Best Afternoon Tea in London
London is renowned for its delightful afternoon tea offerings, and you’ll find a plethora of options to choose from. Here are some of the best places to enjoy afternoon tea in London:
1. The Wolseley
One of London’s most exclusive afternoon teas may be found at The Wolseley on Piccadilly, which is known for its stately European atmosphere. The dimly lit, sophisticated atmosphere of the restaurant is ideal for a respite after braving the chaos of central London, and the restaurant’s loyal customers keep coming back for more thanks to the excellent service. The Wolseley provides a selection of wonderfully presented afternoon teas, replete with finger sandwiches, cakes, and scones, a silver tea service, and the option to drink champagne with your meal.
Address: 160 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1J 9EB
2. Brown’s Hotel
Afternoon tea is served at a few of the more premium hotels in London. Brown’s Hotel is definitely one of my faves. When there is a special occasion or it is someone’s first time having Afternoon Tea, I prefer to invite close friends and family members. The wood-paneled drawing room of Brown’s Hotel exudes an atmosphere that is quintessentially traditional and English. The use of dark wood in the interior design brings to mind the opulent atmosphere of a London club without appearing stuffy.
While you eat your handcrafted finger sandwiches, tea, and scones, there will probably be a pianist playing some light music in the background. Make sure there is room in your stomach for the dessert trolley. There is a possibility that the chef will present a one-of-a-kind variation or an original invention as part of the dinner. The tradition of Afternoon Tea served at Browns is elegant and contemporary while maintaining its traditional English flavor.
Address: 33 Albemarle St, Mayfair, London W1S 4BP
3. The Dorchester
The Dorchester is a scaled-up establishment. Flowers the size of hot air balloons are displayed in the lobby, the tallest visitors are dwarfed by quilted brocade armchairs, and afternoon tea is served at tables beneath marble-effect pillars on the Promenade. Even while the setting may make you feel small and unimportant, the subtly charming employees have the opposite effect—they treat you like the most important customers.
Address: 53 Park Ln, London W1K 1QA
4. Fortnum & Mason
Fortnum & Mason Tea Salon is a tranquil haven off Piccadilly and is decked up in its signature eau-de-nil, even down to the tea dishes. A tea and cake haven! In a lovely old-world fashion, it appears as though nothing has changed in decades, but in reality, it was renovated and reopened by the Queen in 2012. On the fourth floor of the famous Fortnum & Mason store, it’s still a conventional affair and a lovely location to idle away an afternoon.
Address: 4th Floor, Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1A 1ER
5. Ritz London
The epitome of a luxury London experience is tea at the Ritz. When reserving a table, be sure to inquire about the dress code. Afternoon Tea is served in the opulent Palm Court at the Ritz. The spacious rooms have a traditional, elegant English feel thanks to the high ceilings, mirrors, and chandeliers. There is an outstanding tea assortment and first-rate service. You can request more of anything even though this is one of the most elegant afternoon teas in London. You can eat as much as your heart desires, including sandwiches, cakes, scones that have just been cooked, and cornish clotted cream.
Address:150 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1J 9BR
6. The Bloomsbury Hotel
The Coral Room, which is full of palm trees and so bright that it hurts your eyes, is great, but nothing beats the peaceful Dalloway Terrace, which is named after the unforgettable heroine of a Virginia Woolf story and where pots of chamomile and jasmine silver tip tea are brought to diners all afternoon. They come with pastrami sandwiches, poached salmon on malted cocoa bread, devilled egg buns, lemon scones, and a variety of delicious desserts, like a saffron custard tart and a dark chocolate dome with a cherry mousse centre. Finish with a drink that will wake you up, like a martini with rosemary and citrus oleo saccharum or an Earl Grey syrup-shaken Collins.
Address: 16-22 Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3NN
Our top picks for afternoon tea in London are the perfect way to treat yourself or a loved one to a memorable experience in the city.
Also check out: 9 Best Restaurants in London