Where to go for the best afternoon tea in London

Our roundup of the best spots for afternoon tea in London, whether you're after a classic cucumber sandwich and fluffy scone affair, or something a little more jazzy

By Tal Dekel-Daks, Evie Delaney and Tilly Wheeler

9 July 2025

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Afternoon tea is a rightly treasured ritual in British society. The practice of sitting down to a mid-afternoon treat in beautiful surroundings can be quite transportive, whether you're sipping champagne or Earl Grey. Though various tea services and ceremonies can be enjoyed all over the world - from a teahouse in China to a Chaiwallah in India - fans of afternoon tea will be easily satisfied with the UK's offering. London has a particularly rich concentration of wonderful tea spots, from elegant hotels to trendy hotspots and classic bistros. Some afternoon teas can be a little overrated, the House & Garden team have very little time for a soggy sandwich or an unattractive mug. We've tried some of the most charming afternoon teas to be enjoyed around London come rain or shine, so you know where your afternoon is best spent. This month we're looking forward to trying the NoMad's afternoon tea, and Berner's Tavern is always reliably gorgeous. For now, here's our roundup of the best spots for afternoon tea in London.

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Jodi Hinds 2024
1/21
Royal InfiniTEA at Conrad London St. James
For a quintessentially traditional afternoon tea, look no further than Conrad London St James's Royal InfiniTEA offering, served on Wedgwood Wild Strawberry bone china and with an option of bottomless Bollinger champagne, for a truly luxurious treat on a special occasion. Within the hotel's enviably central location just moments from St James's Park, Buckingham Palace and Big Ben, the calm and bright setting of the hotel's floral themed Orchard Room provides a retreat from the bustle of these visitor hotspots. As mentioned, tradition is the name of the game here, so to start a selection of delicate crustless finger sandwiches are served, including smoked salmon, herb mayonnaise and capers, and beef pastrami, sauerkraut and and cream cheese. They were all lovely but the fragrant coronation chicken was particularly good. The scones are served warm and here there is a slight deviation from the norm, with a range of scone flavours on offer: plain, raisin, but also dark chocolate stracciatella and blueberry lemon, with clotted cream, strawberry jam and lemon curd to accompany. Finally, the selection of cakes both taste delicious and look extremely pretty. They include a millionaire shortbread sandwiched with decadent caramel fudge in the shape of the Crown Jewels, and an Earl Grey dark chocolate mousse that looks like a little Beefeater. Launching on 23rd July is a limited edition, curated menu by Fiona Cairns, designer of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's wedding cake. - Tilly Wheeler
Price: Starting from £60, to £105 for afternoon tea with bottomless Bollinger Rosé
When: Monday – Sunday, from 12 pm to 4 pm
Website: www.theorchardroom.com
Address: Conrad London St James, 22-28 Broadway, London, SW1H 0BH
2/21
London by Lily Vanilli at Four Seasons Hotel at Tower Bridge
Tradition meets modernity with this new afternoon tea by super-cool London baker Lily Vanilli (whose confections you've almost definitely come across on Instagram), which is hosted in the grand Rotunda Bar and Lounge at the Four Seasons Hotel in Tower Bridge. Although Lily Vanilli cakes are known for being exceptionally pretty to look at, the good news is that everything served as part of the afternoon tea tastes just as good too. In fact, some of the savoury items were highlights of the meal, including the confit potatoes with smoked salmon and caviar, and the savoury scones with feta, pickles and dill. But the sweet stuff is just as tasty - the short, buttery scones were some of the best I've had, served with proper whipped cream and a tart seasonal compote, instead of jam. Also on offer are a delicate little tiramisu tart, a decadent burnt basque cheesecake, and the grand finale: a small vanilla sponge cake to share, iced in the ornate Lily Vanilli house style. Apart from the necessary scones, everything we were served felt unexpected and carefully curated, making this a wonderful choice if you're sick of the usual sandwiches and predictable cakes. And at under £50 for the standard menu, it's pretty affordable for a fancy afternoon tea in London. - Tilly Wheeler
Price: £48, with an additional £33 for the optional cocktail pairing
When: Thursday - Sunday, from 2pm to 7pm
Website: https://www.fourseasons.com/towerbridge/dining/lounges/rotunda-bar-and-lounge/london-by-lily-vanilli/
Address: 10 Trinity Square, London, EC3N 4AJ
Patricia Niven
3/21
Art Afternoon Tea at Rosewood London
The concept for the Rosewood London's Art Afternoon Tea involves a carefully curated menu of sandwiches, cakes and scones inspired by an artist's work, served in the surroundings of the stylish Mirror Room. The menu changes with each artist, and previous iterations have focused on Yayoi Kusama, Salvador Dali and John Booth. Currently, the menu is based on 19th century Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai, most famous for his work ‘The Great Wave off Kanagawa’ - pictured is the white chocolate, lemon, strawberry and lychee confection based on this iconic print. The cakes are miniature works of art themselves, and the undoubted stars of the show. But the Japanese-inspired sandwiches are also delicious - they include beef brisket with wasabi coleslaw, and sake marinated smoked salmon with yuzu kosho mayo, caviar & dill - a welcome change from the classic English afternoon tea fare. Though there are still the warm, light scones, served with lemon curd as well as jam and cream, for the traditionalists. The tea selection is extensive, with unusual options such as pistachio and truffle, or rare yellow tea from China on offer. - Tilly Wheeler
Price: from £80
When: Monday - Sunday, from 12pm to 5:45pm
Website: https://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/london/dining/art-afternoon-tea
Address: 252 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EN
4/21
The Delaunay
Where better to sup on afternoon tea than a Viennese-inspired restaurant? Given Vienna invented Viennoiserie, you can be assured that all the cakes and pastries masterminded by chef Regis Negrier are as good as it gets. Regis has created an array of delicate, delicious cakes to accompany scones and sandwiches, all served on a signature silver platter. The setting itself is as elegant as it gets, as you sip your tea (or champagne) within The Delaunay's marble-clad dining room, linen tablecloth and napkins to mop up any jam dollops. As this is a classic affair, afternoon tea is served only on Saturday and Sunday from 3-5pm and is best booked.
Price: £34.50 served with loose-leaf tea, £49.50 with Champagne
When: Saturday and Sunday from 3-5pm
Website: thedelaunay.com
Address: 55 Aldwych, London WC2B 4BB

