Best afternoon teas in London 2024

Afternoon tea (here are our favourite afternoon tea recipes) was apparently introduced to Britain in the 1840s by Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, who complained of hunger during the late afternoon... something we can relate to!

What's the difference between afternoon tea and high tea?

And in case you didn't know, there is a difference between afternoon tea and 'high tea' the former is taken in the late afternoon (between lunch and dinner) and involves cakes, scones, cream and sandwiches; while high tea is a substantial evening meal, usually entirely savoury. A traditional afternoon tea is often called 'high tea' in other parts of the world though, which probably explains the confusion.

Best afternoon teas in London at a glance

Best traditional afternoon teas

• Best traditional tea for tea and shopping: Fortnum & Mason The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon, from £80pp
• Best traditional afternoon tea: Claridge’s, from £90pp
• Best afternoon tea for art lovers: Mirror Room, Rosewood London, from £75pp
• Best for historical surroundings: Raffles London at the OWO, from £80pp
• Best for understated luxury: The Stafford, from £70pp
• Best American-inspired afternoon tea: Gatsby's Room, The Beaumont, from £80pp
• Best afternoon tea for bohemian glamour: Petersham Nurseries, from £55pp
• Best afternoon tea for theatre lovers: Theatre Royal Lily Vanilli afternoon tea, from £59pp
• Best for luxury menu options: Corinthia Hotel, from £65pp
• Best kept secret: The Parlour at Great Scotland Yard Hotel, from £55pp
• Best afternoon tea near Buckingham Palace: The Goring, from £75pp
• Best iconic afternoon tea: The Ritz, from £76pp
• Best value iconic afternoon tea: The Wolseley, from £44.50pp
• Best Asian-inspired afternoon tea: The Rosebery Lounge at Mandarin Oriental, from £85pp
• Best afternoon tea for pretty surroundings: The Landmark London, from £70pp
• Best for rare teas: NoMad London, from £65pp
• Best for French patisserie: The Cadogan, from £70pp

Contemporary afternoon teas

• Best quirky afternoon tea: Sketch, from £80pp
• Best for modern design: JOIA in art'otel, from £55pp
• Best afternoon tea for dessert enthusiasts: Cake & Bubbles, from £50pp
• Best al fresco afternoon tea: Number Sixteen, from £45pp
• Best afternoon tea with a view: TING at Shangri-La Hotel, from £78pp
• Best afternoon tea for kids: The Ampersand Hotel, from £59.50pp
• Best contemporary riverside afternoon tea: OXO Tower, from £40pp
• Best savoury afternoon tea: Cinnamon Bazaar, from £27.50

Best traditional afternoon teas in London

Fortnum & Mason, The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon, London W1

• Book now at Fortnum & Mason The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon, from £80pp, Virgin Experience Days, £160 for 2

Best traditional tea for tea and shopping

Head to Fortnum & Mason for a traditional London afternoon tea, taken in an elegant salon opened by HM The Queen to mark her Diamond Jubilee. Fortnum's pitch-perfect finger sandwiches – with not a curling corner in sight – are filled with the usual suspects, only far more luxurious: Suffolk cured ham with piccalilli, and rare bread hen egg with cress. Thick slices of soft smoked salmon, available in Fortnum’s food hall downstairs, are also excellent. Plain and fruit scones come warm, fluffy and served with whole pots of spread – the best of which was a velvety lemon curd (available to buy in the food hall) – and even more clotted cream.

Individual patisseries change with the seasons, with standouts including a subtly floral rose éclair, a modern take on Eton mess and lighter-than-air meringue topped with fresh berries. These are followed by more sweet treats chosen from the cake carriage (this time serious cakes, such as battenberg and matcha layer cake). Fortnum's tea varieties include the famous smoky Earl Grey (the original blend to be sold at Fortnum’s and The Queen’s personal favourite); a sweet and floral New Zealand oolong; and an unusual sparkling tea. For champagne, highlights include a light Brut rosé, Fortnum’s Brut Sparkling from Cornwall and a perfectly smooth Blanc de Blancs.

