Finest Afternoon Tea in London

In the present day I wish to carry you my information to the place to seek out the perfect afternoon tea in London. This beloved British custom is a scrumptious indulgence, and the town has quite a lot of choices for all tastes and preferences. I’ve spent years testing out the town’s high choices, and now I wish to inform you concerning the ones that stand out above the remainder. I’ve included a map, too.

Finest Afternoon Tea in London

The ritual of afternoon tea started within the nineteenth century. Anna, seventh Duchess of Bedford, began gathering pals collectively for tea and muffins. Her concept sparked a pattern that ultimately grew to become an establishment in England.

In the present day accommodations and eating places throughout London vie for coveted awards for the perfect afternoon tea in London. They work exhausting to tell apart their choices and stand out from the competitors.

From conventional providers to themed ones, quite a lot of effort goes into creating each quintessential and non-traditional tea experiences. Guests and locals alike take pleasure in making an attempt the total vary.

Earlier than I begin my checklist of the perfect afternoon teas in London, it’s price telling you my methodology. Whereas I don’t have a strict set of standards I take advantage of for judging them, I do care about just a few issues.

First and most significantly, the meals needs to be good. It at all times amazes me what number of afternoon teas look beautiful however style like cardboard. For me, the pastries, scones, and sandwiches should tickle the style buds as a lot as they amuse the eyes.

Subsequent, the ambiance has to encourage. Whether or not it’s stylish and modern or historic and conventional, there should be one thing aesthetically pleasing about it.

Lastly, it has to have a ‘wow’ issue. There are such a lot of afternoon teas in London that a spot actually has to tug off one thing distinctive to face out.

Whether or not it’s an uncommon themed afternoon tea, a chocolate afternoon tea, or a tearoom that transports me to a sweeter, extra decadent world, I’m after distinction.

With that out of the best way, beneath is my checklist of locations the place you’ll discover the perfect afternoon tea in London. Regardless of if you happen to’re in search of a special day afternoon tea or a great worth afternoon tea, London has one thing for each style, funds, and elegance.

1. Fortnum & Mason

In case you’ve learn my Fortnum & Mason afternoon tea overview, you’ll perceive why I’ve put it on the high of this checklist.

The enduring division retailer in St James’s affords a tea with lovely pastries which have flavors that stay as much as their facades. And that’s to say nothing of the sandwiches, scones, and repair.

Moreover, the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon is without doubt one of the most elegant locations within the metropolis. A lot in order that it was opened by the late Queen herself. If it was adequate for her, it’s adequate for the remainder of us, proper? Proper.

2. The Goring

Subsequent on my checklist is The Goring. This heritage luxurious lodge in Belgravia affords one other of the perfect afternoon teas in London.

The Goring will not be solely well-known for its royal connections (the Queen Mum was an everyday right here, and Kate Middleton stayed in a set the evening earlier than the Royal Marriage ceremony), but additionally its tea service.

The lodge is all about British custom, so it’s solely pure The Goring afternoon tea matches. Whether or not you wish to partake in The Eating Room or on The Veranda, with a glass of champagne or with out, it’s certain to thrill even essentially the most discerning company.

3. Brown’s Lodge

Subsequent on my checklist of the perfect afternoon teas in London is Brown’s Lodge. This five-star landmark property in Mayfair is understood for providing a standard English expertise. It’s even mentioned that Queen Victoria got here right here to take pleasure in it.

Having afternoon tea in The Drawing Room at Brown’s is an undeniably satisfying factor to do. From the traditional wood-paneled tearoom to the stay piano music and chic pastries, it’s unattainable to not fall in love with this place.

If you wish to be taught extra, you possibly can learn my overview of Brown’s afternoon tea in London. It can present you all the small print, from the sandwiches to the service and environment.

4. The Dorchester

Proper on Park Lane, The Dorchester affords one other of the highest afternoon teas in London. This luxurious lodge in Mayfair is without doubt one of the most well-known locations to remain in London, and it has probably the greatest tea choices, too.

Afternoon tea at The Dorchester is an expertise for all of the senses. The Promenade options plush chairs, Corinthian columns, traditional decor. The meals and repair are irreproachable, and it’s an general unparalleled expertise.

If you wish to be taught extra, you possibly can learn my Dorchester afternoon tea overview for extra data, pictures, and particulars.

5. The Ritz

The Ritz is subsequent on my checklist of the perfect afternoon teas in London. Proper on Piccadilly by Inexperienced Park, this iconic luxurious lodge is without doubt one of the most well-known locations to have tea within the metropolis.

Afternoon tea at The Ritz is a very particular expertise. From The Palm Court docket’s ornate mirrors and gilding to the picture-pretty pastries and advantageous teas, it’s price splurging to expertise it.

If you wish to know extra, you possibly can check out my overview of afternoon tea at The Ritz. In case you guide, keep in mind there’s a strict gown code as effectively.

6. The Corinthia

Subsequent on my checklist is The Corinthia, which has the prettiest afternoon tea in London. With a lightweight, ethereal ambiance beneath the eye-catching foyer dome and well-known chandelier, it’s the right place to take a seat and indulge.

The Corinthia’s afternoon tea providing is nice for images, too. Each pastry is an beautiful murals, and the intense environment and pure gentle coming in by means of the dome make it simple to take footage of the candy treats. They appear superb in pictures and movies.

If you wish to be taught extra, you possibly can try my overview of afternoon tea at The Corinthia. It has all the small print of the expertise, and extra pictures to take a look at.

7. Claridge’s

Again in Mayfair, Claridge’s is subsequent on my checklist of London’s high afternoon teas. This landmark five-star lodge is adept at mixing timeless class with trendy touches.

Afternoon tea at Claridge’s is a delight to expertise. The menu affords a standard mixture of finger sandwiches, heat scones with jam and Cornish clotted cream, and pastries. It’s all served on fairly trays.

If you wish to know extra, you possibly can learn my overview of Claridge’s afternoon tea. It can present you extra particulars and pictures of my expertise.

8. The Petersham

The Petersham lodge in Richmond is one other place that deserves a spot on my checklist of the perfect afternoon teas in London.

This can be a enjoyable one to expertise if you happen to’re in search of a standard afternoon tea with a barely cheaper price level than the luxurious accommodations in central London. It affords all of the traditional sandwiches, scones, and pastries in a stunning tearoom.

In case you’re curious to be taught extra about it, you possibly can check out my overview of The Petersham afternoon tea. It offers you extra of an concept of what you’ll expertise if you happen to go.

9. Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park

The Rosebery on the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park serves one other of the highest afternoon teas in London. This traditional providing is about in a lovely tearoom on Hyde Park in Knightsbridge.

The Mandarin Oriental’s afternoon tea is without doubt one of the prettiest of its type within the metropolis. The tiered trays are suspended from distinctive hanging cake stands that appear like golden timber, and the dishes are lovely. That’s to say nothing of the meals and tea, that are each scrumptious.

If you wish to see extra, you possibly can check out my overview of afternoon tea on the Mandarin Oriental. It can present you pictures and particulars concerning the service.

10. The Stafford

The Sport Fowl restaurant at The Stafford in St James’s affords one other of the perfect afternoon teas within the UK capital. This beloved five-star lodge is a superb place to take pleasure in a traditional tea expertise.

Afternoon tea at The Stafford is introduced within the conventional method with a novel twist. Pastries are served table-side from a bespoke handcrafted trolley. Friends can select from a collection of them and a server will plate them on a tiered tray.

Once I had afternoon tea at The Stafford I cherished the traditional environment, attentive service, and good meals. If you wish to observe in my footsteps, remember that there’s a gown code right here.

11. The Langham

The Palm Court docket at The Langham is one other of my favourite afternoon teas in London. Not solely is that this luxurious lodge a haven of peace close to the bustle of Oxford Circus, but additionally an amazing spot for indulging.

The Langham affords a traditional afternoon tea expertise in a room that manages to be elegant and modern on the similar time. Add to {that a} scrumptious menu and nice service, and it’s an actual deal with.

Once I had afternoon tea right here I cherished the tranquil environment, conventional sandwiches, scones, and pastries, and exquisite environment. It’s an amazing one to strive.

12. The Ampersand Lodge

Over in South Kensington, I like the afternoon tea providing at The Ampersand. This luxury 5-star boutique lodge close to the tube station is a superb place to have tea earlier than or after visiting the world’s main museums.

