Take afternoon tea in London

Author: Amber-Louise Large

The British tradition of afternoon tea is far greater than slinging a teabag into a teapot – it’s a special event. Discover a world of blissful Champagne bubbles and fruit-infused refreshments, where cakes masquerade as planets and pastries burst with artistic flair and flavour. Choose from our selection of London hotels offering the best afternoon tea experiences.

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Best for: Tea with a view

Shangri-La

The lowdown: Take tea in TING Lounge, located on the 35th level of The Shard, and take in mesmerising views of London at the same time. Peruse the menu, choosing from a range of more than 30 teas, and tuck into delicious finger sandwiches to start. Next up are crumbling scones ready to be topped with dollops of clotted cream and sweet pastries waiting patiently to be picked at. You might even want to polish it all off with a swanky glass of bubbly. Toast to the city’s most recognisable sights – the Tower of London, the Walkie Talkie and HMS Belfast can all be admired from TING Lounge.  

About the hotel: An iconic part of London’s skyline, The Shard is the tallest building in Western Europe. Shangri-La The Shard takes up 18 floors of the skyscraper and offers unparalleled views of the city.

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Best for: Edible art

Rosewood London

The lowdown: The stunning Mirror Room at Rosewood London specialises in ‘Art Afternoon Teas’ inspired by artists and exhibitions in the city. Sit on plush mustard sofas and nibble on sandwiches before smothering scones in strawberry jam and clotted cream or homemade lemon curd. Sip on tea, perhaps opting for the perfect pairings suggested on the menu, and order a glass of Champagne if you want to take things up a notch. Then turn your attention to the patisserie. Allow ample time for marvelling at the exquisitely designed sweet treats – each one a piece of art – before finding out they taste just as good as they look. Keep a lookout for the Mirror Room’s latest collection.  

About the hotel: Located in High Holborn, Rosewood London is set in a grand Edwardian Grade II-listed building. The entrance is suitably grand and the interior is superbly stylish. 

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Best for: A scientific escapade 

The Ampersand

The lowdown: Dine in The Drawing Rooms for an award-winning experience. Pulling inspiration from The Ampersand Hotel’s neighbouring Science Museum, the ‘Science Afternoon Tea’ is bursting with chocolate spacemen , planet-shaped cakes and petri dishes of jelly. Of course, you’ll also get plenty of sandwiches and scones. Following the success of their science-inspired afternoon tea, The Ampersand Hotel has also introduced the ‘Jurassic Afternoon Tea’. A highlight of this option is the box of mini biscuit ‘fossils’ hidden in chocolate ‘soil’ – you’ll have to dust for the fossils before you can dig in. Accompany your escapades and excavations with perfectly brewed tea and, if you want to try something new, swap Champagne for a specialty cocktail served in a teapot. There are also children’s versions of both afternoon teas available, so everyone can join in on the fun.

About the hotel: Sitting in fashionable South Kensington, The Ampersand Hotel takes inspiration from nearby museums. The gorgeous facade is hard to miss and the interior design plays on five themes: botany, music, geometry, ornithology and astronomy. 

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Best for: Elegance and luxury 

The Savoy 

The lowdown: The Savoy’s afternoon tea and high tea services are world-renowned for a reason. Step into the exquisite Thames Foyer and admire your surroundings as sunlight shines through a glorious glass dome. Beneath the dome sits an intricate gazebo housing a grand piano that sends music soaring. Tables are draped in white tablecloths, ready for elegant displays of delicate sandwiches, scones and pastries, and tall Champagne glasses sparkle under the glow of chandeliers. Traditional and luxurious, afternoon tea at The Savoy is a sought-after experience that deserves to be savoured.  

About the hotel: The Savoy is all about luxury and refinement. This famous hotel on the north bank of the River Thames has welcomed more than its fair share of famous guests – including royalty – and boasts exceptional service. 

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