Available from: Fortnum & Mason, Virgin Experience Days
Price: £80 for afternoon tea with a pot of Fortnum’s Tea; £83 for savoury afternoon tea with a pot of Fortnum’s tea; £85 for high tea with a pot of Fortnum’s tea.
Address: Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly, London, W1A 1ER

Claridge's, London W1

• Book now at Claridge’s, from £90pp
  

Best traditional afternoon tea

Afternoon tea has been a ritual here for almost 150 years and this luxurious redoubt for the rich and royal (no flip-flops, no intrusive photography), has turned it into an art form. In the stunning art deco lobby, guests are treated to a parade of perfectly rectilinear finger sandwiches, warm scones and beautiful, tweezer-precise cakes, delivered to linen-clad tables by staff who operate as smoothly as a Swiss timepiece.

Every detail is exquisite. Corn-fed chicken on rye comes with truffled mayonnaise. Chocolate choux are made with fine Valrhona chocolate. Claridge’s even stresses the heritage of the cucumbers (English, organic) which, dressed with chamomile-infused buttermilk, go into its version of that summer classic: cucumber sandwiches. Rare Tea Company expert Henrietta Lovell curates Claridge’s menu of loose-leaf infusions.

Available from: Claridge's
Price: Traditional afternoon tea £90pp, champagne afternoon tea from £100pp
Address: Brook Street, Mayfair, London, W1K 4HR

Mirror Room, Rosewood London, London WC1

• Book now at Rosewood London, from £72pp

Best afternoon tea for art lovers

The Rosewood London is renowned for its theatrical and refined portrayal of the city's best artworks in the form of an exquisite afternoon tea. The inspiration changes regularly, so guests can discover artists on repeat visits. When we visited, the tea was David Hockney-inspired, capturing elements of the artist's most notable works, seamlessly blending nature-inspired designs with classic British flavours. The essentials are all still there – sandwiches, scones and patisserie, served in the grand Mirror Room – but there are plenty of contemporary twists throughout, too.

Glossy, neat mini scones (plain and raisin) are served warm and are some of the best we’ve tried – very soft and light. Alongside jam and cream, they are served with a stand-out homemade lemon curd which is smooth, buttery and rich. The final rounds of patisserie resemble mini works of art and are incredibly intricate, with complex layers of mousse, sponge and jelly. The colourful illustrated menu outlines the inspiration behind each creation.

There are a range of drinks options to accompany the tea, from champagne to a fruity cocktail, and an extensive selection of Mariage Frères teas. Service is speedy and friendly, guiding you through each element with confidence.

Available from: Rosewood London
Price: Art afternoon tea £75pp
Address: 252 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EN

Raffles London at the OWO

• Book now at Raffles, from £80pp

Best for historical surroundings

The conversion of the Grade II-listed Old War Office into a luxurious hotel has led to a plethora of new restaurants to discover, and our top pick is The Drawing Room, where afternoon tea is served. Deep leather sofas, panelled walls and a live pianist on a grand piano create a real sense of atmosphere. A quintessentially British setting, the tea overlooks Whitehall and Horse Guards Parade for a sense of classic London people-watching.

The afternoon tea menu changes seasonally. As well as a selection of classic sandwiches (think coronation chicken, egg mayo and cucumber), the tea kicks off with a delicate heritage carrot tart for an amuse-bouche. On our spring visit, patisserie highlights included a delicate elderflower and cucumber pavlova and a mini rhubarb tart filled with creamy rice pudding. Warm scones are served with classic clotted cream and strawberry jam. There's an array of teas from around the world to choose from to pair with your delicacies: we tried a memorable apricot tea that was immensely fragrant and fruity. All teas are served with a tea timer to make sure your pot brews perfectly to your desired strength. Service is exceptional: knowledgeable, attentive and super friendly. It's also possible to pair your tea with a one hour tour of the hotel, to discover more about the historic surroundings.

Available from: Raffles at the OWO
Price: Afternoon tea from £80pp
Address: Raffles London at The OWO, Whitehall, London SW1A 2BX

The Coral Room

• Book now at The Coral Room, from £48pp

Best for alternative diets

The Coral Room is an impressive venue for a special occasion – with high ceilings, a big open fire and a striking art deco style bar, it feels opulent but relaxed. With the opening of The Devil Wears Prada in the West End, it’s offering a themed afternoon tea so you can channel your inner Miranda Priestly.

