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The best afternoon teas in London
It's time to treat yourself 🫖
Looking for the best afternoon tea in London? You’re in the right place. From elegant spreads with Champagne and beautifully crafted pastries to playful, themed experiences (think theatre-inspired or art-led menus), the capital’s afternoon tea scene offers something for every mood and occasion.
And since afternoon tea is practically a weekend ritual, why not turn it into a full day out? After indulging in finger sandwiches, warm scones and delicate patisserie, take a stroll through one of London’s world-class museums or tick off a few of the city’s must-see landmarks.
Art Afternoon Tea at Rosewood London
Best for: Exquisite desserts and a luxury experience
Location: Rosewood London Hotel, Hoborn
Price: From £80pp
If you’re celebrating a special occasion, the Art Afternoon Tea at Rosewood London is a beautiful way to do it. Inspired by the light and colour of Claude Monet’s garden at Giverny and curated by Executive Pastry Chef Mark Perkins, the experience blends art, flavour and creativity in the most elegant way. It was genuinely one of the best afternoon teas I’ve had.
The egg mayonnaise brioche roll was a standout, and the scones arrived warm, fluffy and absolutely delicious. The final desserts were like art on a plate, particularly the Water Lily Pond - a pistachio creation with morello and griotte cherry, cherry blossom and delicate matcha chocolate details. Thoughtfully, there are vegetarian and vegan menus available, as well as non-alcoholic bubbles, making the experience feel inclusive while still wonderfully indulgent.
Twenty8 NoMad London
Best for: A transatlantic twist
Location: 28 Bow Street, London, WC2E 7AW
Price: From £75pp
If your idea of heaven is a British classic with a flirty New York City twist, cancel your plans and book into Twenty8 at NoMad Hotel, Covent Garden. Their Big Apple inspired experience has everything from pumpkin cheesecakes, an egg and truffle sandwich we’re still dreaming about (obsessed), and sage and blue cheese scones that deserve their own fan club.
It’s indulgent, extra and exactly what we want from a catch-up that turns into an all-afternoon affair. Plus, their rare blends of expertly poured tea are talked through by actual tea sommeliers (yes, that’s a thing!) and make the experience feel even more extravagant. Add in the seriously stunning interiors and you’ve got a luxe little escape that feels far more Manhattan than London.
Vintry & Mercer
Best for: Those who look for the magic in life
Location: 19-20 Garlick Hill, London EC4V 2AU
Price: From £49.50 per person
Vintry & Mercer’s Magic of Afternoon Tea has single-handedly changed my opinion on themed teas as a ’naff’ marketing ploy thanks to its fully immersive nature and actually delicious food. The details here are what matters; from the dry ice and 'potions' you mix yourself, to the fact that each candlelit table comes complete with UV torches to bring the secret designs on the menus to life.
And then there's the food. Alongside the savouries and scones, lay intricately decorated cakes and treats that taste just as good as they look - and believe me, that's a tough task when you see the level of work that must have gone into creating them - hi 'coffin full of bones'. We’d recommend plumping for the cocktail pairing - Magical Tea Pot Tail - which is a reasonable at just £20 extra and features three yummy (and beautiful!) drinks.
The Wizards Tea menu, £37.50, is perfectly designed with little ones in mind making this the ideal experience for a special treat.
Magic!
Phantom of the Opera Afternoon Tea
Best for: For theatre lovers
Location: 6 Waterloo Pl, London SW1Y 4AN
Price: From £80pp
Inspired by The Phantom of the Opera, this afternoon tea is as theatrical as it is delicious. Split into three 'acts', each course felt like a little performance of its own, from the dry ice and dramatic reveals to the beautiful rose-shaped mousse that was just as tasty as it was showstopping. The theme ran through every detail, and the savoury options were just as impressive as the sweets - think truffle egg sandwiches, Cornish crab tartlets, and smoked salmon on malted grain, all perfectly balanced with a welcome glass of bubbles (or a surprisingly lovely non-alcoholic version if you prefer).
