London's cherished tradition of afternoon tea is celebrated across the capital, with venues ranging from affordable tea rooms to opulent five-star hotels. Whether you're seeking classic finger sandwiches and freshly baked scones or a glass of fizz to mark a special occasion, the city offers an array of choices to suit every palate and budget.
From intimate settings in North London to breathtaking views atop The Shard, these handpicked venues promise an unforgettable experience. Here are 10 of the finest spots for afternoon tea in London, catering to both penny-wise patrons and those seeking a lavish indulgence.
Budget-Friendly Afternoon Tea Options
For those watching their spending, Café Rouge offers a delightful afternoon tea starting at just £15 per person. With locations at St Paul's (5-14 St. Paul's Churchyard, EC4M 8BX) and St Katherine Docks (Tower Bridge House, 4 St Katharine's Way, E1W 1BA), this French-inspired venue serves sweet delicacies and savoury treats like French onion sausage rolls and miniature meringue tarts. Despite the company entering administration, these two London branches remain operational.
Another affordable option is The Gantry, located at 40 Celebration Ave, Stratford, E20 1DB, with prices from £25 per person. Overlooking the Stratford skyline, it offers London East End staples such as mini fish 'n' chips and Brick Lane's mini salt beef beigels, alongside brioche sandwiches with aged Cheddar Gorge cheese and homemade red onion jam. Fruit scones with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry preserve, plus a 'Jellied Eel' dessert, complete the experience.
Mid-Range Afternoon Tea Experiences
Brigit's Bakery, at 6-7 Chandos Place, Covent Garden, WC2N 4HU, offers its signature L'Afternoon Tea from £40 per person. Guests can also opt for the Afternoon Tea London Sightseeing Bus Tour, departing from Victoria Coach Station or Trafalgar Square, which passes iconic landmarks like Westminster Abbey, St James's Park, and Hyde Park while enjoying French-inspired finger sandwiches and pastries.
In the heart of Covent Garden, Boulevard Brasserie at 40 Wellington St, WC2E 7BD, serves a classic afternoon tea from £37.95 per person. Situated near the Royal Opera House, it offers premium teas and coffees with savoury bites, freshly baked scones, and a variety of cakes and tarts.
Little Tea House, at 1152 High Road, Whetstone, N20 0RA, is an independent establishment offering halal, vegan, and vegetarian menus from £38 per person. Guests can enjoy scones with clotted cream and jam, savoury bites like garlic and coriander quiches or chicken tikka pies, and sweet treats such as mille feuilles and chocolate cakes.
Luxury Afternoon Tea at Iconic Venues
For a truly opulent experience, The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum and Mason, 181 Piccadilly, W1A 1ER, offers afternoon tea from £84. With roots dating back to 1707, this institution prides itself on sourcing the finest produce and offers over 100 rare teas from India, China, Nepal, Japan, and Ceylon. The menu includes lobster scones with cream cheese and caviar, and a children's tea with finger sandwiches, scones, and cakes.
The Savoy, on The Strand, WC2R 0EZ, is another quintessential choice, with prices from £90. It features more than 30 teas, traditional sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream, jam, and lemon curd, plus pastries. For an elevated experience, guests can add a glass of Laurent-Perrier Champagne or Nyetimber sparkling wine.
Unique Afternoon Tea Settings
Oblix at The Shard, 31 St Thomas St, SE1 9RY, offers afternoon tea at £59 per person with spectacular views from the 32nd floor. The menu includes mozzarella and cherry tomato tarts, prawn and lobster rolls with salmon roe, and duck egg and truffle mayonnaise buns. Sweet options feature madeleines with hot chocolate sauce, raspberry and pistachio financiers, and hazelnut rochers.
The Coral Room at The Bloomsbury Hotel, 16-22 Great Russell St, WC1B 3NN, from £55 per person, is set in a Grade II-listed neo-Georgian building that once housed Princess Elizabeth's teatime suite. The elegant setting features buttermilk scones, distinctive sandwiches, seasonal fruit tarts, and Victoria sponge.
Petersham Nurseries, Church Lane, Off Petersham Road, TW10 7AB, offers a whimsical afternoon tea from £65 per person. Set in a conservatory filled with foliage and antique garden chairs, it serves savoury delights like salt beef mini bagels and radicchio and wild mushroom sandwiches, plus clementine and pomegranate cakes and pecan tarts. The buttery fruit scones come with orange jam and clotted cream, with vegan and vegetarian options available.
According to MyLondon's roundup, these venues ensure that whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a catch-up, there's an afternoon tea experience in London to match your budget and taste.
