Best afternoon tea London: 32 of the most luxurious ways to enjoy cake and a cuppa

The single best afternoon tea in London is a hard thing to define, so we’ve had to make our selection against varying criteria. Forgive us for being greedy (it’s in our nature) but the thing is, people are looking for different things when they weigh up the merits of what’s on offer. Are you looking for the best afternoon tea setting or the best afternoon tea scones? Do you like your sandwiches to come in finger form, or do you prefer something a little more robust? You see the conundrum.

We’ve reviewed each entry and included information on their highlights – whether that’s the food, drinks or ambience. And there’s no saying you just have to stick to one, if you're a big afternoon tea fan we think that it is only right that you would begin to work your way through the below and make it your mission to try the entire list.

When it comes to the history of this refined pastime, we have got the lovely Duchess of Bedford to thank for the tradition of afternoon tea, who decided in 1840 that she simply could not last between lunch and dinner without another meal. The Duchess sounds like our kind of woman. Since then, the idea of grazing on sandwiches and scones in the late afternoon has seriously caught on, with nearly everyone agreeing it’s a pretty solid idea. The only controversy that can flare up on the subject of the best afternoon teas comes when we get to the scones. Do you put jam or cream first? People from Devon are passionate that cream should go on their scones first, before being topped with jam; while the crowds in Cornwall insist it’s easier to go with jam first and then top with cream. While we won't wade in on the debate, we know one thing, whichever way the toppings go on a scone they always taste delicious.

Anyway, enough of the talking. If you are on the hunt for the best afternoon tea in London, you’ve come to the right place. Afternoon tea can mean many things, whether that’s your traditional offering, something a little quirkier, scones paired with bottomless fizz, or a bargain afternoon tea in London. Check out our picks of the best places for afternoon tea in London below, and don’t forget to stick your pinky finger out before taking a sip.

The best traditional afternoon teas in London

Sticking to tradition isn’t always a good thing, but it’s generally acknowledged that in the case of afternoon tea, the traditional ones are the best. Check out some of our favourite traditional afternoon teas below that span spreads at London's top hotels and in some of the capital's most refined lounges. Yes, the prices might be punchy, but you do get a LOT of food at each of these fancy afternoon teas, and if you aren't able to finish all your treats, the team will generally box up any leftovers for you to take home for supper.

Afternoon Tea at Corinthia London, Charing Cross

What: Corinthia London’s Crystal Moon Lounge is just as magical as it sounds - a beautiful lounge, decked out in cream and gold, overlooked by a stunning shimmering globe chandelier, made from 1001 Baccarat crystals. The tea is as majestic as the setting, as Corinthia spares no expense on the finest Champagne, loose leaf teas and sweet and savoury treats, including classic finger sandwiches and top-class patisserie - think blood peach and Oolong tea tartlets, pistachio madeleines, and strawberry and white chocolate fraisiers.
Where: 10 Whitehall Place, SW1A 2BD
How much: £95 per person
Book now: Afternoon Tea at Corinthia London

Royal Afternoon Tea at the Rubens at The Palace Hotel, Victoria

What: This beautifully-restored five-star hotel overlooked Buckingham Palace, so this is about as close as you’ll get to the Royal Family with a glass of Champagne and a scone in your hand! Elegant and quintessentially British, afternoon tea at the Rubens opens up with classic finger sandwiches, before executive pastry chef Sarah Houghting arrives with beautiful sweets, including signature ‘The Crown’ - a dark chocolate mousse, decorated with grapefruit confit and chocolate brownie. An extensive tea collection keeps the British flag flying, and there’s a huge collection of sparkling wine to check out too.
Where: 39 Buckingham Palace Road, SW1W 0PS
How much: £70 per person
Book now: Royal Afternoon Tea at the Rubens at The Palace Hotel

Afternoon Tea at The Chesterfield Mayfair

What: This historic townhouse harks back to the 1700s, and it still has that charming, old-school feel as you sit in a plush armchair sipping tea. Afternoon tea at The Chesterfield is certainly one of the more quirky in the city - the conservatory-style dining room has been transformed into a sweet shop for the Original Sweet Shop Afternoon Tea experience. First, a sweetie cart arrives at the table, crammed with glass jars of sweets for you to create your own pick ‘n’ mix, before you feast on finger sandwiches, colourful pastries and scones. A regular award winner at the Afternoon Tea Awards, you can’t go wrong with tea at The Chesterfield.
Where: 35 Charles Street, W1J 5EB
How much: £75 per person
Book now: Afternoon Tea at The Chesterfield