Runway Afternoon Tea starts with sandwiches including classic cucumber and crème fraîche, a punchy smoked salmon in a brioche roll, and Nates’ grilled cheese – a warm, melty treat that’s easily the best of the bunch. Buttermilk scones are served with clotted cream and a spiced pear jam that feels perfect for the colder months, with a little cinnamon madeleine to prepare for the cakes to come. On to the patisserie, a delightfully light layered hazelnut coffee opera cake references the “no foam skimmed latte with an extra shot” from the film. The Devil’s chocolate cake is rich, if a little on the dry side, but the ‘cerulean’ Greek yogurt mousse is light and fresh in among all the sweetness. The star, named ‘a single cube of cheese’, is a cube of rich, glossy vanilla cheesecake. Almost all the cakes and scones are gluten-free, with vegetarian and vegan options, so this is a great one to cater to alternative diets. There’s an ample selection of teas to choose from, including black, green and herbal, or you can amp up the luxury with sparkling wine or champagne. The specially created cocktail menu shines with the Runway Royale – tequila and vanilla liqueur topped up with champagne and a botanical aperitif, alongside zesty gin and berry-based vodka options.

Available from: The Coral Room
Price: Traditional afternoon tea £48pp, champagne afternoon tea £65pp, sparkling wine from £15, cocktails from £19.
Address: 16-22 Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury, London, WC1B 3NN

The Stafford

• Book now at The Stafford, from £70 pp

Best for understated luxury

The Stafford is our new favourite hidden gem for a luxury London afternoon tea. It offers the memorable five-star hotel experience, with faultless service and immaculate food throughout. The recently relaunched tea menu, with recipes created by Lisa Goodwin-Allen and head pastry chef Magdalena Velczenbach, offers a classic experience with gentle twists along the way.

Enjoy champagne served from a grand champagne trolley, and take waiter recommendations from the broad tea menu (an apricot fusion was our personal highlight). Classic sandwiches and warm fluffy scones follow, along with a mini cheese scone served with sour cream and chives. The memorable moment falls when the elaborate cake trolley is wheeled to your table and you can choose five ornate patisserie. Learn the history behind the 'white mouse' dessert and enjoy a fresh raspberry macaron or rich coffee choux bun. Anything you can't finish can be boxed up to take home, too.

Available from: The Stafford
Price: Afternoon tea from £70pp
Address: The Stafford, 16-18 St James's Place, London SW1 1NJ

Gatsby's Room, The Beaumont, London W1

• Book now at Gatsby's Room, The Beaumont, from £80pp

Best American-inspired afternoon tea

Enjoy a transatlantic afternoon tea in the luxurious Gatsby's Room at The Beaumont hotel. The atmosphere is relaxed and intimate, with stunning art deco decor and live piano music. Located in the heart of Mayfair, it's a great escape from the hustle and bustle of central London.

The menu consists of traditional afternoon tea classics with a subtle American twist. Tuck into coronation chicken, oak-smoked lox, devilled egg mayonnaise and salt beef. Choose from fluffy raisin or plain scones, and finish with delicate desserts – think salt water taffy, yuzu cream pie and vanilla pudding. Vegan alternatives and a children's afternoon tea are also available.

The immaculate setting, friendly service and incredible food make The Beaumont a fantastic option for afternoon tea.

Available from: The Beaumont
Price: Traditional afternoon tea £80pp, champagne afternoon tea from £90pp, children's afternoon tea £40
Address: 8 Balderton St, Brown Hart Gardens, London W1K 6TF

Petersham Nurseries, Richmond

• Book now at Petersham Nurseries, from £55pp

Best afternoon tea for bohemian glamour

Petersham Nurseries is an eclectic mix of sculptures, vintage furniture, artfully decorated greenhouses and beautiful displays of plants and flowers. It’s quintessentially British with a hint of eccentricity. Adding to the bohemian glamour is the imaginative and beautifully presented afternoon tea, which is served from a handblown cake stand adorned with a bunch of seasonal flowers. The seasonally changing menu makes the most of locally sourced ingredients. We were served roasted red pepper & almond tarts, focaccia with burrata and nasturtiums and orange polenta cake with fig and crème fraiche – each bite is fresh and unique. Wash it down with a glass of rose petal prosecco for the ultimate treat. Browse the shop on your way out for trinkets, glasses and chic gardening wear.

