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: An iconic and elegant afternoon feast
The lowdown: Head to the classy Savoy, one of London’s finest and most illustrious hotels. Steeped in tradition and style, The Savoy has been hosting afternoon tea and high tea ever since its grand opening in 1889. Savour a unique afternoon tea experience at the heart of this famous hotel, under a dazzling glass dome surrounded by gentle piano music and delicate chinaware. You’ll discover fragrant JING tea and premium champagne to accompany light finger sandwiches. Relish perfect pastries, home-made scones and signature cakes – remarkable in both taste and appearance. Vegan and vegetarian afternoon tea menus are also available.
In the know: Afternoon tea is held in the Thames Foyer daily, served from 13:00 -17:45.
Relish perfect pastries, homemade scones and signature cakes – remarkable in both taste and appearance.
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 12:00-16:00 and served Sunday from 12:00-18:00.
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Time for tea
Savour the best of Britain, with afternoon tea in the heart of London.
Book a stay at W London -
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Tantalising tea with a view
Tuck into scrumptious seasonal bites, as you look out to London's best sights.
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 14:00-16:00 and served Saturday and Sunday from 12:00-17:30.
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 12:30-21:00 and served Sunday from 12:30-19:00pm.
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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.
Book a stay at The Intercontinental Park Lane -
Colour bursting and flavour popping
Relish a selection of tantisliting treats, inspired by Britain's budding gardens.
Book a stay at the W London
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 13:00-17:00.