Few experiences feel quite as quintessentially British as afternoon tea, and for many visitors to London, it’s almost an essential part of the trip. There’s something wonderfully indulgent about setting aside a couple of hours. To slow down over delicate sandwiches, warm scones and beautifully crafted pastries. All accompanied by pots of perfectly brewed tea. More than just the food, afternoon tea is as much about the atmosphere and occasion. I love that it is a chance to sit in good company, chat for hours and sample different blends while soaking up some of London’s most elegant surroundings. From grand historic hotels to contemporary tea rooms with a modern twist. The city offers no shortage of memorable places to enjoy this much-loved tradition. Let me share my experiences and recommendations for the best (and prettiest) places to go for afternoon tea in London.
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Moa’s Edit
The best places for afternoon tea in London
| Venue | Price p/p | Location | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seventy Five at Liberty | from £50 | Regent Street | Shoppers & a relaxed, less formal setting |
| The Connaught | £65 – £85 | Mayfair | Quiet sophistication & understated luxury |
| The Rubens at The Palace | from £70 | Buckingham Palace | Royal-themed experience near the Palace |
| Ting at Shangri-La The Shard | from £78 | Southwark | Panoramic skyline views & contemporary menus |
| The Corinthia | £75 – £85 | Westminster | Grand occasions in an opulent crystal lounge |
| The Goring | from £80 | Belgravia | Heritage, royal connections & intimate atmosphere |
| Brown’s Hotel | from £80 | Mayfair | History lovers seeking an authentic heritage experience |
| Rosewood London | from £80 | Holborn | Art & literature lovers, visual storytelling |
| Fortnum & Mason | from £84 | Piccadilly | Tea connoisseurs & lovers of a British institution |
| Milestone Hotel | from £85 | Kensington | Couples & those wanting an intimate boutique setting |
| Raffles at the OWO | from £87 | Westminster | History enthusiasts & fans of immersive themed teas |
| The Savoy | from £90 | Covent Garden | Lively luxury with an evening Twilight Tea option |
| The Lanesborough Our Pick | from £92 | Hyde Park Corner | Theatrical & immersive — the prettiest pastries in London |
| Claridge’s | from £95 | Mayfair | Art Deco glamour with a fashionable edge |
| The Ritz | from £95 | Piccadilly | First-timers wanting the quintessential London experience |
| The Dorchester | from £95 | Mayfair | Luxury seekers & special celebrations |
All prices per person from rate — verify directly with venues as prices may change.
The best places for afternoon tea in London: from classic British luxury to fantastic views and fusion flavours
Whether you’re looking for the timeless elegance of crisp white tablecloths and silver tea sets in some of London’s most iconic hotels, or something altogether more contemporary, the city’s afternoon tea scene offers an incredible range of experiences. From luxurious traditional settings steeped in British heritage to rooftop venues with sweeping skyline views and creative menus inspired by global flavours, these are the best places in London to turn afternoon tea into something truly memorable.
This guide will be updated continuously as I discover and experience more afternoon teas in London and was last updated in July 2026.
Quick guide to the best afternoon tea in London
- The best afternoon tea in London: The Lanesborough Hotel
- The classic British luxury afternoon tea: The Ritz
- The afternoon tea with the best view: The Shard
- Art inspired afternoon tea: Rosewood Hotel
- Most unique venue for an afternoon tea in London: The London Eye
Did you know you can also combine an afternoon tea with a visit to the British Museum in London. Or a guided walk around Kensington Palace and also a guided tour through the National Gallery? If you’re looking for a truly unique afternoon tea, you can also book one as you go around the London Eye, where you sit inside one of the pods and enjoy two full rotations with fantastic views over central London.
The best place for afternoon tea in London
If there is one type of research I immensely enjoy, it’s booking myself an afternoon tea in a new spot every time I visit London. I am already looking forward to my next one and will of course update this guide as soon as I possibly can with more information and recommendations.