The sweet treats truly stole the show, though. The mango, passion fruit and coconut opera cake was a highlight. We also loved the amazing selection of teas on offer, which paired beautifully with each course. From delicate floral blends to richer, spiced options, it was the perfect finishing touch to a decadent afternoon. With warm scones to end the experience and just the right amount of theatre, this one is a must for anyone who loves a little drama with their tea.
The Stafford
Best for: Those who want to pick their own desserts
Location: 16-18 St James's Place, SW1A 1NJ
Price: From £70pp
The Stafford in London has launched a brand-new bespoke cake trolley full of sweet treats, which lets you pick your own cakes and pastries to follow your traditional afternoon tea.
Yes, you'll not only enjoy sandwiches and scones from a cake stand as expected, but you'll then have a choice of five seasonal sweets, which could include anything from a coffee choux bun to a vanilla and raspberry white mouse or a lemon and basil tart.
Pair it with coffee, a selection of fine teas from Camelia’s Tea House, or a glass of Champagne. Bliss!
Palm Court at The Langham
Best for: A nostalgic twist on a luxurious afternoon tea
Location: 1C Portland Pl, W1B 1JA
Price: From £75pp
Nestle into The Langham hotel's historic tearoom, for what can only be described as pure joy, thanks to its menu designed to transport you back to childhood.
Enjoy a selection of both nostalgic treats, like a Wagon Wheel cookie, and afternoon tea classics, like cucumber sandwiches and cheese scones, paired with a selection of JING teas or Gusbourne sparkling wine.
It can also be adapted for vegan, vegetarian or halal needs, meaning everyone is welcome for an afternoon to remember, served in the elegant Palm Court room.
Cutter and Squidge
Best for: Downton Abbey superfans
Where: 20 Brewer St, Soho, W1F 0SJ
Price: From £34.99
Are you ready to indulge like The Crawleys? The silver is polished and waiting for you at this afternoon tea at Cutter and Squidge, Soho.
The immersive experience has two sets, upstairs is refinement and splendour (and a little fizz) with tiered stands and the prettiest of China for afternoon tea. Or head on downstairs for the cosy warmth and charm of Mrs Patmore's kitchen where food is served family-style.
Taj 51, Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences
Best for: When you’re feeling super fancy
Location: 51 Buckingham Gate, SW1E 6AF
Price: From £70pp
Kona Restaurant at the luxury Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences have the most extravagant selection of afternoon tea to make you feel truly special.
The Secret Garden which will transport you to a stunning Yorkshire garden with every bite, with beautifully designed pastries and savoury treats inspired by the timeless children’s classic tale of The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett.
Plus, you can experience an Indian twist on afternoon tea with savoury items like chutney tarts and cardamom and pistachio-infused desserts.
The Ritz
Best for: Quintessential afternoon tea with your mum
Location: 150 Piccadilly, St. James's, W1J 9BR
Price: From £53pp
Old-school glitz from start to finish makes this one of the most traditional afternoon tea experience you’ll find in the capital.
Served in the Palm Court Salon to a back drop of live piano, mirrors, chandeliers and luscious palm trees, things kick off with 18 types of tea to choose from, and then, it’s onto the food
A three-tired stand stating at the bottom with delicate, crustless cucumber sandwiches, moving up to fluffy scones served with strawberry jam and dollops of perfect clotted cream and yummy pastries and chocolate cake at the top.
Going for your birthday? Tell them and you can expect a personalised cake to turn up too. Tip: dress fancy, this is a no jeans and trainers zone.
Sketch
Best for: Instagram picture and fun with friends
Location: 9 Conduit St, W1S 2XG
Price: From £49pp
London’s prettiest restaurant makes an ideal place for a celebration with pals. The magic happens in the all-pink Gallery, lined with Brit artist David Shrigley’s humerous prints.
A three-tiered cake stand appears holding delicate finger sandwiches, truffle croquets, beautiful slices of strawberry and hibiscus Battenberg and shot glasses of cheesecake. Next arrive scones and, finally, an enormous slice of Victoria sponge.
