Afternoon Tea in London

This great British custom was started by the Duchess of Bedford in 1830 when she ordered a light meal to stave off her hunger pangs between lunch and dinner. By the 1840s wafer thin slices of bread holding finely chopped cucmber, platters of light sponge cakes and freshly brewed pots of tea were being served all across London. The Victorian era saw Afternoon Tea established as a British staple. Tea became a time for ladies to gossip and show off their prettiest china. Step back in time, indulge your tastebuds and enjoy the tinkle of teaspoons, slurping and scones at one of our top tea spots. Booking a prime afternoon tea slot can be difficult as the most popular venues are in high demand. Ensure a place by booking online and in advance...

Book Afternoon Tea

Claridge's

Brook Street, W1A 2JQ
If you want to join the ranks of princes, politicians and personalities as you elegantly sup afternoon tea head for the sumptuously decorated foyer at Claridge's. The Art Deco interior of this hotel saw a stunning refit in 1999, bringing it back to its awe-inspiring former glory and worthy of its affectionate title "the extension to Buckingham Palace". The centre piece of the foyer - where tea is served - is a huge glass chandelier by Dale Chihuly. A pianist and harpist accompany diners devouring over 30 different blends of tea from around the world, classic finger sandwiches, pastries and moist, fluffy homemade scones served with the hotel's exclusive tea-infused jam and clotted cream. Dress code is smart casual.

More info: Claridge's Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

The Savoy Afternoon Tea

The Savoy, Strand, WC2R 0EU
Founded by the owner of the nearby Savoy Theatre, this hotel has been at the centre of entertainment and celebrity in London for over a century. Down the years silver screen idols from Elizabeth Taylor to Nicole Kidman have stayed here. Right in the heart of Theatreland, on the banks of the Thames, the hotel's setting is imposing. Fabulous views of the river even have Monet's seal of approval - he painted them during a period of residence there. The Thames Foyer, where tea is served, is surrounded by a fabulous collection of Art Deco mirrors. Watch yourself tuck into a delectable afternoon's worth of bite-size delights, reflected in their highly-polished surfaces. Served on delicate Royal Doulton bone china, the attention to detail is superb. Don't forget to try the Savoy Blend tea either, it's quite unique. The resident pianist finishes off the ceremonial atmosphere. As well as the traditional afternoon tea, The Savoy now also offers an indulgent alternative Art Decadent Tea in the Beaufort Bar where the delicate tea and accompanying sandwiches can be enjoyed with chilled champagne or a cheeky tea time cocktail.

More info: The Savoy Afternoon Tea Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

The Connaught Hotel

Carlos Place, Mayfair, W1K 2AL
The Connaught in Mayfair was originally intended as an oasis of calm for the landed gentry of England to retire to during their hectic visits to the capital. Little has changed since the opening of the hotel in 1897 - doormen in top hats and white gloves still usher guests into the majestic entrance hall with its magnificent mosaic floor and grand wooden staircase, and the age-old tradition of afternoon tea is still re-enacted daily. The Connaught's Gallery room exudes rich, sumptuous elegance and style and provides the perfect, luxurious setting for afternoon tea which is served. Film stars Sharon Stone and Lauren Bacall are among the celebrities who have sampled the Connaught's 'Traditional Tea' which consists of scones, pastries, crumpets and finger sandwiches served alongside a selection of teas (including a special Connaught Indian blend), coffee and infusions. Skip the lifts and enjoy the traditional country house feel of the mahogany staircase that winds up through this grand century-old hotel. The Connaught is a traditional slice of Mayfair grandeur that takes its design cue from the English country house, while offering facilities that are absolutely up-to-date.

More info: The Connaught Hotel Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Brown's Hotel

Albemarle Street, Mayfair, W1S 4BP
Established in 1837 for "genteel" folk, James Brown's charming hotel instantly became synonymous with the refined tradition of afternoon tea. A popular haunt of royalty and statesmen, the hotel has also attracted and inspired a number of famous guests. Graham Bell made his first successful British telephone call from Brown's in 1876, Rudyard Kipling wrote 'The Jungle Book' here and regular visitor and author Agatha Christie based her book 'At Bertram's Hotel' on Browns. Lord Byron who once described the founder, his former valet, as the "gentleman of gentlemen", also supped in these elegant surroundings. The English Tea Room is a wonderfully refined, discrete setting from which to enjoy a choice of teas - including Brown's own blend - finely cut sandwiches, freshly baked scones, Brown's famous home-made jams and clotted cream, and a selection of cakes and delicate pastries. Sink deep into an armchair, relax in front of the fire to the sounds of a piano, enjoy your chosen blend of tea from fine Wedgwood porcelain and select your desired delicacy from a Victorian silver tea-stand as you form part of history at Brown's.

