(c) The Lanesborough
London’s Best Afternoon Tea Experiences To Try Now
By CTH Editors
2 months ago
Because you can never have enough finger sandwiches, tea and scones...
Afternoon tea is quite possibly the most British of all institutions. But once in a while, an egg and cress sandwich and a scone need a little jazzing up. These are the current best afternoon teas in London, from the traditional to the innovative to the quirky, served across the city’s most elegant hotels and restaurants.
What Is Afternoon Tea?
Afternoon tea is an age-old tradition which dates all the way back to 1840. It all began with Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, who would ask for a mid-afternoon snack of tea, bread and butter to be delivered to her room to satisfy hunger cravings (which she would describe as a ‘sinking feeling’, and we get it) between lunch and dinner. The habit caught on – and, indeed, grew to become a fashionable social event. During the 1800s, upper-class women would don their fineries and meet for afternoon tea in the drawing room.
Nowadays, afternoon tea is a celebratory occasion typically enjoyed within elegant hotels around the UK. London is one of the best cities in the world for it: think delicate finger sandwiches, scones with the finest butter and jam, and exquisitely crafted pastries, paired with top-notch teas and glasses of fizz. Often it’s served in the most majestic of settings too – glitzy hotel lounges, pretty flower-bedecked dining rooms, rooftop restaurants and more.
The Best Afternoon Teas In London For 2024
So where to find the very best afternoon teas in London? Read on for the C&TH team’s top picks, both traditional and alternative affairs: from Italian-inspired spreads to whimsical twists and boozy takes complete with cocktails.
The Original Sweetshop Afternoon Tea at The Chesterfield Mayfair
If you’re looking for a child-friendly afternoon tea option in London, look no further than the Chesterfield Mayfair’s Sweetshop Afternoon Tea. With pastries and cakes the flavour of retro sweetshop favourites, delicious chocolate-chip scones and a host of savoury treats, it’s a must-try for both adults and children with a sweet tooth. Highlights include the Coca-Cola slice, the enormous peanut-butter cup and the fizzy apple mousse. And of course, the trip wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the retro sweet cart manned by the in-house Candyman who will help young guests fill a bag with old-school penny sweets and pick-and-mix favourites. Younger guests can enjoy the afternoon tea served alongside a milkshake or tea. Adults can opt to add a glass of something sparkling with the Champagne Tea, including a glass of brut, rosé or white label Lanson Champagne.
Price: From £75pp
Availability: Monday – Sunday, 12.30pm – 5.30pm
Address: 35 Charles St, London W1J 5EB
BOOK: chesterfieldmayfair.com
The Goring
Served since 1910, Afternoon Tea at The Goring in Victoria is particularly special. As the only hotel to hold a Royal Warrant from HM The Queen for hospitality services, you can be absolutely certain that everything upon your visit will be impeccable. The afternoon tea is classic in style, reflecting The Goring’s dedication to tradition as the only luxury hotel in London still owned and run by the family that built it. Why mess with perfection? Expect dainty and delicate finger sandwiches, homemade scones and pastries, and unparalleled service. Enjoy your tea in the garden during the summer months for a quintessentially English experience.
Price: From £65pp
Availability: Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 6pm
Address: 15 Beeston Pl, London SW1W 0JW
BOOK: thegoring.com
Afternoon tea at The SavoyThe Savoy Hotel
Regarded as the heart of the The Savoy Hotel, the Thames Foyer has been serving its quintessentially British afternoon tea for over a century. An elegant menu pays homage to traditional classics with a modern twist, including a selection of open and closed sandwiches including English cucumber and green pea hummus on mint bread, and Berwick-upon-Tweed crab, caviar and dill on brioche bread. Alongside this, the expert pastry team – spearheaded by Simona Spennati – creates an array of signature Savoy cakes and pastries, such as a chocolate fudge cake made with 70 per cent chocolate buttercream. Guests can pick from a selection of champagne and sparkling wine, as well as an extensive collection of over 30 teas.
Price: From £90pp
Availability: Monday, 12.30pm – 5pm, Tuesday – Sunday, 12.30pm – 7pm
Address: Strand, London WC2R 0EY
BOOK: thesavoylondon.com
Fortnum & Mason
An institution since 1707 and still one of the best, Fortnum & Mason’s iconic afternoon tea is an absolute must-try. It’s finger sandwich, cake and scone heaven, with trademark eau de nil china and the biggest selection of fine teas you will ever see. Tea experts are on hand to help you choose – and be sure to pick up a pack to take home, too. They’re now offering afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason at The Royal Exchange, too.
Price: From £80pp
Availability: Daily
Address: 181 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1A 1ER
BOOK: fortnumandmason.com
The Wolseley
You can’t help but feel that you’re a ‘someone’ from the moment you step inside the classic and timeless Wolseley, which is a British institution in itself. Where better, then, to enjoy a ‘Best of British’ Afternoon Tea? The Wolseley offers just that – featuring individual Victoria Sponges and Sherry Trifles alongside traditional scones with clotted cream and homemade jam. You won’t find jazzed-up finger sandwiches, either – they stick to the classics for a reason. Traditional fillings of Coronation Chicken, Beef and Horseradish, Cheddar and Pickle, and Smoked Salmon are delightfully nostalgic while being of unquestionably superior quality to what you grew up on. A place so good, AA Gill wrote a whole book about it – and this Afternoon Tea is another excellent (and delicious) chapter in The Wolseley’s ever-glorious repertoire.
