From grand hotels to more original experiences, discover our selection of 12 afternoon teas to try in London.
Freshly baked scones, finger sandwiches, pastries and, of course, a good cup of tea: afternoon tea is one of England’s best-known traditions and an experience worth trying at least once during a trip to London.
But how do you choose where to enjoy afternoon tea in London? From grand hotels that have been serving this traditional ritual for generations to more creative takes on the experience, we’ve selected 12 options worth trying, with something for every taste and budget.
Table of Contents
ToggleOur Favourite Afternoon Teas in London
Tea and a Thames Cruise: Afternoon Tea and Sightseeing
Afternoon tea on the Thames combines two quintessential London experiences: afternoon tea and a river cruise. On board a TUI boat, you can enjoy finger sandwiches, scones, pastries and tea as you cruise through the heart of the capital.
To create this experience, we teamed up with people who have been connected to the Thames for more than 500 years. According to Nicholas Dawn, Director of Thames Luxury Charters, the river is simply “the best way to see London.” Veteran watermen and people with an in-depth knowledge of the river will also share stories about the history of the capital.
It’s a chance to see London through the eyes of people who know the Thames inside out, while enjoying a cup of tea and something delicious to eat.
Price range: £-££
Ideal for: first-time visitors, couples and those short on time
Why choose it: it combines sightseeing and afternoon tea in one experience, allowing you to see some of the city’s highlights while enjoying a traditional afternoon treat.
Discover Tea on the Thames and book your cruise
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The Ritz: Best for a Traditional Experience
Elegant china, tiered stands filled with pastries and a timeless setting: The Ritz London offers the classic afternoon tea experience.
The menu follows tradition, with finger sandwiches, scones served with clotted cream and preserves, pastries and a wide selection of loose-leaf teas. Everything is accompanied by live music. The Ritz is also the only hotel in the UK with a certified Tea Master.
Price range: £££
Ideal for: special occasions and anyone who loves tradition
Why choose it: it’s one of London’s most iconic afternoon tea experiences, offering a luxurious setting and a sense of occasion.
The Wolseley: Great Value for Money
For an elegant afternoon tea without necessarily choosing one of the city’s five-star hotels, The Wolseley is a great option. The setting has the feel of a grand European café, while the afternoon tea focuses on classic English favourites.
It’s also a good choice for families visiting London. The Wolseley offers dedicated options for children, with more playful versions of traditional sweet and savoury afternoon tea treats.
Price range: £-££
Ideal for: couples and families
Why choose it: an elegant yet relaxed setting, excellent quality and options to suit different tastes.
Classic Afternoon Teas in London
Claridge’s
At Claridge’s, afternoon tea has been a tradition for more than a century. Served in the Foyer & Reading Room, it follows the classic formula to a tee: finger sandwiches, warm scones, seasonal pastries and a selection of teas from around the world. Even the iconic green and white striped china helps make the experience instantly recognisable.
Price range: £££
Ideal for: special occasions and those looking for an exclusive experience
Why choose it: to experience one of Mayfair’s longest-standing and most refined traditions
Fortnum & Mason
Few names are as closely associated with the culture of afternoon tea as Fortnum & Mason. At the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon, opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 2012, you can choose between classic afternoon tea, savoury afternoon tea and high tea.
It’s an especially good choice if, alongside the experience itself, you’d like to take home some tea, biscuits or other specialities from the famous Piccadilly department store.
Price range: ££-£££
Ideal for: first-timers, tea lovers and shoppers
Why choose it: to experience afternoon tea in one of the places most deeply rooted in its tradition
The Savoy
Another great London classic. This hotel overlooking the River Thames has been a symbol of elegance since the late 19th century and continues to reinterpret the tradition with refined service and a particular focus on its pastries.
It’s the right choice if you’re looking for an exclusive experience and want to treat yourself to a special break during a day spent exploring Covent Garden, the West End and South Bank.
Price range: £££
Ideal for: couples and special occasions
Why choose it: to combine one of London’s best-loved traditions with the atmosphere of a historic hotel
Alternative Afternoon Teas in London
Scones Workshop
A workshop in the heart of London where you can learn how to make scones, an essential part of any proper afternoon tea. Once you’ve mixed the dough and put the scones in the oven, it’s naturally time for the best part: tasting your freshly baked scones with a good cup of tea.
It’s a completely different way to experience the tradition of afternoon tea and, best of all, one you can recreate when you get home.
Price range: £
Ideal for: foodies and anyone who enjoys hands-on experiences
Why choose it: a fun and engaging way to get to know the culture of afternoon tea
Bridgerton Afternoon Tea at The Lanesborough
Lady Whistledown would certainly have something to say about it! The Lanesborough offers a truly magical Bridgerton Afternoon Tea, inspired by the Regency era and the characters from the hit TV series.
Served in one of London’s most elegant hotels, it combines the romantic aesthetic of Bridgerton with the rituals of traditional English afternoon tea. At weekends, the experience is accompanied by live piano music.
Price range: £££
Ideal for: Bridgerton fans and groups of friends
Why choose it: to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Regency London without missing out on an iconic experience
Topsy Turvy Tea at Mr Fogg’s
Mr Fogg’s Topsy Turvy Tea breaks with tradition by pairing small savoury dishes and sweet treats with creative cocktails.
Pairings include a scone with lemon verbena clotted cream and raspberry jam, served with a cocktail made with vodka, Chambord and raspberry jam. The experience takes place at weekends and is decidedly more playful than a traditional afternoon tea.
Price range: £
Ideal for: groups of friends and cocktail lovers
Why choose it: to try a playful and decidedly unconventional take on afternoon tea
Affordable Afternoon Teas in London
Natural History Museum
An afternoon tea inspired by the natural world, served in one of the best museums in London. At the Natural History Museum, the menu features a dinosaur footprint-shaped macaron, a dessert inspired by the Earth and Earl Grey scones, accompanied by a selection of loose-leaf teas.
It’s a fun option for families, as it lets you combine a visit to the museum with a break that’s a little different from the usual.
Price: from around £30 per person
Ideal for: families and anyone interested in museums and natural sciences
Why choose it: to combine a museum visit with afternoon tea without leaving South Kensington
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Cutter & Squidge
In the heart of Soho, Cutter & Squidge offers a much less formal afternoon tea than London’s grand hotels.
It’s a good choice if you want to fit afternoon tea into a day in central London without necessarily turning it into a special-occasion event.
Just bear in mind that if you’re travelling with very young children, the Common Room does not admit children under five.
Price: from around £32.50 per person
Ideal for: couples, friends and anyone with a sweet tooth
Why choose it: a central location and a more relaxed atmosphere
Cinnamon Bazaar
Cinnamon Bazaar brings Indian flavours to the English afternoon tea ritual. This Covent Garden restaurant offers an experience that reflects the meeting of British and Indian food cultures, making it one of the more interesting alternatives if you’re looking for something beyond the usual finger sandwiches.
Afternoon tea is served every day, with vegetarian options available.
Price: from around £27.50 per person
Ideal for: foodies and anyone who enjoys trying new flavours
Why choose it: an original take on afternoon tea at an accessible price
Looking for more London inspiration?
Take a look at our guides to the English capital:
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