Afternoon Tea At Oblix West The Shard
Best for: West London views
Its difficult to focus on anything but the skyline at Oblix West, perched 32 levels up in the glassy Shard a fact that happily hasnt escaped them. Afternoon tea here is not about theatrics or gimmicks. No gilded trolleys, no smoke and mirrors theres little in the way of ceremony. And thank goodness for that. This afternoon tea is about paying tribute to the city spread out like a fantastic brick carpet below.
Cranberry-stuffed scones are served with clotted cream and bay-leaf-seasoned jam, as well as a sticky cube of fresh honeycomb from Harrow bees. Coronation-chicken sandwiches are lined with mango and coriander in a nod to Brick Lane, and the cheese in the ham and cheese sandwiches comes from a local urban cheesemaker. But the sweet treats are the real highlight: the yuzu and grapefruit posset will have you studiously scooping up every last drop, while the orange and chocolate cake is refreshingly citrusy. Theyre decadent without leaving you feeling like youve overdone it on the sugar.
The tea itself comes from further afield. A white-peony blend from China is delicate and grassy, hibiscus flowers from the Caribbean are perfumed and fruity, and a tea made from rare New Zealand manuka flowers grown in Cornwall is subtle and woody.
Do You Leave A Tip For Afternoon Tea
Service charge is included in the price of the tea, so there is no need to tip the waiter. There is no need to tip the doorman unless they do something beyond opening the door for you. e.g. get you a taxi. This is supposed to be fun, so try not to worry too much about everything relax and enjoy yourself.
St Jamess Afternoon Tea At The Stafford
Best for: a quiet retreat
The Stafford Londons afternoon tea follows an edible journey through the streets surrounding this classic hotel, built in 1912. Served in The Game Bird, a room that marries duck-egg walls with shiny, plush velvet sofas and where gilded columns complement the grand bouquets of yellow flowers. The tea kicks off with the classics: three sandwiches fresh cucumber and cream cheese, honey-roast Wiltshire ham and mustard, and smoked salmon all finger-sized and joyously resembling those of your childhood. Next up are wedges of flaky, buttery sausage rolls and a creamy truffled-egg and watercress brioche bun not for the faint hearted, but worth every bite. For the sweet offering, the scones are anything but simple. Theyre fluffy, powdery and squishy, served with classic clotted cream and strawberry jam. But theres also a cheddar version that comes with airy, whipped soft cheese and chives for spreading.
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Children’s Afternoon Tea Party Future Inn Cardiff
The Future Inn Cardiff Bay regularly offers fantastic, themed afternoon tea parties. Previous themes have included Frozen, Encanto, wicked witches with Maleficent and Cruella, and princesses with Ariel and Belle. Your afternoon of treats will start with a meet-and-greet with the characters as they throw a themed afternoon tea, including sandwiches, homemade scones, and cakes. The party finishes with entertainment from the stars. Pure fun and tasty food for all the family.When: dates vary check www. futureinns.co.uk/afternoon-tea-party to find out more
Menu And Where To Start
The Ritz offers a choice of 18 types of loose leaf tea, including the Ritz Royal English tea. This blend goes well with the first course, the finger cut sandwiches. The sandwiches have classic fillings such as smoked salmon, roast ham, and cucumber, and most are on brown or white bread. The exceptions were the mini egg mayonnaise roll and the Cheddar cheese with chutney sandwich made with sun-dried tomato bread — a superb combination.
The staff are exceptionally well-trained and can give advice on choosing a tea or special dietary requirements, or even explain about English etiquette.
The scones do not arrive with your cake stand as they are brought to the table still warm. There are raisin scones and plain scones, both served with strawberry preserve and clotted Cornish cream.
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Dalloway Terrace At The Bloomsbury Hotel
If you happen to devour books and scones in equal measure, The Bloomsbury Hotel will satisfy both cravings.