Price: From £44.50pp
Availability: Monday – Friday, 3pm – 6pm, Saturday – Sunday, 3.30pm – 6.30pm
Address: 160 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1J 9EB
BOOK: thewolseley.com
The Connaught
An afternoon spent at Mayfair’s The Connaught is enough to brighten anyone’s day. Throw in a champagne-infused afternoon tea in the artsy Jean-Georges dining room and you won’t want to leave (partly due to being so gloriously full). Spoiled for choice, guests can choose from an assortment of 15 exotic teas, from a rare vintage Darjeeling Beauty to Fuji-yama, an earthy green tea grown near Mount Fuji. Finger sandwiches come in a range of five different flavours and fillings – think salt beef and turnip, cucumber and Greek yoghurt – but the moreish egg & truffle of fluffy white bread certainly tops them all. Sweet treats are just as delicious in appearance as they are to eat; a light bergamot and lime sponge cake adorned with candied ginger and whipped cream and an indulgent hazelnut praline and milk chocolate rocher with ‘The Connaught’ elegantly emblazoned on top were my pick of the beautiful bunch. The pièce de résistance however came in the form of two buttery penguin-shaped shortbread biscuits, ready to be dipped into a glass of warm chocolate fondue. Lest not forget the scones, plain and wholemeal raisin, both warm and to be served with lashing of home-made strawberry or pineapple jam, and of course Cornish clotted cream. For those looking to add a little glamour and grandeur to their experience, opt for a glass of Champagne Laurent-Perrier, which the warm and attentive staff are more than happy to top up if you so wish.
Price: From £95pp
Availability: Daily
Address: The Connaught, Carlos Place, Mayfair,London, W1K 2AL
BOOK: the-connaught.co.uk
Peter Pan Afternoon Tea at Aqua Shard
Transport yourself to Neverland via aqua shard’s new afternoon tea, inspired by J.M Barrie’s legendary novel. Think Tinker Bell-shaped cookies and crocodile jellies served on a pirate ship-inspired tea stand, alongside Fairy Dust cocktails – all enjoyed alongside panoramic city views.
Price: From £68pp
Availability: Daily
Address: Level 31, The Shard, 31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9RY
BOOK: aquashard.co.uk
Afternoon Tea at The Londoner Hotel
Poised on Leicester Square, The Londoner promises a chic afternoon tea. Whether it’s a pre-theatre indulgence (you’re spoilt for choice The West End) or a necessary energy boost post-National Gallery, head to the champagne bar of the lobby, known as The Stage, for an impressive spread. Expect all the traditional British favourites: on the savoury side, sandwich fillings include smoked salmon and Devon crab, and lemon-roasted chicken with truffle mayonnaise. Next up is freshly baked scones served with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry preserve, followed by an array of beautifully crafted pastries, such as the English Rose, a blackcurrant and pear pudding with shortbread and almond detailing. The tea can be paired with champagne as well as fresh loose leaf teas from The East India Company. To top it off, the experience will be accompanied by live music on The Stage’s grand piano.
Price: From £55pp
Availability: Thursday – Monday
Address: 38 Leicester Square, London WC2H 7DX
BOOK: thelondonerstage.co.uk
Regency Afternoon Tea at The Lane
Situated in the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, The Lane has become quite the hotspot for theatre lovers. The venue, which boasts a pastel backdrop of pink and green, shimmering chandeliers, stucco ceilings and imposing neoclassical columns, should be an entry on any tea-lover’s bucket list. The Regency Afternoon Tea menu features treats by Lily Vanilli, dubbed ‘THE baker of London’. Expect a mini sticky toffee pudding, a strawberry ice cream sandwich, and a fluffy vanilla cake brimming with passionfruit and buttercream and finished with a handmade chocolate cupid. You can also sample a brand new selection of savoury bites including seasonal mini pies and a bitesize English crumpet topped with smoked salmon and Earl Grey-infused cream cheese.
Price: From £59pp
Availability: Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 5.30pm
Address: Catherine St, Covent Garden, London WC2B 5JF
BOOK: thelane.co.uk
Afternoon Tea at 11 Cadogan Gardens
Sit back and relax with a spot of afternoon tea at 11 Cadogan Gardens. Located just a stone’s throw from Sloane Square, the hotel is a peaceful oasis in the centre of London boasting quintessentially British charm. The afternoon tea experience upholds all of this character, served in a quirky sitting room with large windows, big, cushy chairs and historical-themed paintings covering the walls. The menu itself is nothing to scoff at either, boasting a spread of classic sandwiches (think coronation chicken, cucumber, and ham and mustard), scones with jam and clotted cream, and a selection of sweet treats (the banoffee slice is a must). Wash it all down with a piping hot cup of English Breakfast – or champagne, if you have something to celebrate – and cosy up by the fireplace.
