At present I need to deliver you my information to the place to search out the most effective afternoon tea in London. This beloved British custom is a scrumptious indulgence, and the town has numerous choices for all tastes and preferences. I’ve spent years testing out the town’s high choices, and now I need to let you know in regards to the ones that stand out above the remainder. I’ve included a map, too.
Finest Afternoon Tea in London
The ritual of afternoon tea started within the nineteenth century. Anna, seventh Duchess of Bedford, began gathering associates collectively for tea and desserts. Her concept sparked a development that finally turned an establishment in England.
At present inns and eating places throughout London vie for coveted awards for the most effective afternoon tea in London. They work arduous to differentiate their choices and stand out from the competitors.
From conventional companies to themed ones, numerous effort goes into creating each quintessential and non-traditional tea experiences. Guests and locals alike take pleasure in making an attempt the complete vary.
Earlier than I begin my listing of the most effective afternoon teas in London, it’s value telling you my methodology. Whereas I don’t have a strict set of standards I exploit for judging them, I do care about just a few issues.
First and most significantly, the meals needs to be good. It all the time amazes me what number of afternoon teas look beautiful however style like cardboard. For me, the pastries, scones, and sandwiches must tickle the style buds as a lot as they amuse the eyes.
Subsequent, the ambiance has to encourage. Whether or not it’s stylish and up to date or historic and conventional, there should be one thing aesthetically pleasing about it.
Lastly, it has to have a ‘wow’ issue. There are such a lot of afternoon teas in London that a spot actually has to drag off one thing distinctive to face out.
Whether or not it’s an uncommon themed afternoon tea, a chocolate afternoon tea, or a tearoom that transports me to a sweeter, extra decadent world, I’m after distinction.
With that out of the way in which, under is my listing of locations the place you’ll discover the most effective afternoon tea in London. Irrespective of in the event you’re on the lookout for a special day afternoon tea or an excellent worth afternoon tea, London has one thing for each style, funds, and elegance.
1. Fortnum & Mason
If you happen to’ve learn my Fortnum & Mason afternoon tea overview, you’ll perceive why I’ve put it on the high of this listing.
The enduring division retailer in St James’s presents a tea with stunning pastries which have flavors that dwell as much as their facades. And that’s to say nothing of the sandwiches, scones, and repair.
Moreover, the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon is likely one of the most elegant locations within the metropolis. A lot in order that it was opened by the late Queen herself. If it was ok for her, it’s ok for the remainder of us, proper? Proper.
2. The Goring
Subsequent on my listing is The Goring. This heritage luxurious lodge in Belgravia presents one other of the most effective afternoon teas in London.
The Goring just isn’t solely well-known for its royal connections (the Queen Mum was a daily right here, and Kate Middleton stayed in a set the evening earlier than the Royal Marriage ceremony), but additionally its tea service.
The lodge is all about British custom, so it’s solely pure The Goring afternoon tea matches. Whether or not you need to partake in The Eating Room or on The Veranda, with a glass of champagne or with out, it’s positive to thrill even probably the most discerning visitors.
3. Brown’s Resort
Subsequent on my listing of the most effective afternoon teas in London is Brown’s Resort. This five-star landmark property in Mayfair is understood for providing a standard English expertise. It’s even stated that Queen Victoria got here right here to take pleasure in it.
Having afternoon tea in The Drawing Room at Brown’s is an undeniably pleasant factor to do. From the traditional wood-paneled tearoom to the dwell piano music and chic pastries, it’s unattainable to not fall in love with this place.
If you wish to be taught extra, you possibly can learn my overview of Brown’s afternoon tea in London. It can present you all the main points, from the sandwiches to the service and ambiance.
4. The Dorchester
Proper on Park Lane, The Dorchester presents one other of the highest afternoon teas in London. This luxurious lodge in Mayfair is likely one of the most well-known locations to remain in London, and it has among the best tea choices, too.
Afternoon tea at The Dorchester is an expertise for all of the senses. The Promenade options plush chairs, Corinthian columns, traditional decor. The meals and repair are irreproachable, and it’s an total unparalleled expertise.
If you wish to be taught extra, you possibly can learn my Dorchester afternoon tea overview for extra info, photographs, and particulars.
5. The Ritz
The Ritz is subsequent on my listing of the most effective afternoon teas in London. Proper on Piccadilly by Inexperienced Park, this iconic luxurious lodge is likely one of the most well-known locations to have tea within the metropolis.