5/21
Petersham Nurseries's The Teahouse
Cake, sandwiches, tea and champagne may all be requirements of a good afternoon tea, but the setting is as important and none come prettier than Petersham Nurseries. Surrounded by green plants and pretty flowers in the utterly lovely gardens, it feels like being in another world entirely. Plus, what could be better than a wander around the garden centre afterwards? The display is a showstopper too, with a handblown glass cake stand from Florence, the top half of which is a vase for a floral display. For a more central experience try The Petersham's afternoon tea which runs from Thursdays to Saturdays, 3pm to 5pm.
Price: £45 served with loose-leaf tea, £55 with rose petal Prosecco and £60 with Champagne
When: Saturday and Sunday from 12.30pm
Website: Petershamnurseries.com
Address: Church Lane, Off Petersham Rd, Richmond TW10 7AB
6/21
Sketch
Mayfair's Sketch ticks all the requisite boxes for afternoon tea (dainty cucumber sandwiches, pretty pastries, oodles of freshly brewed Earl Grey), but with a couple of pretty exciting USPs. First, there's the famous Gallery setting, with its powder-pink walls and cocooning, marshmallow-like velvet chairs. It's an Instagrammer's dream. Add in the fact that the walls are lined with 239 original and amusing artworks by David Shrigley, and the setting alone is delicious enough to spread on a warm scone. Secondly, the spacey egg-shape loos are not to be missed. Escape into your own little pod, marvel at the multi-coloured ceiling, and try to get your head around the concave mirrors - trickier than it sounds after a glass or two of the Pommery Champagne. As for the food? The coronation chicken sandwiches are a triumph and I really couldn't choose between the strawberry tart and the Yorkshire rhubarb cheesecake. But why choose at all? All the food is replenishable, so you can eat to your heart's content.
Price: £80 to £116
When: 11am to 4:30pm
Website: sketch.london
Address: 9 Conduit St, London W1S 2XG
Menu: Afternoon tea menu available on a popup on their website
7/21
L'Oscar, Holborn
For a lavish afternoon tea near London's theatre land look no further than L'oscar. Set within the former headquarters of the Baptist Church in a Grade II listed building, designer Jacques Garcia, the man behind La Mamounia and the NoMad hotels, resurrected the building and turned it into one of London's most decadent stays. The daily afternoon tea on offer is inspired by its baroque surroundings, featuring delicious sweet and savoury dishes from egg mimosa and black truffle sandwiches to picture-perfect pastries like ‘La vie en rose’ with lime biscuits, strawberry confit and rose lychee mousse. – Tal Dekel-Daks
Price: £49 per person for the classic option, £59 with champagne
When: Monday to Sunday, 14.30 to 17.00
Website: loscarlondon.com
Address: L’oscar London, 2-6 Southampton Row, London WC1B 4AA
8/21
The Beaumont
Afternoon tea at The Beaumont hotel is a feast for the eyes as much the mouth. Redesigned in 2021, the hotel – with its white, 1920s building – had an Art Deco makeover, the overall effect being one of gilded age opulence. Tea is served in the Gatsby Room, which, with panelled leather walls and mahogany fittings, a (replica) Picasso still life and portraits of high society, Scott Fitzgerald himself would feel 'within and without' here, to quote The Great Gatsby. The tea itself is English refinement-meets-American plenitude: a glass of champagne, a stack of sandwiches (one is pickle and pastrami, a nod to New York), two types of scones, three patisserie and a huge choice of teas to choose from. The menu changes every three or so months, with a festive tea at Christmas. A live pianist means that your ears will also be satisfied. And on your way out, don't miss the Antony Gormley sculpture ‘ROOM’ on the roof, to bring yourself back into the 21st century. – Kitty Grady
Price: £62 per person with glass of champagne
When: Monday to Friday from 2.30pm and 5:30pm (last orders) and Saturday and Sunday, noon to 5:30pm (last orders)
Website: thebeaumont.com
Address: 8 Balderton St, Brown Hart Gardens, London W1K 6TF