Price: From £55pp
Availability: Monday – Sunday from 2pm – 6pm
Address: 11 Cadogan Gardens, London SW3 2RJ
BOOK: 11cadogangardens.com
Covent Garden Crescendo Afternoon Tea at Middle Eight
Theatre-goers will know Covent Garden well, having spent many a day and night trekking up and down the West End to see some of the capital’s buzziest shows. If pre-theatre dining gives you itchy feet (there’s nothing worse than walking into a full theatre a few minutes late), then an earlier timed afternoon tea might be the more appealing choice. Cue Middle Eight’s new musically-inspired afternoon tea, which the team describe as ‘a symphony of sweet treats and sandwiches’.
Middle Eight is nestled right in the heart of theatreland, making it an ideal base to spend the afternoon before making your way to one of the many musicals and plays showing in the capital. Afternoon tea is served in The Balcony, tucked away from the hotel’s busy restaurant and check-in desk so that guests can enjoy their meal in a more relaxed (but no less refined) setting.
The current menu has been curated by Head Pastry Chef and former Bake Off: The Professionals semi-finalist, Clanny Rodrigues, and comes in the classic three stages of savouries, sweets and scones. But first thing’s first: tea. Middle Eight has partnered with British family business Novus Tea to put together a selection of soothing white, black, green and herbal teas. While an intimate selection of teas, the team can happily give suggestions based on your tastes. And if you have something to celebrate, you can dial things up with a glass of prosecco.
A selection of sweet and savoury treats come with a flourish of activity, set at your table on a four-tier cake stand (scones are served later on a separate plate, still warm from the oven). The team are brilliant when it comes to handling dietary requirements and allergies, with items prepared separately to avoid cross-contamination in the kitchen. To start, tuck into coronation chicken, grilled vegetable and smoked salmon sandwiches, as well as a warm and flaky sausage roll made with Londoner sausage meat and chopped herbs.
Cleanse the palette with something sweet; Middle Eight presents no less than five small desserts to try, all following a musical theme from name to decoration. Hazelnut eclairs come topped with piano keys, pistachio macarons are decorated with musical notes and bite-sized almond cakes come with miniature chocolate guitar in tow. The closing act of the afternoon tea experience comes in the form of two large scones – vanilla and fruit – which you can lather with jam and clotted cream, or take home with you if your belt is feeling a bit too tight. Now, with bellies full and spirits high, you can leisurely make your way to the next performance of the day. Review by Charlie Colville.
Price: From £45pp
Availability: Wednesday – Sunday, 1pm – 5pm
Address: 66 Great Queen St, London WC2B 5BX
BOOK: middleeight.com
Afternoon Tea at Royal Lancaster London
For an intimate afternoon tea experience away from the busy central London crowds, pay a visit to this quiet corner of Paddington tucked away at the the top of Hyde Park. Taken in the Royal Lancaster London’s Hyde Café, afternoon tea is paired with soothing music, sleek marble furnishings and friendly staff who can cater to any allergy or dietary requirement.
This is an afternoon tea menu built around the traditional staples, so expect your classic (but still outrageously tasty) sandwiches – beef and horseradish, smoked salmon, cucumber and egg mayo – as well as freshly baked scones and sweet treats. The ‘sweet bites’ in question present a range of flavours, from florals and fruits to honey and chocolate. Pull up your napkin and tuck into the Lancaster Rose (a vibrant pink raspberry and lychee mousse with apple flowers), the Bee Hive (a creamy, honey-laced panna cotta), the Mango and Coconut Opera (a tropically flavoured pandan rice cake) or the Chocolate Ganache Cake (a rich, dark chocolate cake with Earl Grey ganache and jelly) for a tasty afternoon treat.
Once you’ve had your fill of warm scones and tea, diners can make their way out and over to nearby Hyde Park – where they can stroll away the rest of the afternoon (and walk off any lingering fullness). Review by Charlie Colville.
Price: From £39pp
Availability: Monday – Sunday, 1 – 4pm
Address: Lancaster Terrace, London W2 2TY
BOOK: royallancaster.com
The Crown Afternoon Tea at Vintry & Mercer
Obsessed with The Crown? This royal-inspired culinary experience at Vintry & Mercer is for you. It unfolds on the Mercer Roof Terrace, a radiant space at the crest of the gorgeous boutique hotel. Enjoy views of St Paul’s Cathedral and The Shard as you tuck into an array of delights, each with charming royal influences.
Standout savoury offerings include the coronation chicken vol-au-von, complete with a perfectly spiced mango chutney, alongside the bitesize and ludicrously tasty Yorkshire pudding laden with roast beef and horseradish. Meanwhile, the scones are wonderfully fluffy, and the addition of earl grey jelly alongside the classic clotted cream and strawberry jam is a delightful surprise.