Available from: Petersham Nurseries
Price: Garden afternoon tea £55pp, with prosecco £65pp.
Address: Church Lane, Richmond, Surrey, TW10 7AB

Theatre Royal Lily Vanilli afternoon tea

• Book now at Theatre Royal Lily Vanilli afternoon tea, from £59pp
  

Best afternoon tea for theatre lovers

With its sophisticated millennial pink and green marble-lined room with shining chandeliers, the Grand Saloon shares the grandeur of the Theatre Royal Drury Lane that it’s located in. As you enter, the glamorous Regency era scene is set by a speaker playing a string quartet versions of popular songs. This style is replicated throughout the afternoon tea with cakes changing seasonally from ‘queen of cakes’ Lily Vanilli. From miniature fluffy canelés with pickled beetroot to smoky lapsang souchong glazed salmon on madeleines, the tea's inventive savoury options, steering away from the traditional sandwiches, takes it to the next level.

A surprisingly quirky standout was the final dish, an absinthe mint chocolate chip ice cream which was inspired by the Regency era’s trend of exotic ices. Adding a touch of theatre, this was served on an opulent wooden ice cream trolley. The subtle aniseed flavour of the absinthe complemented the creamy mint ice cream. This is an afternoon tea full of sophistication and luxury.

Available from: Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Price: £59 for adults and £20 for children.
Address: Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, Catherine Street, WC2B 5JF

The Crystal Moon Lounge, Corinthia Hotel, London SW1

• Book now at The Corinthia Hotel, from £65pp

Best for luxury menu options

Afternoon tea at The Corinthia is set in the glamorous Crystal Moon Lounge dominated by a striking Baccarat crystal chandelier, underneath an array of fresh flowers. Traditional afternoon tea (£65 pp) comes with a choice of house blend teas served in three different strengths, including No 1 Aromatic, a delicate combination of flowery earl grey and soothing oolong; and No 3 Robust, a full-strength blend of assam, oolong and earl grey (stronger smoky notes with light tones of honey). Add a glass of refreshing Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée Brut champagne for an extra £10. Or go all out with the Laurent-Perrier rosé champagne afternoon tea at £85 pp, both served in Baccarat flutes. For ultimate luxury, there is even a caviar afternoon tea option.

A gold board showcases modern takes on classic British finger sandwiches – fine slithers of cucumber, light egg mayonnaise with mustard, smoked salmon with subtle hints of lemon curd, and salt beef with creamy horseradish on soft sundried tomato bread. Light, fluffy scones with honeyed glaze tops are kept warm in a small wooden presentation box. Accompaniments include classic strawberry jam, moreish rhubarb and Tonka bean jam and thick clotted cream. Patisserie change with the seasons: we had dainty canelés kick off the sweet round (they were slightly overdone but packed a good kick of rum), followed by exotic passion fruit choux buns encased in a craquelin shell, a boozy trifle with crunchy apple and calvados chantilly cream, and a delicate dark chocolate brownie topped with a chocolate crémeux.

Available from: The Corinthia
Price: Traditional afternoon tea £65 pp, champagne afternoon tea from £75 pp
Address: Whitehall Place, Westminster, London SW1A 2BD

The Parlour at Great Scotland Yard Hotel

• Book now at Great Scotland Yard Hotel, from £55pp

Best kept secret

British elegance and exciting patisserie in an afternoon tea designed in collaboration with royal perfumier Floris.

The Parlour Room is sophisticated yet modern, with printed wallpaper and checked flooring. The waiting staff were knowledgeable, discussing each tea and recommending pairings for each course – we tried a classic earl grey that was floral and citrussy.

The afternoon tea starts with an assortment of savouries, which were classics with a twist, using tarragon in the chicken mayonnaise, and pairing cheddar cheese with Guinness in gougères. We liked that the perfectly shaped scones arrived warm and with plenty of clotted cream and jam for all of them. Diving into the star of the show, five intricate pastries are meticulously layered and decorated. The fruity, fragrant strawberry and jasmine tartlet was the highlight, closely followed by a zingy blackcurrant and frangipane gateaux.

Available from: Great Scotland Yard Hotel
Price: £55pp, champagne afternoon tea £65pp
Address: 3-5, Great Scotland Yard, London SW1A 2HN

The Goring, London SW1

• Book now at The Goring, from £60pp

Best afternoon tea near Buckingham Palace

Traditional afternoon tea comes with a choice of Jing teas including the strong, slightly smoky Goring blend, and a floral oolong tea. Add a glass of refreshing Bollinger for an extra £10. A vibrant pea purée amuse bouche topped with crème fraiche and a cube of smoked salmon started the afternoon tea, followed by salty shredded chicken with fresh tomatoes on fluffy white bread and fresh salmon with crisp slithers of cucumber.