Afternoon tea at The Ritz is a really particular expertise. From The Palm Court docket’s ornate mirrors and gilding to the picture-pretty pastries and high quality teas, it’s value splurging to expertise it.
If you wish to know extra, you possibly can check out my overview of afternoon tea at The Ritz. If you happen to e book, bear in mind there’s a strict costume code as nicely.
6. The Corinthia
Subsequent on my listing is The Corinthia, which has the prettiest afternoon tea in London. With a lightweight, ethereal ambiance beneath the eye-catching foyer dome and well-known chandelier, it’s the proper place to take a seat and indulge.
The Corinthia’s afternoon tea providing is nice for images, too. Each pastry is an beautiful murals, and the brilliant ambiance and pure mild coming in via the dome make it simple to take photos of the candy treats. They appear superb in photographs and movies.
If you wish to be taught extra, you possibly can try my overview of afternoon tea at The Corinthia. It has all the main points of the expertise, and extra photographs to have a look at.
7. Claridge’s
Again in Mayfair, Claridge’s is subsequent on my listing of London’s high afternoon teas. This landmark five-star lodge is adept at mixing timeless magnificence with fashionable touches.
Afternoon tea at Claridge’s is a delight to expertise. The menu presents a standard mixture of finger sandwiches, heat scones with jam and Cornish clotted cream, and pastries. It’s all served on fairly trays.
If you wish to know extra, you possibly can learn my overview of Claridge’s afternoon tea. It can present you extra particulars and photographs of my expertise.
8. The Petersham
The Petersham lodge in Richmond is one other place that deserves a spot on my listing of the most effective afternoon teas in London.
This can be a enjoyable one to expertise in the event you’re on the lookout for a standard afternoon tea with a barely lower cost level than the luxurious inns in central London. It presents all of the traditional sandwiches, scones, and pastries in a beautiful tearoom.
If you happen to’re curious to be taught extra about it, you possibly can check out my overview of The Petersham afternoon tea. It provides you with extra of an concept of what you’ll expertise in the event you go.
9. Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park
The Rosebery on the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park serves one other of the highest afternoon teas in London. This traditional providing is ready in an exquisite tearoom on Hyde Park in Knightsbridge.
The Mandarin Oriental’s afternoon tea is likely one of the prettiest of its sort within the metropolis. The tiered trays are suspended from distinctive hanging cake stands that seem like golden bushes, and the dishes are stunning. That’s to say nothing of the meals and tea, that are each scrumptious.
If you wish to see extra, you possibly can check out my overview of afternoon tea on the Mandarin Oriental. It can present you photographs and particulars in regards to the service.
10. The Stafford
The Sport Hen restaurant at The Stafford in St James’s presents one other of the most effective afternoon teas within the UK capital. This beloved five-star lodge is a superb place to take pleasure in a traditional tea expertise.
Afternoon tea at The Stafford is offered within the conventional method with a singular twist. Pastries are served table-side from a bespoke handcrafted trolley. Company can select from a choice of them and a server will plate them on a tiered tray.
After I had afternoon tea at The Stafford I cherished the traditional ambiance, attentive service, and good meals. If you wish to observe in my footsteps, remember the fact that there’s a costume code right here.
11. The Langham
The Palm Court docket at The Langham is one other of my favourite afternoon teas in London. Not solely is that this luxurious lodge a haven of peace close to the bustle of Oxford Circus, but additionally an ideal spot for indulging.
The Langham presents a traditional afternoon tea expertise in a room that manages to be elegant and up to date on the similar time. Add to {that a} scrumptious menu and nice service, and it’s an actual deal with.
After I had afternoon tea right here I cherished the tranquil ambiance, conventional sandwiches, scones, and pastries, and exquisite environment. It’s an ideal one to attempt.
12. The Ampersand Resort
Over in South Kensington, I really like the afternoon tea providing at The Ampersand. This luxury 5-star boutique lodge close to the tube station is a superb place to have tea earlier than or after visiting the world’s main museums.
Whereas The Ampersand has a stable tea providing all year long, it’s one in all my favourite summer season afternoon teas in London. The sunshine, ethereal Drawing Rooms with their white-with-bright decor make for the best locations to indulge within the hotter months.