The picture-perfect sweets and pastries are the centrepiece of this opulent menu, and they taste as lovely as they look: nibble on a chocolate sceptre, or sample a sovereign’s orb crafted from genoise sponge filled with raspberry and orange blossom mousse. Top off your afternoon with a glass of champagne, or try the exceptional teapot cocktails – the ‘King’s Blend’ is particularly divine, featuring apple eau de vie, St Germain liqueur, lavender syrup and lemon juice. Review by Martha Davies.
Price: From £49.50pp
Availability: Every Saturday and Sunday from 12pm – 5pm
Address: 19-20 Garlick Hill, London EC4V 2AU
BOOK: vintryandmercer.com
Champagne Afternoon Tea at L’oscar London
The Champagne Afternoon Tea at L’oscar London is nothing short of enchanting. This boutique hotel in Bloomsbury boasts elegant interiors – a sexy ambience, the space is lit only by low lamps and birds set in amber – which form the perfect backdrop for your finger sandwiches and snacking.
Once your culinary journey begins, expect to be approached by their expert staff to pick from a range of teas longer than the food menu. Our recommendation? Try an impressive special blend by the hotel.
Then follows an onslaught of the savoury and sweets, arriving in a steady stream on beautiful china plates. The sandwiches are the perfect bites, and all present a bit of a twist on the classic afternoon tea fare; an egg mimosa and black truffle sandwich on soft brown bread is a standout menu option, offering a burst of umami in one mouthful. The sugar rush that follows is as beautifully presented as it is tasty. Each of the little cakes are white, green and pink tributes to London’s cultural capital, from Oscar Wilde’s literary prowess to the exceptional dome at The Baptist. Finally, the scones are the perfect denouement to this spirited afternoon tea – fluffy, classic offerings to be lathered with raspberry jam and lemon curd and clotted cream.
This tea can be booze-free, or enjoyed with a light tipple (a refreshing flute of Michel Reybier Champagne). A cooler-than-cool grown-up afternoon tea option. Review by Tessa Dunthorne.
Price: £59pp or £69pp with champagne
Availability: Daily from 2.30pm – 5pm
Address: 2-6 Southampton Row, London WC1B 4AA
BOOK: loscarlondon.com
Afternoon Tea with a Twist at Charlotte Street Hotel
For an alternative to bottomless brunch, why not go for a delightfully boozy afternoon tea? Head to Oscar at Charlotte Street Hotel and sample the Indulge menu for your chance to tuck into three miniature cocktails with your meal. The menu features all the classic bites, including smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwiches plus the all-important scones – and you can enjoy sweet treats like vanilla cupcakes or strawberry and prosecco mousse cake alongside your specially-selected drinks. What’s not to love?
Price: From £38pp
Availability: Wednesday and Thursday, from 2.45pm – 4.45pm and Friday – Sunday, from 12 – 4.45pm
Address: 15-17 Charlotte St., London W1T 1RJ
BOOK: firmdalehotels.com
Number Sixteen
During the summer months, the secret garden at Number Sixteen in South Kensington is a dreamy spot for al fresco afternoon tea surrounded by blooming hydrangeas and mulberry trees. But during the colder months, admire the garden view from the cosy indoors. At the moment, the seasonal offering includes turkey and cranberry sandwiches, and duck bonbons with plum sauce, ahead of scones with clotted cream and jam. Follow with festive special desserts like Christmas plum pudding, orange and pistachio sponge, and white chocolate and cranberry mousse: heaven. Enjoy alongside an interesting selection of teas, plus a glass of Bollinger for good measure.
Price: From £45pp
Availability: Daily from 1pm – 4pm
Address: 16 Sumner Pl, South Kensington, London SW7 3EG
BOOK: firmdalehotels.com
(c) Cristian BarnettNoMad London
NoMad London is easily one of London’s swankiest hotels, renowned for its fantastic location, contemporary interiors and extensive library. Food also plays a huge part in what makes NoMad so enticing, with the NoMad Restaurant housed inside a biophilic three-storey, glass-roofed atrium – from which it serves up a suitably chic menu.
It’s also here that the hotel recently unveiled its first ever afternoon tea service, which celebrates the best parts of the British tradition while still staying true to the NoMad’s signature contemporary elegance. The drinks menu contains a selection of teas from the Rare Tea Company, as well as a selection of tea-inspired cocktails crafted by bartending afficionados Leo Robitschek and Liana Oster. Our tipple of choice was the Earl of Jalisco, a mildly sweet and creamy concoction created with tequila, lemon, aperol, earl grey tea, rhubarb and egg white.
The savouries on the menu are the perfect blend of Britishness and the NoMad’s New York roots, creating the feel of an elevated deli with smoked salmon bagels, truffled egg sandwiches, cucumber and cream cheese sliders and pastrami, daikon and mustard sandwiches – all of which were very tempting when it came to asking for seconds.
And then, we had the sweets. Created by NoMad’s pastry chef Martha Hernandez, the patisseries were an intriguing landscape of flavours – most of the deserts fell into the fruity category, with a tropical cheesecake, an aptly tart cassis and shiso tart and choux buns filled with lemon, vanilla and olive oil, but the hotel does offer a small bite of indulgence with its sacher-torte (an ideal addition for cleansing the palette).
