The Best Afternoon Tea in London

Afternoon tea is a distinctly British tradition and there’s nowhere better to indulge than in one of London’s grand luxury hotels.

Whether you’re treating someone special with a full champagne afternoon tea or fancy sandwiches and cakes in a glamorous setting, read on for our choice of the best afternoon tea in London.

Pret-a-Portea at The Berkeley

Fancy an Anya Hindmarch handbag, Alexander McQueen shoes or Oscar de la Renta gown? Then visit The Berkeley for their Pret-a-Portea afternoon tea collection where the creations of famous designers are turned into sweet treats, served on exquisite Wedgwood fine-bone china.

Prêt-à-Portea is served in The Caramel Room and changes on a seasonal basis.

The Foyer at Claridge’s

Claridge’s is the perfect place to indulge in afternoon tea, which is served right at the heart of the hotel in the grand and elegant foyer, which exudes luxury and style.

There’s a selection of 30 teas from all over the world and they use exclusive tea-infused jam and Devonshire clotted cream.

The Rosebery Room at the Mandarin Oriental

The Rosebery Room, has recently had a makeover and is now adorned with bold, modern art pieces and a wonderful fireplace. The afternoon tea is a piece of theatre, served suspended over the table from a branch.

The spread includes classic sandwiches, dessert-style sweets and warm scones. There are some great teas on the menu including signature blends of Breakfast, Afternoon and Directors reserve that have been crafted in conjunction with the East India Company exclusively for the hotel.

The Ritz London

Afternoon tea at The Ritz is a bit of an institution and it is incredibly popular – The Ritz now offers five sittings every day, starting at 11:30am with the last one at 7:30pm!

Afternoon tea is served in the Palm Court area in the middle of the hotel’s grand lobby – dress up (men, put on a jacket and tie) and make a glamorous afternoon of it.

Aqua Shard

Aqua Shard is now offering afternoon tea in its Tea Wing and Atrium as part of its venture into all-day dining (they’re now also serving breakfast).

Chose from a vast selection of teas from the Rare Tea Company to accompany a fine spread of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, homemade jams, Jersey clotted cream, homemade cakes and sweet treats.

Aqua Shard also offers Champagne afternoon tea, which includes a glass of Veuve Clicquot ‘yellow label’ Brut Champagne.

Park Chinois

Served in its opulent dining room, Salon de Chine, Park Chinois offers an afternoon tea menu called the ‘Orchestre de Chinois’.

The classic menu includes sandwiches, warm scones and sweet pastries and a curated selection of loose teas sourced from the four corners of the world, as well as a menu of hot chocolate and coffee from niche producers.

The Lobby at the Corinthia

The Corinthia Lobby Lounge is a light, airy and chic setting to enjoy an afternoon tea.

Claire Clarke, who worked as at the celebrated French Laundry in Napa is the consultant and in-house cake maker, making this one of the best afternoon tea in London.

The Mirror Room at Rosewood London

Rosewood London’s Mirror Room has launched an ‘Art Afternoon Tea’, which will celebrate five iconic artists; Yayoi Kusama, Alexander Calder, Mark Rothko, Damien Hirst and Banksy.

Served in the Rosewood London’s Mirror Room, the art-inspired afternoon tea will involve the traditional British afternoon tea with delicate sandwiches, freshly baked scones also from the pastry kitchen, served with clotted cream, lemon curd and homemade strawberry jam.

Bea’s of Bloomsbury

Bea’s offers great value for money afternoon tea in a small, friendly and ‘buzzy’ café environment. The cakes taste as good as they look, and not many people leave without taking home at least one cupcake.

The English Tea Room at Brown’s Hotel

In a light and airy room with the sound of a baby grand piano in the background, Brown’s offers a selection of 17 teas, including their own blend, accompanied by friendly and attentive service.

The Parlour at Sketch

The Parlour offers fine cakes, sandwiches and tea in a grand setting with a cool and quirky vibe.

Sotheby’s Café

Offering an unusual setting for afternoon tea, tucked in next to the famous auction house, Sotheby’s café is small, elegant, great for people watching and surprisingly good value.

Palm Court, The Langham London

Palm Court is a great spot for afternoon tea in London.

The Langham afternoon tea celebrates all things British. The menu is overseen by Michel Roux Jr and created by Executive Pastry Chef Andrew Gravett and inspiration is taken from the nation’s favourite biscuits and baked tarts.

The Beaumont

Served in the hotel’s chic and sophisticated Gatsby’s room, The Beaumont hotel’s afternoon tea showcases executive chef Ben Boeynaems’s transatlantic twist on the classic afternoon tea, offering vegan treats and sandwiches inspired by iconic staples from across the pond.

The Prince Akatoki

Afternoon Tea takes on a whole new identity inspired by Japan at The Prince Akatoki. The recently launched Koto Afternoon Tea provides a unique flare to a well-loved classic with a menu full of fusion blends and authentic Japanese flavours.

There is live music from Japanese musician, Keiko Kitamura, played on the national string instrument of Japan, the koto.