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, candy floss drapes the plates and pastries burst with artistic flair and flavour. Choose from our selection of London hotels offering the best afternoon tea experiences.
Best for: A floral feast at the W London
The lowdown: Think English arcadia. Savour a unique afternoon tea experience, as you stir up tantalising crystallised shots of cocktail mixers, to accompany a sensational sweet selection of garden inspired creations. You will discover a mix of delicious finger sandwiches and velvety scones, served in a box with secret drawers. From mint-chocolate mousse-filled flower pots, to edible soil made of Oreo and coffee – each bite here is a rare find.
In the know: Afternoon tea in The Perception Bar is served daily from 1-5pm.
You will discover a mix of delicious finger sandwiches and velvety scones, served in a box with secret drawers.
Best for: Tea with a view at the Shangri-La
The lowdown: Take tea in the TĪNG lounge, situated in The Shard, with mesmerising views of the London skyline. Peruse through the menu, choosing between more than 30 teas, and tuck into a delicious smoked salmon sandwich to start, followed by heavenly macarons and crumbling scones with a dollop of clotted cream. You may even polish them off with a swanky glass of Champers. Keep your eye out for seasonal changes in the menu and the new variations of mouth-watering sweets.
In the know: Afternoon tea in the TĪNG lounge is served Monday-Saturday, from 12-4pm and served Sunday from 12-6pm.
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Tantalising tea with a view
Tuck into scrumptious seasonal bites, as you look out to London's best sights.£931 pp
Book a stay at the Shangri-La
Best for: Edible art at the Rosewood London
The lowdown: Inspired by Pop Art and Cubism, afternoon tea at the Rosewood is an extraordinary experience. Dine in the exquisite Mirror Room, on plush mustard sofas and nibble on traditional cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches. The modern-styled take on Jaffa cakes and rhubarb and custard sweets will get your taste buds tingling too. Take a bite of Warhol wonders made into sweet sensations and colourful retro-inspired pastry wall-art – where else can you say you’ve eaten art?
In the know: Afternoon tea at the Rosewood is served Monday-Friday, from 2-4pm and served Saturday and Sunday from 12-5.30pm.
Best for: A scientific escapade at The Ampersand
The lowdown: Dine in the Drawing Room for an award-winning experience. The tea theme here pulls inspiration from the neighbouring Science Museum, bursting with chocolate spacemen, planet shaped cakes and petri dishes of jelly. There are also vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free versions of this menu, as well as a children’s afternoon tea menu – Sci-fi – including hot chocolate, mini hot dogs, jam sandwiches and plenty more. If you’d prefer a fruity tipple with your savoury and sweet treats, order the Science Teapot Tails edition for a snazzy cocktail flight.
In the know: Afternoon tea at The Ampersand is served Monday-Saturday, from 12.30-9pm and served Sunday from 12.30-7pm.
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Out of this world bites
Bright and bold – graze on a variety of experimental foodie goodies.
Book a stay at The Ampersand -
If you only function with coffee
For those who prefer coffee beans to tea bags, the InterContinental is the choice for you.£471 pp
Book a stay at The Intercontinental Park Lane -
Best for: A coffee lover’s dream at the Intercontinental Park Lane
The lowdown: If you’d rather sip a cup of coffee over a brew, this is the afternoon ‘tea’ for you. Order the High Coffee menu in the Wellington Lounge and tuck into an array of flavourful open sandwiches served with a salted caramel espresso martini, followed by a mix of savoury delights with a Caffé Freddo. To finish? A variety of sweet treats, topped off with Caffé Coretto – delicious. Alternatively, Royal fanatics will love the Royal afternoon experience – with a menu inspired by the Queen’s tours of The Commonwealth over the past 70 years.
In the know: Afternoon tea at the Intercontinental is served daily from 1-5pm.