But it was the scones that stole the show for us. Coming out in two waves, savoury and sweet, the first was a blue cheese and sage creation served alongside the sandwiches, and the second were small, triangle-shaped rum currant and orange zest bakes topped with sugar. Both of these were incredibly morish – especially when eaten with a steaming cup of tea. Review by Charlie Colville.
Price: From £55pp
Availability: Thursday – Saturday, 2pm – 4pm
Address: 28 Bow Street, London WC2E 7AW
BOOK: thenomadhotel.com
All Hearts Desire Afternoon Tea at Harvey Nichols
After a morning spent shopping around Knightsbridge, treat yourself to an afternoon tea in the stylish Harvey Nichols restaurant. Begin with sandwiches of chicken and tarragon salad, grilled Mediterranean vegetables, sun-dried tomato and hummus, and cucumber and dill cream cheese, plus egg salad brioche. Next up there are scones served with Cornish clotted cream and Harvey Nichols strawberry jam, ahead of the sweet treats: current offerings include mango and Greek yoghurt passion fruit panna cotta, chocolate and rosewater macaroons, and glazed cherry cake. Enjoy alongside a glass of Harvey Nichols champagne, plus a loose leaf tea.
Price: £40pp or £50pp with a glass of champagne
Availability: Everyday from 12 – 5pm
Address: Harvey Nichols, 109-125 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7RJ
BOOK: harveynichols.com
Lavergne Chocolate Afternoon Tea at Ochre
Chocolate lovers certainly won’t be able to resist afternoon tea at Ochre, the gorgeous restaurant inside the National Gallery. Inspired by Jean-Etienne Liotard’s painting The Lavergne Family Breakfast, the brand new menu features classic finger sandwiches alongside wonderfully decadent treats including white chocolate tart, dark chocolate and orange sponge, and a particularly show-stopping chocolate hazelnut dome. The chocolate scones might seem like a curveball to afternoon tea traditionalists, but they’re divine – especially when topped with indulgent chocolate hazelnut ganache and enjoyed with a sip of tea (or champagne, of course).
Price: £55pp or £65pp with a glass of champagne or a cocktail
Availability: 3 – 4.30pm daily
Address: The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 5DN
BOOK: ochre.london
The Art of Afternoon Tea at The Kensington
You’ll often find artsy types in South Kensington – but not for reasons you might assume. While the V&A sits just around the corner, you’ll find plenty of culture vultures flocking to The Kensington in search of its newly launched art-themed afternoon tea menu. The Art of Afternoon Tea takes it cues from a curated selection of artists and perfectly rounds off any cultural exploration of West London.
While you can get your afternoon tea with champagne, we’d recommend ordering one of the fun themed cocktails on the menu: Starry Night, an ode to the Van Gogh painting using a sweet blend of Hendrick’s Flora Adora, spirulina cordial, citrus and Rathfinny Classic Cuvée Brut; Girl with Balloon, a Banksy classic reimagined with Discarded vodka, Italicus, sherry and pear; and Composition No. 10, a minimalist take on the Mondrian artwork with plenty of flavour thanks to a combination of Hendrick’s Grand Cabaret, Amaro Santoni, grapefruit sherbet, egg white and bitters. Each one is equally as delicious, although for extra ‘wow factor’ (and Instagram value), we’d recommend trying Girl with a Balloon.
As for the food itself, expect a more creative take on the traditional afternoon tea. The sandwiches and scones stick to classic flavours, with a selection of egg, salmon, cucumber and pastrami finger sandwiches served alongside plain and fruit scones slathered in homemade jam and Cornish clotted cream.
But the real star of the show is the sweets. The patisseries take inspiration from three artists: Jackson Pollock, Yayoi Kusama and Alicja Kwade. You’ll find a dark chocolate mousse tart with passion fruit parfait drizzled Pollock’s famed ‘drip technique’, mango mousse balls encased in coconut yoghurt cream and shaped into Kusama’s signature polka-dot pumpkins, and contemporary visual artist Kwade’s colourful spheres constructed from white chocolate vanilla mousse with a pineapple compote centre. A feast for the eyes – and the tastebuds.
For afternoon tea with plenty of clever artsy references and wow factor, this is the one to have at the top of your list. Review by Charlie Colville.
Price: £58pp or £70pp with a glass of champagne
Availability: 12 – 4.30pm daily
Address: The Kensington, 109-113 Queen’s Gate, South Kensington, London SW7 5LP
BOOK: doylecollection.com
Art Afternoon Tea, The John Booth Collection at Rosewood London
For the latest edition of its ‘Art Afternoon Tea’ series, Rosewood London called on artist John Booth to bestow his signature brushstrokes on a new collection of cakes. Having worked closely with Executive Pastry Chef Mark Perkins, the result is a cheery assortment of bright-coloured treats, each one inspired by Booth’s personal life and memories, such as ‘The Twins’, a colourful two-sided cake drawn from his experience as a twin.
