Today I want to share my guide to where to find the best afternoon tea in Covent Garden with you. The British tradition is a must while in the UK capital, and this famous part of the West End has an abundance of options for places to enjoy it. I’ve spent many years tasting the top teas in the area, and now I want to tell you about the ones that are worth a special trip. From themed numbers to classic ones, there’s something for everyone. I’ve included an interactive map of where you can find them, too.
Best Afternoon Tea in Covent Garden
The afternoon tea ritual dates back to the 19th century. Anna, 7th Duchess of Bedford, had the idea of bringing friends together for tea and cake. Her plan started a trend that ultimately became a tried-and-true tradition in England.
Today restaurants, cafes, and hotels across the UK capital vie for prestigious awards for the best afternoon tea in London. The ones in Covent Garden are no exception.
From by-the-book services to eccentric themed ones, places in the West End put a great degree of effort into creating their tea experiences. Visitors and locals alike get to benefit from trying a range of offerings.
1. Mariage Freres
Right in the heart of Covent Garden, Mariage Freres is one of my favorite afternoon teas in the West End. If you’re open to trying a traditional English tea service with a French twist, it’s just the ticket.
I’ve loved Mariage Freres since the day I happened upon their salon de the in the Marais in Paris years ago. When they opened a shop in London, I immediately fell in love with the light, airy upstairs tearoom with views of shoppers on King Street.
When I came here for tea, I fell even harder for this place. The culinary offering is both creative and delicious, as you’d expect from French cuisine. Given Mariage Freres specializes in tea, you’re in for a treat when it comes to the beverage side of things as well.
2. One Aldwych
If you’re looking for a themed afternoon tea in London, the Charlie & the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea at One Aldwych is one of the most popular in the city. This hotel in Covent Garden is particularly fun if you’re having tea with kids.
The Charlie & the Chocolate Factory tea wows children of all ages with its whimsical food and drinks. The offering includes items like chocolate “swudge” milkshakes, fizzy lifting drinks, “snozzberry” jam, and other tantalizing temptations.
If you love Roald Dahl and you’re up for channeling your inner Willy Wonka, this is just the (golden) ticket. Everyone in your family will love it, including your inner child.
3. Laduree
Right in the piazza in Covent Garden, the afternoon tea at Laduree is another of my favorites in the West End. If you’re looking for a traditional service in pretty pastel surroundings, this one is right up your alley.
Laduree is famous for its macarons, but everything about its afternoon tea is impressive. From the intimate Versailles-inspired upstairs tearoom to the delicious food and exquisite pastries, the experience feels like a total work of art.
Better yet, you can pair it with a glass of champagne. When you’re done, you’ll be tempted to head downstairs and pick up a box of your favorite macarons to take home as a souvenir.
Map
As promised, I created an interactive Google map of all the places on my list of the best afternoon tea in Covent Garden. 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 one that’s right for you.
Covent Garden Afternoon Tea
I hope you’ve enjoyed my list of the best afternoon teas in Covent Garden, and that it’s inspired you to try one or all of them. Whatever you do, I’m sure you’ll like the blend of deliciousness and enjoyment these spots offer guests.
If you need to work off some calories afterwards, you can go on my free self-guided walk in the area. It will show you the big attractions and hidden spaces locals love in this part of the city.
If you want more, take a look at my London tea itinerary and my free self-guided London food tour, which includes afternoon tea. I’ve also written a blog post about the best afternoon teas in London if you’d like additional inspiration.
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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