Afternoon tea London: A guide to the best

Tea at five in London: A guide to the best afternoon teas (classic and unusual)

Afternoon tea is one of the most beloved and imitated British traditions in the world. Born in 1840 as a snack to fill the long wait between lunch and dinner, it has now become a social ritual, an elegant experience, and sometimes even extravagant. In this guide, discover the best afternoon teas in London: from luxury classics in grand hotels to unusual themed options, as well as budget and vegetarian choices.

What is afternoon tea (or tea at five)?

Afternoon tea is a light meal served in the afternoon, generally between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM. It should not be confused with high tea (which was the evening meal of the working classes, more substantial).

What does a traditional afternoon tea include?

1. Tea of choice

• English Breakfast

• Earl Grey (bergamot)

• Darjeeling (light and floral)

• Assam (malty and full-bodied)

• Matcha, rooibos, chamomile (caffeine-free options)

2. Sandwiches (savory)

Served on a three-tier stand. Usually:

• Cucumber and butter (the most traditional)

• Smoked salmon and cream cheese

• Egg and cress

• Chicken and mayonnaise

• Ham and mustard

3. Scones (sweet baked goods)

Two warm scones, one plain and one with raisins (fruit scone). Served with:

• Clotted cream:Very thick cream, almost buttery, typical of Cornwall and Devon.

• Strawberry jam.

4. Pastries and sweets

Miniature pastries: macarons, tarts (éclairs, fruit tarts), brownies, cake.

The controversy: cream or jam first?

• Cornwall:Jam first, then cream.

• Devon:Cream first, then jam.

• London:It doesn't matter. Do as you wish.

Luxury classic afternoon teas (£50-80)

1. The Ritz (Piccadilly)

The most famous of all. Sumptuous salon, waiters in jackets and ties, live pianist. Dress code: jacket and tie for men, elegant dress for women.

• Price:£60-75 per person.

• Reservation:Required weeks (sometimes months) in advance.

• Duration:90 minutes.

• Metro:Green Park.

• Tip:Tea is served in the magnificent Palm Court.

2. Claridge's (Mayfair)

Elegant, refined, frequented by celebrities and royals. Afternoon tea is served in the art deco salon (The Foyer & Reading Room).

• Price:£65-80 per person.

• Reservation:Required (weeks in advance).

• Metro:Bond Street.

• Recommendation:The service is impeccable. Worth every pound.

3. The Savoy (The Strand)

Another historic London hotel. Afternoon tea takes place in the Thames Foyer, with a gazebo in the center and a pianist.

• Price:£60-75 per person.

• Reservation:Required.

• Metro:Covent Garden or Charing Cross.

• Recommendation:Ask for a table near the gazebo for live music.

4. Fortnum & Mason (Piccadilly)

The department store for luxury tea and food. Their Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon (on the 4th floor) is entirely dedicated to afternoon tea.

• Price:£55-70 per person.

• Reservation:Required.

• Metro:Piccadilly Circus.

• Recommendation:After tea, visit the shop on the ground floor to buy tea and biscuits.

5. The Dorchester (Mayfair)

Elegant and less chaotic than Ritz and Claridge's. The lounge (The Promenade) is spacious and bright.

• Price:£60-75.

• Reservation:Required.

• Metro:Hyde Park Corner.

Quality/price afternoon tea (£30-50)

6. The Wolseley (Piccadilly)

An art deco café-restaurant (formerly a car dealership) that serves excellent afternoon tea at a more accessible price. Elegant atmosphere but less formal.

• Price:£30-40.

• Reservation:Recommended.

• Metro:Green Park.

• Tip:Does not accept reservations for weekend tea (walk-ins only, arrive early).

7. The Orangery at Kensington Palace (Kensington)

In the garden of Kensington Palace. Relaxing atmosphere with a view of the park. Perfect after a walk.

• Price:£35-45.

• Reservation:Recommended (especially on weekends).

• Metro:High Street Kensington.

• Tip:If the weather is nice, ask for a table on the outdoor terrace.

8. The Chesterfield Mayfair (Mayfair)

Charming hotel with an afternoon tea themed "Willy Wonka" or "Traditional". Very friendly staff.

• Price:£35-50.

• Reservation:Recommended.

• Metro:Green Park.

• Tip:The scones are among the best in London.

9. The Athenaeum (Green Park)

Offers an afternoon tea with a view of the park (Green Park). They also have very well-curated gluten-free and vegan options.

• Price:£40-55.

• Reservation:Recommended.

• Metro:Green Park.

Affordable afternoon tea (£15-30)

10. Cutter & Squidge (Soho)

Creative afternoon tea in a young and informal venue. Vegan and gluten-free options. There's no three-tier tray, but a "biscuit box."

• Price:£20-25.

• Reservation:Not always necessary.

• Metro:Oxford Circus.

• Recommendation:Try the "Dreamy Tea" with dream-inspired sweets.

11. The Tea Terrace (Oxford Street)

Inside House of Fraser (department store). City view, fair prices.

• Price:£18-25.

• Reservation:Recommended.

• Metro:Oxford Circus.

• Recommendation:Their "Royal Afternoon Tea" has a royal theme.

12. Bea's of Bloomsbury (Holborn)

A small independent chain, with homemade pastries. Cozy and informal atmosphere.

• Price:£20-30.

• Reservation:Recommended (small venue).

• Metro:Holborn or Chancery Lane.

