Right this moment 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 town has loads of choices for all tastes and preferences. I’ve spent years testing out town’s high choices, and now I wish to let you know concerning the ones that stand out above the remainder. I’ve included a map, too.
Greatest Afternoon Tea in London
The ritual of afternoon tea started within the nineteenth century. Anna, seventh Duchess of Bedford, began gathering associates collectively for tea and muffins. Her thought sparked a pattern that ultimately turned an establishment in England.
Right this moment accommodations and eating places throughout London vie for coveted awards for the perfect afternoon tea in London. They work onerous to tell apart their choices and stand out from the competitors.
From conventional companies to themed ones, loads of effort goes into creating each quintessential and non-traditional tea experiences. Guests and locals alike take pleasure in attempting the total vary.
Earlier than I begin my listing 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 exploit for judging them, I do care about a number of issues.
First and most significantly, the meals must 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 should 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 have to 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 drag 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, under is my listing of locations the place you’ll discover the perfect afternoon tea in London. Regardless of should you’re on the lookout for an important day afternoon tea or worth afternoon tea, London has one thing for each style, price range, and magnificence.
1. Fortnum & Mason
In the event you’ve learn my Fortnum & Mason afternoon tea overview, you’ll perceive why I’ve put it on the high of this listing.
The long-lasting division retailer in St James’s provides a tea with lovely pastries which have flavors that dwell as much as their facades. And that’s to say nothing of the sandwiches, scones, and repair.
Moreover, the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon is among 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 listing is The Goring. This heritage luxurious lodge in Belgravia provides one other of the perfect afternoon teas in London.
The Goring is just not solely well-known for its royal connections (the Queen Mum was a daily right here, and Kate Middleton stayed in a collection the night time earlier than the Royal Wedding ceremony), but in addition 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 positive to please even probably the most discerning company.
3. Brown’s Lodge
Subsequent on my listing of the perfect afternoon teas in London is Brown’s Lodge. This five-star landmark property in Mayfair is understood for providing a standard English expertise. It’s even mentioned 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 fulfilling factor to do. From the traditional wood-paneled tearoom to the dwell piano music and stylish pastries, it’s not possible to not fall in love with this place.
If you wish to study extra, you may learn my overview of Brown’s afternoon tea in London. It’s going to present you all the main points, from the sandwiches to the service and environment.
4. The Dorchester
Proper on Park Lane, The Dorchester provides one other of the highest afternoon teas in London. This luxurious lodge in Mayfair is among the most well-known locations to remain in London, and it has among the finest tea choices, too.
Afternoon tea at The Dorchester is an expertise for all of the senses. The Promenade options plush chairs, Corinthian columns, traditional decor. The meals and repair are irreproachable, and it’s an general unparalleled expertise.
If you wish to study extra, you may learn my Dorchester afternoon tea overview for extra info, photographs, and particulars.
5. The Ritz
The Ritz is subsequent on my listing of the perfect afternoon teas in London. Proper on Piccadilly by Inexperienced Park, this iconic luxurious lodge is among the most well-known locations to have tea within the metropolis.
Afternoon tea at The Ritz is a very particular expertise. From The Palm Courtroom’s ornate mirrors and gilding to the picture-pretty pastries and tremendous teas, it’s value splurging to expertise it.
If you wish to know extra, you may check out my overview of afternoon tea at The Ritz. In the event you guide, bear in mind there’s a strict gown code as effectively.
6. The Corinthia
Subsequent on my listing is The Corinthia, which has the prettiest afternoon tea in London. With a lightweight, 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 images, too. Each pastry is an beautiful murals, and the brilliant environment and pure gentle coming in by way of the dome make it straightforward to take footage of the candy treats. They appear superb in photographs and movies.
If you wish to study extra, you may take a look at my overview of afternoon tea at The Corinthia. It has all the main points of the expertise, and extra photographs to take a look at.
7. Claridge’s
Again in Mayfair, Claridge’s is subsequent on my listing of London’s high afternoon teas. This landmark five-star lodge is adept at mixing timeless magnificence with trendy touches.
Afternoon tea at Claridge’s is a delight to expertise. The menu provides a standard 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 overview of Claridge’s afternoon tea. It’s going to present you further particulars and photographs of my expertise.
8. The Petersham
The Petersham lodge in Richmond is one other place that deserves a spot on my listing of the perfect afternoon teas in London.
It is a enjoyable one to expertise should you’re on the lookout for a standard afternoon tea with a barely lower cost level than the luxurious accommodations in central London. It provides all of the traditional sandwiches, scones, and pastries in a beautiful tearoom.
In the event you’re curious to study extra about it, you may check out my overview of The Petersham afternoon tea. It offers you extra of an thought of what you’ll expertise should 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 traditional providing is ready in a gorgeous tearoom on Hyde Park in Knightsbridge.
The Mandarin Oriental’s afternoon tea is among the prettiest of its type within the metropolis. The tiered trays are suspended from distinctive hanging cake stands that seem like golden bushes, and the dishes are lovely. 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 overview of afternoon tea on the Mandarin Oriental. It’s going to present you photographs and particulars concerning the service.
10. The Stafford
The Recreation Chook restaurant at The Stafford in St James’s provides 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 traditional tea expertise.
Afternoon tea at The Stafford is offered within the conventional method with a novel twist. Pastries are served table-side from a bespoke handcrafted trolley. Company can select from a choice of them and a server will plate them on a tiered tray.
Once I had afternoon tea at The Stafford I liked the traditional environment, attentive service, and good meals. If you wish to comply with 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 in addition an excellent spot for indulging.
The Langham provides a traditional 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 liked the tranquil environment, conventional sandwiches, scones, and pastries, and exquisite environment. It’s an excellent one to attempt.
