At this time I wish to deliver 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 a number of choices for all tastes and preferences. I’ve spent years testing out 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 truffles. Her thought sparked a development that ultimately turned an establishment in England.
At this time resorts and eating places throughout London vie for coveted awards for the perfect afternoon tea in London. They work laborious to tell apart their choices and stand out from the competitors.
From conventional companies to themed ones, a number of effort goes into creating each quintessential and non-traditional tea experiences. Guests and locals alike get pleasure from making an attempt the complete vary.
Earlier than I begin my record of the perfect afternoon teas in London, it’s price telling you my methodology. Whereas I don’t have a strict set of standards I exploit for judging them, I do care about a couple 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 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 modern 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 should you’re on the lookout for a special day afternoon tea or a superb worth afternoon tea, London has one thing for each style, funds, and elegance.
1. Fortnum & Mason
If you happen to’ve learn my Fortnum & Mason afternoon tea overview, you’ll perceive why I’ve put it on the prime of this record.
The enduring division retailer in St James’s provides a tea with lovely pastries which have flavors that reside 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 resort in Belgravia provides one other of the perfect afternoon teas in London.
The Goring will not be solely well-known for its royal connections (the Queen Mum was an everyday right here, and Kate Middleton stayed in a set the evening earlier than the Royal Marriage ceremony), but additionally its tea service.
The resort 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 thrill even essentially 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 mentioned that Queen Victoria got here right here to get pleasure from it.
Having afternoon tea in The Drawing Room at Brown’s is an undeniably pleasurable factor to do. From the traditional wood-paneled tearoom to the reside piano music and chic pastries, it’s unimaginable to not fall in love with this place.
If you wish to be taught extra, you may learn my overview of Brown’s afternoon tea in London. It’s going to present you all the small print, 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 resort in Mayfair is without doubt one of the most well-known locations to remain in London, and it has top-of-the-line 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 be taught extra, you may learn my Dorchester afternoon tea overview for extra data, images, 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 resort is without doubt one of 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 wonderful teas, it’s price splurging to expertise it.
If you wish to know extra, you may check out my overview of afternoon tea at The Ritz. If you happen to guide, keep in mind there’s a strict gown code as effectively.
6. The Corinthia
Subsequent on my record 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 take a seat and indulge.
The Corinthia’s afternoon tea providing is nice for pictures, too. Each pastry is an beautiful murals, and the brilliant environment and pure mild coming in by the dome make it simple to take footage of the candy treats. They give the impression of being wonderful in images and movies.
If you wish to be taught extra, you may try my overview of afternoon tea at The Corinthia. It has all the small print of the expertise, and extra images to have 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 resort is adept at mixing timeless class with fashionable touches.
Afternoon tea at Claridge’s is a delight to expertise. The menu provides 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 overview of Claridge’s afternoon tea. It’s going to present you extra particulars and images of my expertise.
8. The Petersham
The Petersham resort in Richmond is one other place that deserves a spot on my record of the perfect afternoon teas in London.
This can be a enjoyable one to expertise should you’re on the lookout for a conventional afternoon tea with a barely cheaper price level than the luxurious resorts in central London. It provides all of the traditional sandwiches, scones, and pastries in a beautiful tearoom.
If you happen to’re curious to be taught 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 about in a wonderful tearoom on Hyde Park in Knightsbridge.
The Mandarin Oriental’s afternoon tea is without doubt one of the prettiest of its sort within the metropolis. The tiered trays are suspended from distinctive hanging cake stands that appear 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 images and particulars concerning the service.
10. The Stafford
The Sport Fowl restaurant at The Stafford in St James’s provides one other of the perfect afternoon teas within the UK capital. This beloved five-star resort is a good place to get pleasure from a traditional tea expertise.
Afternoon tea at The Stafford is introduced 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 cherished the traditional environment, attentive service, and good meals. If you wish to comply with in my footsteps, understand 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 resort a haven of peace close to the bustle of Oxford Circus, but additionally a fantastic spot for indulging.
The Langham provides a traditional afternoon tea expertise in a room that manages to be elegant and modern 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 environment, conventional sandwiches, scones, and pastries, and exquisite environment. It’s a fantastic one to strive.
12. The Ampersand Lodge
Over in South Kensington, I really like the afternoon tea providing at The Ampersand. This luxury 5-star boutique resort close to the tube station is a good place to have tea earlier than or after visiting the realm’s main museums.
Whereas The Ampersand has a stable tea providing all year long, it’s certainly one of 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 facility Afternoon Tea at One Aldwych is a perennial favourite. This resort within the West Finish is a well-liked place for afternoon tea in London with youngsters.
The Charlie & the Chocolate Manufacturing facility tea delights youngsters of all ages with its whimsical menu. It contains objects like fizzy lifting drinks, chocolate “swudge” milkshakes, “snozzberry” jam, and different tantalizing treats.
If you happen to love Roald Dahl and also you wish to indulge your interior 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 resort.
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 simply’ll really consider 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 have 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 up to date tea proper between Buckingham Palace, St James’s Park, and the enduring landmarks in Westminster.
The resort’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 chill out and take pleasure in candy and savory goodies.
Once I had tea right here I cherished the beautiful pastries, the brilliant environment of the room, and the attentive service. It’s a fantastic place to have tea should you’re sightseeing within the space.
16. The Andaz
Over by Liverpool Road station, the Andaz resort serves one other scrumptious afternoon tea in London. If you happen to’re within the Metropolis or the East Finish, it’s a fantastic possibility.
With its distinctive Masonic temple hidden within the maze of rooms, the Andaz is price a visit in its personal proper. However afternoon tea at this quirky resort is price indulging in, too. Served within the 1901 Wine Lounge, it provides JING teas alongside traditional trays of meals.
If you wish to be taught extra, you may check out my overview of the Andaz resort afternoon tea. It has all the small print and images 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 resort 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 traditional, 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 so much to like concerning the general expertise. The parts are beneficiant, too.
If you happen to’re curious to see extra, you may check out my overview of afternoon tea at The Milestone Lodge. It has all the small print and images from my expertise.
18. Sketch
If you happen to’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 reside 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 gorgeous Glade. Oh, and the loos are price a particular journey. They’re like nothing you’ve ever seen.
19. Fait Maison
You will 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 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 a fantastic steadiness.
And since afternoon tea in London is such an indulgence, a little bit of steadiness is simply the factor. If you happen to agree, this can be a good possibility.
20. Threadneedles
Subsequent on my record is Threadneedles. Not solely is that this 5-star luxurious resort one of many finest locations to remain within the Metropolis of London, however it additionally has a fantastic afternoon tea providing.
The Dome Lounge is the right setting for tea. Located underneath a grand historic dome (therefore the title), it’s a fantastic place to get pleasure from traditional English finger sandwiches and candy treats. The menu was created by Marco Pierre White, too.
If you wish to be taught extra, you may learn my overview of afternoon tea at Threadneedles. It has all the small print of my expertise, plus images 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 resort provides a choice of candy and savory treats impressed by seasonal substances from its rooftop kitchen backyard. It’s a novel technique to deliver the outside inside.
Once I had tea right here, I cherished the presentation. I wished 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 record of the perfect afternoon teas in London is the one at The Jumeirah Carlton Tower resort in Knightsbridge.
Served day by day in The Chinoiserie Tea Room, the resort’s providing is a chic one. It options all of the traditional afternoon tea delicacies in a refined environment. There’s all kinds of meals on supply, in addition to a hand-picked choice of teas.
If you happen to’re curious to be taught extra, you may learn my overview of afternoon tea at The Jumeirah Carlton Tower. It has all the small print about my expertise, in addition to images.
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 resort on Waterloo Place is a wonderful 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 publish 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 prime conventional afternoon teas in London. This Regency-style luxurious resort is a good place to get pleasure from a refreshing break after an enormous stroll within the park.
Tea is served day by day in The Lanesborough Grill, and it’s accompanied by a reside pianist on weekends. It contains all the normal sandwiches, scones, and pastries, and there are seasonal themed choices.
If you wish to be taught extra, you may check out my overview of afternoon tea at The Lanesborough. It has the small print about my expertise. If you happen to go, understand 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. If you happen to’re on the lookout 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. Once they opened in London, I fell for the sunshine, ethereal upstairs tearoom with views of the consumers beneath.
The meals right here is each ingenious and scrumptious, as you’d count on from French delicacies. Given this store focuses on tea, you’re in for a deal with with regards to 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 will discover 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 1 one other so you may select the appropriate 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 strive 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 would 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, essentially 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 publish concerning the British tea tradition are must-reads.
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