The Lowdown On The Best Afternoon Tea Spots In London For 2024

If you’re looking for the perfect place to catch up with a friend in a quiet calming location, then look no further than Strand Palace Hotel for afternoon tea. Hosted in their Haxells Tearoom, their brand new afternoon experience titled the mise en abîmeboasts an array of succulent treats, such as their white chocolate Tutu Tarlet and red velvet special, Curtain Call. 

Savoury treats are also on the menu with sausage rolls and grilled chicken wraps on deck, and don’t worry if you’re a veggie or vegan as there are delicious alternative options available. And while this place if perfect for cosy date or catch up, the experience is also available to children with a cute menu that is perfect for all ages.

Renowned for its world-famous afternoon tea offering, Claridge's is at the top of our list of recommendations. To start, the atmosphere is truly incredible - classical musicians play music while you dine and the art deco interiors are mesmerising - but the main attraction is the freshly-baked goods and unique Claridge's Blend teas. Trust us, it's not one to miss. Served every day between 2.45pm-5.30pm.

There could be no better treat for the fashion lover in your life than The Berkeley's Prêt-à-Portea. Changing to reflect each fashion season, the A/W 2023 collection is a truly stylish spread, with cakes inspired by designers from Alexander McQueen to Versace. There is a Paco Rabanne inspired Mont Blanc cake with chestnut mousse and blackcurrant jelly, topped with a glittering feather, a Prada handbag (a cinnamon blondie which is almost too good to eat) and, of course no fashion collection would be complete without Victoria Beckham, whose trophy jacket is an orange sablé, intricately piped with royal icing. With a range of teas and champagne to accompany the cakes and super sandwiches, this is one afternoon tea you will come back for for memory-making landmarks. Visit The Berkeley for booking information.

Fortnum & Mason's famed afternoon tea is perfect for those who are after a truly traditional experience. Freshly-baked scones, a selection of mouth-watering sandwiches and a plate of decadent patisseries are served alongside some of the best tea you'll ever try. Available between 12pm-6.30pm every Monday-Thursday, between 11.30am-7pm on Friday and Saturday and between 11.30am-6pm on Sundays. For a discounted price, book through Virgin Experience Days.

For a truly unique afternoon tea experience, why not combine your afternoon tea with a tour of London's best sights? Brigit's Bakery serves afternoon tea - including tasty sandwiches and pastries - on board vintage buses that take you through the streets of the capital. Perfect for hen parties or celebrating a special occasion. Prices start at £45 per person or £35 for children, making it a fun experience for the whole family.

Celebrating a birthday or an anniversary? Look no further than the Landmark’s afternoon tea served in the romantic Winter Garden under the soaring glass atrium - the sumptuous afternoon tea is the epitome of elegance with delicious sweet treats and and fresh tasting cakes. Starting at £70 per person, the afternoon tea which is accompanied by a glass of Taittinger Brut Réserve, will leave you more than satisfied. Oh and the accompanying pianist will have you reminiscing on your favourite tunes.

If you want to be immersed in majestic surroundings, then book a table at The Lanesborough for afternoon tea. As for the menu, it's traditional afternoon tea with a twist - think sandwiches like pea tart & caramelised onion and hummus & piquillos rolls. Bridgerton fans are also in for a treat with The Lanesborough's special Queen Charlotte-themed afternoon tea.

If you're looking for a modern take on pure luxury, Jean-George's at The Connaught is the place for you. You'll be served tea with a selection of sandwiches, cakes and scones while overlooking the world of Mayfair thanks to the floor to ceiling windows. Think classic British combinations with a twist, thanks to Jean-George's passion for bold, South East Asian flavours.

For an afternoon tea that's Bougie with a capital B you'll want to check out The Hansom's Laurent-Perrier Afternoon Tea. Perfect for when you're celebrating, you'll be served a glass of champagne, unlimited tea or coffee, a selection of sandwiches (vegetarian options are available), scones and several sweet treats to finish, including a twist on the classic lemon meringue pie. Located in the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, the afternoon tea option is available Wednesday-Sunday 1-5pm.

Instagrammable afternoon tea locations are on the rise, and at the top of our list is Sketch's millennial pink Gallery restaurant. Plush sofas, eccentric David Shrigley decor and a quintessentially British menu will make for the perfect social media snap as you catch up with your gal pals.

Putting a spin on high tea, Bokan 38 literally and figuratively takes the idea of afternoon tea to new heights by serving delicious sandwiches (the portobello mushroom mini burger is a true highlight) and cakes from their restaurant on the 38th floor of the Novotel. You can even up the ante by turning the whole experience bottomless.

Traditional afternoon tea doesn't get much more swanky than at The Ritz. Indulge in freshly baked scones with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry preserve as well as 18 different types of loose-leaf tea served in Palm Court - a stylish room with glittering chandeliers and elegant mirrors. Afternoon Tea is served daily at 11.30am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm, 5.30pm, and 7.30pm.

One of the cheaper options on our list, but by no means any less glamorous is The Wallace Restaurant in Manchester Square. Located inside The Wallace Collection Gallery - which is said to be one of the best collections of fine arts in London - and flooded with natural light, The Wallace is the perfect place for afternoon tea. Available from 2.30-4.30pm every day.

For one of the best-rated afternoon tea spots in London, head to The Rosebery in Knightsbridge - part of The Mandarin Oriental collection. The talented pastry team add a contemporary, seasonal twist to this British tradition through a selection of delicate sandwiches, specially curated pastries and freshly baked scones served from unique hanging cake stands. Available from 12-6.30pm every day.

Another iconic London hotel hosting a sophisticated afternoon tea is The Dorchester. Undeniably British and impeccably stylish, taking tea at The Dorchester is the ultimate expression of a day well spent in London. Available daily from 12-4.30pm.

Looking for a themed afternoon tea for when you come to London? What could be better than The Swan's Shakespeare-themed Romeo and Juliet option? Located right next to The Globe, it's the perfect excuse to pretend that you're spending a truly cultural day in London. Unlike its namesake, this afternoon tea is the furthest thing from a tragedy. Available daily 12-4.45pm.

Head to Covent Garden to enjoy a stunning afternoon tea at The Lane, located within Theatre Royal Drury Lane - you'll literally glide up the stunning staircase past all the families queuing to see Frozen (don't worry you won't even know that the show is going on after that point).

They'll serve you unlimited tea or coffee (in a stunning china set) as well as a selection of savouries, sweets and scones which can easily be adapted for any dietary requirements. Available daily from 11-6.

In a collaboration that's a natural fit, Smeg - the iconic kitchen appliances company - have teamed up with Sofitel to offer an afternoon tea experience at St James' Hotel in London.

From Chilli Cheese paninis to Rum Panettone topped with whipped cream fresh from a Smeg stand mixer, the menu taps into Smeg's Italian heritage and proves a welcome twist on the classic British activity.

Genuinely one of the best afternoon tea options out there, Pan Pacific London's collaboration with Bun House is a 10/10. Plus, the incredible chefs change up the Asian-inspired menu seasonally - the first collection of the year is always in celebration of Lunar New Year - meaning that you'll be able to repeat the experience again and again.

Often the venue can play a huge part in an afternoon tea experience, but in London there are so many iconic locations to chose from. Following the funeral for Queen Elizabeth II in 2022 and coronation of King Charles III in 2023, Westminster Abbey has become one of the most televised royal venues in recent years. Now see it from a whole different angle whilst enjoying a selection of sweet and savoury treats.

NoMad's afternoon tea really has it all. A stunning venue, reminiscent of an Italian plaza? Check. The tastiest scones that you've ever had in your life? Check (we're not exaggerating - they offer both blue cheese savoury scones and orange citrus and red current sweet scones and they are delicious). A well thought out vegetarian option? Check. A tea-themed cocktail that ties the whole experience together? Check. What more could you want?

If you're looking for an afternoon tea option in South London, then The Kensington's offering is the one for you. After sandwiches and scones (and a cocktail if you feel so inclined), class it up with the sweet treats, all inspired by influential artists. There's the Jackson Pollock’s famed ‘drip technique’ adorning the dark chocolate mousse tart with passion fruit parfait, Japanese artist Yahoo Kusama’s playful polka-dot pumpkin made up of mango mousse surrounding coconut yoghurt cream and a delicious replica of contemporary visual artist Alicja Kwade’s natural spheres constructed from white chocolate vanilla mousse with pineapple compote centre.

Despite costing just £45 per person, Socca's Afternoon Tea offering is far from budget. Even the name: L'Amour Du The indicates the quality and care that has been taken. Whilst the main option is very meat-heavy - we're talking a Prawn and Lobster Roll, a Crab Quiche, a Duck Rillette finger sandwich and a Welsh lamb Croquette - the same care is taken with the vegetarian menu (and in our humble opinion it's actually even tastier), just make sure to pre-book.

If you're already in Central London, doing some shopping or exploring Hyde Park, then take respite with afternoon tea at the London Marriott Hotel on Park Lane. Despite being one of the cheaper options in our round-up (even with a glass of bubbles included), it's definitely not lacking in quality. The savouries are a special highlight and the vegetarian options are just as well thought out.

If you're wanting to treat your daughter, goddaughter, niece or little sister to an incredible day out, then look no further than the Flower Fairies-themed afternoon tea at Grosvenor House. Not only will the staff in the restaurant do everything that they can to make sure that your experience is unforgettable, but the food - a plethora of sandwiches and beautifully decorated sweet treats - is just incredible.

Afternoon Tea is a traditionally British experience, unless of course you're enjoying The Prince Aktaoki's Koto Afternoon Tea in Marylebone.

Guests are treated to a menu inspired by authentic Japanese flavours, including savoury delights such as Brioche of seared tuna, avocado, wasabi dressing and Chicken katsu sando_,_ as well as sweet treats including Matcha and pistachio cake and Yuzu crème brûlée_._ Don't worry though, there are also plenty of delicious options for the vegetarians among us.