Afternoon Tea at Hotel Cafe Royal, Piccadilly Circus

What: Hotel Cafe Royal is famed for decadent, luxurious food experiences (this hotel is also home to the superb two Michelin-starred Alex Dilling at Hotel Cafe Royal), and was once the favoured retreat of Oscar Wilde. Afternoon tea is served in the gold leaf-clad Grill Room, where a live pianist serenades tea-takers during the day. As you might expect, afternoon tea here is incredibly precise and opulent - finger sandwiches take delicious twists on classic combinations, and head pastry chef Maxence Blondelle delivers impossibly beautiful patisserie creations.
Where: 68 Regent Street, W1B 4DY
How much: £79 per person
Book now: Afternoon Tea at Hotel Cafe Royal

The Cadogan, Chelsea

What: Afternoon tea at The Cadogan comes courtesy of none other than Benoit Blin, an esteemed pastry chef with over 30 years of experience working alongside Raymond Blanc at Le Manoir Aux Quat'Saisons. Here, he brings his prowess with dainty pastries to The Cadogan Lounge, where he puts his own personal stamp on the beloved tradition. The affair starts with a selection of open sandwiches, from a toasted croissant topped with salmon gravadlax, quail's egg and cream cheese, to a soft brioche roll filled with crab, pickled cabbage and trout roe. Warm scones are delivered with homemade jam and clotted cream, while sweet patisseries include an apricot and lemon verbena mousse, and a raspberry choux bun. Blin adds a fourth element to his afternoon tea with a finale cake trolley! Choose from a selection of stunning loaf cakes to round off your experience. 
Where: 75 Sloane Street, SW1X 9SG
How much: £75 per person
Book now: Afternoon tea at The Cadogan

The Library at County Hall, South Bank

What: Enjoy afternoon tea in what was once the members' library of London's County Council! Sitting pretty on the banks of the Thames and with views of London’s South Bank, this splendid location is a fitting spot to enjoy one of Britain's most decadent culinary pastimes. Its signature afternoon tea is as classic as they come, with cucumber sandwiches, buttermilk scones and pastries that span a summer fruit custard tart and a banana and chocolate brownie. It also offers a vegan menu, plus the option to elevate your experience with Champagne or free-flowing sparkling.
Where: Westminster Bridge Road, SE1 7PB
How much: £65 per person
Book now: The Library at County Hall

The Sheraton Grand, Piccadilly

What: The Sheraton Grand Hotel on Park Lane currently has an afternoon tea menu called ‘The Season’, which draws on the grand traditions of Britain's summertime as its inspiration. You’ll start with prawn cocktail buns, devilled egg mayonnaise sandwiches and roast gammon with English mustard, followed by warm scones with homemade preserves and clotted cream. The final course features four cakes, each one representing iconic events in London, from the Blueberry and Lemon Regatta to the Strawberry and Pimm’s Serve.
Where: 122 Piccadilly, W1J 7BX
How much: £65 per person
Book now: The Sheraton Grand

The Milestone Hotel and Residences, Kensington

What: The Milestone doesn’t do afternoon tea by halves! This grand tradition has been elevated to new heights at the Kensington hotel with six different sandwiches and savouries, freshly-baked scones with jam and cream, and a selection of French pastries, tartlets and cakes including a very special signature cheesecake. There are vegan, veggie, gluten-free and halal alternatives too, plus a tea selection spanning a diverse selection of classic and unusual options. For a flavour of what to expect, some of our favourites from the sweet course include a pistachio and raspberry choux bun, and caramel and yuzu mousse.
Where: 1-2 Kensington Court, W8 5DL
How much: £85 per person
Book now: The Milestone Hotel and Residences