Unusual and themed afternoon teas

13. Mad Hatter's Afternoon Tea (The Sanderson Hotel, Fitzrovia)

Inspired by Alice in Wonderland. Cups with hats, "eat me" and "drink me" sweets, colorful teas.

• Price:£55-65.

• Reservation:Required.

• Metro:Tottenham Court Road.

• For whom:Families, fans of Alice, Instagram.

14. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea (One Aldwych, Covent Garden)

Inspired by Roald Dahl's book. Desserts reminiscent of the chocolate factory (golden egg, chocolate mousse).

• Price:50-60 £.

• Reservation:Required.

• Metro:Covent Garden.

• For whom:Children and adults who love chocolate.

15. BB Bakery Afternoon Tea Bus Tour (Departure from Victoria)

Afternoon tea on a vintage double-decker red bus while touring London (passing by Big Ben, Westminster, London Eye). Combines tea and sightseeing.

• Price:45-60 £.

• Reservation:Required.

• Duration:90 minutes.

• Metro:Victoria.

• For whom:Those who want to do two things at once.

16. Brigit's Bakery Afternoon Tea (Departure from Victoria)

Similar to BB Bakery, with themed buses (e.g. "Bakery Bus", "London Love Bus"). Very popular.

• Price:45-55 £.

• Reservation:Required.

• Metro:Victoria.

17. Afternoon Tea at The Shard (Aqua Shard, 31st floor)

Afternoon tea with a spectacular view. Not themed, but the location is unique.

• Price:55-70 £.

• Reservation:Required (weeks in advance).

• Metro:London Bridge.

• For whom:Wants the best view.

Afternoon tea for vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free.

Most hotels offer vegetarian options (meat-free sandwiches, scones, and plant-based sweets). For vegans and gluten-free, it's best to contact in advance.

Best for vegans:

• Cutter & Squidge(Soho)

• Farmacy(Notting Hill) - non-traditional, but vegan.

• The Athenaeum(Green Park) - vegan option available upon request.

Best for gluten-free:

• The Ritz(by reservation)

• Claridge's(by reservation)

• The Tea Terrace(gluten-free options always available)

Tips for booking and enjoying afternoon tea

1. Book well in advance:For luxury classics (Ritz, Claridge's), book 1-3 months in advance. For bus tours, 2-4 weeks.

2. Don't have lunch beforehand:Afternoon tea is a meal. Don't eat anything for 3-4 hours prior.

3. Dress appropriately:For Ritz and Claridge's, smart dress code (jacket and tie for men). For others, casual chic.

4. Ask for free refills:Tea and sandwiches are almost always unlimited. Don't hesitate to ask.

5. Take home leftovers:If you don't finish the pastries, ask for a doggy bag. Almost all hotels provide one.

6. Avoid weekends if you can:Prices are higher and the crowd is larger.

7. Specify any intolerances at the time of booking:Don't take it for granted.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between afternoon tea and high tea?

Theafternoon teais the afternoon snack of the upper classes (sandwiches, scones, pastries). Thehigh teawas the evening meal of the working classes (hot dish, bread, butter, strong tea). Today, "high tea" is often mistakenly used as a synonym for afternoon tea.

How much does afternoon tea cost in London?

From £15 to £80 per person. The cheaper ones (£15-30) are in independent cafes. The good value ones (£30-50) are in mid-range hotels. The luxury ones (£50-80) are in large historic hotels.

Is it necessary to book for afternoon tea?

Yes, almost always. For the most famous ones (Ritz, Claridge's, Fortnum's) it is mandatory to book weeks or months in advance. For some small places, you can try without a reservation on weekdays.

What do you drink during afternoon tea?

Tea (various types). You can also ask for coffee (but it's not traditional) or even champagne (champagne afternoon tea, more expensive).

Can I bring children to afternoon tea?

Yes, most hotels accept children. Some have dedicated menus (children's afternoon tea) at half price. The Ritz accepts children from 5 years old.

Is there a dress code for afternoon tea?

For the big hotels (Ritz, Claridge's, Savoy), yes: elegant (jacket and tie for men, dress or suit for women). For others, just clean and non-sporty clothing is enough (no ripped jeans, tank tops, or shorts).

How long does an afternoon tea last?

Generally 90 minutes. Some hotels (especially budget ones) give 60 minutes. Luxury ones sometimes allow you to stay longer if there isn't much crowd.

Can I ask for refills of tea and food?

Yes, for sandwiches and scones almost always yes. For pastries, it depends (some hotels refill them, others do not). Ask the waiter.

Is afternoon tea suitable for vegetarians and vegans?

Yes, almost all hotels offer vegetarian options. For vegans, you need to book in advance and specify. Some places (Cutter & Squidge) have fixed vegan menus.

What is the cheapest afternoon tea in London?

The Tea Terrace(18-25 £) andCutter & Squidge(20-25 £). AlsoBea's of Bloomsbury(20-30 £) is affordable for the quality.

Summary table

A cultural experience

Having afternoon tea in London is much more than just drinking a cup of tea. It’s a cultural experience, an elegant and indulgent break. From the lavish salons of the Ritz and Claridge's to the young and creative spots like Cutter & Squidge, from double-decker buses to the gardens of Kensington Palace, there’s something for every budget and taste. Book in advance, choose the atmosphere that suits you, and be prepared to eat more than you think. And remember: cream before or after the jam? In London, no one will judge you.

Holidays in London.

Review date:April 2026