Alex Maguire
9/21
Maison Assouline
Publishing house Assouline is best known for its books on all things beautiful and glamorous, and its shop in London fully lives up to that reputation. The building contains a bookshop, a gallery-cum-shopping space, and a café-bar which serves a truly delicious afternoon tea. There are only a few tables, so it's a peaceful place to sit, browse through a book of photography on costume balls or Maria Callas, and take in the serene atmosphere. The Parisian afternoon tea features appropriately-themed sweet and savoury treats, plus a glass of champagne. The service is impeccable, and we think this is one of the most sophisticated places for a quiet tea you're likely to find in London.
Price: £15 or (£25 with champagne) per person
When: 3pm to 5:30pm
Website: maisonassouline.com
Address: 196A Piccadilly, London, W1J 9EY
Menu: A choice of Moroccan Tea which includes fresh mint tea served with a selection of homemade traditional Biscuits, Japanese Tea of traditional green tea served with Japanese sweets or French Tea served with Foie Gras and mini éclairs
10/21
Four Seasons Hotel at Ten Trinity Square
The Four Seasons at Ten Trinity Square's location (right next door to the Tower of London) is as equally grand as the building itself. The grade II-listed Art Deco building, which dates back to 1922, hosts tea in its circular Rotunda, an all-day dining area topped by a dome and centred around a grand piano standing on a circular stage. Their latest afternoon tea is fittingly themed around the crown jewels. Delicate pastries comes shaped as the crown paired with traditional finger sandwiches (Coronation chicken included, naturally) and freshly baked scones with all of the trimmings. There's of course a huge selection of fine teas on the drinks menu. A highlight during our visit was actually the non-alcoholic sparkling tea, one of the best we've tried. – Tal Dekel-Daks
Price: From £65 per person
When: Available every Friday to Sunday
Website: fourseasons.com/tentrinity
Address: 10 Trinity Square, London EC3N 4AJ
Phone: 020 3297 9200
11/21
The Orchid Lounge at Pan Pacific
London via Singapore might sound like an unlikely route to follow for a brilliant afternoon tea, but something about the shared, elegant formality of British and Singaporean culture means that The Orchid Lounge’s southeast Asian take on the famous ritual works perfectly. Elegantly laid out on the ground floor of Liverpool Street’s Pan Pacific hotel, the Orchid Lounge draws on Singapore’s longstanding kopi tiam coffee-shop tradition – albeit with tea sommeliers on hand to give this afternoon tea a distinct Crazy Rich Asians feel. This is hardly one for those who suffer decision fatigue: head pastry chef Cherish Finden has concocted a menu that spans the globe, tea-wise, and which will take you at least two hours to wander through. We tried oolongs from New Zealand and China, tea matured in port barrels in Belgium, sweet white tea from Malawi, a Kashmiri saffron blend and the Orchid Lounge’s own proprietary blend – as well as a range of sweet and savoury accompaniments that change seasonally. A truly glamorous experience with surprises galore.
Price: From £72 per person
When: Thursday to Monday, 12pm to 4:30pm
Website: panpacific.com
Address: 80 Houndsditch, London, EC3A 7AB
12/21
The Stage at The Londoner
Every element of The Londoner's afternoon tea stopped us in our tracks. This west-end tea is all about show-stopping elements and starts with an untraditional Amuse-Bouche Du Jour. Ours was a lemon sorbet with cucumber coulis with flash frozen crumble. Next were the sandwiches, which are generous in quantity, taking up all three tiers of the cake stand, and come with a twist on the traditional fillings, think smoked salmon and Devon crab with yuzu kosho crème fraîche, tea-smoked cured beef on brioche and duck egg with spiced Peppadew mayonnaise on sourdough. Scones are freshly baked on site and the patisseries from the trolley are the artisanal grand finale. You're in good hands when it comes to libations too, the tea cellar menu has been crafted by The East India Company and champagne pairings range from stalwarts like Veuve Clicquot and Dom Pérignon to smaller English vineyards. – Tal Dekel-Daks
Price: From £55 per person
When: Saturdays & Sundays, 12pm to 4.30pm
Website: Thelondoner.com
Address: 38 Leicester Square 7DX, London

