ÔÚÏߺÚÁÏÃÅ

Reviewed 12/06/24

Read time: 5 mins.

Did you know that ‘low tea’ and ‘high tea’ refer to whether the tea was taken at low or high dinner tables?

Surprisingly, low tea was considered posher than high tea!

It was the Duchess of Bedfordshire’s 1830’s revamp that turned ‘low tea’ into the modern afternoon tea as we know it.

London is home to some brilliant traditional afternoon tea spots that would certainly befit a duchess, so we’ve put together a list of afternoon teas for you to try.

Want to know which afternoon tea is best in London? Here are our top 10:

1. 

Best for: a truly British afternoon tea.

• Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea with a twist from the first Grand Hotel to ever serve afternoon tea

• Their menu, overseen by Michel Roux Jr, features pastries inspired by British classics such as custard creams, bread and butter pudding and hobnobs

• Set in The Langham’s grand Palm Court with impressive offerings from their resident pianist

• Looking for an afternoon tea for kids in London? The Langham’s kids’ afternoon tea features jigsaw sandwiches, pastries and Valrhona hot chocolate

• Dietary requirements: Vegan, vegetarian and gluten free afternoon tea menus are available

• Dress code: Smart casual

• Open: Wednesdays to Sundays 12.30pm – 5pm

Nearest stations: Oxford Circus.

Prices start from £70pp | £85pp for afternoon tea with Champagne.

2. 

Best for: an afternoon tea in royal grounds.

• While The Orangery is temporarily closed for refurbishment, afternoon tea can now be enjoyed in The Pavilion at Kensington Palace
• Famed as the only place in London where you can enjoy a classic afternoon tea and scones in royal grounds
• A relaxing and peaceful atmosphere where you can experience afternoon tea in view of the vibrant colours of the Sunken Garden
• Dietary requirements: Vegan, vegetarian and gluten free afternoon teas can be provided
• Dress code: No formal dress code
• Open: Daily 12pm – 4pm

Nearest station: High Street Kensington.

Prices start from £38pp | £48pp ‘Royal Afternoon Tea’ with Champagne.

Fancy a royal afternoon tea? The Pavilion at Kensington Palace is a stone’s through from royal residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. by via flickr.

3. 

Best for: afternoon tea with a royal view.

• Experience The Rubens’ traditional afternoon tea with modern twists along the way
• Their Royal Afternoon Tea has been created by pastry chef Sarah Houghting, inspired by royal events
• A relaxed atmosphere with views of the Royal Mews opposites
• Looking for a day out with the family? Their afternoon tea for kids menu provides plenty of child friendly treats
• Dietary requirements:  Vegetarian, vegan, halal and gluten free afternoon teas can be provided with a minimum of 24 hours notice
• Dress code: Smart casual. Sportswear, flip-flops and non-tailored shorts are not permitted
• Open: Mondays to Fridays & Sundays 12pm – 5pm & Saturdays 12pm – 6pm

Nearest stations: St James’ Park & Victoria.

Prices start from £60pp | £78pp for afternoon tea with Champagne.

4. 

Best for: enjoying a world-famous afternoon tea experience.

• Their traditional afternoon tea has been on the menu since the hotel opened in 1889
• Try a classically elegant afternoon tea or high tea with a modern twist, both created by Executive Pastry Chef, Daniel Pearse
• A sophisticated and relaxed atmosphere with impeccable service and background melodies from the inhouse pianist
• Bring the children along to try the Savoy’s afternoon tea for kids menu
• Dietary requirements: Vegetarian and vegan afternoon teas are available
• Dress code: Smart casual
• Open: Wednesdays & Thursdays 12 pm – 4pm & Fridays & Saturdays 12pm – 6pm

Nearest stations: Charing Cross, Embankment & Covent Garden.

Prices start from £65pp | £80pp for afternoon tea with Champagne.

The Savoy’s afternoon tea features traditional sandwiches and scones, accompanied by impeccably designed afternoon tea pastries. by via flickr. .

5. 

Best for: an elegant refuel whilst exploring the shops.

• An elegant afternoon tea served on the 4th floor of the world-famous department store
• Enjoy their sandwich, patisserie and scone selections featuring seasonal British produce with recommended tea and champagne pairings
• Whilst close to the hustle and bustle of the department store, the background piano melodies provide a calm atmosphere for enjoying the afternoon tea and cakes
• Treat the children to a kids afternoon tea featuring egg soldiers and a chocolate bear cupcake
• Dietary requirements:  Vegan, gluten free and halal afternoon teas are available
• Dress code: Smart casual. Sports shoes, trainers, flip-flops and bare midriffs are not permitted
• Open: Mondays to Fridays 12pm – 7pm, Saturdays 11.30am – 8pm & Sundays 12pm – 6pm

Nearest station: Knightsbridge.