Located on one of Londons most literary streets, The Bloomsbury Hotel hosts delicious afternoon teas in their stylish Dalloway Terrace, named after the famous character created by Virginia Woolf. But the terraces connection to Woolf can be perceived beyond the name. The décor also represents one of Mrs. Dalloways motifs: flowers. Every wall is covered from head to toe in bouquets of flowers, creating a whimsical setting thats just ideal to indulge in a cup of tea and scones.
As for the dainties, the menu boasts the quintessential classics: a range of black, green, white, and herbal tea infusions, a selection of savory sandwiches, and freshly baked scones served with Devonshire clotted cream and Scottish raspberry jam.
Enjoying The Ritz London Afternoon Tea
Enter the hotel from the main entrance and take a leisurely stroll through the hotel to the Palm Court Restaurant where afternoon tea is served. Arriving right on 7.30pm, the Restaurant was largely empty. I was invited to leave my coat at the nearby Cloakroom before being seated. Being a solo diner I was delighted to be seated with a full view of proceedings, rather than being stuck in some corner. Although the Restaurant did fill up a bit, there were still empty tables during my sitting. Most of the parties seemed to be either tourists, or couples and family groups having some form of celebration.
Arriving at the Palm Court Restaurant
My order for Champagne and tea was quickly taken and brought to the table. The liveried waiters were friendly and quite chatty. Despite the setting I felt at ease, and not at all intimidated.
As we got into the swing of the afternoon tea, a 5 piece band with a singer entertained us with a selection of appropriate music, all played in a very 1930s style. In fact, the whole experience had a very 1930s feel I half expected Noel Coward or Nancy Mitford to arrive any minute to join me. The band only plays at the 7.30pm sitting earlier sittings are accompanied by a pianist.
Madam, your tea is served in the Palm Court Restaurant
Afternoon tea in full swing what would you tuck into first?
Mmmmm, hot scones for tea..
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Peggy Porchen Afternoon Tea At The Lanesborough
At this viral Instagram hot spot, expect crowds and plenty of fairytale sweet treats. Peggy Porchens iconic cupcake shop recently started offering an all-pink luxury tea service at The Lanesborough Hotel, and we are here for it.
Expect raspberry and rose petal topped petit fours, mini cupcakes with twirls of pink frosting, buttery-golden scones, gossamer cupcakes, and colorful Aperol Spritz .
This tea service is a celebration of beautiful florals and pastel hues, so the aesthetics are decidedly feminine. As a result, the customers will be mostly women but you probably already knew that if you follow the bakery on Instagram.
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A Legacy of Ethereal Cakes
Known for their lovely layer cakes, Peggy Porchens bakery takes a slightly more Western approach to afternoon tea. Basically, they serve more notable sweet and decadent treats as opposed to savory.
We love the lemon & elderflower tartlet and Peggys pink pavlova, which is fun to try if youre an American. Ultimately, however, Peggy Porchen is a global trendsetter in the world of cakes, so dont miss her romantic petit fours.
This tea service takes place under the domed glass roof of the Lanesboroughs Michelin-starred restaurant, Céleste.
For these reasons and more, Peggy Porchens Afternoon Tea ranks among the most photographed afternoon tea services in London. This is especially so among tourists but locals love it, too!
As a result, advance bookings are all but essential. To make a reservation, go here.
Traditional Afternoon Tea At The Savoy
Best for: stretching out for a long afternoon beside the Thames
London today is as blessed with as many fine hotels, restaurants and tea houses in which to take afternoon tea as at any point in its history. Possibly even more of them. Nominating the best of the lot would be an impossible and unrealistic task, since so much depends on mood and whim and the exigencies of the moment. But in any case and under any circumstances The Savoy would have to be very, very, very near the top of such a list.
Service is lively, liveried and brisk, respectful but not fawning, attentive without being obtrusive, resolutely on the right side of stuffy. In short, it’s spot-on. The tableware is pleasingly crisp of linen, silvery of pot and spoon, and floral of cup and saucer. Nor is there any faulting the foodstuffs. The obligatory finger sandwiches, scones, pastries and cakes are impeccable the teas, from the house blend to the splendidly named Iron Buddha Oolong and Flowering Osmanthus, likewise.