The teas are themed round locations and occasions within the neighborhood, too, so it’s enjoyable to maintain going again to see what they’ll give you subsequent.
13. One Aldwych
Talking of themed teas in London, the Charlie & the Chocolate Manufacturing facility Afternoon Tea at One Aldwych is a perennial favourite. This lodge within the West Finish is a well-liked place for afternoon tea in London with children.
The Charlie & the Chocolate Manufacturing facility tea delights youngsters of all ages with its whimsical menu. It consists of gadgets like fizzy lifting drinks, chocolate “swudge” milkshakes, “snozzberry” jam, and different tantalizing treats.
If you happen to love Roald Dahl and also you need to indulge your inside Willy Wonka, that is simply the (golden) ticket. Everybody in your loved ones will like it.
14. The Sanderson
Over in Fitzrovia, one other of my favourite themed afternoon teas in London is the Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea on the Sanderson lodge.
The Courtyard Backyard setting right here is straight out of Alice’s Wonderland. The menus are hidden in classic books, teapots and plates are Mad Hatter-themed, and the expertise is so nicely thought out that you just’ll really consider you’ve fallen down the rabbit gap.
After I got here right here for tea I cherished the holistic nature of the providing. Each element was fastidiously deliberate, and the meals and repair had been nice.
15. Conrad London St. James
The Conrad London St. James presents one other of the most effective afternoon teas in London. This place serves a recent tea proper between Buckingham Palace, St James’s Park, and the long-lasting landmarks in Westminster.
The lodge’s season-themed afternoon tea is offered in The Orchard Room. This elegant house is lined with floral preparations and topped with a glass roof, making it the proper place to loosen up and take pleasure in candy and savory goodies.
After I had tea right here I cherished the beautiful pastries, the brilliant ambiance of the room, and the attentive service. It’s an ideal place to have tea in the event you’re sightseeing within the space.
16. The Andaz
Over by Liverpool Avenue station, the Andaz lodge serves one other scrumptious afternoon tea in London. If you happen to’re within the Metropolis or the East Finish, it’s an ideal choice.
With its distinctive Masonic temple hidden within the maze of rooms, the Andaz is value a visit in its personal proper. However afternoon tea at this quirky lodge is value indulging in, too. Served within the 1901 Wine Lounge, it presents JING teas alongside traditional trays of meals.
If you wish to be taught extra, you possibly can check out my overview of the Andaz lodge afternoon tea. It has all the main points and photographs from my expertise.
17. The Milestone Resort
Proper by Kensington Gardens, The Milestone Resort presents one other of the highest afternoon teas in London. This five-star boutique lodge in Kensington is a standard place to indulge within the UK capital. It’s proper on Hyde Park, too.
The tearoom right here is cozy and traditional, and it feels such as you’re ensconced in a Victorian drawing room. The meals is recent and the scones served heat, and there’s lots to like in regards to the total expertise. The parts are beneficiant, too.
If you happen to’re curious to see extra, you possibly can check out my overview of afternoon tea at The Milestone Resort. It has all the main points and photographs from my expertise.
18. Sketch
If you happen to’ve ever been to Sketch, you’ll know why I’ve put it on my listing of the most effective afternoon tea in London. Not solely does this restaurant have beautiful pastries with flavors that dwell as much as expectations, however The Gallery can also be one of many prettiest locations within the metropolis.
Arriving at this Mayfair establishment is being whisked off to Candyland. The banquettes are like icing and the chairs are like ladyfingers. I’ll always remember my afternoon tea expertise right here. I felt like I used to be in a fairy story.
When you’re right here, don’t miss seeing the beautiful Glade. Oh, and the loos are value a particular journey. They’re like nothing you’ve ever seen.
19. Fait Maison
You might have heard of lots of the different afternoon teas on my listing, however you won’t have come throughout the one at Fait Maison in South Kensington.
This neighborhood spot serves scrumptious pastries and teas in one of many loveliest tearooms in London. Ornate sufficient to make you’re feeling such as you’re taking tea with the seventh Duchess of Bedford however informal sufficient that it received’t break the financial institution, it presents an ideal stability.
And since afternoon tea in London is such an indulgence, a little bit of stability is simply the factor. If you happen to agree, this can be a good choice.
20. Threadneedles
Subsequent on my listing is Threadneedles. Not solely is that this 5-star luxurious lodge one of many finest locations to remain within the Metropolis of London, however it additionally has an ideal afternoon tea providing.