Warm with a soft middle and golden on top, the scones came with syrupy strawberry jam and thick clotted cream. For the sweet round, a soft choux bun encased in a craquelin shell was filled with whipped strawberry cream on a thick crunchy biscuit base, a dense lemon and poppy seed cake was topped with a dollop of zingy lemon curd and piped torched meringue; mini pistachio and raspberry loaf was moist and nutty; a sticky lemon macaroon with sweet tangy cream was incredibly moreish; and a silky dark chocolate tart with hibiscus had a crunchy bottom.

Available from: The Goring
Price: Traditional afternoon tea £75pp, champagne afternoon tea from £85pp
Address: 15 Beeston Place, London, SW1W OJW

The Ritz, Palm Court, London W1

• Book now at The Ritz, from £76pp

Best iconic afternoon tea

The Ritz is as iconic as the Queen, and this institutional British hotel keeps up tradition by serving 350 afternoon teas every day. It's only fitting that afternoon tea at The Ritz is a lavish affair; the formal dress code requires men to wear shirt and tie, doors are opened for you by folk in top hats, and the resident pianist, Ian Gomes, who flutters away most days during afternoon tea service, used to play with Frank Sinatra.

Afternoon tea at The Ritz is taken in the Palm Court, an area raised up from the rest of the hotel’s lobby like a marble-floored stage. The Louis XVI-style set is beautifully ornate, with pristine white tablecloths laid out beneath intricate chandeliers, giant palms and gold-gilt mirrors. Choose from the 18-strong tea menu that has been curated and exclusively blended by The Ritz’s tea sommelier, Giandomenico Scanu. There are black tea blends, fermented Oolongs, herbal fruit teas and even The Ritz’s own Chai. We tried The Ritz Royal English, a classic black tea blend, combining aromatic Ceylon orange pekoe and rich Assam.

Available from: The Ritz
Price: Traditional afternoon tea £76pp
Address: 150 Piccadilly, London, W1J 9BR

Click here to read our full review of afternoon tea at The Ritz

The Wolseley, London W1

• Book now at The Wolseley, from £44.50

Best value iconic afternoon tea

The classic room at The Wolseley has become an institution over the years – choose a simple cream tea (scones and tea), the classic afternoon tea, or go all out and order the champagne afternoon tea, complete with a glass of Pommery Brut Royal NV. Neatly cut finger sandwiches are made with various breads – succulent beef and horseradish on white, as well as cucumber (which was a little bland), smoked salmon on squishy brown bread, and Branston pickle on tomato bread. The coronation chicken sandwich was exemplary, with a lightly spiced curry mayo and plump sultanas.

Scones were pleasant and fluffy, but came on the stand with the rest of the sandwiches and cakes – by the time we got to them, they were a little less fresh than desired. Simple strawberry jam and clotted cream came in generous portions. A silky lemon meringue tart was finished with a shiny blow-torched meringue dome; well-spiced Dundee cake came packed with juicy fruit; and the sherry trifle included a fragrant vanilla set custard, topped with a tart, shiny sherry jelly. If you’re still peckish, the smartly dressed staff bring round trays of the tart of the day, on our visit, a large blue cheese and caramelised onion one, with a dark crunchy crust.

Available from: The Wolseley
Price: Cream tea £19.50, classic afternoon tea from £44.50pp, champagne afternoon tea £58pp
Address: 160 Piccadilly, St James's London, W1J 9EB

The Rosebery Lounge at Mandarin Oriental, London SW1

• Book now at Mandarin Oriental, from £85pp

Best Asian-inspired afternoon tea

Afternoon tea at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park is taken in The Rosebery Lounge, a grand yet unstuffy dining room with high ceilings and a small, stylish bar offering a selection of wines and spirits, including Chêne Bleu Domaine De la Verrière rosé, Goose Island IPA and Hendrick’s gin. Speckled antique mirrors and contemporary abstract art line the walls, and individual metal coat stands (tree-like) are brought to intimate, low, dark-wood tables. Elegant chandeliers and large windows facing onto Knightsbridge high street make the lounge bright, and a rose and ginger scent infuses throughout the room.

We were greeted by a friendly and informative waiter who explained the options available: beer afternoon tea, teamaster’s choice, sake (read our guide to sake here) afternoon tea, mini afternoon tea (for children under 12) or traditional champagne afternoon tea. We opted for the latter, which came with R de Ruinart rosé champagne and R de Ruinart white champagne, both smooth, chilled and crisp, the rosé leaving slight floral notes after each sip.

