The best afternoon tea places in London to unravel the mysteries of British generosity

Afternoon tea is a unique English tradition that dates back to the mid-19th century. Its founder is considered to be Duchess Anne of Birdford, who always drank tea between lunch and dinner to satisfy a slight feeling of hunger.

The ritual became so popular that many people today still drink afternoon tea in London and other British cities with savory sandwiches and cakes. Many cafes and restaurants in England's capital maintain this tradition, offering visitors London's best afternoon teas.

If you're planning a trip to London, be sure to check out one of the best afternoon tea places in London for a unique afternoon tea experience. The rich variety of desserts and pastries served with tea will please you.

Be sure to try the dessert tapas with different ingredients to experience the harmony of subtle flavors and aromas. Don't forget to order original cakes with delicate spread for tea. The only thing is to be prepared for the fact that such a pleasure costs from 40 to 90 pounds. However, it is justified.

Important! It is better to book tables in afternoon tea places in London in advance because this ceremony is very popular among tourists and locals of the city.

Mayfair Restaurant

The top 10 afternoon tea places in London is lead by the Mayfair restaurant, which harmoniously combines royal luxury and excellent cuisine. Guests can be impressed by the velvet interior of the Sketch Mayfair Gallery and the spectacular exhibition area.

Enjoy London tea in a chic restaurant and you'll have a great time. Be sure to indulge in these culinary masterpieces:

• truffle croque;
• appetizing sandwiches with tender meat and vegetables;
• the divine pear and pomegranate cheesecake;
• famous Victoria biscuit with fruit.

Live music adds to the excitement of a visit to one of the best places to have afternoon tea in London.

Fortnum and Mason Salon

Let's continue our walk through the best places for tea in London. The Fortnum and Mason tea salon has been serving the traditional beverage since 1926 and has a gracious atmosphere. The calmly decorated room is located on the 4th floor of the prestigious St. James's department store. Here you can indulge in different types of traditional afternoon tea in London with sweet or unusual salty flavors.

The salon has a long history. It used to be Fortnum's apartment. A little later it became a retail space with original furnishings and valuable antiques.

Be ready to enter the place with bright lighting and classic decor with spectacular vintage elements. The cozy atmosphere is created by turquoise-colored carpet and calming music, which allows you to forget about all worries and immerse yourself in the world of happiness and bliss.

Here you can try top afternoon tea in London with great culinary dishes:

• soft scones on an attractive tray with exquisite cheese and red fish in a savory dill sauce;
• stunning eclairs made of delicate choux pastry with smoked salmon;
• chocolate mousse;
• aromatic pie with a delicate combination of lemon notes and passion fruit flavor;
• appetizing sandwiches that complement the famous afternoon tea perfectly.

You are sure to be delighted by the flavor of the pistachio cake from the cart. The Diamond Jubilee tea salon is named after Queen Elizabeth of England, so remember the famous monarch with a cup of the best tea in London.

The Grill Room at the Café Royal

The best tea time in London is at the Café Royal Hotel's pompous Grill Room. The Grade II listed establishment is stunningly decorated. Cool afternoon tea is served here too, supporting the long tradition of Foggy Albion.

Facility's guests are pleasantly surprised by a rich choice of drinks that satisfy the tastes of the most delicate gourmets. Piano plays, crispy pastries and other gastronomic delights complement the cordial atmosphere of the facility:

• truffle mousse;
• soft cheese custard;
• roasted meats and smoked red fish;
• cocoa sablé;
• citrus sorbet;
• delicious scones made of weightless dough;
• pistachio praline.

The Grill Room at Café Royal features not only stunning classic dishes but also sumptuous vegan and vegetarian ones.

Sri Lankan Afternoon Tea at Lyness Bar

London's best traditional afternoon tea is served at the colorful Lyness Bar. It regularly hosts a festive afternoon tea from sunny Sri Lanka on weekends. The abundance of dishes and drinks delights the guests. In addition to nice afternoon tea, you can order specialties seasoned with love of talented chefs:

• delicious lamb croquettes with spicy Indonesian sauce;
• tender pandan roll;
• chicken kukul;
• tantalizing sandwiches with exotic ingredients;
• eggplant in a juicy marinade.

