From afternoon tea at The Ritz to sandwiches at The Savoy, find our pick of venues for the best afternoon tea in London, where the quintessentially British tradition lives on.
Enjoy one of the most iconic London food and drink experiences in stylish surrounds, from lavish lobbies and elegant hotel lounges, to tropical palm courts and winter gardens. Don't forget to book in advance to guarantee yourself a spot, and check on the dress code – snappy dressing is often part of the afternoon tea tradition.
If you're on a budget, opt for a cheap afternoon tea or take your pick from many afternoon tea London deals*. Alternatively, try something a little different with a themed afternoon tea or quirky afternoon tea. Or, if you're looking to really impress, splash out with a champagne afternoon tea.
The Langham *
Guests have enjoyed The Langham afternoon tea since 1865, and it continues to stay true to the British afternoon tea tradition. Enjoy seasonal tweaks to traditional sandwiches, scones, cakes, and much-loved biscuits. Melodies from the grand piano complete the experience in the luxurious Palm Court.
The Athenaeum *
Savour afternoon tea classics, such as egg and cress sandwiches, fruit scones, dainty cakes and classic sweets with a twist at The Athenaeum. If you don't fancy the classic tea, try a cream tea or savoury tea; while vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free teas are also available at this hotel near Green Park.
Bridgerton Afternoon Tea at The Lanesborough
.jpg?rev=ce5e84c040ea4e8aa1c792eec5434968 "Bridgerton Afternoon Tea at The Lanesborough Hotel. Image courtesy of The Lanesborough. Photo credit: Paul Plews.")
London is abuzz as The Lanesborough invites you to an exclusive Bridgerton-themed afternoon tea under the glass-domed roof of its elegantly decorated dining room. Step into the regency period, celebrating this season with sweet and savoury treats inspired by your favourite characters, from The Queen’s Diamond to The Rake and of course The Lady Whistledown.
The Goring
Sample a traditional London afternoon tea minutes from Buckingham Palace. Warm up in front of The Goring's fire during colder months, or relax in the tranquil garden in summer. Book a spot in The Veranda or Dining Room for its display of scones, finger sandwiches and pastries. You can also request a gluten-free afternoon tea in advance.
The Landmark London
Delve into a fine selection of sandwiches, freshly baked raisin and apple scones, and traditional desserts, served alongside loose leaf and herbal teas in the light and airy surrounds of The Landmark London's spectacular Winter Garden. If you want to splash out, indulge in a champagne afternoon tea.
The Savoy
Relax among tunes from the resident pianist in the historic Thames Foyer, as you linger over a selection of finger sandwiches, plain and raisin scones, signature cakes and a huge selection of teas, including its own blends. Upgrade The Savoy London afternoon tea to a champagne afternoon tea for that extra special treat.
The Ritz
Book into one of five daily sittings for The Ritz London afternoon tea, where sandwiches, teacakes, scones and 18 different loose leaf teas are served to live music from a pianist or harpist in the swanky Palm Court. Tea is nothing less than an institution here, and it's the only hotel in the UK to have a certified Tea Sommelier.
The Dorchester
Make time for the classic afternoon tea experience – served five times a day in The Dorchester's famous marble and gilt room, The Promenade. Delight in seasonal finger sandwiches, followed by scones, French pastries and a choice of fine and rare teas. You can also take The Dorchester afternoon tea in the hotel's spa for added opulence.