Right now I wish to convey you my information to the place to seek out the perfect afternoon tea in London. This beloved British custom is a scrumptious indulgence, and the town has loads of choices for all tastes and preferences. I’ve spent years testing out the town’s prime choices, and now I wish to let you know concerning the ones that stand out above the remaining. 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 mates collectively for tea and desserts. Her thought sparked a pattern that ultimately grew to become an establishment in England.
Right now resorts and eating places throughout London vie for coveted awards for the perfect afternoon tea in London. They work arduous to tell apart their choices and stand out from the competitors.
From conventional providers to themed ones, loads of 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 record of the perfect afternoon teas in London, it’s value telling you my methodology. Whereas I don’t have a strict set of standards I take advantage of for judging them, I do care about a number of issues.
First and most significantly, the meals needs to be good. It at all times 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 tug 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, beneath is my record of locations the place you’ll discover the perfect afternoon tea in London. Regardless of in case you’re searching for an important day afternoon tea or a very good worth afternoon tea, London has one thing for each style, finances, and magnificence.
1. Fortnum & Mason
Should you’ve learn my Fortnum & Mason afternoon tea evaluation, you’ll perceive why I’ve put it on the prime of this record.
The enduring division retailer in St James’s affords a tea with stunning pastries which have flavors that stay as much as their facades. And that’s to say nothing of the sandwiches, scones, and repair.
Moreover, the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon is without doubt 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 adequate for her, it’s adequate for the remainder of us, proper? Proper.
2. The Goring
Subsequent on my record is The Goring. This heritage luxurious lodge in Belgravia affords one other of the perfect afternoon teas in London.
The Goring shouldn’t be solely well-known for its royal connections (the Queen Mum was a daily right here, and Kate Middleton stayed in a collection the evening earlier than the Royal Wedding 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 wish to partake in The Eating Room or on The Veranda, with a glass of champagne or with out, it’s certain to thrill even probably the most discerning company.
3. Brown’s Lodge
Subsequent on my record of the perfect afternoon teas in London is Brown’s Lodge. This five-star landmark property in Mayfair is understood for providing a conventional 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 pleasurable factor to do. From the basic wood-paneled tearoom to the stay piano music and stylish pastries, it’s unattainable to not fall in love with this place.
If you wish to study extra, you may learn my evaluation of Brown’s afternoon tea in London. It can present you all the small print, from the sandwiches to the service and ambiance.
4. The Dorchester
Proper on Park Lane, The Dorchester affords one other of the highest afternoon teas in London. This luxurious lodge in Mayfair is without doubt one of the most well-known locations to remain in London, and it has probably the greatest tea choices, too.
Afternoon tea at The Dorchester is an expertise for all of the senses. The Promenade options plush chairs, Corinthian columns, basic decor. The meals and repair are irreproachable, and it’s an total unparalleled expertise.
If you wish to study extra, you may learn my Dorchester afternoon tea evaluation for extra info, pictures, and particulars.
5. The Ritz
The Ritz is subsequent on my record of the perfect afternoon teas in London. Proper on Piccadilly by Inexperienced Park, this iconic luxurious lodge is without doubt 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 Courtroom’s ornate mirrors and gilding to the picture-pretty pastries and fantastic teas, it’s value splurging to expertise it.
If you wish to know extra, you may check out my evaluation of afternoon tea at The Ritz. Should you e book, keep in mind there’s a strict gown code as properly.
6. The Corinthia
Subsequent on my record is The Corinthia, which has the prettiest afternoon tea in London. With a light-weight, ethereal ambiance beneath the eye-catching foyer dome and well-known chandelier, it’s the right place to sit down and indulge.
The Corinthia’s afternoon tea providing is nice for pictures, too. Each pastry is an beautiful murals, and the brilliant ambiance and pure gentle coming in by way of the dome make it simple to take footage of the candy treats. They give the impression of being wonderful in pictures and movies.
If you wish to study extra, you may try my evaluation of afternoon tea at The Corinthia. It has all the small print of the expertise, and extra pictures to take a look at.