13/21
Fortnum & Mason
The Diamond Jubilee tea salon at Fortnum & Mason is a stalwart of the afternoon tea scene, and has long been one of the renowned best in London. Their signature Eau de Nil colours are resplendent on the ceramics, which as every bit as delicate as the cakes, tarts, eclairs, scones and sandwiches on offer.
Price: £70 per person
When: Mondays – Thursdays and Sundays 11:30am – 7.30pm, Saturdays 11am - 8pm
Website: Fortnumandmason.com
Address: Fourth Floor, Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly, St. James's, London W1A 1ER (W1J 9LE for maps)
14/21
The Dorchester
You know you're in good hands for afternoon tea when the chef on hand has just won the UK pastry team European Cup 2022. Michael Kwan's afternoon tea at The Dorchester includes creations like ‘tea-infused ice cream’ and ‘zesty lemon drizzle’. Tea is taken at The Orchid room, and you can pick from the regular or vegan menus. Little ones can choose the children's afternoon tea.

Price: £75 per person or £45 for the children's afternoon tea
When: Daily from 11.30am - 6pm
Website: Dorchestercollection.com
Address: The Dorchester, Park Lane, London W1K 1QA
Menu: Afternoon tea menu
15/21
The Chinoiserie Tea Room at The Carlton Tower Jumeirah, Knightsbridge
Sweet-toothed folk who want to leave behind the sugar should book themselves into Knightbridge's newest festive afternoon tea which runs daily. French baker Jessica Prealpato, the first woman to be named World's Best Pastry Chef no less, has created a sugar-less but sweet festive afternoon tea menu inspired by Kew Gardens. - Tal Dekel-Daks
Price: From £75 per person
When: Daily, 12pm to 5pm
Website: jumeirah.com
Address: 1 Cadogan Place Ground Floor The Carlton Tower Jumeirah, London SW1X 9PY
16/21
Ham Yard
In our eyes, Ham Yard Hotel can do little wrong. From the central location – perfectly placed yet tucked down a quiet side street – to the Kit Kemp interiors, everything is lovely there and afternoon tea is no exception. Settle yourself into the artful surrounds and enjoy a different take with small plates such as duck à l'orange croquettes, rhubarb and custard macarons and baked strawberry cheesecake. If you're in the mood for bubbles, the team serve Rathfinny sparkling wine – a winner in our book.
Price: From £45
When: Daily from 12pm - 4pm
Website: Firmdalehotels.com
Address: 1 Ham Yard, London W1D 7DT