Palm Court at The Langham, Marylebone

What: Afternoon tea has been on the menu at The Langham since it opened its doors in 1865, and for around the last 160 years or so, Palm Court has played a monumental role in its popularity. There’s little doubt then that it’s one of the very best in London. The peerless Michel Roux Jr. has overseen Palm Court's offering, which combines classic English flavours with other more playful reinventions as a homage to the traditional Victorian afternoon tea. Savouries, for example, feature a delicious cauliflower ‘Gentleman’s Relish’ number, inspired by the peppery anchovy paste popular at the time. Meanwhile, gloriously glossy sweets arrive as reimaginings of popular desserts like a raspberry Charlotte and rose-infused baba. Add to this the impressive selection of JING teas being served from the trolley, and the live piano music being played in the background, and you'll struggle to find many places quite as pleasant.
Where: 1C Portland Place, W1B 1JA
How much: £80 per person
Book now: Palm Court at The Langham

Gallery at The Savoy, Covent Garden

What: There’s a reason the afternoon tea at The Savoy is world famous – it’s in quite the setting. You’ll be seated under a large glass dome in the hotel’s Gallery, where a pianist will play music as you drink and dine. The menu features a spread of sandwiches, as well as other savoury bites, like a parsnip and Parmesan savoury cake with pesto. Scones are served warm, and there are both plain and raisin included, and the cakes are a signature selection of The Savoy pastry teams’ favourites, including pistachio and red plum cake, and citrus choux. This isn’t one to miss.
Where: Strand, WC2R 0EU
How much: £80 per person
Book now: Gallery at The Savoy

Palm Court at The Ritz, Mayfair

What: Possibly the most famous afternoon tea in the world, and certainly the poshest afternoon tea London has to offer, the Palm Court at The Ritz is nothing short of luxurious. Expect to be serenaded by a live pianist while being surrounded by gilded mirrors, marble pillars and palm trees. During your time dining in the Palm Court you’ll be treated to unlimited cakes, scones and sandwiches – all you have to do is ask if you’d like more. Although we challenge anyone to get through the first serve alone. The cakes change regularly with the seasons but the scones remain consistent – both raisin and plain are included – and the sandwiches are filled with things like tarragon chicken and mayonnaise or egg with chopped shallots and watercress.
Where: The Ritz, 150 Piccadilly, W1J 9BR
How much: £76 per person
Book now: Palm Court at The Ritz

The Promenade at The Dorchester, Mayfair

What: Filled with palms and pink marble, The Promenade at The Dorchester is over the top in the very best kind of way. While you feast on your afternoon tea, you’ll be treated to a performance by one of the daily pianists, setting a relaxed tone to the whole affair. The afternoon tea menu changes seasonally but you can expect things like a lemon choux bun or a peach and pistachio slice along with the expected scones and sandwiches.
Where: The Dorchester, 53 Park Lane, W1K 1QA
How much: £95 per person
Book now: The Promenade at The Dorchester

Sofitel London St James

What: Sofitel London St James’s classy afternoon tea is very fitting for this chic, sophisticated hotel, which sits right in the heart of St James’s with black cabs and red buses rolling by. The food blends Italian and French sensibilities, with some cracking patisserie work sitting alongside classic English sandwich options. There’s a hefty Champagne selection too.
Where: 6 Waterloo Place, SW1Y 4AN
How much: £70 per person
Book now: Sofitel London St James

Jean-Georges at The Connaught, Mayfair

What: Right in the heart of Mayfair, this high-end hotel is a fitting backdrop to the very loveliest of celebrations. Stepping things up a little from the usual fare, Jean-Georges at The Connaught offers an amuse-bouche before your sandwiches (which come with fillings like roast chicken and mushroom, or cheddar and spiced peach chutney), which are then followed by a plate of pretty desserts, a chocolate fondue, and a final flurry of scones. And just when you think it’s all over, your waiter will spin you a parting gift of candy floss to take with you on your way, a real delight if you have little ones with you.
Where: The Connaught, Carlos Place, W1K 2AL
How much: £85 per person
Book now: Jean-Georges at The Connaught

