Afternoon Tea In London: 15 Experiences Not To Miss

Are you looking for places to have tea in London? You are in the right place.

In this article, I will walk you through the best afternoon places in London and tell you everything you need to know so you can decide where to visit.

Afternoon Tea has a long tradition in England. It is believed that Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford came up with the idea in 1840.

The Duchess was hungry at 4 pm and couldn’t wait until her 8 pm dinner, so afternoon tea was born.

Londoners drink a lot of tea, approximately 100 million cups a day.

it’s only the aristocracy that indulges in this tradition regularly these days.

What Is Afternoon Tea?

An afternoon tea typically contains finger sandwiches, small cakes, and scones with jam and cream served with tea or champagne.

Having a London afternoon tea is one of the things you should do when visiting London.

Most hotels stop for tea time in London, and some restaurants also offer afternoon tea.

Afternoon tea is much more about the experience than the food.

In this list, I have included a varied range of the best afternoon places in London but this list is only a start. High Tea is served almost everywhere in various locations in various forms.

Here are what I feel are the places to have the best high tea in London. Grab yourself a slice of cake, and a cup of tea, and let me make your mouth water.

There are plenty of tours in London that offer afternoon tea!

Afternoon Tea In London: 15 Best Experiences Not To Skip

The Ritz, Piccadilly

The Ritz London afternoon tea is probably the most well-known and iconic.

I feel everyone needs to have an afternoon here at least once in their lifetime.

Tea here is served in the hotel’s original ballroom which is as grand as rooms come, with gold detailing elaborate chandeliers, marble columns, and a pianist playing in the background.

The food is exquisite and there are 18 different teas to choose from.

Everything is traditional: finger sandwiches, warm scones, pastries, cakes, and tarts. They will also box up for you whatever you can not eat.

You will need to book well in advance as it does get booked up and there is a dress code, jacket, and tie for men and smart casual for women.

When you book you will also be told how long you have the table for and you will need to leave before then.

For all this decadence expect to pay the same per person as you would for an evening meal.

After tea, plan to visit all the hidden gems in London.

The Savoy, The Strand 

The Savoy London afternoon tea is somewhat of an institution.

They have been serving afternoon teas here for over a century and the tradition is still strong.

London tea here is served in the Thames Foyer, a stunning glass-domed atrium with a pianist playing in the background.

It’s a very traditional tea with over 30 types of tea.

Expect all the usual items served with crisp linen, flower cups, and silver teapots. Everything here is light and airy.

You’ll need to book in advance with a smart casual dress code.

This is also a great place to get vegan afternoon tea in London.

Here are suggestions for couples visiting London.

Afternoon Tea In London: Brown’s Hotel, Mayfair

Queen Victoria loved afternoon tea at Brown’s.

Here everything is quintessentially English and tradition oozes out of every crevice.

Brown’s afternoon tea in London is taken in the Drawing Room which is all wood paneling, striking artworks, and floral-covered chairs.

Many say they have the best scones in London here and the food is divine.

Everything is traditional and they do a great themed afternoon tea for children.

You will need to book and there is a dress code.

If you are looking for an exciting evening check out the best rooftop bars in London.

The Shard, London Bridge

If you are looking for afternoon tea in London with a view then the Shard is the place to come.

Served in the Oblix restaurant on the 32nd floor the view is stunning.

The afternoon tea here is a twist of the classic with things like cranberry scones, duck egg with truffle mayonnaise sandwiches, and crunchy chocolate pecan pastries all gracing the menu.

You need to book ahead and it’s a smart casual dress code.

This is one of the best afternoon places in London if you are searching for something different.

Even if you only have 1 day in London!

Afternoon Tea In London: Brigit’s Bakery Afternoon Tea Bus Tour

English high tea served on an iconic London Bus while touring London landmarks?

Yes, you can do that in London too. You will tour the heart of London while enjoying a classic afternoon tea with a modern twist.

The sights you will see include Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, Westminster, St James’s Palace, the historic National History Museum the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Food includes a pretzel with tuna and mayo, a savory muffin with feta, peppers, sun-dried tomato, and Yuzu meringue tart.

It’s also a great place to get gluten-free tea in London and vegan afternoon tea in London.

Afternoon tea on a London bus is pretty much the definition of iconic.

This is a great way to experience one of the unusual things to do in London!

Tea In London With Kids: Wizard’s Afternoon Tea Experience At The Wands And Wizard Exploratorium, Soho

London tea here comes with a spellbinding interactive experience. If you are after a themed tea in London the Wands and Wizard Exploratorium is the place to come.

This tea experience in London is different and children will love it. With a wand, you unlock a chest to find your tea brewing equipment.

You will make two interactive teas and enjoy them with sandwiches and funky desserts.

You will need to book in advance and the cost is mid-range for an afternoon tea experience. This is one of the more Unusual Things To Do In London.

Ampersand Hotel Offers The Best Vegan Tea In London

Looking for vegan afternoon tea in London? Head to the Ampersand Hotel.

This afternoon tea in South Kensington is science-based and is an absolute delight.

Expect petri dish condiments, solar system mousse, dry ice, and other interesting and interactive concoctions.

This award-winning English high tea comes with vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and children’s options.

The vegan menu includes a vegan hot dog in a sweet chili bun, black bean, and sundried tomato.

Mayo sandwiches and mini dinosaur dark chocolate fossils, hidden within chocolate “soil” are offered.

The Langham Hotel, Marylebone

Afternoon tea in London started at The Langham. The first-afternoon tea was served here in 1856 and this hotel celebrates all things British.