More info: Brown's Hotel Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

The Berkeley

Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RL
Contemporay cuppas for forward thinking fashion darlings.

Served in the appropriately themed Caramel Room with its low-lighting, chocolate coloured wall coverings and snappy faux-crocodile fabrics, afternoon tea at the Berkeley is a modern, stylish affair. From the contemporary design (courtesy of Alexandra Champalimaud) of the room to the unusual, striking design of the cakes and pastries this is an afternoon tea experience for those who like to mix tradition with innovation.
While the traditional elements of the meal still remain, the Berkeley has added its own creative twists to the ritual, bringing this century's old institution into the 21st century by producing cakes and pastries inspired by each fashion season’s catwalk designs. Eclairs, cupcakes and shortbread biscuits are all set for a makeover in the styles of top fashion designers such as Emanuel Ungaro and Diane von Furstenburg.
Prêt-à-Portea - the “A Fashionista’s Afternoon Tea” – consists of a choice selection of loose leaf teas and herbal infusions together with a delectable selection of cakes, pastries and savouries all presented in a cutting-edge style to match the current catwalk. The Winter 2011-12 Prêt-à-Portea collection includes Stella McCartney polka dot sponge cake plus Lanvin's bavarois dress with crème de mûre jelly topped with folded meringue. A gold Dolce & Gabbana chocolate éclair sprinkled with festive stars and Miu Miu winter spice sparkly shoe biscuits are also on the menu.
For those true fashionistas, it pays to upgrade and follow a warming cup of tea with an invigorating taste of Moet & Chandon NV Champagne served in a Baccarat crystal glass.

Best for:
Catwalk-inspired cream teas, faux-crocodile fabrics and high fashion, Emanuel Ungaro and Diane von Furstenburg, Paul Smith china.

Did you know??
Wood panelling and decorative carvings from the original hotel are on display in the Blue Bar.

More info: The Berkeley Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

The Dorchester Afternoon Tea

53 Park Lane, W1K 1QA
Winner of numerous awards, this hotel has been a byword for style and comfort for over 70 years. Served in the famous marble and gold Promenade entrance lounge of The Dorchester, diners can chose to indulge in either a Traditional, Champagne or High Tea before drinking in the extravagance of the lavish setting. Palm tree fronds flutter above elegant couches while bright sun-light streams through the windows. Choose from a varied selection of 20 imported teas, or go for the Dorchester's very own delicate blend. The hotel employs its very own tea chef, solely in charge of the afternoons selection of finger food, not to mention the 15-strong team of pastry chefs who intricately fold together the mouth-watering range of sweets. Their scones have been made to the same delicious recipe for over 50 years, and we can tell why. Awash with light this is no place for those who want to hide away in the shadows. It is, however, perfect for those traditional afternoon tea takers for whom glamour and glitz coupled with eyeing up fellow diners is part and parcel of the whole ritual.

More info: The Dorchester Afternoon Tea Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

The Lanesborough Afternoon Tea

Hyde Park Corner, SW1X 7TA
Earning the Award of Excellence from the The Tea Guild for the past three years, as well as their Top London Afternoon Tea in 2008, an afternoon brew at The Lanesborough is a bit of a treat. The stylish early 19th century hotel sits right on Hyde Park Corner and tea is served in its recently redecorated restaurant, Apsleys, with its beautiful glass roof. The formal ceremony of afternoon tea here takes on an undisputable air of sophistication with the steaming tea served from silver pots - a Russian samovar if you need to know - and poured into fine bone china cups, a stack of crustless finger sandwiches to accompany it. They don't mess around here, employing a dedicated 'tea sommelier', Karl Kessab, who takes the job of tea buying very seriously - most are purchased at auction. Green, black and white teas are all on the menu, from Gunpowder to Jasmine Pearls - it's a bewildering choice so don't be afraid to ask for advice. There are several different types of afternoon tea price packages to choose from (starting at £35) all of which come with a freshly baked scones, thick clotted cream and home made fruit preserves. Opt for the Belgravia Tea (£45) and you'll get fresh strawberries and a glass of Taittinger Champagne as well as tea to sip on. Or, if you want all the trimmings order the Prestige Champagne Tea (£80) - and a glass of Krug Grand Cuvee arrives to top off an afternoon of elegant indulgence.