Whereas The Ampersand has a stable tea providing all year long, it’s certainly one of my favourite summer time afternoon teas in London. The sunshine, ethereal Drawing Rooms with their white-with-bright decor make for the best locations to indulge within the hotter months.

The teas are themed round locations and occasions within the neighborhood, too, so it’s enjoyable to maintain going again to see what they’ll provide you with subsequent.

13. One Aldwych

Talking of themed teas in London, the Charlie & the Chocolate Manufacturing facility Afternoon Tea at One Aldwych is a perennial favourite. This lodge within the West Finish is a well-liked place for afternoon tea in London with children.

The Charlie & the Chocolate Manufacturing facility tea delights kids of all ages with its whimsical menu. It consists of gadgets like fizzy lifting drinks, chocolate “swudge” milkshakes, “snozzberry” jam, and different tantalizing treats.

In case you love Roald Dahl and also you wish to indulge your inside Willy Wonka, that is simply the (golden) ticket. Everybody in your loved ones will adore it.

14. The Sanderson

Over in Fitzrovia, one other of my favourite themed afternoon teas in London is the Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea on the Sanderson lodge.

The Courtyard Backyard setting right here is straight out of Alice’s Wonderland. The menus are hidden in classic books, teapots and plates are Mad Hatter-themed, and the expertise is so effectively thought out that you just’ll truly imagine you’ve fallen down the rabbit gap.

Once I got here right here for tea I cherished the holistic nature of the providing. Each element was fastidiously deliberate, and the meals and repair had been nice.

15. Conrad London St. James

The Conrad London St. James affords one other of the perfect afternoon teas in London. This place serves a recent tea proper between Buckingham Palace, St James’s Park, and the enduring landmarks in Westminster.

The lodge’s season-themed afternoon tea is introduced in The Orchard Room. This elegant area is lined with floral preparations and topped with a glass roof, making it the right place to loosen up and bask in candy and savory goodies.

Once I had tea right here I cherished the beautiful pastries, the intense environment of the room, and the attentive service. It’s an amazing place to have tea if you happen to’re sightseeing within the space.

16. The Andaz

Over by Liverpool Road station, the Andaz lodge serves one other scrumptious afternoon tea in London. In case you’re within the Metropolis or the East Finish, it’s an amazing possibility.

With its distinctive Masonic temple hidden within the maze of rooms, the Andaz is price a visit in its personal proper. However afternoon tea at this quirky lodge is price indulging in, too. Served within the 1901 Wine Lounge, it affords JING teas alongside traditional trays of meals.

If you wish to be taught extra, you possibly can check out my overview of the Andaz lodge afternoon tea. It has all the small print and pictures from my expertise.

17. The Milestone Lodge

Proper by Kensington Gardens, The Milestone Lodge affords one other of the highest afternoon teas in London. This five-star boutique lodge in Kensington is a standard place to indulge within the UK capital. It’s proper on Hyde Park, too.

The tearoom right here is cozy and traditional, and it feels such as you’re ensconced in a Victorian drawing room. The meals is contemporary and the scones served heat, and there’s so much to like concerning the general expertise. The parts are beneficiant, too.

In case you’re curious to see extra, you possibly can check out my overview of afternoon tea at The Milestone Lodge. It has all the small print and pictures from my expertise.

18. Sketch

In case you’ve ever been to Sketch, you’ll know why I’ve put it on my checklist of the perfect afternoon tea in London. Not solely does this restaurant have beautiful pastries with flavors that stay as much as expectations, however The Gallery can also be one of many prettiest locations within the metropolis.

Arriving at this Mayfair establishment is being whisked off to Candyland. The banquettes are like icing and the chairs are like ladyfingers. I’ll always remember my afternoon tea expertise right here. I felt like I used to be in a fairy story.

When you’re right here, don’t miss seeing the beautiful Glade. Oh, and the loos are price a particular journey. They’re like nothing you’ve ever seen.

19. Fait Maison

You might have heard of most of the different afternoon teas on my checklist, however you won’t have come throughout the one at Fait Maison in South Kensington.

This neighborhood spot serves scrumptious pastries and teas in one of many loveliest tearooms in London. Ornate sufficient to make you’re feeling such as you’re taking tea with the seventh Duchess of Bedford however informal sufficient that it gained’t break the financial institution, it affords an amazing stability.