The Dome Lounge is the proper setting for tea. Located beneath a grand historic dome (therefore the identify), it’s an ideal place to take pleasure in traditional English finger sandwiches and candy treats. The menu was created by Marco Pierre White, too.
If you wish to be taught extra, you possibly can learn my overview of afternoon tea at Threadneedles. It has all the main points of my expertise, plus photographs and extra.
21. St Ermin’s Resort
Tucked away in a fairly courtyard close to St James’s Park and Buckingham Palace, St Ermin’s Resort in Westminster has one other of the most effective afternoon teas in London.
The lodge presents a choice of candy and savory treats impressed by seasonal components from its rooftop kitchen backyard. It’s a singular approach to deliver the outside inside.
After I had tea right here, I cherished the presentation. I needed to take the gorgeous tea tray dwelling with me, to not point out the scrumptious sandwiches, scones, and pastries.
22. The Jumeirah Carlton Tower
Subsequent on my listing of the most effective afternoon teas in London is the one at The Jumeirah Carlton Tower lodge in Knightsbridge.
Served each day in The Chinoiserie Tea Room, the lodge’s providing is a chic one. It options all of the traditional afternoon tea delicacies in a refined ambiance. There’s all kinds of meals on provide, in addition to a hand-picked choice of teas.
If you happen to’re curious to be taught extra, you possibly can learn my overview of afternoon tea at The Jumeirah Carlton Tower. It has all the main points about my expertise, in addition to photographs.
23. Sofitel London St James
Subsequent on my listing of the most effective afternoon teas within the UK capital is the one on the Sofitel London St James. This beautiful luxurious lodge on Waterloo Place is an exquisite spot to indulge.
Afternoon tea right here is served within the Rose Lounge. The intimate room is pretty-in-pink, with magenta banquettes and floral work on the partitions. The sandwiches and scones are a dream, and the entire expertise is gorgeous. There’s a youngsters’s menu, too.
If you wish to know extra, you possibly can learn my weblog submit in regards to the time I had each afternoon tea and a manicure on the Sofitel London. It’s a enjoyable approach to have a girly expertise within the metropolis.
24. The Lanesborough
Proper on Hyde Park Nook, The Lanesborough presents one of many high conventional afternoon teas in London. This Regency-style luxurious lodge is a superb place to take pleasure in a refreshing break after an enormous stroll within the park.
Tea is served each day in The Lanesborough Grill, and it’s accompanied by a dwell pianist on weekends. It consists of all the standard sandwiches, scones, and pastries, and there are seasonal themed choices.
If you wish to be taught extra, you possibly can check out my overview of afternoon tea at The Lanesborough. It has the main points about my expertise. If you happen to go, remember the fact that there’s a costume code.
25. Mariage Freres
Proper within the coronary heart of Covent Backyard, Mariage Freres is one other of my favourite afternoon teas in London. If you happen to’re on the lookout for a standard English tea with a French twist, this one is for you.
I’ve cherished Mariage Freres ever since I stumbled upon their store within the Marais in Paris years in the past. After they opened in London, I fell for the sunshine, ethereal upstairs tearoom with views of the consumers under.
The meals right here is each creative and scrumptious, as you’d count on from French delicacies. Given this store focuses on tea, you’re in for a deal with relating to the beverage facet of the providing, too.
Map of Afternoon Teas in London
As promised, I created an interactive Google map of all of the locations you could find the most effective afternoon tea in London. You may see it right here. It provides you with an concept of the place they’re in relation to 1 one other so you possibly can select the precise one for you.
Finest Afternoon Tea in London
I hope you’ve loved my listing of the most effective afternoon teas in London, and that it’s impressed you to attempt them. Whether or not you select one or all, I’m positive you’ll just like the particular mix of deliciousness and delight these spots ship on.
In order for you extra, you possibly can check out my tea itinerary and my free self-guided London meals tour, which incorporates afternoon tea. I’ve additionally written a information to the most effective gluten-free afternoon teas in London.
If you wish to dive deeper, you possibly can check out my weblog posts about conventional English dishes, probably the most traditional English desserts, and English drinks.
And if you wish to do all of it the correct approach, my information to afternoon tea etiquette and my submit in regards to the British tea tradition are must-reads.
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