More info: The Lanesborough Afternoon Tea Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Palm Court

Langham Hotel, W1B 1JA
There's a long tradition of taking tea at the Langham Hotel. Afternoon Tea has been sipped here since the mid-19th century, originally served for the princely sum of 1/6d (now 7 1/2p) to the cream of Victorian society. Following a lavish £80m refurbishment, this landmark hotel - the first grand hotel in London - serves up tea, once again, at the Palm Court restaurant. Lavish is an appropriate word. Thanks to elaborate designs by architect David Collins, you can enjoy your tea and cake in sumptuous crystal chandelier lit surroundings, perched on plush velvet seats. An almost ridiculous level of attention to detail means the day's progression is marked by subtle changes in lighting, linen, chinaware and the staff uniforms. An aroma of ginger flower wafts over perfumed teas and delicate cakes while live piano music plays in the background. There are over 30 blends of tea to choose from including home grown tea and pre rain Jun Shan (Imperial Mountain) silver needle yellow tea at £40 a pot. With a nod to the year the hotel was first built and the date of its subsequent re-opening, Champagne Hour then runs from 18.55 hours to 20:09 (roughly 7-8pm). The transition from day to evening is marked with candle light and the discrete pop of corks - with over 40 Champagnes by the glass featured. Utterly decadent and delightful.

More info: Palm Court Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

The Ritz

150 Piccadilly, W1J 9BR
Tea at The Ritz has to be the London equivalent of Breakfast at Tiffany's - a world-famous brand that captures the essence of each city's history and culture. Synonymous with the comfortable colonialism of the old British aristocracy, for Londoners afternoon tea at The Ritz conjures an image of luxury, indulgence, formality and impeccable service. Detailed in delicate shades of gold, pale green and pale pink, the Palm Court, where afternoon tea is served, is an exemplar of soothing sophistication combined with lavish Louis XVI luxury. Lofty ceilings, glittering chandeliers, gilded trellises, marble columns, deep cornices and draped floral curtains all combine for a visual treat of the old Establishment. Waiters, dressed immaculately in tails, serve up tea in fine bone china with exact precision while a pianist tinkles the ivories and a harpist plucks away in the background. Views of the Green Park royal gardens are a stunning reminder of a time when King Edward VII, Winston Churchill and Charles De Gaulle formed part of the regular stream or royal, aristocratic and noble visitors taking tea at the hotel's Palm Court. It hardly needs saying but dress smartly - a jacket and tie are essential for men. Early booking (as far in advance as six weeks for weekend sittings) is essential.

More info: The Ritz Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Mad Hatter's Afternoon Tea, Sanderson Hotel

The Sanderson Hotel, 50 Berners Street,, W1T 3NG
The Sanderson Hotel is giving visitors the chance to climb through a rabbit hole and explore the wonderland beneath at their Mad Hatter's Afternoon Tea. Served in the hotel's Courtyard Garden; an open-air retreat with flowering trees, fountains, mosaics and a reflecting pool, diners will be fully encompassed in the magical affair. Creating a twisted version of the traditional British afternoon tea, the chefs at the hotel have mastered an unconventional and adventurous experience for all taste buds. Offering an 'Eat Me' Queen of Hearts which holds strawberry and cream mousse as well as an intriguing 'Drink Me' bottle containing a concoction of Apple Pie, Lemon Curd and English Toffee this brew will engage your senses in a bizarre yet enjoyable sensation. Further gastronomic adventures will include blueberry lollipops that turn your mouth from hot to cold, hazelnut praline ice cream, chocolate rabbit clocks and finger sandwiches presented in a rainbow of colours. Taking a step back towards tradition, scones with clotted cream and jam will also be on the menu enabling visitors to enjoy a slice of familiarity.

More info: Mad Hatter's Afternoon Tea, Sanderson Hotel Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Not Afternoon Tea at the Oxo Tower

Oxo Tower Wharf, Barge House Street, London, SE1 9PH
The name says it all; Not Afternoon Tea at the Oxo Tower is an eccentric alternative to the traditional afternoon tea. With a tasting plate of four indulgent desserts accompanied with either a cocktail or a glassy of bubbly, these unique packages are perfect for anyone with a luxurious sweet tooth and love of cocktails. Guests can choose from three packages, 'I believe in pink', 'Hopeless Romantic' or 'Something to Celebrate', offering a range of desserts, cocktails, champagne and even a little goodie bag to take away. Served in the Oxo Tower Brassiere this dining experience will boast one of the best views in town; the commanding panorama rivals the views from the London Eye and has a slick and sophisticated décor that comprises sparkling blue neon lights embedded in a sloping, slatted ceiling with leather banquettes and cool slate tables. With the combination of spectacular views, mouth watering desserts and colourful cocktails, this alternative to the traditional afternoon tea oozes glamour and decadence. The Not Afternoon Tea will be available daily as of 9th January 2012.

More info: Not Afternoon Tea at the Oxo Tower Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube