Best Afternoon Tea in London

Today I want to bring you my guide to where to find the best afternoon tea in London. This beloved British tradition is a delicious indulgence, and the city has a lot of options for all tastes and preferences. I’ve spent years testing out the city’s top offerings, and now I want to tell you about the ones that stand out above the rest. I’ve included a map, too.

The ritual of afternoon tea began in the 19th century. Anna, 7th Duchess of Bedford, started gathering friends together for tea and cakes. Her idea sparked a trend that eventually became an institution in England.

Today hotels and restaurants across London vie for coveted awards for the best afternoon tea in London. They work hard to distinguish their offerings and stand out from the competition.

From traditional services to themed ones, a lot of effort goes into creating both quintessential and non-traditional tea experiences. Visitors and locals alike enjoy trying the full range.

Before I start my list of the best afternoon teas in London, it’s worth telling you my methodology. While I don’t have a strict set of criteria I use for judging them, I do care about a few things.

First and most importantly, the food has to be good. It always amazes me how many afternoon teas look exquisite but taste like cardboard. For me, the pastries, scones, and sandwiches have to tickle the taste buds as much as they amuse the eyes.

Next, the ambiance has to inspire. Whether it’s chic and contemporary or historic and traditional, there must be something aesthetically pleasing about it.

Finally, it has to have a ‘wow’ factor. There are so many afternoon teas in London that a place really has to pull off something unique to stand out.

Whether it’s an unusual themed afternoon tea, a chocolate afternoon tea, or a tearoom that transports me to a sweeter, more decadent world, I’m after distinction.

With that out of the way, below is my list of places where you’ll find the best afternoon tea in London. No matter if you’re looking for a special occasion afternoon tea or a good value afternoon tea, London has something for every taste, budget, and style.

1. Fortnum & Mason

If you’ve read my Fortnum & Mason afternoon tea review, you’ll understand why I’ve put it at the top of this list.

The iconic department store in St James’s offers a tea with beautiful pastries that have flavors that live up to their facades. And that’s to say nothing of the sandwiches, scones, and service.

Additionally, the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon is one of the most elegant places in the city. So much so that it was opened by the late Queen herself. If it was good enough for her, it’s good enough for the rest of us, right? Right.

2. The Goring

Next on my list is The Goring. This heritage luxury hotel in Belgravia offers another of the best afternoon teas in London.

The Goring is not only famous for its royal connections (the Queen Mum was a regular here, and Kate Middleton stayed in a suite the night before the Royal Wedding), but also its tea service.

The hotel is all about British tradition, so it’s only natural The Goring afternoon tea matches. Whether you want to partake in The Dining Room or on The Veranda, with a glass of champagne or without, it’s sure to delight even the most discerning guests.

3. Brown’s Hotel

Next on my list of the best afternoon teas in London is Brown’s Hotel. This five-star landmark property in Mayfair is known for offering a traditional English experience. It’s even said that Queen Victoria came here to enjoy it.

Having afternoon tea in The Drawing Room at Brown’s is an undeniably enjoyable thing to do. From the classic wood-paneled tearoom to the live piano music and elegant pastries, it’s impossible not to fall in love with this place.

If you want to learn more, you can read my review of Brown’s afternoon tea in London. It will show you all the details, from the sandwiches to the service and atmosphere.

4. The Dorchester

Right on Park Lane, The Dorchester offers another of the top afternoon teas in London. This luxury hotel in Mayfair is one of the most famous places to stay in London, and it has one of the best tea offerings, too.

Afternoon tea at The Dorchester is an experience for all the senses. The Promenade features plush chairs, Corinthian columns, classic decor. The food and service are irreproachable, and it’s an overall unparalleled experience.

If you want to learn more, you can read my Dorchester afternoon tea review for additional information, photos, and details.

5. The Ritz

The Ritz is next on my list of the best afternoon teas in London. Right on Piccadilly by Green Park, this iconic luxury hotel is one of the most famous places to have tea in the city.

Afternoon tea at The Ritz is a truly special experience. From The Palm Court’s ornate mirrors and gilding to the picture-pretty pastries and fine teas, it’s worth splurging to experience it.

If you want to know more, you can take a look at my review of afternoon tea at The Ritz. If you book, remember there’s a strict dress code as well.

6. The Corinthia

Next on my list is The Corinthia, which has the prettiest afternoon tea in London. With a light, airy ambiance beneath the eye-catching lobby dome and famous chandelier, it’s the perfect place to sit and indulge.

The Corinthia’s afternoon tea offering is great for photography, too. Every pastry is an exquisite work of art, and the bright atmosphere and natural light coming in through the dome make it easy to take pictures of the sweet treats. They look amazing in photos and videos.

If you want to learn more, you can check out my review of afternoon tea at The Corinthia. It has all the details of the experience, and more photos to look at.

7. Claridge’s

Back in Mayfair, Claridge’s is next on my list of London’s top afternoon teas. This landmark five-star hotel is adept at blending timeless elegance with modern touches.