The Lanesborough Grill – my personal favourite place for afternoon tea in London
Afternoon tea at The Lanesborough beautifully blends classic British elegance with creative, themed storytelling, often drawing inspiration from the Regency era. Served beneath a stunning glass-domed ceiling in an exquisitely decorated dining room, the experience feels both luxurious and theatrical. Alongside refined pastries, delicate finger sandwiches and freshly baked scones, guests can enjoy an extensive tea selection, while optional Champagne or cocktails add an extra touch of indulgence. Not only is the food delicious, but it’s also one of the prettiest afternoon teas in London as the pastries feel like little works of art.
- Recommended for: Those looking for a luxurious and slightly theatrical afternoon tea experience, especially fans of themed or immersive dining.
- Price: from £92 per person
- Location: Hyde Park Corner
♥ Read my review of the Bridgerton Afternoon Tea at The Lanesborough Grill
Petersham Nurseries: best place for a garden afternoon tea outside the city centre of London
Is there anything more British than an elegant afternoon tea in a London garden setting? Afternoon tea at Petersham Nurseries is one of Richmond’s most enchanting experiences, served amid the nursery’s beautiful glasshouse surroundings filled with plants, flowers and rustic charm. Expect delicate pastries, freshly baked scones and seasonal savouries accompanied by fine teas in a setting that feels more like an Italian garden than suburban London. I loved how fresh everything felt and the sweet treats in particular incorporated seasonal berries which really enhanced the experience.
- Recommended for: Those looking for a garden setting afternoon tea in London’s prettiest borough, outside the city centre
- Price: from £65 per person
- Location: Richmond
♥ Read my full review of the afternoon tea at Petersham Nurseries here!
The Academy
Afternoon tea with a literary twist? Mr Ma’s Afternoon Tea at The Academy in Bloomsbury is a lovely way to experience London’s quintessentially British tradition with a little something unexpected. Inspired by Lao She’s novel Mr Ma and Son, the experience celebrates the cultural connections between England and China, blending classic afternoon tea favourites with a subtle Asian influence. Expect delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and strawberry preserve, alongside Chinese-inspired egg tarts and sesame-coated jian dui dough balls, finished with petit fours and macarons. Set within this charming boutique hotel, it’s a relaxed and rather special afternoon tea that pays homage to Bloomsbury’s rich literary heritage.
- Recommend for: Those looking for a traditional afternoon tea with an Asian-inspired twist in a charming Bloomsbury boutique hotel
- Price: From £38 per person (£49 with a glass of English sparkling wine)
- Location: Bloomsbury
The Connaught
The Connaught offers a refined and understated afternoon tea, especially focused on precision, craftsmanship and British luxury in a calm Mayfair setting in the heart of London.
- Recommended for: Those looking for a sophisticated, quieter luxury experience.
- Price: from £65 per person Monday to Thursday and £85 per person Thursday to Sunday
- Location: Mayfair Village
Claridges
Claridge’s is renowned for its timeless Art Deco interiors and refined approach to afternoon tea. Effortlessly beautifully blending British tradition with understated elegance. As a result, the experience feels both classic and sophisticated, making it one of the most iconic places in London to enjoy this much-loved ritual. Claridge’s is an especially well known venue for afternoon tea in London and a very pretty spot to spend a couple of hours.
- Recommended for: Those seeking classic luxury with a fashionable edge.
- Price: from £95 per person
- Location: Mayfair
The Ritz the best place for an afternoon tea with traditional luxury in London
One of London’s most iconic afternoon teas, The Ritz London delivers a truly traditional and elegant experience. Not only does it offer impeccable service, but it also does so within an opulent and timeless setting that perfectly captures classic British luxury.
- Recommended for: First-time visitors seeking a quintessential London afternoon tea, especially those wanting to experience classic British luxury
- Price: from £95 per person
- Location: Picadilly
The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum and Masons
A historic institution, Fortnum & Mason offers a quintessentially British afternoon tea with a focus on fine teas and beautifully presented classics. For those wishing to do a unique tasting along with their afternoon tea, they also offer their Tearista services for an additional fee.