Lyness Bar is one of the best places to have afternoon tea in London, forgetting about earthly worries and cares.

Palm Court at The Ritz

Don't miss the unique opportunity to visit the top places for afternoon tea in London to feel the atmosphere of good old England. The Ritz's Palm Court is one of them. High ceilings, exquisitely decorated interior of the room with skillful use of decor help to create a solemn atmosphere typical of popular British establishments.

Here you can taste famous tea in London with wonderful scones and cakes. Palm Court's specialty is baked choux pastry with rhubarb. Once here, be sure to order lemon posset with spices to feel the shimmers of harmonious tastes and aromas.

The relaxed atmosphere of the place, which is included in the top 5 afternoon tea places in London, is emphasized by musical performances. What delightful piano, string instruments and harp perfomances are held here. The venue's menu always includes seasonal fruits such as pears and apples, raspberries and strawberries.

Palm Court is located near Green Park among fashionable boutiques and luxurious parks of the capital of Foggy Albion. Thus, you can stroll along the cozy streets of the city after a pleasant tea-drinking.

The dress code here is not very strict, so you will not be able to get here in jeans and sneakers. Put on an elegant outfit and feel royal in this cozy place with a chic cuisine. In addition to top London tea, you can order elite champagne with a cake to give yourself a portion of joy and good mood. You don't have to have a reason for it, as life is a holiday to be celebrated every day.

Drury Lane Theatre Royal

Places to have tea in London can be both traditional and unexpected, like the Drury Lane Theatre Royal. It has been presenting classy productions since the early 17th century. You can indulge in the coolest afternoon tea atmosphere with a delicate dessert.

You should try the following dishes:

• small pies with tantalizing cream cheese;
• Madeleine cakes with spicy cheese flavor;
• a gorgeous vanilla cake with fruit filling;
• strawberry ice cream sandwiches.

Take a cozy seat and enjoy the play of subtle flavors and aromas.

The cozy lounge at Flemings Mayfair Hotel

If you want to experience the full range of emotions, head to one of the best places to have tea in London, the spacious living room of the beautiful Mayfair Hotel. Here the emphasis is always on the bright taste and aroma of the drinks offered to guests.

Visitors of the facility are happy to pamper themselves with white tea with lavender, which has soothing properties, or marmalade oolong with delicate orange flowers. The taste of weightless scones and sandwiches is simply impossible to forget.

Balthazar Canteen

Balthazar Canteen is included in the list of the best tea spots in London for a reason. The room is in the style of popular French beer halls with high ceilings, spectacular mirrors and glossy tiles. The facility offers a rich assortment of teas and appetizing snacks for every taste:

• sandwiches with crab and tender chicken;
• hamburgers with meat and vegetables;
• amazing apple pie.

Here you can savor the flavors of crème brûlée, champagne and sophisticated cocktails like the French 75.

The Foyer At Claridge's

Having a fresh Art Deco interior, The Foyer At Claridge's invites guests to immerse themselves in a weightless atmosphere of comfort and British hospitality. Everything here has been thought out in detail to make visitors feel as comfortable as possible. The whole picture of a wonderful tea time in London is created by gorgeous bouquets of roses and pleasant live music.

We recommend you to try crispy pastries and great sandwiches. Facility's menu is constantly updated and replenished with new culinary delights. Goat cheese with pepper and pumpkin deserves special attention. Guests are always pleased with impeccable service and perfect cleanliness.

J Sheekey restaurant

Traditional tea time in London is five o'clock in the afternoon. J Sheekey restaurant invites you to spend it in a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere on the summer terrace.

Here you can feel the taste of real English tea combined with luxurious pastries. Delicate scones with berry-fruit jams and whipped cream, as well as specialty cakes delight the restaurant's visitors. In addition, the facility offers a rich choice of seafood from oysters and mussels to crabs and lobsters.

Thames Foyer, The Savoy

Afternoon tea time in London should be spent luxuriously. It is a good and long-standing British tradition. The Thames Foyer can provide your with that, as here couples in love and noisy groups of friends feel comfortable.