12. The Ampersand Lodge
Over in South Kensington, I 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 one in all my favourite summer time 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 unit 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 youngsters.
The Charlie & the Chocolate Manufacturing unit tea delights youngsters of all ages with its whimsical menu. It consists of gadgets like fizzy lifting drinks, chocolate “swudge” milkshakes, “snozzberry” jam, and different tantalizing treats.
In the event you love Roald Dahl and also you wish to indulge your inside Willy Wonka, that is simply the (golden) ticket. Everybody in your loved ones will adore it.
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 effectively thought out that you just’ll truly imagine you’ve fallen down the rabbit gap.
Once I got here right here for tea I liked 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 provides one other of the perfect afternoon teas in London. This place serves a recent tea proper between Buckingham Palace, St James’s Park, and the long-lasting landmarks in Westminster.
The lodge’s season-themed afternoon tea is offered in The Orchard Room. This elegant area is lined with floral preparations and topped with a glass roof, making it the right place to loosen up and bask in candy and savory goodies.
Once I had tea right here I liked the beautiful pastries, the brilliant environment of the room, and the attentive service. It’s an excellent place to have tea should you’re sightseeing within the space.
16. The Andaz
Over by Liverpool Avenue station, the Andaz lodge serves one other scrumptious afternoon tea in London. In the event you’re within the Metropolis or the East Finish, it’s an excellent possibility.
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 provides JING teas alongside traditional trays of meals.
If you wish to study extra, you may check out my overview of the Andaz lodge afternoon tea. It has all the main points and photographs from my expertise.
17. The Milestone Lodge
Proper by Kensington Gardens, The Milestone Lodge provides one other of the highest afternoon teas in London. This five-star boutique lodge in Kensington is a standard place to indulge within the UK capital. It’s proper on Hyde Park, too.
The tearoom right here is cozy and traditional, and it feels such as you’re ensconced in a Victorian drawing room. The meals is contemporary and the scones served heat, and there’s quite a bit to like concerning the general expertise. The parts are beneficiant, too.
In the event you’re curious to see extra, you may check out my overview of afternoon tea at The Milestone Lodge. It has all the main points and photographs from my expertise.
18. Sketch
In the event you’ve ever been to Sketch, you’ll know why I’ve put it on my listing of the perfect afternoon tea in London. Not solely does this restaurant have beautiful pastries with flavors that dwell as much as expectations, however The Gallery can also 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 beautiful 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 lots of the different afternoon teas on my listing, however you may not 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 are feeling such as you’re taking tea with the seventh Duchess of Bedford however informal sufficient that it received’t break the financial institution, it provides an excellent steadiness.
And since afternoon tea in London is such an indulgence, a little bit of steadiness is simply the factor. In the event you agree, it is a good possibility.
20. Threadneedles
Subsequent on my listing is Threadneedles. Not solely is that this 5-star luxurious lodge one of many greatest locations to remain within the Metropolis of London, however it additionally has an excellent afternoon tea providing.
The Dome Lounge is the right setting for tea. Located below a grand historic dome (therefore the identify), it’s an excellent place to take pleasure in traditional 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 overview of afternoon tea at Threadneedles. It has all the main points of my expertise, plus photographs and extra.
21. St Ermin’s Lodge
Tucked away in a fairly 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 provides a choice of candy and savory treats impressed by seasonal substances from its rooftop kitchen backyard. It’s a novel technique to convey the outside inside.
Once I had tea right here, I liked the presentation. I needed to take the attractive tea tray house with me, to not point out the scrumptious sandwiches, scones, and pastries.
22. The Jumeirah Carlton Tower
Subsequent on my listing of the perfect afternoon teas in London is the one at The Jumeirah Carlton Tower lodge in Knightsbridge.
Served each day in The Chinoiserie Tea Room, the lodge’s providing is a sublime one. It options all of the traditional afternoon tea delicacies in a refined environment. There’s all kinds of meals on provide, in addition to a hand-picked choice of teas.
In the event you’re curious to study extra, you may learn my overview of afternoon tea at The Jumeirah Carlton Tower. It has all the main points about my expertise, in addition to photographs.
23. Sofitel London St James
Subsequent on my listing of the perfect afternoon teas within the UK capital is the one on the Sofitel London St James. This beautiful 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 youngsters’s menu, too.
If you wish to know extra, you may learn my weblog put up concerning the time I had each afternoon tea and a manicure on the Sofitel London. It’s a enjoyable technique to have a girly expertise within the metropolis.
24. The Lanesborough
Proper on Hyde Park Nook, The Lanesborough provides one of many high conventional afternoon teas in London. This Regency-style luxurious lodge is a superb place to take pleasure in a refreshing break after an enormous stroll within the park.
Tea is served each day in The Lanesborough Grill, and it’s accompanied by a dwell pianist on weekends. It consists of all the standard sandwiches, scones, and pastries, and there are seasonal themed choices.
If you wish to study extra, you may check out my overview of afternoon tea at The Lanesborough. It has the main points about my expertise. In the event 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. In the event you’re on the lookout for a standard English tea with a French twist, this one is for you.
I’ve liked 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 consumers under.
The meals right here is each creative and scrumptious, as you’d count on from French delicacies. Given this store focuses on tea, you’re in for a deal with in the case of the beverage aspect of the providing, too.
Map of Afternoon Teas in London
As promised, I created an interactive Google map of all of the locations yow will discover the perfect afternoon tea in London. You possibly can 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 correct one for you.
Greatest Afternoon Tea in London
I hope you’ve loved my listing 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 positive you’ll just like the particular mix of deliciousness and delight these spots ship on.
If you’d like 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 traditional English desserts, and English drinks.
And if you wish to do all of it the correct means, my information to afternoon tea etiquette and my put up concerning the British tea tradition are must-reads.
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