Throughout the meal a tea sommelier (yep, really) advises what type of tea complements each course, or opt for bubbly if you want to liven things up.
Park Corner Brasserie
Best for: A mixed group, with vegan and children's menus
Location: 22 Park Lane, London, W1K 1BE
Price: From £65pp
The Thirty One-Hundred afternoon tea is themed around nearby Hyde Park, with the prettiest sandwiches, scones and cakes presented on a golden tree stand.
The menu is full of facts about the world-famous park and each tasty morsel is inspired by the greenery found there, from rose and hibiscus jam in the scones to cocktails inspired by the park. There's a kids menu (complete with cute park bench) and vegan options, making it perfect for a group with different tastes and needs.
The Dorchester
Best for: Old school glamour
Location: 53 Park Ln, W1K 1QA
Price: From £59pp
Served from a trolley in the flower-filled, ground-floor Promenade, this award-winning tea is definitely one the swankiest in the city.
Savoury finger sandwiches with yummy fillings like smoked salmon, egg and Wagyu beef kick things off, before warm scones with Devonshire cream and jam are served and finally an arty selection of cakes and pastries, think Earl Grey infused milk chocolate mousse.
Conrad London St James
Best for: Tea outside on a sunny day
Location: 22-28 Broadway, SW1H 0BH
Price: From £26pp
Could a dining experience be better than eating afternoon tea al fresco in a park (when it's not raining, of course)? Nothing, particularly if the park is St James’s Park, opposite Buckingham Palace and the gourmet picnic is made for you by the lovely staff at Conrad St Jame’s Hotel.
It couldn’t be simpler: book online, pick up your amazing hamper from reception of the hotel’s Blue Boar Restaurant, stroll across the road to the park, pick a spot in the autumn sunshine, shake open the rug (thoughtfully provided), and tuck into dainty salmon sandwiches, homemade scotch eggs, cured meats and delicious cakes.
And if it rains? No drama, they’ll serve it to you in the restaurant.
Aqua Shard
Best for: Unique afternoon tea with a view
Location: Level 31, The Shard, 31 St Thomas St, SE1 9RY
Price: From £52pp
One word: magical. The Shard has launched a Peter Pan-themed afternoon tea served at Aqua on level 31 of London’s iconic pointy, all-glass building with 360˚ degree city views.
It’s very theatrical, with dry ice swirling round a custom-made tea stand inspired by Captain Hook’s pirate ship the Jolly Roger. Food’s equally as creative and includes a chicken sandwich with crispy bacon wrapped in paper denoting the four Lost Boy Rules and scones hidden in a treasure chest with coconut clotted cream. Look out for Tinker Bell-shaped cookies sprinkled with gold and a bowl of jelly with a gummy crocodile hidden inside.
There’s even a Fairy cocktail containing absinthe and gold dust if you fancy something stronger than tea. Best of all, £2 from each tea goes to Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity.
The Kensington
Best for: A traditional afternoon tea
Location: 109-113 Queen's Gate, South Kensington, SW7 5LP
Price: From £45pp
Located in the heart of South Kensington, you'll be eating in the most beautiful, calming surroundings at this hotel. Served on a London Eye inspired stand, The Kensington's afternoon tea starts with a small but filling plate of savoury snacks, including a mini steak and ale pie and a mini crab and saffron arancini.
The delicate sandwiches feature traditional smoked salmon, coronation chicken and egg and cress. While alongside fruit and plain scones, sweet treats include a classic sponge cake and elderflower and raspberry rose mousse. They also serve a number of yummy cocktails, including their signature Kensington Sparkling Cocktail made up of Rathfinny Classic Cuvée Brut 2017, Calvados and Rhubarb Bitters.
Farmacy
Best for: Vegetarians and vegans
Location: 74-76 Westbourne Grove, W2 5SH
Price: From £50pp
If you want to get away from traditional afternoon tea formality and its meat and dairy bias yet still crave style and snacks, this is definitely the one for you.