And whilst the cakes look remarkably beautiful, it’s not all about what’s on the surface – there are some serious flavours too, from a delicious vanilla cheesecake with pink sponge and raspberry jelly to a creamy mango mousse. Plus, if you or your guest is vegan, this artistic spread certainly won’t disappoint – nor will the plant-based cinnamon cream served with a pair of warm, light and crumbly scones. A culinary blend of bold colours and flavours, this innovative menu is not to be missed.
Price: £75pp
Availability: Available from Mondays to Sundays 12pm to 5.45pm
Address: 252 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EN
BOOK: rosewoodhotels.com
Bridgerton Afternoon Tea at The Lanesborough
Dearest reader, a Bridgerton-themed Afternoon Tea surely cannot go amiss this season. And rumour has it that Knightsbridge’s The Lanesborough is serving a delicious spread indeed.
Launched in celebration of the series’ highly anticipated season 3, and in partnership with with creators Netflix and Shondaland, the limited-edition tea transports guests to Regency London, served in the hotel’s extravagant dining room complete with an original sky dome and spectacular chandeliers. You’ll feel as if you’ve stepped out on set.
As with the opulent setting, the afternoon tea certainly doesn’t disappoint. Begin with the ‘Friends to Lovers’ cocktail, a pink margarita inspired by Penelope Featherington and complete with a white feather, paying tribute to Lady Whistledown’s quill. Finger sandwiches err on the traditional side including truffled egg mayonnaise, smoked salmon and horseradish, but accompanied by a delightful cream cheese and kale tartlet.
The scones are served warm with fruit jam and clotted Devonshire cream – but the pastries are the real pièce de résistance, each one of them inspired by a character from the series. For example, ‘The Book of Eloise’, a dainty book-shaped cheesecake pays tribute to Eloise Bridgerton’s love of literature, whilst ‘Colin’s Travels’, a sweet dark chocolate sponge encased in a ‘travel trunk’ illustrates Colin Bridgerton’s fondness for travel. Review by Daniella Laxton.
Price: From £85 per person; at £95pp with the ‘Friends to Lovers’ cocktail or the alcohol-free ‘Blooming Wallflower’ mocktail; £98pp with a glass of Champagne; or £50 per child up to 12 years.
Address: Hyde Park Corner, London SW1X 7TA
BOOK: oetkercollection.com
Flower Fairies Afternoon Tea at Grosvenor House
While some people might say that London is full of magic, we have it on good authority that you can find plenty of it at Grosvenor House – specifically, in its afternoon tea parlour, The Park Room.
Grosvenor House has launched a new afternoon tea menu inspired by Cicely Mart Barker’s Flower Fairies, in partnership with Penguin Random House Children’s UK, drawing on over 170 original drawings to shape the look and taste of the refreshed patisserie selection.
The whole experience is a fairy-approved affair; stepping into The Park Room, guests are greeted by a wild fairy garden – complete with fresh, seasonal flowers – designed by the English Potted Plant Company, dotted with bespoke fairy costumes created by world-renowned Designer, Vin Burnham and loaned by Penguin Random House Children’s UK.
Stepping further into the lounge, guests are then seated on plush, green sofas, where the foodie part of the experience begins.
Keeping things on-theme, afternoon tea begins with an amuse bouche titled Fairy Dust. Arriving in a closed pot, guests can open the lid on an English sparkling wine granita and release a little bit of fairy magic into the air. (While also giving their palate a refreshing cleanse.)
Relax with a cup of steaming tea – or, if you have something to celebrate, bubbles – and tuck into a wide selection of classic finger sandwiches (the smoked chicken and tarragon deserves a tasty mention) and open brioche buns filled with smoked salmon and Burford brown egg.
The sweet selection is undeniably the star of the show. It’s comprised of five pastries: The Lavender Fairy, a lemon-soaked cake encased in a white chocolate shell with blueberry and lavender essence; Apple Blossom Bliss, a light apple tea mousse with green apple compote, crowned with delicate, sugar blossoms; Woodland Whispers, a toadstool-shaped brownie with creamy milk chocolate and raspberry ganache; An Enchanted Chapter, a palm-sized vanilla and hazelnut shaped into a book; and Butterflies and Blossoms, a rosebud filled with strawberry compote and vanilla custard, topped with a white chocolate butterfly. A tasty mixture of fruity, creamy and rich chocolatey flavours, there’s little room for disappointment – the only thing you might find tricky is choosing which treat to gobble down first. Review by Charlie Colville.
Price: From £70 pp, or £83 pp with a glass of champagne.
Availability: Served daily in The Park Room between 1pm and 6pm. Available until mid-November 2024.
Address: JW Marriott Grosvenor House London, 86-90 Park Lane, London W1K 7TN
BOOK: parkroom.co.uk
BYREDO Afternoon Tea at Nobu Hotel
Looking for a dining experience for all the senses? Or maybe you just fancy a break from all the finger sandwiches? Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find it at Nobu Hotel London Portman Square, which has just launched a new afternoon tea experience in collaboration with beauty label BYREDO.
