21 of the best London hotels and restaurants to visit for a luxury afternoon tea experience

Afternoon tea is, quite literally, the food of queens. The quintessentially British tradition is said to have first been inaugurated by Queen Victoria, after one of her ladies in waiting pointed out that the long afternoons could do with a tasty little something to pick up the women of nobility.

It’s a pastime that oozes indulgence, created simply as an excuse to scoff and socialise in style. And in our humble opinion, if you’re going to do it, you need to do it right. Enter: our divine collection of the most gorgeously luxurious and iconic afternoon teas in London. 

A delightful way to celebrate a special occasion or just enjoy feeling like a lady of leisure with your best friend, some of these venues simply must be ticked off your London bucket list. From The Ritz to The Savoy, these are 21 of the most iconic and most luxurious afternoon teas in London.

The Coral Room

Nestled within the decadent Bloomsbury hotel you’ll find The Coral Room, an iconic bar and dining space with orange-hued walls.

For Christmas, The Coral Room has decorated its space with ornaments from the Elton John x Waterford collection to transform into a chic and festive space. You can delight in afternoon tea here with seasonal favourites including roast turkey with cranberry, sage and onion mayo sandwiches and a pistachio Christmas wreath – and there’s also a vegan afternoon tea available.

Wash it all down with a glass of Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve Champagne or Saicho sparkling tea. Bliss.

Raffles London at The OWO

Raffles London at The OWO’s signature Secrets & Spies Afternoon Tea in The Drawing Room is more than just a wholesome afternoon out with friends. Inspired by the building’s espionage history and the courageous female spies of World War II, each delicate pastry tells a story and it is up to you to figure out the secrets that lie within.

JOIA

Located on the 15th floor of art’otel Battersea, JOIA offers panoramic views of the iconic Power Station and beyond offering the perfect backdrop for an indulgent afternoon tea.

The menu features a selection of sandwiches including smoked salmon with cucumber, dill and cream cheese; and salted beef with horseradish and watercress; as well as sweet treats such as cinnamon custard tart; pear and almond choux bun; and classic scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream.

Regency afternoon tea at The Lane

If you want an afternoon tea experience in a place steeped in history, looked no further than Theatre Royal Drury Lane. The iconic venue hosts an unforgettable afternoon tea, which is filled with decadence and Regency-era glamour from the moment you walk into the Grand Saloon to the moment you leave.

Mariage Frères

If you’re looking to sip on a selection of luxury teas, visit France’s oldest tea house, Mariage Frères. Located in the heart of Covent Garden, the beautiful five-story Georgian townhouse welcomes guests from all over the world to sample its largest collection of teas in the world from classic to rare, fruit to herbal, all housed in a stunning retail space, restaurant and tea museum.

Rosewood London Art Afternoon Tea

Be inspired by the legendary Salvador Dali at Rosewood London’s Art Afternoon Tea.

The tea is inspired by the surrealist painter’s infamous works and designed with the ‘Surrealism Beyond Borders’ exhibition at the Tate Modern in mind. Guests will be further immersed into Dali’s world with an AR (augmented reality) experience, while enjoying a wide variety of dishes, from baked camembert tart and crayfish choux to freshly baked raisin scones and Dali-inspired pastries.

Four Seasons Park Lane

Nestled within the heart of Mayfair and a stone’s throw from Buckingham Palace, you can enjoy an afternoon tea fit for a queen at luxury landmark property Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane.

Served in the opulent surroundings of Amaranto Lounge, the spread has been designed by recently appointed Executive Pastry Chef, Yam Lok Hin. Expect decadent sweet and savoury treats embracing both classic and innovative British flavour combinations, from intricately designed speciality pastries to freshly baked scones.

Searcys Afternoon Tea     

After an afternoon tea with a view? Searcys is another restaurant to add to your list.

Take in the opulent views and surroundings while sipping a glass of English sparkling wine, or Whispering Angel, if you’re a rosé fan, before enjoying an array of finger sandwiches (featuring fillings from devilled egg and mustard cress to shrimp cocktail bouche), scones and a selection of delicious pastries.

TeaQuila at NYX Hotel Holborn

Tea with a side of tequila? Yes, please.

NYX Hotel is offering an Afternoon TeaQuila, which will feature a sweet and savoury menu of luxurious and Mexican-inspired delights. From a decadent dark chocolate and chilli brownie to tequila grilled shrimps and stuffed baby peppers with Mexican beef, this afternoon tea is unlike anything you’ve experienced before and is sure to hit the spot.

Hush Mayfair Traditional Afternoon Tea

Enjoy a quintessentially British afternoon tea at Hush Mayfair.

The afternoon tea here is an elegant affair that allows guests to indulge in delicate and flavourful finger sandwiches, from honey roast ham and mustard to traditional cucumber and butter on fluffy white bread. Scones are, of course, a must, with Hush Mayfair serving freshly baked scones and served with lashings of raspberry jam and clotted cream, along with zingy mini lemon meringue pies, indulgent cream-filled gold-leaf chocolate eclairs and rainbow macarons.

And of course, there’s the tea, courtesy of master blenders Harney & Sons, with a choice of flavours including Jasmine, Gunpowder Green, Rose Puchong, and a classic English Breakfast.

