If there’s one tradition I love in London, it’s afternoon tea. The cakes, the scones, the sandwiches, and the scenery are the stuff of British fairy tales. Some of them are even designed to resemble fairy tales. The UK capital has a range of themed afternoon teas that are worth trying, and today I want to tell you about the ones that stand out above the rest. From whimsical teas to indulgent numbers, they’re full of sweet treats. Read on for my top picks. I’ve included a map, too.
Themed Afternoon Teas in London
If you’re not familiar with the history, the tradition of afternoon tea dates back to the 19th century. Anna, 7th Duchess of Bedford, began gathering her friends together for tea and cake. Her idea sparked a trend that eventually became an institution.
Today hotels, restaurants, cafes, and even buses vie for coveted awards for the best afternoon tea in London (yes, there’s a Taylor Swift-themed afternoon tea bus tour you can go on). They go to great lengths to distinguish their offerings and stand out above the rest.
A lot of effort goes into creating quintessential tea experiences. Even more work goes into developing non-traditional offerings. Those are the ones I want to highlight today.
There are so many afternoon teas in London that a place really has to pull off a feat to stand out. Many achieve this by creating a themed tea experience that allows guests to feel like they’ve been transported into another world.
Whether it’s an enchanted afternoon tea based on a Shakespeare play, a chocolate afternoon tea, or an offering based on a famous children’s book character like Paddington Bear, they make their mark by doing something out of the ordinary.
Some themed afternoon teas in London are permanent fixtures, while others are seasonal or available for a limited time. Whether you’re after a tea that’s perfect for kids, one that’s ideal for channeling your inner child, or one that’s fun for people of all ages, there are plenty to choose from at any given moment.
1. The Sanderson
In the heart of Fitzrovia, one of London’s most beloved themed teas is the Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea at the Sanderson hotel. It’s been going strong for years, and it’s a local institution.
The Courtyard Garden setting here is straight out of Alice in Wonderland. Menus are tucked away in vintage books, teapots and plates are Mad Hatter-themed, and the experience is so well thought through that you could 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 both excellent. If you’re looking for a classic themed tea experience in London, this is a good one.
2. Kona
In Westminster, Kona at the Taj 51 Buckingham Gate hotel offers the magical A Midsummer Night’s Dream Afternoon Tea. This much-accoladed service whisks guests off on a journey for the senses. From cocktails to creative cuisine and crockery to match, it’s a special one.
Upon arrival, guests step into an otherworldly experience at Kona. Inspired by Shakespeare’s famous comedy, the five-act afternoon tea offers a whimsical adventure through flavor, romance, and fantasy.
Think poetic savories, magical sweets, and a signature tea blend brewed with fairy dust, and you’ll get the idea.
I had an extra special experience when I indulged in afternoon tea here. I got to enjoy A Midsummer Night’s Dream Afternoon Tea at Christmas. The service had a festive twist, making it even more magical than usual.
3. Afternoon Tea at Raffles
Another of my favorite themed afternoon teas is the one at Raffles London at The OWO. Centrally located in Whitehall, this elegant hotel serves a spy-themed tea in The Drawing Room.
Afternoon tea at Raffles is all about tradition, but it also gives a nod to the hotel’s former identity as the workplace of British spies. The menu is stamped “classified”, and the pastries are named after female spies who once worked in the building.
From sweet and savory delicacies to loose-leaf tea from all over the world, the Secrets & Spies Afternoon Tea offering covers all the classics with a twist.
If you’re looking for a themed tea that sticks closer to the traditional format than some of the others, this one is just the ticket.
4. One Aldwych
Right in Covent Garden, the Charlie & the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea at One Aldwych is a long-standing favorite. This hotel in the West End is a popular place for afternoon tea in London with children.
The Charlie & the Chocolate Factory tea service delights kids of all ages with its fun, whimsical menu. It includes items like chocolate “swudge” milkshakes, fizzy lifting drinks, “snozzberry” jam, and other treats that tantalize the taste buds.
If you love Roald Dahl and you want to indulge your inner Willy Wonka, this is just the (golden) ticket. Children of all ages will love it.
5. Haymarket Hotel
If you love London as much as I do, beat a path to afternoon tea at the Haymarket Hotel. Located near Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square, and Piccadilly Circus, this place has a landmark-themed tea service called London Calling.
The offering highlights attractions within a 30-minute walk of the hotel’s front door. It’s a great nod to both the property’s central location and London’s abundance of eye-catching landmarks.
Guests can enjoy the tea offering in the hotel’s restaurant, Brumus. It’s decorated in bright colors and bold patterns, and it’s a great place to enjoy a London-themed afternoon tea.
Each pastry is handcrafted to resemble one of the city’s famous icons, from a chocolate Big Ben to a cinnamon London Eye and an adorable macaron dressed up like a Buckingham Palace guard.
The London Calling Afternoon Tea is perfect if you’re passionate about the UK capital and you want to enjoy an experience right in the middle of many of the city’s most famous squares.
As a bonus, after tea you can go on a self-guided walking tour of the local area designed in collaboration with a Blue Badge Guide. You’ll be able to follow a digital map and see the attractions you just tasted.
Map of Afternoon Teas in London
Speaking of maps, I’ve created an interactive Google map of all the places I wrote about in this blog post. You can see it here. It will give you an idea of where they are in relation to one another so you can choose the right one for you.
Best Themed Afternoon Tea in London
I hope you’ve enjoyed my list of the best themed afternoon teas in London, and that it’s inspired you to try one or more of them. There are plenty of others out there, from Harry Potter-themed afternoon teas to ones modeled after popular TV shows and movies like Bridgerton and Wicked.
If you want more ideas, you can check out my tea itinerary and my free self-guided London food tour, which includes afternoon tea. I’ve also written a guide to the best gluten-free afternoon teas in London.
If you want to dig deeper, you can take a look at my blog posts about traditional English dishes, classic English desserts, and famous English drinks.
And if you want to do it all the proper way, my guide to afternoon tea etiquette and my post about the British tea culture are must-reads.
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