The Savoy all but invented the thé dansant in its Thames Foyer, as it has become known. Despite its name, it’s not actually very easy to see the Thames from here. Yet there’s a curiously riparian feel to the space, with its palette of pale greens, the light filtered softly through a splendid stained-glass dome, the staff eddying and flowing around the central gazebo, which itself seems to float on a bed of hydrangeas.
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Great Court Restaurant At The British Museum
I dont know about you, but I think a visit to a museum and an afternoon tea make a great pair. The British Museum serves afternoon tea in the Great Court Restaurant, which is under the museums iconic latticed glass roof.
Its the perfect place to sit and eat after walking around the exhibitions for hours. Youll be treated to a good selection of finger sandwiches, pastries, cakes, and scrumptious scones served with a pot of clotted cream and jam. The food is also visually appealing as the chef decorated the dainties with themes of the museums latest exhibitions. Theres also a large choice of loose-leaf teas on offer. Tea is offered daily from 11:30 am to 5:00 pm and you can choose between the Afternoon tea or the Prosecco afternoon tea.
The Rosebery At Mandarin Oriental
Founded in the 1920s as a tea room, its no surprise that The Rosebery serves one of the best afternoon teas in London. I mean, its been observing the British tradition for 102 years!
Their afternoon tea will delight you with an extensive selection of the finest teas from every corner of the world, including the signature Mandarin Blend.
But the real star of the show here is the food with a menu concocted by Executive Chefs Francisco Hernandez and Paul Thieblemont. Sandwiches are creative and superbly presented the Cornish crab with green papaya is an absolute must-try. Pastries are beautifully executed and are a feast of flavors. The rose petal jelly that comes with the scones is just exquisite. The service is also worth mentioning. Every server is attentive yet relaxed and welcomes all your inquiries with plenty of smiles.
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The Potion Room At Cutter & Squidge
Can you enjoy Harry Potter and a cup of tea at the same time? I bet you can! After all, the boy wizard is about as British as can be, and that includes afternoon teas. The Potion Room at Cutter & Squidge hosts wizarding-themed afternoons.
During the experience, you will indulge in delicious sweet and savory delicacies inspired by classic British flavors. As for the drinks, well, you will concoct your own drinkable potions! They also have many afternoon tea packages designed for different ages and catering to many dietary requirements. While this is an extremely popular venue, due to COVID restrictions, it has postponed opening its afternoon teas until further notice.
Afternoon Tea At The Potion Room London
Leave the busy streets of London behind as you descend the stairs into the potion class at Cutter and Squidge in London’s Soho. Get cloaked up, and then take your seat at the school-style desks and await your Potions Master. They will have you whisking up potions and all manner of delicious afternoon tea concoctions in no time. Where: The Potion Room, 20 Brewer Street, Soho, London W1F 0SJAge: The Potion Room is suitable for ages 8+
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Add Some Sparkle To Your Day
Champagne Afternoon Tea at The Ritz gives a sense of celebration to any gathering.
It includes a glass of Champagne for each person as well as the traditional Afternoon Tea selection of freshly cut finger sandwiches, warm baked scones with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry preserve, followed by a delectable selection of cakes and pastries, which will be replenished on request whilst dining.
Mood musicThe elegant ambiance is complemented by the musical accompaniment from resident pianist Ian Gomes who never ceases to delight with his own renditions of classical favourites.
Champagne Afternoon Tea is priced at £92 .
Five sittingsSittings for Afternoon Tea take place at 11.30am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm, 5.30pm and 7.30pm.
Afternoon Tea is served in the stunning surroundings of the hotels former Ballroom located in The Ritz Club, on the lower ground floor of the hotel. The Ritz Club has for years been one of the most exclusive private members clubs in the world, now opening its doors for one year only to welcome guests enjoying our quintessentially British Afternoon Tea.
You can also enjoy additional glasses of Champagne before or after your Ritz experience in the beautiful Amber Room. Prices start from £22 for a glass of Champagne,
Regrettably, due to the location of The Ritz Club, we are unable to accommodate step-free access, therefore, please do contact us directly on so that we may make alternative arrangements for you.
