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Afternoon Tea in London

Afternoon De-light Tea (Metropolitan Hotel)

Tea in a pot, scones with cream and jam, cucumber sandwiches and dainty cakes... nothing could be more British than afternoon tea in London.

Whether you fancy tea in a posh London hotel or something more informal and wallet-friendly, check out our pick of the best afternoon teas 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 Connaught

One of the loveliest afternoon teas in London can be enjoyed at the Connaught hotel’s Espelette restaurant. The dining room is light, tranquil, very luxurious and overlooks the comings and goings of Mayfair. The tea menu is extensive; the sandwiches, scones, cakes and pastries are sublime and the service exactly is what you would expect at one of London’s premier hotels – discreet and knowledgeable. Afternoon tea at the Connaught is a very special experience.

Fortnum & Mason

In Fortnum & Mason's St James's restaurant you can enjoy a range of teas from around the world, all specially selected by Fortnum's tea taster. The afternoon tea menu includes sandwiches, scones and pastries. There's also a Champagne Afternoon Tea; a Birthday Afternoon Tea; and a range of afternoon teas for special dietary requirements, including vegetarian, gluten free and diabetic.

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 Metropolitan

The Metropolitan has reinvented afternoon tea with a touch of waist-friendly chic. Their guilt-free Afternoon Delight tea is served in the exclusive Met Bar. The menu has a hearts and flowers theme and includes heart-shaped cakes, pretty cupcakes with low fat toppings, decadent macaroons and healthy breadless sandwiches. To accompany the cakes, you can choose from a selection of fruit teas and Eco-tini cocktails.

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 Lanesborough

The award-winning afternoon tea at The Lanesborough includes freshly baked scones, thick clotted cream and homemade fruit preserves. If you have trouble choosing from the wide range of teas on offer, you can call on The Lanesborough's Tea Sommelier – the first in England – who will be happy to advise you.

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.

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.

The Wallace Collection

At Oliver Peyton's The Wallace, you can choose from a reasonably priced cream tea, an English afternoon tea and a French afternoon tea, all served under a fantastic glass atrium in the Wallace Collection's Sculpture Garden.