Afternoon tea is a quintessentially British institution, and nowhere offers a more dizzying array of different choices for "a cuppa" than the capital. Venture into the best tea rooms and tea shops in London to sample everything from cream teas to quirky loose tea infusions and some of the best scones and cakes.
Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum & Mason
Opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 2012, the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum & Mason is the perfect spot for a civilised break, away from the hustle and bustle of Piccadilly. Make sure to enjoy a tea tasting offered by Fortnum’s expert "Tearistas" before you savour a full afternoon tea complete with finger sandwiches, warm scones and a variety of freshly baked cakes, including a slice of Battenberg, which Fortnum's has been serving since 1926.
Where: Mayfair (181 Piccadilly, St. James's, London W1A 1ER)
Twinings - 216 Strand
An essential stop for any true tea lover, Twinings' flagship tea emporium on the Strand is the best place to not only sample world-class tea in London, but learn a little about its history too. Visit the oldest shop in the City of Westminster to have a look around the charming in-house museum, before sipping on delicious loose leaf teas and infusions at the tea bar.
Where: Strand (216 Strand, Temple, London WC2R 1AP)
The Teahouse at Petersham Nurseries
Relax amid the greenery in south-west London with tea and cake at the charming Teahouse at Petersham Nurseries. Pair your selection from the numerous loose teas on offer with a salad, soup and baked treats, or opt for a traditional afternoon tea in the light-filled glasshouse, before browsing the quaint nursery which is crammed full of all sorts of green-fingered goodies. Afterwards, work off any sweet treats with a stroll along the river Thames or across Petersham Meadows to nearby Richmond.
Where: Richmond (Off Church Lane, Petersham Rd, Richmond TW10 7AB)
Tea House Theatre
One of Vauxhall’s quirkiest hidden treasures, the Tea House Theatre is a tea house by day and a theatre by night. Located in a cosy Victorian pub, where the antique furniture is endearingly mismatched and the teapots come wrapped in hand-knitted cosies, tuck into a selection of loose leaf teas, cakes and full English breakfasts alongside evening theatre performances, open mic nights, ballroom dancing classes and even a weekly knitting club.
Where: Vauxhall (139 Vauxhall Walk, London SE11 5HL)
The Goring
Located a stone's throw from Buckingham Palace, the opulent Edwardian The Goring hotel is the place to go for those in search of a special high tea or afternoon tea London experience. You can sip tea and enjoy scones underneath Swarovski crystal chandeliers in the elegant Dining Room, or head to the light-filled Veranda for tea with lush garden views.
Where: Victoria (15 Beeston Pl, London SW1W 0JW)
Whittard's Covent Garden Tea Bar
Far more than just a brilliant tea shop, Whittard's flagship store in Covent Garden is also home to a specialist tea bar serving an indulgent afternoon tea. The cosy tea room is located on the lower level of the shop, where afternoon tea is served all day and features a selection of more than 100 loose leaf teas, alongside finger sandwiches, scones, tea-infused preserves and delicious cakes.
Where: Covent Garden (9 The Marketplace, London WC2E 8RB)
Candella Tea Room
Experience a touch of class at the elegant Candella Tea Room in Kensington. Sample more than 50 teas in a cosy environment, from Lakrysiew to Palm Paradise, Moroccan Mint or something more traditional, like Lavender Earl Grey. Pair your brew with an assortment of delicious cakes, including a chocolate and salted caramel torte, a pistachio French opera gateau and a mango and passion fruit delice.
Where: Kensington (34 Kensington Church St, London W8 4HA)
The Orangery at Kensington Palace
Nestled in the royal grounds of Kensington Palace, The Orangery at Kensington Palace offers a premium location for a classic London afternoon tea. Surrounded by more than 300 years of history, indulge in sandwiches, cakes and scones, served alongside your pick of tea, bubbles or British Pimm’s. Sit on the terrace and enjoy views over the exotic plants of the Sunken Garden created in 1908. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options are available.
Where: Kensington (Kensington Gardens, London W8 4PX)
TWG Tea Leicester Square
Housed in a beautifully restored 1920s building on Leicester Square, TWG Tea Leicester Square is the UK flagship store of luxury Singaporean tea brand, TWG Tea. The boutique and tea salon offers more than 800 single-estate harvests and exclusive blends, exquisite tea-infused dining and the world’s first TWG Tea Museum.
Where: Leicester Square (48 Leicester Square, London WC2H 7LT)
Postcard Teas
Just off New Bond Street in London’s Mayfair, Postcard Teas is a pioneer in sourcing rare and exceptional teas directly from small family farms. Founded by Timothy D’Offay, the shop champions transparency, provenance and sustainability, proudly naming each maker on its 70-plus teas. A trusted supplier to top chefs and restaurants, it redefines how tea is enjoyed.
Where: Mayfair (9 Dering Street, New Bond Street, London W1S 1AG)
Explore some of the best afternoon teas in London, from family-friendly afternoon tea tours to sophisticated champagne afternoon teas and themed afternoon tea experiences. There's also plenty of affordable afternoon tea options in London as well as vegan high teas.
If you're in the capital during the magical festive season, be sure to tuck into a Christmas afternoon tea.