The Thames Foyer invites visitors to sample delicious culinary creations:

• flavorful sandwiches with a variety of fillings;
• crispy pies with whipped cream, jam, custard and lemon juice.

Here you can try top London tea with delicious cookies and cakes. It's pure bliss!

The Dalloway Terrace x Neal's Yard Remedies

The Dalloway Terrace x Neal's Yard Remedies is a famous tea place in London that's definitely worth a visit when you have a spare moment. The place invites you to feel the divine taste of different kinds of tea with delicate desserts and confectionery. Here you can find black, green and herbal tea of elite brands.

Tea with rose petals with tartlets and berries is considered very delicate and romantic. Visitors' favorite pastries are delicious scones with raspberry jam. An interesting highlight of the establishment is that it celebrates the protection of bees as the beneficial insects of the UK.

Gatsby's Room at The Beaumont

London famous afternoon tea is served at Gatsby's Room at The Beaumont. It's a unique place where they make wonderful sandwiches with meat, eggs or smoked salmon. Here you can delight yourself with amazing sweets and desserts like vanilla pudding, toffee or pies with crispy crust.

If you associate the best traditional tea in London with live music, this is the place to get what you want.

The Promenade, The Dorchester

Best rated afternoon tea in London includes The Dorchester with its mysterious atmosphere. The interior of the facility is decorated in the style of royal bedrooms. There are majestic marble columns, luxurious soft carpets, and, of course, dense curtains. The room is decorated with an oval leather bar.

It is not all. The service staff is dressed in elegant tails. They are friendly, not pompous. It is visited by both native Londoners and foreigners.

Here guests are offered 25 refined types of tea with sweet or salty delicacies. The Dorchester's dining room bakes delicious pizzas with savory toppings and grills succulent meats.

Sumptuous snacks, including delicate sandwiches with various fillings and delicious bread with nuts and fragrant spices are perfectly combined with noble English tea. The solemn atmosphere of the best place for tea time in London is successfully complemented by piano playing. Rainy Battenberg here is simply divine.

Take into account that it is accepted to visit this place only in beautiful outfits, as torn jeans and baseball caps are inappropriate here. You can stroll along the promenade on Park Lane after the tea, which is located nearby.

The Bar & Lounge at The Goring

A list of the top places to have afternoon tea in London is sure to include The Goring Hotel's chic gilded lounge. The classic English drink is accompanied by sandwiches, which are perfect in every way. They have smooth shape without crusts and perfect taste.

Here they bake delicious buns, plain or fruity, which are placed in a napkin to keep them warm for a long time. Does your soul desire pleasant live music? Visit this place. Peopel can order melodies of various styles and the artists perform them masterfully.

Indian High Chai at Lalit London

Places for tea in London always look festive and inviting. For example, Indian High Chai in Lalit London is decorated with luxurious chandeliers of bright blue color. Here you can sit with a loved one over a cup of amazing Indian tea.

Samosas with chutney, halva and other oriental delicacies are excellent here. Courteous waiters make sure that guests' table is always filled with appetizing food and drinks from the best culinary specialists of the facility.

Palm Court at The Langham

Artful chefs Michel Roux Jr. and Andrew Gravett once got inspired by the idea of creating a gastronomic space with national cuisine and hit the bull's-eye. Crumbly cookies and other pastries occupy a place of honor in the menu of the establishment, which serves them as a perfect complement to cute afternoon tea in London.

Here great attention is paid to the aesthetic side of the mystery of tea drinking and rich choice of pastries and desserts. Drinks are served in exquisite Wedgwood dishes. Natural products from local farms are used to prepare dishes.

The menu offers delicious sandwiches, flavorful pies and pastries. Here you can appreciate the taste of the best afternoon tea. Drink favorites include JING tea and Gusbourne sparkling wine.

Pret-à-Portea in The Berkeley's Collins Room

Nice places for afternoon tea in London uphold the best of British tradition and give guests a taste of yesteryear. These include Pret-à-Portea in Berkeley. The chefs are inspired by fashion shows by Dolce and Gabbana and Jean-Paul Gaultier.

