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Where to have the Best Afternoon Tea in London?

Is there anything more quintessentially British than afternoon tea? Well, we certainly don’t think so, and neither do the ten awesome bloggers who recently shared with us their favourite places to have afternoon tea in London. From scones with jam and clotted cream to sandwiches with the crusts cut off, and sumptuous cakes, these places really do promise a meal of a lifetime!

Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea Party: 

Monica from The Wong Blog:

“The Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea Party at the Sanderson is a childhood dream come true. Tumble down the rabbit hole and land into a beautiful courtyard garden that thrives in summer. With a unique twist on the classic afternoon tea, there’s a quirk to be found at every turn of the cuckoo clock. The menus are inside vintage books, the teapots are adorned with kings and queens and the sugar rests in a musical jewellery box. The rolled up sandwiches are my favourite, the breads are different flavours and are scrumptious. Oh and did I mention that the flowers are edible?”

Address: 50 Berners Street, Fitzrovia, London, W1T 3NG
Nearest Underground Station: Tottenham Court Road, Goodge Street

Palm Court:

Bianca from Pretty Hungry:

“For those looking for a delicious, luxurious afternoon tea, the Palm Court at The Langham hotel is the place to go. The combination of mouth-watering scones and stunning desserts amongst the plush setting makes for an extremely special afternoon. They even do themed desserts for celebrations like Christmas and Valentine’s Day! I was taken here for my 23^rd birthday, and the service was fantastic – they make you feel like royalty!”

Address: 1C Portland Place, Marylebone, London, W1B 1JA
Nearest Underground Station: Oxford Circus, Regent’s Park

hotel Cafe Royal:

Hannah from Whitneys Wonderland: 

“British afternoon tea encompasses many different approaches, from modern to traditional to ultra lux and everything in between. I love a modern afternoon tea, but let’s face it, for a first-timer or someone looking for something special, there’s nothing better than indulging in fresh baked, warm delicious scones with champagne and really delicious sandwiches and pastries accompanied by an exotic new tea blend.  If we can do this in a stunning location with live piano music even better! For me Hotel Café Royal offers the best all-around afternoon tea experience in London. Its sumptuous interiors lined with ornate modern mirrors create the perfect setting for some of the finest pastries, scones and finger sandwiches anywhere. The service rivals the best globally and sitting down at the same table Oscar Wilde plotted his famously ill-fated libel action is an enviable piece of history! All in all it is a very special place!”

Address: 68 Regent Street, London, W1B 4DY
Nearest Underground Station: Piccadilly

Brigit’s Bakery L’Afternoon Tea Bus tour:

Alison from Girls Afternoon Tea: 

“A favourite fun-filled afternoon tea is undoubtedly B Bakery’s L’Afternoon Tea Bus Tour. Step on board this red, vintage bus and spend a great afternoon with friends as you tuck into a tasty afternoon tea whilst taking in all of the best sights in central London. Your afternoon tea is a traditional affair with sandwiches, mini quiche, tartlets, scones and cupcakes served with a refreshing brew. Cameras at the ready as you drive past Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, St James’s Park, Hyde Park, The Royal Albert Hall, Marble Arch, Nelson’s Column, Downing Street and more. Subject to traffic this great afternoon tea experience lasts for approximately 1.5 hours.”

Top Tip: Keep an eye on their website as they will run themed tours throughout the year from gin afternoon tea tours to frightful Halloween tours.

Departure location: 8 Northumberland Avenue (off Trafalgar Square) or Victoria Coach Station, depending on the day

St Ermin’s tea lounge:

Jurga from Full Suitcase:

“We love the family-friendly afternoon tea experience at St. Ermin’s hotel in the heart of London. The setting is really beautiful, the staff – very friendly and attentive, and the savouries are really nicely presented and delicious. What makes St. Ermin’s really stand out is that they have a special afternoon tea menu for the children. And the best part is that you can treat yourself and your family to this luxurious experience at a very affordable price.”