For those who lack a sweet tooth and prefer all things savoury there is an entire afternoon tea menu dedicated to only savoury option as well. There is also the Caviar Tea which is an incredibly luxurious experience with accompaniments like quails eggs, new potatoes and sourdough crumpets.
Fortnum and Masons also have the second venue The Fortnum’s Bar & Restaurant at The Royal Exchange which also offers an afternoon tea menu in the Bank area.
- Recommended for: Tea lovers and those wanting a traditional yet lively experience.
- Price: from £84 per person at The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon and £45 at The Fortnum’s Bar & Restaurant at The Royal Exchange.
- Location: Piccadilly or The Royal Exchange
The Savoy
The Savoy’s afternoon tea beautifully blends theatrical flair with timeless tradition, pairing classic favourites with creative twists and an extensive selection of teas. However, if a traditional daytime tea experience isn’t quite your style, the hotel also offers its elegant Twilight Tea between 18:00 and 21:30. Here, you can expect refined savoury bites, delicate pastries and a Berry Royale cocktail, all served in a stunning setting that brings a sophisticated touch to the evening.
- Recommended for: Visitors who want a lively yet luxurious experience.
- Price: from £90 per person
- Location: near Covent Garden
Ting at Shangri-La at the Shard – the best place for an afternoon tea with a view in London
Set high above the city, this afternoon tea combines contemporary style with panoramic views across London’s skyline. What makes the experience feel especially modern, however, is the ever-changing themed menu, often created in collaboration with premium drinks brands such as St‑Germain. Their elderflower liqueur pairs beautifully with the delicate flavours of afternoon tea and personally I adore it in a light spring or summer spritz.
- Recommended for: Visitors who want a modern experience, especially those who want spectacular views.
- Price: from £78 per person
- Location: Southwark
Seventy Five at Liberty London
Located within Liberty’s iconic department store, this afternoon tea offers a more relaxed and contemporary take on the tradition. Don’t miss browsing the fabric section inside Liberty after your afternoon tea, I always try to squeeze in a visit here when I’m in London.
Recommended for: Shoppers and those wanting a stylish, less formal setting.
Price: from £50 per person
Location: Regent Street
The Goring
Not only is The Goring one of London’s few family-owned luxury hotels, but its royal connections also add to the sense of timeless British charm. As a result, afternoon tea here feels wonderfully traditional, offering an intimate and elegant setting in which to enjoy classic favourites and impeccable service.
- Recommended for: Those seeking heritage, tradition, and a more personal atmosphere.
- Price: from £80 per person
- Location: Belgravia
The Rubens at The Palace
Overlooking the Royal Mews, The Rubens at the Palace offers a classic afternoon tea experience infused with regal touches and warm, attentive service. Not only does the setting feel wonderfully elegant, but its proximity to the royal residences also adds an extra sense of occasion to the experience.
- Recommended for: Visitors wanting a royal-themed experience near Buckingham Palace.
- Price: from £70 per person
- Location: Buckingham Palace
Browns Hotel
As one of London’s oldest hotels, Brown’s Hotel is steeped in history, making it an ideal setting for a traditional afternoon tea. Meanwhile, the elegant interiors and classic British charm create an atmosphere that feels both refined and wonderfully timeless.
- Recommended for: History lovers and those seeking an authentic, heritage experience.
- Price: from £80 per person
- Location: Mayfair
The Corinthia
Served in the grand Crystal Moon Lounge, this afternoon tea beautifully combines opulence with exquisitely crafted sweet and savoury treats. Meanwhile, the lavish surroundings and elegant atmosphere make the experience feel every bit as indulgent as the menu itself.
- Recommended for: Special occasions and those seeking a luxurious, grand setting.
- Price: from £75 per person Monday to Thursday and £85 per person Friday to Sunday.