Inspired by the spirited Japanese philosophy of style, BYREDO brings a Japanese twist to Nobu’s afternoon tea – which is freshly fragrance with the brand’s famed Mojave Ghost eau de parfum – swapping sandwiches for a selection of sushi and canapes.
The experience begins at the entrance to the hotel itself. Nobu’s Portman Square outpost is all sleek lines, gold hues and understated maximalism; welcomed into plush armchairs, we sink into our seats and are enveloped by a pleasant waft of perfume (thanks to the small bottles of Mojave Ghost set on the table).
These sensory notes are extended by a steaming cup of Japanese tea, with zingy notes that bounce delicately off the fragranced air. For a more cohesive tasting experience, you can try the BYREDO Renaissance Salon de Thé blend, or branch out with the likes of sencha, genmaicha and lemongrass tea. Those fond of the classics need not worry, either – there’s a tried-and-tested English Breakfast blend on the menu that should slake any lingering thirst.
With teas chosen, it’s on to the savouries. As mentioned, this is afternoon tea with a twist. You won’t find any finger sandwiches here. Instead, expect a wide spread of Japanese-themed starters; shrimp salad rolls, beef tataki shokupan, chicken karaage, spicy salmon chips and and a trio of sushi cups packed with tuna, yellowtail and tomato quinoa ceviche. A vegan – or ‘yasai’ – alternative is also available for all of the above (special mention goes to the vegetable tempura selection and the crispy tofu bun).
These are followed by freshly baked scones, still warm from the oven. Covered in raspberry mint jam and clotted cream (of, if you fancy it, yuzu curd), these scones are soft and fluffy – and leave diners eagerly anticipating the arrival of the Nobu’s final course: amai.
Meaning ‘something sweet’ in Japanese, the amai selection consists of five small pastries: banana caramel chocolate tart, apricot and tonka bean macaron, pine and raspberry chiffon cake, bergamot and peach mousse and a sencha green tea, peppermint and basil cake. The crowning glory, however, is the Mojave Ghost, a white chocolate cheesecake with a surprise purple centre, modelled after BYREDO’s namesake fragrance. Nice and sweet, this selection is both a moreish treat and a palette cleanser. You might be full afterwards, but this is accompanied by a refreshed feeling that will put a bounce in your step for the rest of the day. Review by Charlie Colville.
Price: From £70 pp, or £84 with a glass of champagne. There’s also a vegan menu available from £63.
Availability: Served daily between 12.45pm and 5.30pm.
Address: Nobu Hotel London Portman Square, 22 Portman Square, London W1H 7BG
Afternoon Tea At The Goring
There’s something truly magical about The Dining Room at The Goring – whether that’s due to its picture-perfect interiors (recently unveiled after a monumental renovation), its gorgeous Belgravia location, or simply its top-notch food. Afternoon tea is a real treat; after all, there’s really no better place to tuck into tea and scones than this breathtaking room, which is finished in a sage green colour palette bringing to mind the most impressive mansions in the Bridgerton universe.
The Goring’s tea blend menu is, frankly, dazzling, and you can also enjoy a glass of Bollinger alongside your brew. Begin, naturally, with a handsome selection of finger sandwiches, before moving onto fluffy scones served with both strawberry and raspberry jam (plus clotted cream, of course). The final chapter unfolds in the form of gorgeous pastries selected from a seasonally-changing menu; currently, you can sample the likes of carrot cake, panna cotta and an orange and almond tartlet. Divine. Review by Martha Davies.
Price: From £75 pp.
Availability: Served in The Dining Room on Saturdays and on the Veranda from Monday to Sunday, between 12pm and 6pm.
Address: The Goring, 15 Beeston Place, London, SW1W 0JW.
BOOK: thegoring.com
Oblix at The Shard
For afternoon tea with a view, head to Oblix at the Shard, the sky-high restaurant perched on the 32nd floor of the building. The eatery has just launched a new afternoon tea menu, offering an array of sweet and savoury treats. Kick things off with a selection of sandwiches including Severn & Wye smoked salmon, and egg mayonnaise brioche with truffle and avocado, plus a tomato and buffalo mozzarella tart. Next up: a selection of freshly baked scones served with clotted cream, honeycomb and raspberry preserve, alongside beautifully designed pastries, such as warm honey madeleines with chocolate sauce, and the Oblix Hazelnut Rocher.
Price: From £61pp
Availability: Daily, 12-4pm
Address: The Shard, 31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9RY
BOOK: oblixrestaurant.com
Haute Couture Afternoon Tea at The Franklin
Afternoon Tea at Browns Brasserie & Bar, Covent Garden
When it comes to casual (and not so casual) special occasions, Browns Brasserie is one of the city’s go-to dining spots. Especially when it comes to afternoon tea. The dining destination’s Covent Garden outpost recently unveiled a brand new afternoon tea lounge in one of the building’s former courtrooms, which still features some of the room’s original furnishings and details (including the judge’s bench).
