Afternoon Tea in London

Posh Afternoon Teas in London

Afternoon tea at one of London's top hotels or restaurants is a luxurious and extravagant affair. It is not just tea and cake, but a lavish setting with exquisite service and the finest china, often accompanied by live music. Traditional afternoon tea in a swanky venue is a real delight, but booking is essential and smart dress codes may apply.

The Ritz

Tea at The Ritz is nothing less than an institution. It has become so popular that there are now five sittings every day at 11.30am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm, 5.30pm and 7.30pm. Booking at least four weeks in advance is essential. Afternoon tea is served in the elegant Palm Court with music by a pianist or a harpist.

The Berkeley

If you're a fan of fashion, head to the Berkeley's Caramel Room for the Prêt-à-Portea tea. The éclairs, cakes and fancies are all inspired by the latest fashion collections, and are served in miniature mouthfuls for the figure-conscious. Madonna, Gwynneth Paltrow and the Beckhams have all been spotted here.

The Dorchester

Afternoon tea is served at 2.30pm and 4.45pm in The Dorchester's famous marble and gilt Promenade. Treat yourself to the Laurent Perrier Rosé Champagne Tea, or enjoy the classic Dorchester Afternoon Tea. For something more substantial, opt for the Dorchester High Tea, which is served until 8pm and is the perfect pre-theatre meal.

The Waldorf Hilton

Traditional afternoon tea at the Waldorf Hilton is served daily in Homage Patisserie between 2.30pm and 5.30pm. Expect a selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, homemade tartlets and other Homage specialties. There's also a champagne option.

Cultural Afternoon Teas in London

What better way to spend a day than seeing one of London's top exhibitions, and then relaxing with sandwiches, cakes and a nice cup of tea. Many of London's museums and galleries have great restaurants and cafés. Here's our pick of the best cultural afternoon teas in London.

Sotheby's Café

Take a break from shopping in Bond Street and relax in the cultured surroundings of Sotheby's, the world-famous auction house. Afternoon tea at this chic and popular café includes house-blended teas and a delectable selection of traditional cakes, sandwiches and scones at very reasonable prices.

British Museum

The British Museum's Court Restaurant overlooks the magnificent 19th-century Reading Room. The afternoon tea menu features sandwiches, scones and cream, and a selection of pastries. There's also a Champagne Tea, and a Viennese Tea with coffee and traditional Demel chocolate cake.

The Orangery at Kensington Palace

Queen Anne built the idyllic Orangery in the grounds of Kensington Palace in 1705. Stroll through Kensington Gardens and then treat yourself to a delicious afternoon tea. Fresh strawberries and double cream are a seasonal speciality. Try the Tregothnan English Tea, which comes with a glass of English Pinot Noir and a pot of Tregothnan tea. Tea is served between 2.30pm and 5pm. Booking is not necessary.

National Dining Rooms

Run by restaurateur Oliver Peyton, the National Dining Rooms occupy part of the National Gallery's Sainsbury Wing, and overlook Trafalgar Square. You can enjoy warm buttermilk scones with organic Peyton and Byrne jams and clotted cream, and a choice of freshly-made sandwiches, gorgeous cakes and perfect pastries. Pop into the gallery's National Café if you'd prefer something a little more informal.

Camden Arts Centre

Have a look around Camden Arts Centre's free exhibitions and then enjoy tea and cake in the café overlooking the garden. Indulge in delicious pastries and homemade cakes, and select from a range of Italian coffees and natural Numi teas. If the weather is good, you can sit outside in the garden, making this the perfect place for families.

Informal Afternoon Teas in London

You don't have to spend a fortune to enjoy a delicious afternoon tea in London. There are plenty of memorable and reasonably priced places where you can enjoy tea and cakes in a more relaxed setting.

Louis Patisserie

Louis Patisserie in Hampstead is a real institution. Set up in 1963, the patisserie and tea room has retained a traditional feel, with dark wood furniture and comfy leather seats. Tea comes in a teapot with small, floral cups and saucers. There's no afternoon tea menu – you simply choose your cake from an enormous tray packed with éclairs, glazed fruit tarts and sumptuous cakes in all shapes and sizes.

Candy Cakes

The windows of Candy Cakes shops are loaded with amazing colourful cupcakes. Venture inside the cafés in Monmouth Street, Goodge Street or Kingly Court and you can choose from flamboyant cakes like Spider Lovin', Strawberry Sundae, Techno Mouse, Alphabet City and the Chocolate Flyer. Once you've decided on your cake, you can pick from a selection of teas, coffees, smoothies and milkshakes.

Mudchute Kitchen

Mudchute Kitchen is located in the middle of the 32-acre Mudchute City Farm, a green oasis overlooking Canary Wharf. Wander past the cows and horses and visit the cute animals in Pets' Corner, then head to the café for tea with freshly made cakes, scones and biscuits. Almost everything is homemade, including the bread, jam and even the ice lollies!

Tea

Tea is an ultra-modern tea shop near St Paul's Cathedral, where you can choose from a huge variety of specially sourced and blended teas. Try one of the black teas, oolong teas, green teas, white teas or herbal teas, or opt for one of the super teas, which promise to perk you up or chill you out, depending on your mood. The afternoon tea menu includes sandwiches, freshly-baked fruit scones with jam and cream, and a selection of cakes.

The Original Maids of Honour

The Maid of Honour cake has been part of Richmond's history for nearly 300 years. Henry VIII is said to have given the cakes their name, when he saw Anne Boleyn and other Maids of Honour eating them from a silver plate. The first Maids of Honour tea shop was set up in Richmond in the early 18th century. Today you can enjoy a Maids of Honour cake as part of the Original Maids of Honour's afternoon tea menu, which also includes a pot of tea, and scones with cream and jam.