Afternoon Tea is served in The Palm Cort which is stunning.

It’s a traditional offering with a modern twist.

The children’s afternoon tea is well thought through with jigsaw sandwiches and child-friendly items.

Here they serve some of the best scones in London they are fluffy and light.

This is one of the most expensive afternoon teas in London. For a delightful luxurious afternoon tea in London visit The Langham.

Tea and Tattle, Bloomsbury

Afternoon teas can be expensive and afternoon tea deals in London can be difficult to find.

If you are after cheap tea in London without compromising taste take a trip to Tea and Tattle.

Close to the British Museum in the basement of a bookshop this cozy tea parlor offers one of the best value cream teas in London.

Coming in at under £20 you get tea, sandwiches, cake, and a scone. Here it is all about quality afternoon tea at an affordable price.

There’s a lot to discover especially when visiting London with kids.

Biscuiteers, Belgravia, And Notting Hill

For one of the best Christmas afternoon teas in London head to Biscuiteers.

With locations in Belgravia and Notting Hill, you will find an Instagram-worthy modern and trendy festive afternoon tea in London.

Biscuiteers are known for their incredibly detailed, hand-iced biscuits.

And while they appear in their afternoon teas you will also find Vanilla and Pear Panna Cota, White Chocolate and Cranberry Macaron, and delicious sandwiches.

Look Here: Afternoon Tea Cruise On The River Thames

Hotel Café Royal, Regent Street

For a decadent high tea experience head to Cafe Royal.

Tea is served in the historic Grill Room which is ornate, golden, and glamourous.

Stepping here is like stepping back in time. It is an afternoon tea in central London to remember.

Cafe Royal is an icon from a time gone by and is much loved by celebrities.

Oscar Wilde, Elizabeth Taylor, The Beatles, Muhammad Ali, and David Bowie were famous patrons here.

They have one of the best Christmas afternoon tea in London.

Delights like honey roast gammon sandwiches with chestnut butter; pear and gingerbread sorbet are served.

It’s expensive and has a dress code.

Look Here: Royal Neighborhood Walk & Luxury High Tea

Tea In London: Harrods, Knightsbridge

For a truly iconic London experience head to Harrods for afternoon tea. The Harrods Tea Room opened in 1911 and it offers the most English experience.

The Tea room is huge seating up to 1200 people and it’s a beautiful art deco space with skylights, wrought iron, and lush booths.

While it’s big it also feels intimate and you never feel rushed here.

The food is a delight with items such as Poached Ballantine of Bronze Turkey, Paris-Brest Choux Bun, and Raspberry Linzer Bauble Spiced Linzer Sable.

The vegan afternoon tea menu is also available.

Their tea selection is among the best in the world and the tea-based cocktails are also worth a mention.

Booking is advised and there is a dress code. The price is expensive but honestly, I’m not sure the experience gets more iconic than it does here.

Afternoon Tea in Harrods, Knightsbridge is a real experience.

Look here: Afternoon Tea Bus Experience

Sketch Gallery, Mayfair

This is an Instagram hot spot in London where even the toilets make a perfect Instagram picture.

Afternoon Tea is served in the Instagram-friendly Gallery which used to be pink but has recently turned yellow. They serve one of the best Christmas afternoon teas in Mayfair.

The festive tea menu includes Foe Gras Brioche Buns, Lychee, and Redcurrent Eclaire.

The scones have raspberry and poppy seed jam.

This place is one of those must-see restaurants with some of the most quirky decor and afternoon tea here is a unique experience.

Look Here: Classic London Afternoon Tea Bus Tour

One Aldwych, Covent Garden, For Afternoon Tea In London

One Aldwych serves a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory afternoon tea-themed tea.

In the heart of London’s theatreland, it’s a great treat before an evening at the theatre.

Items include ‘not quite as it seems beetroot macaron’, ‘violet and lemon choux’, ‘fabulous fluffy floss’, and ‘snozzberry’ jam. Nothing is quite as it seems here.

As you immerse yourself in Roald Dahl’s iconic story You will feel like a child. If you have children they will love it.

For a unique afternoon tea in London head here.

There are so many great things to do in Covent Garden, so plan to stay awhile!

Look Here: London Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

Swan At The Globe, Bankside, To Experience Contemporary Tea In London

For an afternoon tea in London with a difference go to The Swan.

The contemporary dining room is by the River Thames and has a great view.

Within Shakespeare’s Globe, it is no wonder this afternoon tea is Shakespear-themed with their  ‘Romeo and Juliet’ tea being an absolute dream.

For those who don’t like sweet things they have one of the finest savory afternoon teas in London

This is a reasonably priced afternoon tea in central London.

Look Here: Magic of London Tour with afternoon tea at Harrods

If you have a week in London, consider exploring more than one of these locations!

And if this is your first trip to London my 16 Things To Know Before Your First Time In London might be helpful.

Look Here: The London Pass with attractions and tours

Packing List For Having Tea In London

Packing lightly using only a carry-on whether driving or flying into London is always a great idea.

This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors.

These RFID sleeves would be handy to prevent identity theft.

This  Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on my trips.

My daughter gifted me this FugeTek Selfie Stick and Tripod for my birthday. It has Bloothtooth connectivity so it is easy to use.

I was never a fan of packing cubes until I tried them out! These Bagail packing cubes are the exact ones I use whenever I travel!

I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for travel.

The replaceable carbon filter ensures clean fresh water whenever you want it.

Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would fit snugly into a carry-on.

You will want a backpack or daypack to store snacks, water bottles, phones, extra clothes, etc. This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great.