7. Claridge’s
Again in Mayfair, Claridge’s is subsequent on my record of London’s prime afternoon teas. This landmark five-star lodge is adept at mixing timeless class with trendy touches.
Afternoon tea at Claridge’s is a delight to expertise. The menu affords a conventional 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 may learn my evaluation of Claridge’s afternoon tea. It can present you further particulars and pictures of my expertise.
8. The Petersham
The Petersham lodge in Richmond is one other place that deserves a spot on my record of the perfect afternoon teas in London.
It is a enjoyable one to expertise in case you’re searching for a conventional afternoon tea with a barely lower cost level than the luxurious resorts in central London. It affords all of the basic sandwiches, scones, and pastries in a beautiful tearoom.
Should you’re curious to study extra about it, you may check out my evaluation of The Petersham afternoon tea. It offers you extra of an thought of what you’ll expertise in case 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 basic providing is about in a gorgeous tearoom on Hyde Park in Knightsbridge.
The Mandarin Oriental’s afternoon tea is without doubt one of the prettiest of its type within the metropolis. The tiered trays are suspended from distinctive hanging cake stands that appear 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 may check out my evaluation of afternoon tea on the Mandarin Oriental. It can present you pictures and particulars concerning the service.
10. The Stafford
The Sport Hen restaurant at The Stafford in St James’s affords one other of the perfect afternoon teas within the UK capital. This beloved five-star lodge is a superb place to take pleasure in a basic tea expertise.
Afternoon tea at The Stafford is introduced within the conventional method with a singular twist. Pastries are served table-side from a bespoke handcrafted trolley. Friends can select from a number of them and a server will plate them on a tiered tray.
Once I had afternoon tea at The Stafford I cherished the basic ambiance, attentive service, and good meals. If you wish to observe in my footsteps, remember the fact that there’s a gown code right here.
11. The Langham
The Palm Courtroom 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 excellent spot for indulging.
The Langham affords a basic 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.
Once I had afternoon tea right here I cherished the tranquil ambiance, conventional sandwiches, scones, and pastries, and exquisite environment. It’s an excellent one to attempt.
12. The Ampersand Lodge
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 strong tea providing all year long, it’s considered one of 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 provide you with 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 kids of all ages with its whimsical menu. It contains objects like fizzy lifting drinks, chocolate “swudge” milkshakes, “snozzberry” jam, and different tantalizing treats.
Should you love Roald Dahl and also you wish to indulge your internal Willy Wonka, that is simply the (golden) ticket. Everybody in your loved ones will find it irresistible.
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 properly thought out that you just’ll really imagine you’ve fallen down the rabbit gap.
Once I got here right here for tea I cherished the holistic nature of the providing. Each element was rigorously deliberate, and the meals and repair had been nice.
15. Conrad London St. James
The Conrad London St. James affords one other of the perfect afternoon teas in London. This place serves a up to date tea proper between Buckingham Palace, St James’s Park, and the enduring landmarks in Westminster.
The lodge’s season-themed afternoon tea is introduced in The Orchard Room. This elegant house is lined with floral preparations and topped with a glass roof, making it the right place to loosen up and take pleasure in candy and savory goodies.
Once I had tea right here I cherished the beautiful pastries, the brilliant ambiance of the room, and the attentive service. It’s an excellent place to have tea in case you’re sightseeing within the space.
16. The Andaz
Over by Liverpool Road station, the Andaz lodge serves one other scrumptious afternoon tea in London. Should you’re within the Metropolis or the East Finish, it’s an excellent 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 affords JING teas alongside basic trays of meals.
If you wish to study extra, you may check out my evaluation of the Andaz lodge afternoon tea. It has all the small print and pictures from my expertise.
17. The Milestone Lodge
Proper by Kensington Gardens, The Milestone Lodge affords one other of the highest afternoon teas in London. This five-star boutique lodge in Kensington is a conventional place to indulge within the UK capital. It’s proper on Hyde Park, too.
The tearoom right here is cozy and basic, 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 quite a bit to like concerning the total expertise. The parts are beneficiant, too.
