The best afternoon teas in London

The Lanesborough

The Lanesborough’s afternoon tea is no ordinary tea-and-cake situation. Served in the grand setting of The Lanesborough Grill, this is where delicate finger sandwiches and scones with cream and jam reach their full potential, and weekends even come with a pianist. For those with a soft spot for drama, the Bridgerton Afternoon Tea brings high society flair with themed treats inspired by the show. Expect fancy pastries, a signature tea blend and a cocktail that nods to Lady Whistledown herself.

The Carlton Tower Jumeirah

If you're looking for a delightful afternoon tea with a difference, the Carlton Tower Jumeirah's Cadogan Gardens Afternoon Tea is for you. The menu draws inspiration from the botanicals of the historic Cadogan Gardens, creating a unique celebration of nature. The cakes and pastries are crafted with a focus on natural ingredients, so they're bursting with flavour. You'll begin with a choice of tea (plus bubbly if you're feeling fancy), then dive into seasonal and classically British savoury treats, including coronation chicken sandwiches. The dessert round features innovative creations that change with the seasons, such as lavender chocolate barquette and a rosemary lavender strawberry tart. 

The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel

Refined doesn’t even begin to cover it. Afternoon tea at The Cadogan is curated by Michelin-starred pastry chef Benoît Blin, so the treats are as artful as they are delicious. The menu is a fine dining take on the British classic, featuring elegant savouries that blend seasonal British ingredients with a French twist. The real stars are the hand-crafted pastries, of course, with inventive and delicate creations that change with the season. Don’t miss the stunning dessert trolley, which is laden with a selection of freshly baked cakes. With service as polished as the cakes, this spot near Sloane Square is perfect for a truly fancy afternoon.

The Beaumont

Step into The Beaumont’s Gatsby Room and you’re in for a jazz-age treat. While the baby grand piano plays softly, you’ll be served classic American sandwiches like Reubens alongside alongside traditional British favourites, and warm scones. The real stars are the pastries: think chocolate brownie with vanilla caramel a Tropical Sandwich. The impeccable service ensures every detail of this delectable experience is finely executed. Paired with a fine selection of JING Tea, the experience is a sophisticated journey back to the opulent Art Deco world of the 1920s.

The Mandrake

At The Mandrake Hotel, you can cleanse your chakras while munching on an innovative range of seasonal pastries. The Seven Chakra Afternoon Tea promises a "soul-enriching" experience, with each dish representing a different energy center within the body. While you might leave more stuffed than spiritually awakened, the menu is far from your average tea. Expect a variety of unexpected savoury and sweet treats, such as a blue cheese tart with guava jam and a spiced blackberry and apple choux bun. The experience is elevated with curated tea pairings for each course, including the mesmerising Blue Aurora Oolong Tea, a beautiful elixir that changes color before your eyes. 

Claridge's

At Claridge’s, afternoon tea feels like an event. Fresh roses, soothing piano music, and the occasional A-lister appearance set a tone of timeless elegance. The finger sandwiches steal the show, with classic fillings like smoked salmon and coronation chicken, all meticulously prepared with the finest seasonal ingredients. The freshly baked scones are served warm with rich Cornish clotted cream and Claridge's bespoke afternoon tea jam is worth trying. The hand-made pastries, which change with the season, are all beautifully crafted and full of flavour. It’s easy to see why this place is a classic and remains the gold standard for traditional afternoon tea.

The Langham

This is where afternoon tea was born, or so they say, and The Langham keeps the tradition alive in the most beautiful way. Pastries here are inspired by classic British biscuits, with a custard cream reimagined as a delicate chocolate-filled treat. Scones and finger sandwiches, such as the curried Shropshire chicken sandwich, round out the experience, but it’s the nostalgia-filled pastries that’ll make you want to come back. All this takes place in the beautiful Palm Court – what more could you ask for?

Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge

Channel your inner Londoner with a modern twist on afternoon tea at the Four Seasons at Ten Trinity Square. The hotel's London by Lily Vanilli Afternoon Tea is a chic, modern affair designed by the renowned baker to the stars. Served under the impressive domed ceiling of the Rotunda, you’ll find a menu that playfully re-imagines the traditional. Expect sophisticated savouries like parmesan gougères and confit potatoes with smoked salmon and caviar. The star of the show is the sweet creations, with everything from a crème brûlée Basque cheesecake to a decadent vanilla and raspberry sponge. It's got just the right amount of pomp, but with a modern, metropolitan feel that’s perfect for a stylish afternoon.

Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park

This stunning tearoom at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park is the picture of elegance, with fine teas and the soothing sound of live music creating a serene atmosphere. The menu is a take on tradition, featuring a mix of classic British sandwiches and imaginative savouries that change with the season. The pastry selection is a highlight, with a series of beautiful and creative confections. You'll also find classic scones served with clotted cream and a selection of homemade jams. If you’re after a bit of old-school glamour with a modern twist in a stylish setting, you’ve found your spot at The Rosebery.

The Ritz London

Afternoon tea at The Ritz is as traditional as it gets, served in the opulent Palm Court. The sandwich selection is a cut above, with options like smoked salmon on sourdough and ham on brioche. Scones are served warm with all the trimmings, and the pastries are almost too pretty to eat (but you’ll eat them anyway). With a live pianist setting the scene, it’s easy to see why this is a bucket-list destination for tea lovers.

One Aldwych

Channel your inner child at One Aldwych with an afternoon tea that’s as theatrical as it is delicious. Inspired by the fantastical world of Willy Wonka, this experience is a feast for the senses, from the floating bubbles to the sounds of factory clangs. Expect a mouthwatering array of imaginative savouries, including a salmon and crème fraîche scone and a coronation chicken brioche. The showstopper, however, is the sweet selection, which features a golden chocolate egg with a hidden surprise, and a cherry and chocolate "snozzberry" cake. Created in partnership with the Roald Dahl Story Company, it's an unforgettable afternoon of pure imagination.

The Goring

As the holder of a Royal Warrant and numerous awards, The Goring serves a quintessentially classic afternoon tea. This timeless hotel with impeccable manners sets the scene in its light-filled Veranda, where guests are delighted with an ever-changing menu that highlights the freshest produce of the season. The experience includes delicate finger sandwiches, appetising bakes, and exquisite pastries, all alongside freshly baked homemade scones served warm with Devonshire clotted cream and a selection of homemade jams. With over a century of experience, The Goring offers an indulgent afternoon tea that's fit for royalty.