9 best traditional afternoon teas in London to book in 2025

Tea in a pot, scones with cream and jam, finger sandwiches and dainty cakes... nothing could be more British than afternoon tea in London.
Visit London Editors
Written by Visit London Editors Edited by Lucie Fryer 02 January 2025
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Seven small, colourful cakes on a green-and-white-striped plate.
Claridge's afternoon tea. Image courtesy of Maybourne Hotel Group.

From afternoon tea at The Ritz to sandwiches at The Savoy, find our pick of venues for the best traditional afternoon tea experience in London.

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.

Best afternoon teas at a glance

Champagne afternoon tea at The Langham London. Image courtesy of Red Letter Days.

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.

 

Price: £80 per person

When: Wednesday to Sunday 12.30pm-4.30pm

Where: 1c Portland Place, London W1B 1JA

Afternoon tea at Sheraton Grand London Park Lane. Image courtesy of Red Letter Days.

A past winner of the Afternoon Tea Guild’s Award of Excellence, The Palm Court at Sheraton London Park Lane hotel serves up a sumptuous afternoon tea. Take in the art deco interiors as you feast on 1920s-inspired sweets and savouries presented in a birdcage cake stand.

 

Price: £55 per person

When: Daily 12pm-7pm

Where: Piccadilly, London, W1J 7BX

Dukes Hotel's afternoon tea. Image courtesy of Red Letter Days.

Renowned for its martinis, Dukes Hotel also serves a classic afternoon tea until 6pm every day. Dine on traditional sandwiches, cakes and scones in the elegant Drawing Room, which overlooks a tranquil courtyard in Mayfair.

 

Price: £45 per person

When: Daily 12pm-6pm

Where: 35 Saint James's Place, London SW1A 1NY

The Athenaeum's afternoon tea. Image courtesy of Mason Williams.

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, and vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free teas are also available at this hotel near Green Park.

 

Price: £45 per person

When: Daily 12pm-5.30pm

Where:

116 Piccadilly, Mayfair, London, W1J 7BJ

The Goring's afternoon tea. Image courtesy of J Public Relations.

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.

 

Price: £75 per person

When: Daily 12pm-6pm

Where:

Beeston Place, London, Greater London, SW1W 0JW

Afternoon tea at The Landmark Hotel. Image courtesy of The Landmark Hotel.

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.

 

Price: £70 per person

When: Monday to Friday 3pm-5pm and Saturday to Sunday 1pm-5pm

Where:

222 Marylebone Road, London, NW1 6JQ

The Savoy, Royal Afternoon Tea. Image courtesy of Kapranos PR

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.

 

Price: £75 per person

When: Daily 12.30pm-7pm

Where:

Strand, The Savoy, London, WC2R 0EU

Palm Court at The Ritz London. Image courtesy of The Ritz London.

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.

 

Price: £76 per person

When: Daily 11.30am-7.30pm

Where:

150 Piccadilly, St. James's, London, W1J 9BR

The Artists' Bar at The Dorchester. Credit: Dorchester Collection. Image courtesy of Dorchester Collection.

Make time for the traditional afternoon tea London 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.

 

Price: £95 per person

When: Daily 12pm-4.30pm

Where:

53 Park Lane, London, W1K 1QA


What is commonly included in afternoon tea in London?

A traditional afternoon tea usually consists of finger sandwiches, a selection of desserts, scones with jam and clotted cream and a pot of tea per person – often displayed on a three-tiered tea stand. On some menus you’ll find different variations of afternoon tea, including champagne tea and cream tea.

What is the dress code for afternoon tea in London?

The dress code for a traditional afternoon tea London experience normally falls under the category of “smart casual”. Some venues have strict dress codes such as no sportswear, trainers or jeans so make sure to check before attending.

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