There aren’t many things in life better than a good cup of tea, and the British tradition of afternoon tea is one of the best ways to enjoy a cuppa. This time-honored ceremony sums up the nation’s love of tea, cakes, and sandwiches.
The tradition is said to date back to 1840, when Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, got peckish while waiting for her evening meal. She asked for tea, cake, and bread, and her mid-afternoon snack quickly became popular among her friends, leading to its widespread adoption across the nation. Today, afternoon tea is immensely popular throughout the UK, with London serving as a focal point for numerous styles and interpretations—from classic tiered cake stands with Earl Grey tea to innovative vegan spreads featuring plant-based cakes. Find your perfect brew with our list of London’s finest afternoon teas.
The Savoy
The Savoy has been serving luxurious afternoon teas since they launched in 1889, and it’s a tradition that continues robustly today. Sink into one of the plush armchairs at the hotel’s Thames Foyer before enjoying a selection of dainty finger sandwiches like salmon, whipped cream cheese and fennel pollen. Follow that with an array of desserts, including seasonal fruit tartlets, pistachio madeleines, and banana cremeux.
Farmacy
Located in Notting Hill, Farmacy traces its roots to the Kent countryside with an emphasis on organic farming. The restaurant’s decor, featuring rustic tables and lush plants, hints at an alternative lifestyle. Its menu is laden with superfoods and organic vegetables—think maca root powder, charcoal bread, and quinoa bowls—while the afternoon tea offers health-conscious delights like berry pavlova and prosecco jelly, enabling you to indulge without guilt.
Barbican Conservatory
Hidden within one of London’s leading art centres is a vast tropical greenhouse that hosts afternoon teas on a reservation-only basis on Sundays. The Conservatory at The Barbican serves up treats inspired by the 2,000 surrounding plants, such as smoked salmon sandwiches with dill grown on-site and a mascarpone delice made with fresh passionfruit. However, the stunning location with ferns and palms is just as captivating as the fare. Remember to dress appropriately for the tropical climate—it’s a greenhouse, after all.
Cutter and Squidge
This bright and airy bakery is known for its extravagant cakes, but it also has an exciting subterranean potion room. Witches and wizards in training gather in this enchanting space, where they’re led through a magical lunch experience by a potion master. Guests can expect to concoct potions, including the Elixir of Life tea and a brew made from ‘unicorn tears’. Moreover, various dietary needs are well catered for, including vegan, wheat-free, and dairy-free menus.
Dominique Ansel
Baker Dominique Ansel made waves in the pastry world with his invention of the cronut, a croissant-doughnut hybrid. Following his success, he opened his first bakery outside of the US in London. The Belgravia cafe offers a pastry-led afternoon tea featuring savory choux buns as the highlight. The desserts are not only ambitious but also visually stunning, and leaving without a cronut, sold separately, would certainly be a missed opportunity.
The Lanesborough
For an indulgent afternoon tea experience, look no further than The Lanesborough. Guests are seated in the elegant Célese dining room, adorned with a stunning glass ceiling. The setting, while opulent, remains comfortable with plush sofas and attentive service. The kitchen prides itself on classic British ingredients, and the menu includes meticulously presented dishes with both vegan and vegetarian options. If faced with a perplexing selection of loose-leaf teas, consult the knowledgeable tea sommelier for perfect pairings.
Mews of Mayfair
The Mews of Mayfair afternoon tea should be enjoyed when the sun shines. Nestled in a charming alley near the upscale boutiques of Bond Street, the flower-filled courtyard provides a serene location to enjoy a lavish selection of traditional finger sandwiches, scones, and classic cakes. Tea enthusiasts will appreciate the extensive selection, which features rare blends ranging from hand-crafted breakfast tea from Malawi to wild rooibos from South Africa’s Cederberg mountains.
Teanamu Chaya Teahouse
This boutique tiny tea house near Portobello Road resembles the cozy living room of owner and tea expert Pei Wang. The afternoon tea fuses Chinese and English culinary traditions, featuring dishes like wakame brown bread open sandwiches, dim sum, lotus leaf rice parcels, and scones served with clotted cream and rose petal jam. Explore an impressive menu of artisan tea, along with valuable insights about its origin and the best brewing practices.
Little Nan’s Bar
Who said afternoon tea has to be fancy? Located beneath the arches of Deptford High Street train station, Little Nan’s embraces a kitschy celebration of nostalgia, with afternoon tea served to a backdrop of disco hits. This fun, affordable experience might feature more leopard-print tablecloths than the traditional starched white linens, offering a refreshing twist that the Duchess of Bedford might just appreciate.
Thomas’s
This chic cafe by Burberry is situated inside their flagship store off Regent Street and serves as a convenient spot to relax after shopping. Known primarily for its iconic trench coats, Burberry offers a stylish split-level space with elegant decor, providing dishes like lobster and quail eggs. Their Classic Afternoon Tea, featuring warm scones fresh from the Aga, is a fashionable retreat from the bustling crowds in the area.