What To Know If You Go
For days, times, cost and to make a reservation, visit the official Ritz London website.
Dress Code: Formal. Jeans and sportswear are not permitted and gentlemen are required to wear a jacket and tie.
Reservations: Reservations are always required. It is advisable to book up to 12 weeks in advance.
Photography and filming are not permitted in The Palm Court.
Music: Resident pianist, Ian Gomes, performs his own renditions of classical favorites. He was resident pianist at The Savoy before joining The Ritz in 1995. He is noted for his popular renditions of ‘Puttin’ on The Ritz’ and ‘A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square’ which have become traditional favorites. Depending on the time and day, there is plenty of musical entertainment such as a string quartet, soprano soloist, and a harpist.
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Lyaness At Sea Containers
Lyaness at Sea Containers is one of the best afternoon teas in London. Although I must warn you, it isnt for purists. In collaboration with Hoppers , Mixologist Ryan Chetiyawardana and Lyaness have put together a bold afternoon tea that nods to Sri Lanka, its flavors, and its people.
Instead of the classic champagne glass, youll find the menu offers cocktails infused with Sri Lankan flavors by the mixologist. The food menu features sandwiches, savories, and sweets using bold Sri Lankan flavors and spices. Please note that from August onwards, Lyaness will return to their Spirited Tea menu.
Afternoon Tea At Claridge’s Mayfair
Best for: smart tea connoisseurs
There is a very skilled art in creating such an iconic experience as afternoon tea at Claridge’s without the event becoming a parody of itself. As one of the best hotels in London, this could become a tourist sideshow, something to ‘tick off’ the list. The skill in keeping its authenticity lies, as ever, with the staff who create this experience, keeping it a treat while keeping it real.
There are two sittings of early and late afternoon tea at Claridge’s, set in the hotel’s sensational Foyer , or the more tucked-away Reading Room. Claridge’s is known for its warm welcome to all, and we were instantly made to feel like part of the family. Tunes from the 1920s played by a pianist and cellist create the perfect backdrop, while the incredible Dale Chihuly chandelier hovered above our heads as a modern-day talking point.
From the extensive menu we chose a Tregothnan Earl Grey, made with a blend from an ancient Cornish estate that has been around since 1335 and Darjeeling, the ‘Champagne of teas’. This is a great place to try something new – go with a recommendation from the knowledgeable staff.
Six types of bladed sandwiches arrived once we’d polished those off, more appeared. But onto the good stuff: the highlight was the freshly-baked scones, plain, and raisin, with stick-to-your-spoon clotted cream and Marco Polo jam. Finally, cakes – and the passion fruit chocolate tart nearly finished us off.
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Afternoon Tea At Anya Caf Chelsea
Best for: Original and quirky cakes and pastries
Propped up on the corner of Pont street in the smart Kensington and Chelsea neighbourhood as part of accessories designer Anya Hindmarchs five neighbouring stores, this is a quintessentially British affair filled with coffee, tea and cakes galore. Take a seat on the sunny roadside terrace this is Hindmarchs take on the old-school café. The focal point is the glass counter lined with show-stopping baked goods, from sponge cakes and handmade biscuits to chocolate truffles, piped beautifully with rich icing in a vibrant mix of colours for you to drool over. The staff are dressed to impress in their suited uniform, which makes it feel as if youve stepped into a Fifties, diner-style coffee bar.
Everything here has been carefully considered and gives a nod to the brand, with its comical edge and trademark humour shining through the cheeky but chic menu. Theres a goofy Monster Cake and bright-yellow, layered lemon Smile Cake, traditional iced buns and a vegan banana loaf inspired by one of Hindmarchs friends creations that will make your eyes pop and transport you back in time to feel like a hungry child again. But the stars of the show have to be the Chubby Heart, a rich, chocolatey mousse cake with fresh raspberries covered in glossy red, and the mocha Chubby Cloud, with coffee and chocolate ganache. Indulgent, simply delicious and reminiscent of the supremos previous designs.