Available from: The Rosebery Lounge
Price: Traditional afternoon tea £85pp, extra supplement for champagne, beer or sake pairings
Address: 66 Knightsbridge Green, London, SW1X 7LA

Click here to read our full review of afternoon tea at The Rosebery Lounge, Mandarin Oriental

The Landmark London, NW1

• Book now at The Landmark from £70pp

Best afternoon tea for pretty surroundings

Towering palm trees, giant orchids and an elaborate glass roof – you may mistake the Winter Garden atrium at The Landmark London for a luxury hotel in Dubai. But comfortable armchairs, soft lighting and crisp white tablecloths brings a bit of British to the table, and helps provide the perfect setting for an afternoon tea.

The Landmark London has a variety of special blend teas – the Landmark Blend has a subtle sweet hint of Bourbon vanilla, while the Winter Garden Blend is a more traditional and aromatic afternoon tea blend (we highly recommend both). Finger sandwiches were traditional, but the bread was fresh and scattered with mixed grains. Free-range corn fed chicken was given a subtle twist with tarragon crème fraîche and the thick-cut Lapsang Souchong smoked salmon was soft and delicate. The two varieties of scones were not as large and fluffy as we hoped they would be, but the delicate jam saved the day.

Available from: The Landmark London
Price: High Palms Afternoon Tea £70pp
Address: 222 Marylebone Road, London, NW1 6JQ

Click here to read our full review of afternoon tea at The Landmark London

NoMad London, WC2

• Book now at The Nomad, from £65pp

Best for rare teas

Indulge in a delightful afternoon at NoMad, where the tranquil, light-filled orangery, nestled within the historic Grade II-listed old police station, offers a serene escape from busy Covent Garden.

Embark on a culinary journey with a three-course tea menu. You choose from an array of teas curated by London's esteemed Rare Tea Company, ranging from exotic global blends like jasmine silver tip and genmaicha to timeless classics such as earl grey or English breakfast. For those seeking an extra touch of indulgence, the bar team presents six innovative cocktails for an added £18, perfect for a spirited afternoon lift.

The first course is savoury sandwiches, ranging from the classic egg salad elevated with black truffle and chive, to pastrami, daikon and mustard – paying homage to NoMad's New York roots. For an enhanced experience, consider adding Imperial Osciеtra caviar served with griddled potato bread and bonito cream for an extra £23.

The sweet delights are crafted by pastry chef Martha Hernandez, whose artistic flair shines in creations like the sacher-torte, tropical cheesecake and the cassis and shisho tart, marrying zesty fruit with buttery, crumbly pastry. Unable to finish? Leftovers can be boxed up for you to enjoy later, too.

Available from: NoMad London
Price: Classic afternoon tea £65pp
Address: 28 Bow St, London WC2E 7AW

The Cadogan

• Book now at The Cadogan, from £70pp

Best for French patisserie

As soon as you step off Sloane Street into The Cadogan you’re met with the quiet of luxury. The Cadogan Lounge has, at its centre, an ornamental tree decorated with seasonal flowers which provides a beautiful backdrop for this tea time experience. The afternoon tea, created by chef Benoît Blin, marries the technique and intricacy of French patisserie with the tradition of an English afternoon tea, and the result is as elegant as it is delicious.

Once we’d chosen our tea from the 12 on offer, the first course of savouries arrived, which included an egg mayonnaise sandwich with black summer truffle, which we haven’t been able to stop thinking about since. Then the homemade scones, still warm, alongside strawberry jam and clotted cream, which is served with a selection of sweets, including a Wimbledon-inspired parfait of strawberries and shortbread on our summer visit. The best is saved for last though as the cake trolley is wheeled to your table, if you still have room of course. We chose the ultra lemon cake which had a refreshing hit of citrus curd running through its centre.

Available from: The Cadogan
Price: Traditional afternoon tea £70pp
Address: 75 Sloane St, Chelsea, London SW1X 9SG

Best modern afternoon teas in London

Sketch, London W1

• Book now at Sketch, from £85pp

Best quirky afternoon tea

Aside from the other-worldly surroundings, the highlight of afternoon tea at Sketch has to be the tea itself. Waitresses scoot golden tea trollies around the room, each one stacked with glass jars of aromatic loose leaf teas – there are at least 40 to pick from, including whole rosebud, matcha, white peony and Taiwan red jade. Feel free to sniff before you choose, and refills are complimentary.