17/21
The Wolseley
The grand European setting of The Wolseley on Piccadilly is home to one of London's finest afternoon teas. The dark, elegant restaurant space is perfect for a rest after doing battle with central London, and the impeccable service has its regulars coming back again and again. The Wolseley offers a range of afternoon teas, complete with exquisitely presented sandwiches, cakes and scones, a silver tea service, and optional champagne.
Price: £19.50 - £58
When: Saturday 3.00pm - 6.30pm, Sunday 3:30pm - 6:30pm
Website: thewolseley.com
Address: 160 Piccadilly, London, W1J 9EB
Menu: Afternoon tea menu
18/21
Dalloway Terrace
The Bloosmbury Hotel's secret-garden restaurant, Dalloway Terrace, is simply lovely. It's half-inside and half-outside, with blankets and heaters for cooler days and protection from any British rain. The afternoon tea is a fragrant delight with treats such as apricot mousse, raspberry and pistachio opera cake and blueberry and violet cupcakes, as well as scones and sandwiches of course. If tea isn't tipple enough, there is of course the option to add champagne, which is always a good idea in our book.
Price: Prices vary
When: 1pm – 4pm
Website: dallowayterrace.com
Address: Dalloway Terrace, 16-22 Great Russell Street, London, WC1B 3NN
Menu: Afternoon tea menu
19/21
The Goring
As you walk into The Goring, the subtle nuances of distinction, refinement and quality are immediately recognisable. In an elegant lounge, guests are first shown a menu with a huge variety of teas before an assortment of sandwiches, scones and cakes are then delivered. The refinement of the delicacies is impeccable, the taste is no less of a delight and they are quick to top up anything you particularly enjoyed. No surprise that The Goring pastry chefs were chosen to make Prince Charles' christening cake.
Price: £75 to £105 per person
When: 12pm to 6pm
Website: thegoring.com
Address: 15 Beeston Place London, SW1W 0JW
Menu: The tea menu and pastries change seasonally
20/21
The Connaught
Choose a table overlooking Tadao Andro's peaceful fountain in the heart of Mayfair and as the harpist plays a wonderful assortment of tranquil arrangements, a delicious array of mouth-watering sandwiches will be laid out and a glass of golden champagne poured for you. Scones (both fruited and plain) follow, accompanied by clotted cream and the best selection of homemade jams, as well as a teapot of the finest tea. To complement the tea, a heavenly selection of the most beautiful cakes arrives. Almost too pretty to eat, you will eventually succumb and polish off the lot with a top-up of tea and champagne, poured for you by the very friendly and attentive team. If you want to while away some hours doing something wonderful, book yourself a table.
Price: Prices vary
When: 2:30pm to 4:45pm
Website: connaught.co.uk
Address: The Connaught, 16 Carlos Pl, London W1K 2AL
Menu: Sample afternoon tea menu

21/21
Café Royal
This afternoon tea takes place in the most opulent of settings: at the Hotel Café Royal just off London’s Regent Street. Their Executive Pastry Chef Loic Carbonnet has curated a wonderfully decadent afternoon tea service. It's served in the Grill Room (whose name doesn't do justice to the golden glamour of this salon) with a live pianist underscoring the experience. This was once Oscar Wilde's favourite London hangout and you can see why. They also offer a wonderful vegan and vegetarian offering.
Price: £75 per person or £85 per person with a glass of N.V. Veuve Clicquot Brut
When: 12:00pm to 5:30pm
Website: hotelcaferoyal.com
Address: Hotel Café Royal, 8-10 Air Street, London W1B 5AB
Menu: Afternoon tea menu
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