The High Tea menu is a joy of exciting ingredients - CBD truffles, scones with coconut clotted cream, mango and passionfruit cheesecake, hemp loose leaf tea - and there’s a promise that it’s 100% free from dairy, refined sugars, additives and chemicals.
You’ll also love the wood and plant-filled decor and Notting Hill setting and maybe treat yourself to a ‘green cocktail’ while you’re there, the High Green is almost virtuous: gin, cucumber, apple, hemp, bay leaf syrup, lemon and dandelion. High Tea available Fri-Sun.
W London (with Lois O'Hara)
Best for: Art and culture lovers
Location: 10 Wardour Street, W1D 6QF
Price: From £52.50pp
W London has teamed up with artist Lois O'Hara to create a colourful afternoon tea that's every bit as tasty as it is pretty. Expect your tea-time favourites (sandwiches, scones and every flavour of tea under the sun) and tuck into delectable treats crafted by Pastry Consultant Leyre Pedrazuela in collaboration with O'Hara.
You'll love the lemon and blueberry cheesecake, matcha tea tart, and chocolate and coffee cake, among the other desserts you'll be dreaming of long after your visit. Oh, and there are plenty of bubbles on offer if you fancy upgrading to something a little stronger than W London's Bespoke Blend (which is delicious, btw).
Elizabethan Royal Tea at InterContinental London Park Lane
Best for: A right royal affair
Location: One Hamilton Place, Park Lane, W1J 7QY
Price: From £74pp
Sip and savour a piece of royal history at the former childhood residence of Queen Elizabeth II. The luxury hotel’s afternoon tea offers a taste of British royal culture and is inspired by the legacies of the late Queen Elizabeth I and II, with beautifully hand-crafted savoury finger sandwiches, pristine pastries, delicate cakes and homemade scones on offer.
Plus, their new tea menu features over 20 infusions from across the globe and everything is served on pristine fine china. Fit for a queen!
La Vie En Rose at Pavyllon
Best for: A French twist on a British classic
Location: Pavyllon London, Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane, Hamilton Pl, W1J 7DR
Price: From 75pp
Indulge in a touch of Parisian charm in the heart of Mayfair with this afternoon tea from Michelin-starred chef, Yannick Alléno. This elegant lounge offers a decadent selection of confectionary alongside a generous range of traditional British tea.
Enjoy delicate finger sandwiches, three tiers of sweet treats including tarts, pavlova and scones and, of course, all the tea your heart desires. Plus, the Instagram photos you take here will leave your entire timeline with envy!
Furvah Shah is Acting Entertainment Booker for ELLE, Harper's Bazaar, Esquire, Cosmopolitan, Red and Prima. She secures interviews with your favourite celebrities and covers everything from TV and films to music and books. Furvah has previously written for The Independent, BBC, Refinery29 and Amaliah and she is super passionate about highlighting diverse talent and projects, having interviewed the likes of Jenna Ortega, Charithra Chandran, Ambika Mod and more. She graduated with a First in BA Media and Communications from Goldsmiths University and is an NCTJ-qualified journalist. In her free time, you can find her at an arts or culture event, eating Middle Eastern or Asian food, searching for modest fashion inspiration on Pinterest or cuddling with her cat. You can follow Furvah on X, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.
Grace Henry is Cosmopolitan UK’s Acting Entertainment and Lifestyle Director. She oversees the Entertainment and Lifestyle strategy across print, digital and video. Grace joined Cosmo in March 2025, after working as the Online Entertainment and Factual Editor at Radio Times. As a journalist for almost a decade, Grace has interviewed the likes of Caitlyn Jenner, Eva Longoria, Morgan Freeman, Sylvester Stallone and more. Grace loves all things reality TV, and when she’s not interviewing a big celeb you can find her binging old episodes of The Real Housewives, with Atlanta and Potomac being her top two faves from the franchise. She also loves a female-led drama series – think OITNB and Sex and The City – and is a sucker for a true crime doc!
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