Prices start from £62pp | £83pp for afternoon tea with Champagne.

6. 

Best for: a 5 star afternoon tea experience.

• A traditional afternoon tea served in the hotel’s extravagant former ballroom
• Enjoy a classic British menu alongside teas sourced by their certified Tea Master, Giandomenico Scanu
• Listen out for the classic rendition of ‘Puttin’ on The Ritz’ by resident pianist, Ian Gomes
• Treat the children with their 5 star afternoon tea for kids
• Dietary requirements: Allergen menus are available
• Dress code: Gentlemen are required to wear a jacket and tie. Jeans and sportswear are not permitted
• Open: Daily with servings at 11.30am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm, 5.30pm & 7.30pm

Nearest station: Green Park.

Prices start from £67pp | £89pp for afternoon tea with Champagne.

Enjoy 5* service with afternoon tea at The Ritz. by via flickr. .

7. 

Best for: afternoon tea in London with cocktails.

• Treat yourself to a Bridgerton afternoon tea at The Lanesborough
• Set in the picturesque Lanesborough Grill, featuring Grecian columns and reliefs along with crystal chandeliers
• Enjoy the traditional afternoon tea treats with a floral flare, including the citrus ‘Pall Mall’ cocktail
• Their children’s Bridgerton afternoon tea features a selection of child friendly sandwiches and cakes
• Dietary requirements: Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free afternoon tea options are available
• Dress code: Smart casual
• Open: Mondays to Thursdays 2.30pm – 4pm, Fridays & Saturdays 12pm – 4pm & Sundays 3.30pm – 4.30pm

Nearest station: Hyde Park Corner.

Prices start from £65pp | £80pp for afternoon tea with Champagne | £35pp Children’s afternoon tea

8. 

Best for: sampling the ‘perfect cup of tea’.

• Claridge’s have been serving and perfecting the art of their afternoon tea for over 150 years
• Enjoy rare teas sourced from all over the world alongside traditional English afternoon tea treats with a French flair
• Served in the grand Foyer & Reading Room by their attentive team
• Claridge’s afternoon tea for kids features freshly baked scones alongside child friendly sandwiches and pastries
• Dietary requirements: Vegan, gluten free, vegetarian and nut free afternoon tea options can be prepared at 24 hours’ notice
• Dress code: No formal dress code. Smart casual dress is suggested
• Open: Daily 2.45pm – 5.30pm

Nearest station: Bond Street.

Prices start from £75pp | £85pp for afternoon tea with Champagne.

Enjoy freshly prepared seasonal sweet and savoury treats at Claridge’s afternoon tea. by via flickr. .

9. 

Best for: afternoon tea for a pastry and dessert lover.

• Traditional afternoon tea served in the peaceful elegance of the Orchid Room
• Enjoy the colourful pastries from multi award-winning pastry chef, Michael Kwan alongside rare and speciality teas, as well as the Dorchester’s own tea blends
• Featuring enchanting afternoon melodies from their resident pianist whilst you dine
• The Dorchester’s children’s afternoon tea features bite size sandwiches and treats designed by children for children, with the help of their partner school, Manorfield Primary
• Dietary requirements: A vegan afternoon tea menu is available
• Dress code: Smart casual. Shorts, baseball caps, trainers and flip flops are not permitted
• Open: Daily 11.30am – 6pm

Nearest station: Hyde Park Corner.

Prices start from £75pp | £85pp for afternoon tea with Champagne.

10. 

Best for: a fresh take on the traditional afternoon tea.

• Traditional afternoon tea with a sprinkle of American influence, giving a nod to the hotel’s transatlantic heritage
• Set in the Gatsby’s Room, a relaxing spot in the heart of the hotel
• Admire the live piano music whilst sipping on an afternoon tea cocktail or one of their rare and seasonal teas
• Their children’s tea features much loved sandwiches and pastries with an American twist
• Dietary requirements: Vegan, gluten free and children’s afternoon tea menus are available
• Dress code: No formal dress code. Patrons are advised to dress smartly
• Open: Mondays to Fridays 2.30pm – 5.30pm & 12pm - 5.30pm Saturdays & Sundays

Nearest station: Bond Street.

Prices start from £52pp | £71pp for afternoon tea with a Champagne cocktail.

Those are our best afternoon tea spots in London, which one is your favourite? Let us know on our socials.

Do you have any other suggestions for where is best for afternoon tea in London? We’d love to know!

And if you’d like to treat a friend or loved one to a taste of afternoon tea at home, why not try one of our afternoon tea hampers. Available for UK and international gift delivery.

Enjoy an afternoon tea that can be delivered to your door with our afternoon tea hampers UK delivered.

If you’ve enjoyed this blog, don’t forget to share it!