And since afternoon tea in London is such an indulgence, a little bit of stability is simply the factor. In case you agree, this can be a good possibility.

20. Threadneedles

Subsequent on my checklist is Threadneedles. Not solely is that this 5-star luxurious lodge probably the greatest locations to remain within the Metropolis of London, nevertheless it additionally has an amazing afternoon tea providing.

The Dome Lounge is the right setting for tea. Located beneath a grand historic dome (therefore the title), it’s an amazing place to take pleasure in traditional English finger sandwiches and candy treats. The menu was created by Marco Pierre White, too.

If you wish to be taught extra, you possibly can learn my overview of afternoon tea at Threadneedles. It has all the small print of my expertise, plus pictures and extra.

21. St Ermin’s Lodge

Tucked away in a reasonably courtyard close to St James’s Park and Buckingham Palace, St Ermin’s Lodge in Westminster has one other of the perfect afternoon teas in London.

The lodge affords a collection of candy and savory treats impressed by seasonal components from its rooftop kitchen backyard. It’s a novel solution to carry the outside inside.

Once I had tea right here, I cherished the presentation. I needed to take the attractive tea tray house with me, to not point out the scrumptious sandwiches, scones, and pastries.

22. The Jumeirah Carlton Tower

Subsequent on my checklist of the perfect afternoon teas in London is the one at The Jumeirah Carlton Tower lodge in Knightsbridge.

Served day by day in The Chinoiserie Tea Room, the lodge’s providing is a chic one. It options all of the traditional afternoon tea delicacies in a refined environment. There’s all kinds of meals on supply, in addition to a hand-picked collection of teas.

In case you’re curious to be taught extra, you possibly can learn my overview of afternoon tea at The Jumeirah Carlton Tower. It has all the small print about my expertise, in addition to pictures.

23. Sofitel London St James

Subsequent on my checklist of the perfect afternoon teas within the UK capital is the one on the Sofitel London St James. This beautiful luxurious lodge on Waterloo Place is a lovely spot to indulge.

Afternoon tea right here is served within the Rose Lounge. The intimate room is pretty-in-pink, with magenta banquettes and floral work on the partitions. The sandwiches and scones are a dream, and the entire expertise is gorgeous. There’s a kids’s menu, too.

If you wish to know extra, you possibly can learn my weblog put up concerning the time I had each afternoon tea and a manicure on the Sofitel London. It’s a enjoyable solution to have a girly expertise within the metropolis.

24. The Lanesborough

Proper on Hyde Park Nook, The Lanesborough affords one of many high conventional afternoon teas in London. This Regency-style luxurious lodge is a superb place to take pleasure in a refreshing break after an enormous stroll within the park.

Tea is served day by day in The Lanesborough Grill, and it’s accompanied by a stay pianist on weekends. It consists of all the standard sandwiches, scones, and pastries, and there are seasonal themed choices.

If you wish to be taught extra, you possibly can check out my overview of afternoon tea at The Lanesborough. It has the small print about my expertise. In case you go, remember that there’s a gown code.

25. Mariage Freres

Proper within the coronary heart of Covent Backyard, Mariage Freres is one other of my favourite afternoon teas in London. In case you’re in search of a standard English tea with a French twist, this one is for you.

I’ve cherished Mariage Freres ever since I stumbled upon their store within the Marais in Paris years in the past. After they opened in London, I fell for the sunshine, ethereal upstairs tearoom with views of the consumers beneath.

The meals right here is each ingenious and scrumptious, as you’d count on from French delicacies. Given this store makes a speciality of tea, you’re in for a deal with in the case of the beverage aspect of the providing, too.

Map of Afternoon Teas in London

Finest Afternoon Tea in London

I hope you’ve loved my checklist of the perfect afternoon teas in London, and that it’s impressed you to strive them. Whether or not you select one or all, I’m certain you’ll just like the particular mix of deliciousness and delight these spots ship on.

If you would like extra, you possibly can check out my tea itinerary and my free self-guided London meals tour, which incorporates afternoon tea. I’ve additionally written a information to the perfect gluten-free afternoon teas in London.

If you wish to dive deeper, you possibly can check out my weblog posts about conventional English dishes, essentially the most traditional English desserts, and English drinks.

And if you wish to do all of it the correct method, my information to afternoon tea etiquette and my put up concerning the British tea tradition are must-reads.

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