The Gatsby Room at The Beaumont, Mayfair

What: Afternoon tea at The Beaumont is for the most part a traditional affair, albeit sprinkled with a subtle American flourish. This transatlantic-inspired afternoon tea is served in the hotel's glamorous Gatsby Room, complete with studded burgundy bookcases and 20s-style touches. Once you've taken in your surroundings, allow the friendly and attentive yet relaxed staff to pour you a glass of fizz while you peruse the tea offering (the Jasmine Silver Needle white tea is very good). To start, a perfectly-portioned plate of finger sandwiches, including egg and watercress, smoked salmon with horseradish, and beef pastrami with sauerkraut, before a tiered cake stand loaded with warm scones and beautiful patisseries arrives at your table. From classy interiors to well executed patisserie, The Beaumont certainly boasts one of London's more luxurious afternoon teas, making it perfect for a special occasion.
Where: 8 Balderton Street, W1K 6TF
How much: £85 per person
Book now: Gatsby's Room at The Beaumont

Boozy afternoon tea London

If you want something a little stronger than tea to accompany your afternoon delight, why not try out a boozy afternoon tea instead? Whether it’s cocktails, gin or fizz, our pick of boozy afternoon teas should have something for you. Many offer bottomless cocktails or fizz - similar to the best bottomless brunch deals - while others give you the choice of a set number of drinks to enjoy alongside your afternoon tea. 

The Zetter Clerkenwell

What: Afternoon tea at The Zetter Clerkenwell is an all-day affair that celebrates classic combis with a twist – egg, cheese and onion, ox cheek croquettes, brie, chestnuts and apricot. We could go on, but we’re getting hungry. While it may all seem very traditional (and to some extent it is), Zetter’s interiors are completely distinctive, with just the right amount of kitsch to have a good time. The cocktails are also excellent - we love the Breakfast at Tiffany's, made with croissant liqueur and Champagne.
Where: 49-50 St John's Square, EC1V 4JJ
How much: £45 per person, or £55 with a glass of Champagne or a cocktail
Book now: The Zetter Clerkenwell

116 The Athenaeum, Mayfair

What: 116 at The Athenaeum bills its afternoon tea as ‘fit for royalty’. While we can’t promise you’ll bump into and royals scoffing miniature cakes, we can guarantee that you’ll get to enjoy a whole host of afternoon tea treats. The selection of sandwiches to start include classic fillings such as egg mayo with chive and caraway, while homemade sweets change often with the seasons, but are always on point. You can also add 90 minutes of free-flowing Prosecco for just £20 extra.
Where: 116 Piccadilly, W1J 7BJ
How much: £45 per person, or £65 with free-flowing fizz
Book now: 116 at The Athenaeum

Revery Bar, Mayfair

What: This elegant, terracotta-hued bar at the London Hilton on Park Lane caters for all afternoon tea revellers, including kids and vegans. The signature afternoon tea is nicely curated, kicking off with savoury nibbles, then serving up some pretty classic finger sandwiches (egg and truffle mayo is our pick of the bunch), a botanical palate cleanser, then a handful of sweet treats and plenty of scones. Cocktails made tableside are a nice feature, and as if that wasn’t enough, you get a last slice of cake to finish you off, before you roll out onto the pavement. 
Where: 22 Park Lane, W1K 1BE
How much: £65 per person
Book now: Afternoon tea at Revery Bar

Quirky afternoon tea London

If you’ve had your fill of classic afternoon teas and want to try something a little different, there’s a quirky afternoon tea in London for you. Check out some of the weird and wonderful options to try below. From themed teas through to fully immersive experiences, we can't get enough of a quirky afternoon tea. If you want to go all in, don't miss the Harry Potter afternoon teas which run both across the UK in London each week. 

TING Restaurant & Lounge, London Bridge

What: It's probably useful to know that TING is located on the 35th floor of the Shard, which means you can drink in sky-high views of nearly the whole of London while you dine. Afternoon tea changes through the seasons but you can expect pretty traditional savouries and scones, followed by neat sweets like a mini Sachertorte and Black Forest Gâteaux. Frankly, it's worth it alone just to enjoy the view with a glass of Champagne.
Where: 31 St Thomas Street, SE1 9QU
How much: £78 per person
Book now: TING