Park Chinois’ Dim Sum Afternoon Soirée

If you’re looking for an afternoon tea experience with a twist, Park Chinois will provide just that with its Dim Sum Afternoon Soirée. The luxurious Asian restaurant set in the heart of Mayfair invites guests to descend down the red staircase, where they will be welcomed with a glass of champagne before kicking off the festivities which include the restaurant’s famously delicious menu along with immersive performances that will leave you in awe.

The Langham Afternoon Tea

The Langham, London has an afternoon tea collection, as part of a series of teas in Palm Court inspired by the nation’s favourite biscuits. An established member of London’s afternoon tea scene, Palm Court has served up some of the finest cakes and pastries for over a century, putting a modern twist on classic favourites.

The Kopi Tiam Afternoon Tea at the Pan Pacific London

Stepping into The Orchid Lounge at Pan Pacific London is quite the experience. From the moment you entire, you are treated to a truly unique experience that blends Singaporean innovation with a quintessential British afternoon tea and accompanied by a considered menu of English sparkling wines and innovative breakfast and all-day dishes.

If you’re looking for a different take on the afternoon tea experience, The Orchid Lounge proves just that with Kopi Tiam, a truly unique take on afternoon tea served daily.

The Kensington Hotel

Taking inspiration from London’s most recognisable and historic landmarks, The Kensington Hotel’s London Landmarks Afternoon Tea leads diners on a tour of the capital’s architectural feats and culinary traditions, with tributes to London’s most famed structures.

Enjoy the hotel’s skyline of scones, sandwiches, and sweets, which pay homage to the capital’s iconic buildings and will be presented on a London Eye-inspired tea stand.

The Strand Palace

The Strand Palace is one of London’s most iconic hotels – and it’s helpfully located in the heart of the West End. 

It is currently offering a MAMMA MIA! themed tea which everyone is sure to love. Feast on a showstopping menu and choose from a selection of champagne, prosecco, cocktails and mocktails.

The Ritz

Of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without the one, the only, The Ritz Hotel. This iconic venue has frequented some of our favourite films (we’re looking at you, Notting Hill) and acts as an automatic reference for describing luxury, so it’s no surprise the hotel’s afternoon tea is famed for being one of the best in town.

Held in The Ritz Club, guests are treated to the usual fare of finger sandwiches, scones and mini-desserts, all of which are served in high-class style and fulfil all of your flavour expectations.

The Savoy 

If you look up the word ‘sophistication’ in the dictionary, we’re pretty sure you’ll spot a picture of The Savoy alongside it. OK, maybe not literally, but this famous hotel is known the world over for its class and elegance.

Indulging in afternoon tea here is a must for anyone looking for a true London experience, and if you’re hoping for off-the-wall opulence, you won’t be disappointed. The afternoon tea is plentiful (being replenished as many times as you wish) and is served with the most attentive service you could imagine. Choose from a range of teas served with finger sandwiches, homemade scones with clotted cream and jam and a mouth-watering selection of seasonal cakes and pastries.

The Goring 

The Goring has been wowing guests with its prestigious service for over a century and prides itself on being “the original article”. Nestled in Belgravia, it’s the perfect spot for tea after a day of seeing the sights and there’s no doubt that the refreshments will be more than up to scratch.

Enjoy the lavish surroundings while you tuck into scones and sandwiches served with the finest blended and first-flush teas from around the world – topped off with a glass of Bollinger champagne if you so wish.

Claridge’s 

Since opening in 1856, Claridge’s has attracted attention from some of London’s most notable socialites, movie stars and even royalty. The hotel cites itself as an English institution and therefore, of course, takes serving one of the most well-loved English traditions very seriously indeed.

And if you’re celebrating a special occasion (or not), you can raise a glass of Laurent-Perrier Brut or Rosé to give the afternoon some extra sparkle.

Liberty, Arthur’s Cafe

Liberty’s Department Store is a staple of central London’s shopping hub. Located on Regent’s St, the beautiful historic shop is known for its unique floral prints and its iconic outdoor floral display.

Several years ago, the famous department store opened Arthur’s Cafe, a stylish Art Deco restaurant on the second floor. With dark blue velvet seating, gold accents and sophisticated, minimalist decor, it’s the perfect setting for an indulgent afternoon tea during a busy day of shopping.

The afternoon tea menu features all of the classics from finger sandwiches to scones. Plus, you will have the option to try the Sparkling Afternoon Tea, which comes with a glass of Fiol Prosecco, or the Taittinger Afternoon Tea, which includes a glass of Taittinger NV.

Prêt-à-Portea at The Berkeley

One of London’s most reliably creative afternoon tea offerings, The Berkeley’s Prêt-à-Portea is a must for fashion fans. Each season, the pastry team takes inspiration from the season’s most striking catwalk designs: this time around, you will find an orange Oscar de la Renta gown crafted from apricot bavarois, a Michael Kors handbag fashioned from sponge cake and a Gucci tuxedo made from bourbon vanilla mousse and Emmanuel sponge. Enjoy it in the stylish environs of the hotel’s Collins Room.

Images: courtesy of the venues