Address: 2 Caxton St, Westminster, London SW1H 0QW
Nearest Underground Station: St James’s Park

The Berkeley Hotel:

Janine from Fill My Passport:

“The Berkeley’s afternoon tea is the gastronomic response to high fashion. In-house Pastry chef Mourad Khiat’s creations are a designer’s masterpiece bringing runway highlights in both clothing and accessories. The spectacular spread of sweet and savoury fancies served with flavourful steeped loose-leaf tea, accurately depicts the season’s best styles and trends. Located in Knightsbridge, The Berkeley has brought their unique couture-inspired tea experience to its guests for 11 years. No matter what time of year you visit, you’ll be in for a treat as the sweet and savoury offerings change every six months. For added posh, why not add a glass of champagne with your meal?”

Address: Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 7RL
Nearest Underground Station: Knightsbridge, Hyde Park Corner

Mr Fogg’s Afternoon G & Tea:

Katy from Little Miss Katy:

“I love Mr Fogg’s Afternoon G & Tea, mainly because it’s so different from anything else in London. Their Victorian gin parlour near Covent Garden is beautiful, and the staff are also dressed in Victorian costumes. The food is classic with an international twist: a mix of savoury sandwiches (including one of the best egg mayos I’ve ever tasted!), sweet cakes and pastries, and perfectly crumbly scones. And best of all is the tea-based cocktails they serve out of vintage teapots!”

Address: 1 New Row, Covent Garden, London WC2N 4EA
Nearest Underground Station: Leicester Square, Covent Garde, Charing Cross

Houses of Parliament:

Katy from Untold Morsels:

“Not many people know this, but you can take afternoon tea at the Houses of Parliament on the banks of the Thames. This is one of my favourite London experiences because it combines the tradition of a proper English tea with the history and significance of the iconic Palaces of Westminster. Sip your Earl Grey and enjoy warm scones as Big Ben tolls overhead. It is a very special afternoon tea indeed!”

Address: Westminster, London SW1A 0AA
Nearest Underground Station: Westminster

Sketch:

Kristien & Greetje from Dingenzoekers:

“Our absolute favorite place for afternoon tea in London is Sketch. The pink interior is stunning, cut right out of the pages of Alice in Wonderland. The relaxed and yet refined ambiance contributes to a lovely experience, both for adults and children. And then there’s the food… an abundance of sandwiches, tartlets and scones, washed down with buckets of tea. Don’t forget to use the bathroom, you’re in for a big treat there as well!”

Address: 9 Conduit street, Mayfair, London W1S 2XG
Nearest Underground Station: Oxford Circus

A Midsummer Night’s Dream:

Florian from Family Twist:

“Does tea by any other name taste as sweet? Experience a guided tour of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, followed by A Midsummer Night’s Dream Afternoon Tea at the Swan restaurant. Shakespeare fanatics (or not) will be delighted by the Shakespeare-themed and kid-friendly afternoon delights. Everyone will love indulging in the culture and whimsy of Shakespeare’s London. The Afternoon Tea menu includes sweet and savory items for both adults and kids, turning this culinary experience into a dream come true!”

Address: 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, London SE1 9DT
Nearest Underground Station: London Bridge, St Paul’s, Blackfriars, Mansion House, Southwark

Fortnum and Mason:

Alison from Girls Afternoon Tea: 

“One of London’s most iconic tea Salons, Fortnum and Mason oozes class and sophistication. There aren’t many afternoon tea salons where you can actually buy the exquisite crockery your tea is being served on. Definitely a place to see and be seen, this decadent afternoon tea offers a fine dining experience. Afternoon tea is served on elegantly tiered cake stands and offers a selection of delicate finger sandwiches, delicious cakes and pastries and scones which have been freshly baked on-site served with clotted cream and Fortnum’s preserves. Boasting an outstanding range of signature and infusion teas, Fortnum’s renowned “Tearistas” will carefully guide you through the selection available.”

Address: 181 Piccadilly, London, W1A 1ER
Nearest Underground Station: Piccadilly Circus, Green Park

and more…

…and when you’ve finished having one of the best afternoon teas in London, have a leisurely stroll through one of Central London’s colourful neighbourhoods, like Bankside, Westminster, Hyde Park or Covent Garden.