Guests are invited to experience the perfect taste of dresses in the form of savory cheesecakes with floral motifs from Christopher Kane or biscuits in the form of a fashionable cocoa-flavored Prada coat.

Salon de Thé, Mariage Fréres

The list of cute tea places in London is topped by a French tea house in the center of Covent Garden. There are more than a thousand types of drinks for guests to enjoy with loved ones or friends. The restaurant specializes in preparing wonderful dishes of French cuisine, but with an English accent. Here you can bake sumptuous pies and prepare delicate sandwiches with smoked fish.

Rotunda Bar and Lounge, Four Seasons Hotel

If you want to experience the unique atmosphere of royal chambers, go to the Rotunda Bar and Lounge, which is located at the Four Seasons Hotel. There's no doubt that this place is one of the best tea places in London.

Only here guests are offered tea that is associated with the expensive jewelry that is carefully preserved in the Tower. Sandwiches with fresh cucumber and delicate cream cheese go well with the invigorating hot drink. Meat and smoked red fish sandwiches are always popular in the lounge bar. The talented chefs were inspired by their love for Queen Elizabeth of England when creating the menu.

Visitors are offered to taste an amazing Crown with chocolate and fragrant strawberry layer. Facility's regulars' favorite dish is tender Victoria biscuit with delicate raspberry fondant. The bar has a dish inspired by the magic gardens of Charles III. It's definitely worth trying, as it's a combination of subtle aesthetics and perfect flavor.

InterContinental Park Lane

London's most popular afternoon tea takes place in trendy hotels and restaurants. Even real gourmets often stop by the Wellington Lounge of the InterContinental Hotel to order a cup of the aromatic beverage with excellent tonic properties. The establishment focuses on the floral flavors and aromas of the favorite drink of the British.

It serves excellent appetizers that delight guests with unusual fireworks of tastes:

• rainbow trout with bergamot;
• tantalizing asparagus carpaccino;
• crispy buns with a distinct mint flavor.

Are you looking for something new? Try the manuka honey cake or the original apple and chamomile pie.

The Lanesborough

Let's continue our acquaintance with famous tea places in London. The next place you should visit is The Lanesborough restaurant with refined French cuisine. It is located in a picturesque corner of Hyde Park.

The emerald greens and flowering gardens of England inspired its menu. It features lush red fish and cream cheese sandwiches, delicious elderflower drinks and jasmine daisies. There is an extensive selection of sweet delicacies including cakes and white and dark chocolates with amazing flavors.

Mirror Room, Rosewood London

The best place in London for tea is the Mirror Room at Rosewood London. Famous Rosewood culinary artist Mark Perkins' venue features chic, art-inspired food and drink.

Guests enjoy sandwiches that help them experience the magic of London afternoon tea time. The place offers amazing American and English cuisine.

Bakery Tea Bus Tour

The coolest afternoon tea in London is offered by the Routemaster tea tour. It allows you to combine tea ceremony with the best sights of London. Do you like this idea? Then take a seat on a vintage double-decker bus in Victoria near Trafalgar Square and enjoy a fabulous trip.

Here you will be served a large platter of sandwiches and mouth-watering burgers, as well as flavorful cakes and muffins. You will be pleasantly surprised by the polite service staff of the miracle bus. The perfect puzzle of good tea in London is perfectly complemented by the pleasant voice of the guide. He shows the historical buildings of the British capital and talks about them in detail.

Winter Garden at Landmark London Hotel

The afternoon tea London recommendations traditionally include Winter Garden, which is located at the Landmark Hotel. Experienced cooks of the facility prepare delicious English and Mediterranean dishes.

Live music helps to create a special aura that disposes to reflections on the meaning of life and eternal values. You can order specialty sandwiches, scones and cakes for tea. Bad mood can always be fixed with a bar of excellent English chocolate with silky creamy flavor.

We have prepared a rating of establishments that offer the best afternoon tea in London, UK just for you. Be sure to take time for such a ceremony to treat yourself to a luxurious tea with English sweets and pay tribute to a beautiful tradition when visiting UK.