Should you’re curious to see extra, you may check out my evaluation of afternoon tea at The Milestone Lodge. It has all the small print and pictures from my expertise.
18. Sketch
Should you’ve ever been to Sketch, you’ll know why I’ve put it on my record of the perfect afternoon tea in London. Not solely does this restaurant have beautiful pastries with flavors that stay as much as expectations, however The Gallery can 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 gorgeous 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 most of the different afternoon teas on my record, 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 gained’t break the financial institution, it affords an excellent steadiness.
And since afternoon tea in London is such an indulgence, a little bit of steadiness is simply the factor. Should you agree, this can be a good choice.
20. Threadneedles
Subsequent on my record is Threadneedles. Not solely is that this 5-star luxurious lodge one of many greatest locations to remain within the Metropolis of London, but it surely additionally has an excellent afternoon tea providing.
The Dome Lounge is the right setting for tea. Located beneath a grand historic dome (therefore the identify), it’s an excellent place to take pleasure in basic English finger sandwiches and candy treats. The menu was created by Marco Pierre White, too.
If you wish to study extra, you may learn my evaluation of afternoon tea at Threadneedles. It has all the small print of my expertise, plus pictures and extra.
21. St Ermin’s Lodge
Tucked away in a reasonably courtyard close to St James’s Park and Buckingham Palace, St Ermin’s Lodge in Westminster has one other of the perfect afternoon teas in London.
The lodge affords a number of candy and savory treats impressed by seasonal components from its rooftop kitchen backyard. It’s a singular approach to convey the outside inside.
Once I had tea right here, I cherished the presentation. I needed to take the attractive tea tray dwelling with me, to not point out the scrumptious sandwiches, scones, and pastries.
22. The Jumeirah Carlton Tower
Subsequent on my record of the perfect afternoon teas in London is the one at The Jumeirah Carlton Tower lodge in Knightsbridge.
Served day by day in The Chinoiserie Tea Room, the lodge’s providing is a sublime one. It options all of the basic afternoon tea delicacies in a refined ambiance. There’s all kinds of meals on supply, in addition to a hand-picked number of teas.
Should you’re curious to study extra, you may learn my evaluation of afternoon tea at The Jumeirah Carlton Tower. It has all the small print about my expertise, in addition to pictures.
23. Sofitel London St James
Subsequent on my record of the perfect afternoon teas within the UK capital is the one on the Sofitel London St James. This gorgeous luxurious lodge on Waterloo Place is a gorgeous 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 kids’s menu, too.
If you wish to know extra, you may learn my weblog submit concerning 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 affords one of many prime conventional afternoon teas in London. This Regency-style luxurious lodge is a superb place to take pleasure in a refreshing break after a giant stroll within the park.
Tea is served day by day in The Lanesborough Grill, and it’s accompanied by a stay pianist on weekends. It contains all the normal sandwiches, scones, and pastries, and there are seasonal themed choices.
If you wish to study extra, you may check out my evaluation of afternoon tea at The Lanesborough. It has the small print about my expertise. Should you go, remember the fact that there’s a gown code.
25. Mariage Freres
Proper within the coronary heart of Covent Backyard, Mariage Freres is one other of my favourite afternoon teas in London. Should you’re searching for a conventional 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 patrons beneath.
The meals right here is each ingenious and scrumptious, as you’d anticipate from French delicacies. Given this store focuses on tea, you’re in for a deal with in terms of 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 perfect afternoon tea in London. You’ll be able to see it right here. It offers you an thought of the place they’re in relation to at least one one other so you may select the best one for you.
Finest Afternoon Tea in London
I hope you’ve loved my record of the perfect afternoon teas in London, and that it’s impressed you to attempt them. Whether or not you select one or all, I’m certain you’ll just like the particular mix of deliciousness and delight these spots ship on.
In order for you extra, you may 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 perfect gluten-free afternoon teas in London.
If you wish to dive deeper, you may check out my weblog posts about conventional English dishes, probably the most basic English desserts, and English drinks.
And if you wish to do all of it the correct manner, my information to afternoon tea etiquette and my submit concerning the British tea tradition are must-reads.
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