Afternoon tea at Claridge’s is a delight to experience. The menu offers a traditional mix of finger sandwiches, warm scones with jam and Cornish clotted cream, and pastries. It’s all served on pretty trays.

If you want to know more, you can read my review of Claridge’s afternoon tea. It will show you additional details and photos of my experience.

8. The Petersham

The Petersham hotel in Richmond is another place that deserves a spot on my list of the best afternoon teas in London.

This is a fun one to experience if you’re looking for a traditional afternoon tea with a slightly lower price point than the luxury hotels in central London. It offers all the classic sandwiches, scones, and pastries in a lovely tearoom.

If you’re curious to learn more about it, you can take a look at my review of The Petersham afternoon tea. It will give you more of an idea of what you’ll experience if you go.

9. Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park

The Rosebery at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park serves another of the top afternoon teas in London. This classic offering is set in a beautiful tearoom on Hyde Park in Knightsbridge.

The Mandarin Oriental’s afternoon tea is one of the prettiest of its kind in the city. The tiered trays are suspended from unique hanging cake stands that look like golden trees, and the dishes are beautiful. That’s to say nothing of the food and tea, which are both delicious.

If you want to see more, you can take a look at my review of afternoon tea at the Mandarin Oriental. It will show you photos and details about the service.

10. The Stafford

The Game Bird restaurant at The Stafford in St James’s offers another of the best afternoon teas in the UK capital. This beloved five-star hotel is a great place to enjoy a classic tea experience.

Afternoon tea at The Stafford is presented in the traditional manner with a unique twist. Pastries are served table-side from a bespoke handcrafted trolley. Guests can choose from a selection of them and a server will plate them on a tiered tray.

When I had afternoon tea at The Stafford I loved the classic atmosphere, attentive service, and good food. If you want to follow in my footsteps, keep in mind that there’s a dress code here.

11. The Langham

The Palm Court at The Langham is another of my favorite afternoon teas in London. Not only is this luxury hotel a haven of peace near the bustle of Oxford Circus, but also a great spot for indulging.

The Langham offers a classic afternoon tea experience in a room that manages to be elegant and contemporary at the same time. Add to that a delicious menu and great service, and it’s a real treat.

When I had afternoon tea here I loved the tranquil atmosphere, traditional sandwiches, scones, and pastries, and beautiful surroundings. It’s a great one to try.

12. The Ampersand Hotel

Over in South Kensington, I love the afternoon tea offering at The Ampersand. This luxurious 5-star boutique hotel near the tube station is a great place to have tea before or after visiting the area’s major museums.

While The Ampersand has a solid tea offering throughout the year, it’s one of my favorite summer afternoon teas in London. The light, airy Drawing Rooms with their white-with-bright decor make for the ideal places to indulge in the warmer months.

The teas are themed around places and events in the neighborhood, too, so it’s fun to keep going back to see what they’ll come up with next.

13. One Aldwych

Speaking of themed teas in London, the Charlie & the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea at One Aldwych is a perennial favorite. This hotel in the West End is a popular place for afternoon tea in London with kids.

The Charlie & the Chocolate Factory tea delights children of all ages with its whimsical menu. It includes items like fizzy lifting drinks, chocolate “swudge” milkshakes, “snozzberry” jam, and other tantalizing treats.

If you love Roald Dahl and you want to indulge your inner Willy Wonka, this is just the (golden) ticket. Everyone in your family will love it.

14. The Sanderson

Over in Fitzrovia, another of my favorite themed afternoon teas in London is the Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea at the Sanderson hotel.

The Courtyard Garden setting here is straight out of Alice’s Wonderland. The menus are hidden in vintage books, teapots and plates are Mad Hatter-themed, and the experience is so well thought out that you’ll actually believe you’ve fallen down the rabbit hole.

When I came here for tea I loved the holistic nature of the offering. Every detail was carefully planned, and the food and service were great.

15. Conrad London St. James

The Conrad London St. James offers another of the best afternoon teas in London. This place serves a contemporary tea right between Buckingham Palace, St James’s Park, and the iconic landmarks in Westminster.

The hotel’s season-themed afternoon tea is presented in The Orchard Room. This elegant space is lined with floral arrangements and topped with a glass roof, making it the perfect place to relax and indulge in sweet and savory goodies.

When I had tea here I loved the exquisite pastries, the bright atmosphere of the room, and the attentive service. It’s a great place to have tea if you’re sightseeing in the area.

16. The Andaz

Over by Liverpool Street station, the Andaz hotel serves another delicious afternoon tea in London. If you’re in the City or the East End, it’s a great option.

With its unique Masonic temple hidden in the maze of rooms, the Andaz is worth a trip in its own right. But afternoon tea at this quirky hotel is worth indulging in, too. Served in the 1901 Wine Lounge, it offers JING teas alongside classic trays of food.