Afternoon Tea at Pan Pacific London, Liverpool Street

What: Pan Pacific’s location just up the road from Liverpool Street Station is ideal for East Londoners, and this slick hotel offers an afternoon tea that changes seasonally, so there’s often something new on the menu each time you visit. Pan Pacific’s pan-Asian flair comes through in all aspects of the afternoon tea menu, from delicate pastries to savoury buns, iced mochis and pineapple wontons. If you’re celebrating, you can raise a crisp glass of Chinese sparkling wine to the occasion.
Where: 80 Houndsditch, EC3A 7AB
How much: £58 per person
Book now: Afternoon Tea at Pan Pacific London

Afternoon Tea at The Mandrake Hotel, Fitzrovia

What: One of London’s most striking, recognisable boutique hotels, YOPO’s sprawling rainforest canopy is home to a quirky afternoon tea, inspired by the seven chakras. Each dish is aligned to a chakra, for example, the opening dish of smoked beetroot, feta and salted almonds represents the root chakra, whilst the later third eye chakra comes in the form of a blueberry and lemon confit financier with Blue Aurora Oolong tea. It certainly wins points for expression, and the interiors are just as eclectic. The Mandrake also offers a spiritual well-being programme that you can package in with your afternoon tea.
Where: 20-21 Newman Street, W1T 1PG
How much: From £65 per person
Book now: Afternoon Tea at The Mandrake Hotel

Tea and Tales at The Den, Covent Garden

What: We love the quintessential British styling of The Den, with its oak-panelled walls and cosy leather sofas. The afternoon tea menu is playful and quirky, often eschewing typical sandwiches for more unusual savoury bites, like a crab and creme fraiche strudel, or croque monsieur with honey roast ham. It’s clear that a huge amount of thought and design goes into each bite, whether that’s a yuzu cheesecake resembling a cricket ball, or the ‘Game of Chess’ Opera Cake with kalamansi. If you’re looking for something a bit different to impress and delight, St Martin’s Lane London is perfect.
Where: St Martins Lane Hotel, 45 St Martin's Lane, WC2N 4HX
How much: £35 per person
Book now: Tea and Tales at The Den

Afternoon Tea at COMO The Halkin, Belgravia

What: Afternoon tea doesn’t have to be unhealthy! The afternoon tea at COMO The Halkin has been designed to promote a healthy lifestyle and wholesome diet, whilst still delivering the indulgence that we crave from this little afternoon treat. The savoury course begins with a chilled almond and green grape gazpacho, and courgette rosti with smoked salmon, before more health-conscious savoury treats and smart dessert creations. Each booking is gifted a £20 voucher to use in the COMO Shambhala Urban Escape spa and wellness centre too.
Where: 5-6 Halkin Street, SW1X 7DJ
How much: £55 per person
Book now: Afternoon Tea at COMO The Halkin

L'oscar, Holborn

What: Housed inside a stunning old Grade-II listed building (which was once the London headquarters of the Baptist Church), L’oscar is a sight to behold. Afternoon tea keeps things simple, with a small selection of sandwiches and sweets. Start off with savouries like pastrami, Cheddar, rocket and mustard on tomato and basil bread, and egg mimosa and black truffle, before you tuck into a blackberry Victoria Sponge cake, and the L’oscar Banoffee Pie.
Where: 2-6 Southampton Row, WC1B 4AA
How much: £59 per person
Book now: L'oscar

Sketch: The Gallery, Mayfair

What: The quirky setting for afternoon tea at Sketch is nearly more renowned than the tea itself. The interiors are all gold, with banquette seating and soft frosted glass globe lighting that will make you feel like you’re on the set of a Wes Anderson film. Once you’ve had enough of drinking in the scene before you, you can get started on the eating part. Assorted finger sandwiches have fillings like coronation chicken and salmon with ricotta and there are alternative unorthodox flavours too, like truffle brioche buns – this is a spot for embracing pure indulgence. Little cakes are included along with scones, and there's a homemade traditional Victoria sponge served from a trolley at your table, for a touch of theatre. Not the cheapest, but definitely among the coolest afternoon teas in London.
Where: 9 Conduit Street, W1S 2XG
How much: £80 per person
Book now: Sketch

Ginza St James’s

What: For something a bit different to the usual offering, Ginza St James's has put a Japanese twist on afternoon tea. Instead of finger sandwiches you’ll find sushi, while the tea on offer comes from renowned Japanese tea house Tsujiri. There’s a slant towards more savoury fare on Ginza’s menu but there are a couple of sweets too. Chocolate brownies with coconut biscuit are rich and sweet while the passionfruit curd with lychee sorbet is the perfect finisher. Everything is served on a sculptural wooden stand for added theatre.
Where: 15 Bury Street, SW1Y 6AL
How much: £55 per person
Book now: Ginza St James's

The best affordable afternoon teas in London

This entire guide is dedicated to the best afternoon teas in London, which means that even though this lot are a smidge more affordable, they're still the very best in the business. We just like to cater for every budget here at SquareMeal. Luckily, all of these afternoon teas come in at £45 or under.