The setting’s grandeur is matched heartily by the food and drink on offer. You’ll find the classics – dainty finger sandwiches, fresh-baked scones and a selection of British cakes – as well as some fun twists (the lobster rolls are a must). And guests can wash it all down with a crisp glass of Moët and Chandon champagne, or a heart cup of tea from Good Earth Tea.
Gluten-free diners can also get a slice of the action, as Browns also offers a bespoke afternoon tea menu accredited by Coeliac UK. Review by Charlie Colville
Price: From £30pp
Availability: Served from 1-4pm daily in the Judge’s Court (Covent Garden branch)
Address: 82-84 St Martin’s Lane, London WC2N 4AG
BOOK: browns-restaurants.co.uk
Afternoon Tea By Benoit Blin at The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel, Chelsea
Step into The Cadogan Lounge and you’ll be treated to a truly superb afternoon tea courtesy of Benoit Blin, beloved pastry chef and famed judge of Bake Off: The Professionals. You might just get lost in the tea menu (there are more than twenty different varieties to choose from), but once you’ve made your decision (and ordered a glass of English sparkling wine, if you like) you can sit back and prepare to indulge. Think Chelsea elegance with a French twist: the savoury selection includes salmon gravadlax, cream cheese and quail egg on a delightfully dinky toasted croissant; brioche with Cornish crab and trout roe; and egg mayonnaise topped with winter truffle and a parmesan crisp. Once all of this has been polished off, you can tuck into a variety of gorgeous sweet treats (seasonal, of course; currently, you can enjoy the likes of a coffee bean and cardamom religieuse) alongside the classic scones, jam and clotted cream. The best part, however? Choosing a slice of cake from the dessert trolley. (The hazelnut and chocolate marble cake is divine.) It’s the perfect way to end a magical afternoon. Review by Martha Davies
Price: £75pp for traditional afternoon tea; £50pp for cream tea and a selection of cakes
Availability: Served from 12 pm-6 pm, Monday to Sunday
Address: The Cadogan Lounge, 75 Sloane St, Chelsea, London SW1X 9SG
BOOK: belmond.com
The Devil Wears Prada Afternoon Tea at The Coral Room
Gird your loins – the most fashion-forward afternoon tea in town has arrived. Coinciding with the West End opening of The Devil Wear Prada musical, The Coral Room has unveiled a new afternoon tea menu dedicated to everyone’s favour high style romcom.
Tumbling out of Tottenham Court Road, it’s easy to feel like Andy Sachs navigating her way through a big city on her way to Runway – although, thankfully, we won’t have to track down a Harry Potter manuscript to get in Miranda Priestly’s good graces. A short walk and we arrive at The Coral Room, a stylish villa-style bar decked out in vast swathes of its namesake hue. It’s this swanky setting that will play host to the afternoon tea crowd.
The menu itself is a film buff’s dream, playing on iconic foods, scenes and characters in the original The Devil Wears Prada movie. For the savouries, there’s an ode to Nate’s grilled cheese (‘the ultimate comfort food for when you’ve had it up to here with clackers, and deadlines,’ notes The Coral Room), alongside a tasty truffled egg mayonnaise pain de mie, turkey and cranberry sandwich, and smoked salmon sub roll.
These are followed by a pair of light and fluffy scones, served warm. Topped with Cornish clotted cream and homemade mulled pear jam, they put the perfect autumnal spin on the British classic.
It’s back to theme with the patisserie selection. There’s ‘It’s Not Just Blue, It’s Cerulean’, a Greek yoghurt mousse with blueberry, as well as a New York cheesecake dubbed ‘A Single Cube of Cheese’ in a nod to Emily’s Fashion Week diet. And then there’s also a ‘Gird Your Loins’ chocolate cake, and a hazelnut opera cake named ‘No Foam Skimmed Latte with an Extra Shot’ as reference to Miranda’s signature caffeine order.
And things only get better with the cocktail menu. Another element of The Devil Wears Prada experience, The Coral Room has crafted three stand-out drink to match the occasion. The include ‘Runway Royale’, a sophisticated blend of Mijenta Tequila Reposado, Galliano Vanilla Liqueur and Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve, ‘Cerulean’, a heady mix of Silent Pool Gin, Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto and Butterfly Pea Tea, and ‘The Miranda Club’, a sophisticated cocktail of Altamura Vodka, Hedgerow Berry & Rose Shrub and Cocchi Extra Dry Vermouth that would no doubt get Miranda’s seal of approval.
This is the perfect stop for both theatregoers and nostalgia lovers alike – and one that promises a real taste of the Runway action.
Most of the menu is already gluten-free, but diners can let the team know of any dietary requirements ahead of their visit. We were able to make our afternoon tea experience completely gluten-free. Review by Charlie Colville
You can read more about what to expect here.
Price: From £48pp for traditional afternoon tea; £65pp for afternoon tea with a glass of Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve Champagne.
Availability: Served daily
Address: 16-22 Great Russell St, Bloomsbury, London WC1B 3NN
BOOK: thecoralroom.co.uk
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