spots that have a dedicated gluten-free menu and others that require you let them know in advance about your dietary restrictions. If you’re booking your afternoon tea last-minute, it may be best to go with the venue that has a dedicated menu as you know you’ll be accommodated for as soon as you arrive
Gluten-Free Afternoon Tea in London Map
Your Gluten-Free Guide to Afternoon Tea in London Q&A
Is tea gluten-free in the UK?
Yes. Black, green, and white tea is gluten-free by nature (including tea in the UK). However herbal teas and blends may not be gluten-free teas as they may have extra additives that contain gluten, so just do a double-check when ordering.
As a tourist what is the dress code for high tea in London? Do you have to dress up for afternoon tea in London?
I would suggest so! But don’t overdo it. A nice blouse or casual dress is the typical attire for afternoon tea. But unless it’s costume themed, you won’t see anyone wearing anything overly fancy.
does sketch do gluten-free afternoon tea?
Sketch is an extremely popular place for Afternoon Tea (and very Instagrammable) and they do have gluten-free options, but the gluten and gluten-free pastries and scones may be prepared in the same room, so just make sure to ask before you order.
Should I book my gluten-free afternoon tea in advance?
Yes, I suggest booking your afternoon tea at least 2 weeks in advance to avoid disappoint, especially at places like The Ritz with notoriously popular afternoon tea experiences.
Final Thoughts on London’s Best Gluten-Free Afternoon Teas
Afternoon tea should be something everyone can enjoy, no matter your dietary requirement.
I hope this post helped you find the most scrumptious afternoon tea spots for your next visit, be sure to let me know where you ended up having your gluten-free afternoon tea on Instagram!
Happy Londoning,
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