- Location: Westminster
The Dorchester
The Dorchester presents a refined afternoon tea experience, complete with seasonal pastries and elegant surroundings in the heart of Mayfair. As a result, it feels both sophisticated and timeless — the perfect setting for a leisurely afternoon in one of London’s most prestigious neighbourhoods.
- Recommended for: Luxury seekers and those celebrating a special occasion.
- Price: from £95 per person
- Location: Mayfair / Westminster
Raffles at the OWO
Set within a historic government building, this afternoon tea beautifully blends heritage with contemporary luxury in an elegant drawing room setting. Alongside tea served from a traditional teapot, guests can also enjoy sparkling tea for a modern twist on the classic experience. Meanwhile, the themed menus add an extra layer of creativity, with recent concepts such as Operation Mincemeat drawing inspiration from the venue’s fascinating London connections. The spectacular sweet treats are almost too pretty to eat, making the entire London afternoon tea experience feel both theatrical and indulgent.
- Recommended for: History enthusiasts and those wanting a unique, immersive setting, especially those who like a themed afternoon tea
- Price: from £87 per person
- Location: Westminster
Rosewood Hotel
Rosewood London’s afternoon tea is known for its creative and imaginative approach. With menus often inspired by art, literature or seasonal themes. As a result, each experience feels beautifully unique, while the intricately designed pastries and striking presentation add an extra sense of theatre and detail. This is another one of the prettiest afternoon teas in London where the treats are just gorgeous.
- Recommended for: Creative travellers and those looking for something unique, especially if you like something visually impressive.
- Price: from £80 per person
- Location: Holborn / Covent Garden
Milestone Hotel
A boutique and intimate option, The Milestone Hotel & Residences offers a cosy yet opulent afternoon tea experience paired with wonderfully personalised service. Meanwhile, the pretty interiors and old-world atmosphere give the hotel a timeless charm that feels perfectly suited to an afternoon tea in London.
- Recommended for: Couples or those seeking a quieter, more intimate experience.
- Price: from £85 per person
- Location: Kensington
Book your afternoon tea at The Milestone Hotel here.
FAQ – The best Afternoon Tea in London
In a traditional afternoon tea you can expect finger sandwiches, often with flavours like ham and mustard, cucumber and cream cheese as well as salmon. There are also scones that tend to be served with clotted cream and jam. And lastly also a selection of sweet treats and of course a tea of your choosing such as Earl Grey, a house blend, Darjeeling or English Breakfast.
Yes, reservations are highly recommended – and often essential at most venues in London.
Although most venues don’t have a strict dress code for afternoon tea, some like The Ritz do and I would recommend wearing something smart and perhaps a little dressed up for an occasion like this.
If you want a traditional afternoon tea which feels very suitable for London and is served in a beautiful venue, I would recommend The Lanesborough near Hyde Park Corner.
The afternoon teas at the top spots in London usually cost between £65-100 but there are venues where less refined afternoon teas are available at more affordable rates as well. If I find a really good one in the future, I’ll make sure to include it here.
Looking for more inspiration for your London trip?
- Bridgerton Afternoon Tea at The Lanesborough London: The Lady in Silver
- Staying at the Ruby Lucy Hotel in London: best design-led stay near Waterloo
- The best luxury & boutique hotels in London: from charming character to elegant luxury
- Hotels in Richmond upon Thames: charming riverside stays in London’s prettiest borough
Or perhaps for other adventures around the United Kingdom?
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Meet Moa, our multi-talented writer from Sweden who now calls Edinburgh, Scotland home. With over a decade exploring Europe’s hidden corners—from Nordic landscapes to alpine villages—Moa brings a unique perspective shaped by her years as a travel guide in the Swiss and Austrian Alps. As a whisky book author and freelance drinks writer, she has an eye for exceptional food and beverage experiences, while her background as a photographer ensures she never misses a scenic moment. Whether she’s discovering old European cities or chasing golden hour in mountain villages, Moa’s stories blend cultural insight with a dash of adventure and plenty of authenticity.