Expect fun surprises, changing themes and plenty of little extras along the way during a Sketch afternoon tea. The volume of food is generous with sandwiches, six different patisserie, scones, cake from the trolley and more to enjoy.

Available from: Sketch
Price: Classic afternoon tea £80pp
Address: 9 Conduit Street, London, W1S 2XG

JOIA in art'otel, Battersea

• Book now at JOIA, from £55pp

Best for modern design

Battersea Power Station has garnered a reputation for a certain level of luxury and neighbouring Art’otel is no different. It’s beautifully designed by Spanish artist Jaime Hayon, with a mixture of sculptures, paintings and photography that lean into colourful surrealism. The JOIA bar and restaurant is on the 14th and 15th floors, with views spanning over the power station and across the river. The restaurant feels bright and elegant, bolstered by knowing there’s a rooftop pool and bar just one floor up if you want to extend your visit. Its décor is art deco inspired with lots of gold accents and plush pink velvet chairs. Service is friendly and attentive, helping it to feel like a high-end experience without any stuffiness.

The afternoon tea menu features a selection of 12 teas from classics like earl grey and darjeeling to lesser-seen options like Iron Buddha oolong and white peony tea. The food starts with tangy salted beef and horseradish; traditional egg mayo; and creamy dill, smoked salmon and soft cheese sandwiches (which are offered ‘unlimited’). Move on to warm plain scones with raspberry jam and cream, before the vibrantly decorated patisserie that evokes the hotel’s art-forward aesthetic. We tried a raspberry and cinnamon custard tart, a pear and almond choux bun and, the highlight, a rich chocolate and banana mousse cake bookended by tempered shards of melt-in-the-mouth chocolate. This would make an excellent option for a special occasion, with the option to add champagne, too. Price: £55pp with a pot of tea; £65pp with a glass of champagne and pot of tea.

Available from: JOIA
Price: From £55pp, champagne afternoon tea £65pp
Address: art’otel London Battersea Power Station, 15th Floor. 1 Electric Boulevard, London SW11 8BJ

Cake & Bubbles by Albert Adria, Cafe Royal, London W1B

• Book now at Cakes and Bubbles, from £50pp

Best afternoon tea for dessert enthusiasts

Cake & Bubbles is a dessert and champagne experience designed by multi-award-winning pastry chef Albert Adria. Located at the Hotel Café Royal in London, Adria has created a spectacle of sweet sensations, offered alongside a carefully curated selection of champagne and sparkling wine. Born out of Adria’s desire to open a dessert-only venue, the Sweet Afternoon Bubbles menu comprises three sweet courses, with an optional glass of (highly recommended) N.V. Venue Clicquot Brut. Upon arrival of the first course, beautifully presented on a golden embossed cake stand, Adria’s deep passion for delicate confections is clear. We were guided through the experience by friendly staff, starting from the bottom tier with baklava pistachio pillows that were light as air and a passion fruit crème with a touch of burnt caramel to balance the flavours. By far, the highlight of the menu was the ‘cheese cake’, a twist on traditional cheesecake, using sharp Baron Bigod cheese, enveloped in sweet white chocolate with hazelnut – an absolute must-try for cheese and cake lovers alike.

Available from: Cakes & Bubbles
Price: Sweet Afternoon Bubbles menu £50pp (with a glass of N. V. Venue Clicquot Brut £65pp)
Address: 70 Regent St., London, W1B 4DY

Number Sixteen, South Kensington, London SW7

• Book now at Number Sixteen, from £45pp

Best al fresco afternoon tea

As soon as you step through the door of this pristinely manicured mid-Victorian white townhouse, co-owner Kit Kemp's bold statements make themselves known. Textiles in the suite of drawing rooms range in colour from pistachio and pink to stylish yellow and purple, with unique artwork throughout – a huge wall-mounted birdcage marks the entranceway, books line the walls, and hand painted puppets guard the honesty bar stocked with spirits, wines and bubbles.