OXO Tower, South Bank

What: The OXO Tower Restaurant delivers that quintessential afternoon tea offering along with stunning views of St Paul’s and the Thames, quite the combo. Alongside your typical sandwiches OXO also offers savoury bites that include morsels like a savoury croissant with grain mustard, and wild mushroom and Marmite eclair. These are served with a selection of cakes and scones, as you'd expect, as well as offering some seriously good views of London. 
Where: OXO Tower, Barge House Street, SE1 9PH
How much: £45 per person
Book now: OXO Tower

The Royal Lancaster London, Bayswater

What: The Hyde Park-adjacent Royal Lancaster Hotel is perfectly placed for those exploring London’s largest central Park, and what better way to take a pit stop than with a blissful afternoon tea? The so-called Hyde Park Afternoon Tea is pretty classic - traditional finger sandwiches, fresh-baked scones, and elegant patisserie treats, like a pandan rice cake with coconut mousse and mango flan, or chocolate ganache cake with Earl Grey jelly. There’s a vegan afternoon tea available too, and teas come from Camellia's Tea House.
Where: Lancaster Terrace, W2 2TY
How much: £55 per person
Book now: Royal Lancaster Hotel

11 Cadogan Gardens, Chelsea

What: 11 Cadogan Gardens has long been highly regarded for its well-priced afternoon tea, which one would expect to cost a lot more given the quality. Sandwiches range from classics (ham and mustard on white bread) to innovative twists (a delicious Coronation chicken choux bun), and among various lovely sweet treats, a selection of colourful macarons to finish.
Where: 164 Pavilion Road, SW1X 0BP
How much: £55 per person
Book now: Hans’ Bar & Grill at 11 Cadogan Gardens

The Wolseley, Mayfair and The Wolseley City

What: The Wolseley is famed for its careful and attentive service, so expect to be treated like a VIP during your afternoon in the restaurant’s care. Alongside the usual afternoon tea offering, The Wolseley also offers a cream tea (£19.50), giving you the option of just having a scone with cream and jam instead of the whole three-tiered affair. If you do go all in, you can expect assorted finger sandwiches, scones and a selection of pastries, as well as a choice of tea.
Where: 160 Piccadilly, W1J 9EB; King William Street, EC4N 7HR
How much: £44.50 per person
Book now: The Wolseley; The Wolseley City

Socca, Mayfair

What: As well as some of the best traditional French cooking in London, Claude Bosi's delightful Mayfair bistro also offers a lovely afternoon tea, for those who fancy lounging in a quaint salon and whiling away an afternoon with patisserie and tea. At £35 Socca's afternoon tea is remarkably well priced, and the menu features a nice mix of English and French influence, from Yorkshire rhubarb and custard tarts to duck rillette finger sandwiches with grain mustard. 
Where: 41 South Audley Street, W1K 2PS
How much: £45 per person
Book now: Socca

Ham Yard Hotel, Piccadilly Circus

What: Afternoon tea at Ham Yard Hotel in Soho is taken in The Orangery, a naturally bright and elegant room packed with leafy ferns, a sandstone fireplace and comfortable sofas. It’s here that you can munch your way through traditional sandwiches, plus a couple of savoury bites including a venison and pancetta sausage roll. Scones are, of course, part of the equation, while patisserie choices include an apple crumble and custard choux, and a blackberry cheesecake. For the quality of food, the choice of tea and the exceptional surroundings, £45 is a bargain.   
Where: One Ham Yard, W1D 7DT
How much: £45 per person
Book now: Ham Yard Hotel

Prefer your afternoon exploits to be a little more unique? Check out our pick of London’s best themed afternoon teas.