If you want to learn more, you can take a look at my review of the Andaz hotel afternoon tea. It has all the details and photos from my experience.

17. The Milestone Hotel

Right by Kensington Gardens, The Milestone Hotel offers another of the top afternoon teas in London. This five-star boutique hotel in Kensington is a traditional place to indulge in the UK capital. It’s right on Hyde Park, too.

The tearoom here is cozy and classic, and it feels like you’re ensconced in a Victorian drawing room. The food is fresh and the scones served warm, and there’s a lot to love about the overall experience. The portions are generous, too.

If you’re curious to see more, you can take a look at my review of afternoon tea at The Milestone Hotel. It has all the details and photos from my experience.

18. Sketch

If you’ve ever been to Sketch, you’ll know why I’ve put it on my list of the best afternoon tea in London. Not only does this restaurant have exquisite pastries with flavors that live up to expectations, but The Gallery is also one of the prettiest places in the city.

Arriving at this Mayfair institution is being whisked off to Candyland. The banquettes are like icing and the chairs are like ladyfingers. I’ll never forget my afternoon tea experience here. I felt like I was in a fairy tale.

While you’re here, don’t miss seeing the stunning Glade. Oh, and the loos are worth a special trip. They’re like nothing you’ve ever seen.

19. Fait Maison

You may have heard of many of the other afternoon teas on my list, but you might not have come across the one at Fait Maison in South Kensington.

This neighborhood spot serves delicious pastries and teas in one of the loveliest tearooms in London. Ornate enough to make you feel like you’re taking tea with the 7th Duchess of Bedford but casual enough that it won’t break the bank, it offers a great balance.

And since afternoon tea in London is such an indulgence, a bit of balance is just the thing. If you agree, this is a good option.

20. Threadneedles

Next on my list is Threadneedles. Not only is this 5-star luxury hotel one of the best places to stay in the City of London, but it also has a great afternoon tea offering.

The Dome Lounge is the perfect setting for tea. Situated under a grand historic dome (hence the name), it’s a great place to enjoy classic English finger sandwiches and sweet treats. The menu was created by Marco Pierre White, too.

If you want to learn more, you can read my review of afternoon tea at Threadneedles. It has all the details of my experience, plus photos and more.

21. St Ermin’s Hotel

Tucked away in a pretty courtyard near St James’s Park and Buckingham Palace, St Ermin’s Hotel in Westminster has another of the best afternoon teas in London.

The hotel offers a selection of sweet and savory treats inspired by seasonal ingredients from its rooftop kitchen garden. It’s a unique way to bring the outdoors inside.

When I had tea here, I loved the presentation. I wanted to take the beautiful tea tray home with me, not to mention the delicious sandwiches, scones, and pastries.

22. The Jumeirah Carlton Tower

Next on my list of the best afternoon teas in London is the one at The Jumeirah Carlton Tower hotel in Knightsbridge.

Served daily in The Chinoiserie Tea Room, the hotel’s offering is an elegant one. It features all the classic afternoon tea delicacies in a refined atmosphere. There’s a wide variety of food on offer, as well as a hand-picked selection of teas.

If you’re curious to learn more, you can read my review of afternoon tea at The Jumeirah Carlton Tower. It has all the details about my experience, as well as photos.

23. Sofitel London St James

Next on my list of the best afternoon teas in the UK capital is the one at the Sofitel London St James. This stunning luxury hotel on Waterloo Place is a beautiful spot to indulge.

Afternoon tea here is served in the Rose Lounge. The intimate room is pretty-in-pink, with magenta banquettes and floral paintings on the walls. The sandwiches and scones are a dream, and the whole experience is lovely. There’s a children’s menu, too.

If you want to know more, you can read my blog post about the time I had both afternoon tea and a manicure at the Sofitel London. It’s a fun way to have a girly experience in the city.

24. The Lanesborough

Right on Hyde Park Corner, The Lanesborough offers one of the top traditional afternoon teas in London. This Regency-style luxury hotel is a great place to enjoy a refreshing break after a big walk in the park.

Tea is served daily in The Lanesborough Grill, and it’s accompanied by a live pianist on weekends. It includes all the traditional sandwiches, scones, and pastries, and there are seasonal themed offerings.

If you want to learn more, you can take a look at my review of afternoon tea at The Lanesborough. It has the details about my experience. If you go, keep in mind that there’s a dress code.

25. Mariage Freres

Right in the heart of Covent Garden, Mariage Freres is another of my favorite afternoon teas in London. If you’re looking for a traditional English tea with a French twist, this one is for you.

I’ve loved Mariage Freres ever since I stumbled upon their shop in the Marais in Paris years ago. When they opened in London, I fell for the light, airy upstairs tearoom with views of the shoppers below.

The food here is both inventive and delicious, as you’d expect from French cuisine. Given this shop specializes in tea, you’re in for a treat when it comes to the beverage side of the offering, too.

Map of Afternoon Teas in London