The selection of sandwiches and cakes offers something a bit different to traditional afternoon tea. On our summer visit, hick-cut honey roasted ham with refreshing dill coleslaw comes on black rye bread; beautiful courgette flowers are coated in a crisp and light tempura; and herbes de provence chicken fills a squishy glazed brioche bun. Pastries are pretty and dainty – a hint of violet adds depth to a creamy lemon-filled choux profiterole, rose cupcakes are subtly floral and the silky raspberry panna cotta provides a pleasantly tart finish.

Available from: Number Sixteen
Price: Traditional afternoon tea £45pp, champagne afternoon tea £57pp
Address: 16 Sumner Place, London, SW7 3EG

TING at Shangri-La Hotel, The Shard, London SE1

• Book now at TING Shangri-La from £78pp

Best afternoon tea with a view

If you delight in all things traditional, then afternoon tea at London's TING is not for you. But if you’re open-minded, enjoy Asian food and would prefer to gaze across a sparkling city rather than a Victorian dining room, then you can’t get much better than TING at Shangri-La hotel, one of six restaurants in The Shard.

Initial impressions of TING (on level 35) are magnificent: the lift doors open onto a spectacular and uninterrupted panorama of London, dominated at first by St Paul’s Cathedral. Low tables and armchairs are sensibly arranged to soak up as much of the view as possible – we took three hours over our afternoon tea, so unique was the experience.

Available from: TING at Shangri-La
Price: Afternoon tea £78pp, champagne afternoon tea from £88pp
Address: Shangri-La Hotel At The Shard, 31, St Thomas Street, London, SE1 9QU

The Ampersand Hotel, Science afternoon tea, London SW7

• Book now at Ampersand Hotel, from £59.50pp

Best afternoon tea for kids

Just a stone’s throw from the Science and Natural History museums in South Kensington, it’s easy to see where The Ampersand got their inspiration from for this whacky afternoon tea – the perfect treat for budding scientists.

The room we take tea in is part English drawing room, part French tea salon, and comes adorned with comfortable sofas. As for the food, everything is made in-house – there’s a meticulously decorated raspberry cake planet with a white chocolate planetary ring, and moreish hazelnut and chocolate cake with a sharp mango mousse volcano. There are also chocolate dinosaurs and a citrus cocktail served in a laboratory beaker, to add to the Dr Jekyll experience. Portions are generous too, very welcome after a morning spent museum-hopping.

Available from: The Ampersand Hotel
Price: Science afternoon tea £59.50pp, with champagne from £69.50, (vegetarian options available)
Address: 10 Harrington Road, London, SW7 3ER

Click here to read our full review of afternoon tea at The Ampersand

OXO Tower, London SE1

• Book now at OXO Tower, from £45pp
  

Best contemporary riverside afternoon tea

OXO Tower Wharf is one of London’s most famous landmarks, noted for its iconic branded windows and sky-high restaurants. It’s hard to find the entrance if you’ve never been before – head to the pavilion in the middle of the building, then catch the lift up to the 8th floor, for the restaurant. Enjoy stunning views on your way to your table, that stretch all the way from Waterloo Bridge to St Paul’s Cathedral.

The atmosphere is considerably formal – think leather seats and slate tables with crisp ironed white tablecloths, and a slanting glass roof to make the most of those beautiful views. Afternoon tea menus are carefully explained and although the selection of sandwiches and cakes seems endless, portions here are dainty so it’s possible to try everything.

Available from: OXO Tower Wharf
Price: Traditional afternoon tea £40pp, champagne afternoon tea from £50pp
Address: OXO Tower Wharf, Barge House Street, South Bank, London, SE1 9PH

Click here to read our full review of afternoon tea at OXO Tower

Chai afternoon tea, Cinnamon Bazaar

• Book now at Cinnamon Bazaar, from £27.50

Best savoury afternoon tea

One of the best afternoon teas in London for savoury palates is the high chai tea at Cinnamon Bazaar. It doesn't have the glitz and glamour of The Savoy, but it's comfortable enough and the service is friendly. The menu puts a unique Indian-inspired view on afternoon tea, inspired by chef Vivek Singh's roots in Kolkata, completely transforming it into something new. The tea is divided into chaats, nibbles (including a fish finger sandwich and chicken spring roll) and sweets. It makes a tempting change from finger sandwiches and scones and you're sure to find a new favourite dish.

Available from: Cinnamon Bazaar
Price: Chai afternoon tea for two £27.50
Adress: 28 Maiden Ln, London WC2E 7JS

Still in the mood for cakes? Check out our best ever afternoon tea recipes now, and create your own feast at home...