Best Afternoon Tea in London: A Complete 2025 Guide
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Discover the best afternoon tea in London with our 2025 guide. From iconic hotels to hidden gems, explore top venues, menus, prices, and 10 real guest testimonials. Perfect for visitors seeking elegance, tradition, and unforgettable treats.
Why Afternoon Tea in London Is a Must-Do
When you think of London, images of red buses, Big Ben, and elegant tea rooms come to mind. Experiencing the best afternoon tea in London isn’t just about enjoying tea — it’s about stepping into a centuries-old British ritual of elegance, leisure, and taste.
Whether you’re planning a romantic trip, a special celebration, or simply want to indulge during your city visit, London’s afternoon tea scene offers something for everyone: from classic silver-service experiences to modern, themed tea adventures.
1. The Ritz London – The Quintessential Experience
Location: 150 Piccadilly, St. James’s
Price: From £75 per person
The Ritz is perhaps the most famous location for the best afternoon tea in London. Set in a grand Edwardian salon with live music, guests are treated to delicate finger sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream, and exquisite pastries. The staff wear traditional attire, enhancing the sense of occasion.
Highlight: The Ritz is the only hotel in the UK with a certified Tea Sommelier, offering more than 20 tea varieties.
Customer Testimonial 1:
“The Ritz was simply magical. From the elegant china to the impeccable service, everything felt like stepping into another era. It’s not just tea; it’s a ceremony. Highly recommend booking weeks in advance!”
2. Claridge’s – A Stylish Mayfair Classic
Location: Brook Street, Mayfair
Price: From £82 per person
Claridge’s offers one of the best afternoon tea in London experiences for those who appreciate luxury with a modern twist. Their menu evolves seasonally, featuring delicacies crafted by world-class pastry chefs, served under stunning Art Deco interiors.
Highlight: The hotel’s pianist sets the perfect atmosphere while you enjoy freshly baked scones and floral teas.
Customer Testimonial 2:
“Claridge’s afternoon tea was pure elegance. The attention to detail in each pastry was phenomenal, and the staff treated us like royalty. This was the highlight of our London trip!”
3. Fortnum & Mason – A Royal Favorite
Location: 181 Piccadilly
Price: From £70 per person
Fortnum & Mason has supplied tea to the British royal family for centuries. Their Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon, opened by Queen Elizabeth II, is a top choice for anyone searching for the best afternoon tea in London steeped in royal tradition.
Highlight: A wide selection of rare teas and vegetarian options, making it perfect for all preferences.
Customer Testimonial 3:
“We felt like royalty at Fortnum & Mason. The tea quality was unlike anything I’ve ever tasted, and the atmosphere was relaxed yet sophisticated. Definitely deserving of its legendary reputation.”
4. Sketch London – The Instagram Star
Location: 9 Conduit Street, Mayfair
Price: From £85 per person
Sketch offers a contemporary, artistic twist on the best afternoon tea in London. Its pink velvet Gallery Room is one of the most photographed tea venues in the world. Expect creative pastries, truffle-egg sandwiches, and a fun, chic vibe.
Highlight: Michelin-starred cuisine served in a playful setting — a perfect blend of art, design, and gastronomy.
Customer Testimonial 4:
“Sketch felt like stepping into a fairytale. The pink room was gorgeous, the food playful yet refined, and the service spot-on. Perfect for Instagram lovers who want quality too!”
5. The Savoy – Glamour by the Thames
Location: Strand, Covent Garden
Price: From £80 per person
The Thames Foyer at The Savoy is another contender for the best afternoon tea in London, offering a stunning glass dome and piano music. The experience combines old-school glamour with contemporary tastes.
Highlight: Their Champagne Afternoon Tea option makes it ideal for special occasions like anniversaries or birthdays.
Customer Testimonial 5:
“Our Savoy afternoon tea was unforgettable. The pianist, the glass dome, the attentive staff — everything created a magical moment for my birthday. Worth every penny!”
6. The Langham London – Home of the First Afternoon Tea
Location: 1C Portland Place
Price: From £75 per person
The Langham claims to have introduced the very first afternoon tea in London back in 1865. Its Palm Court remains one of the city’s most elegant venues for experiencing the best afternoon tea in London.
Highlight: A focus on sustainability and seasonality, with menus created by award-winning chefs.
Customer Testimonial 6:
“I loved the balance of tradition and innovation at The Langham. The staff explained the history of afternoon tea, and every bite was exceptional. A must-visit for tea lovers.”
7. The Goring Hotel – Royal Family Favorite
Location: Beeston Place, near Buckingham Palace
Price: From £65 per person
This family-run hotel has hosted members of the royal family, making it a discreet yet luxurious choice for the best afternoon tea in London. Expect perfectly cut sandwiches, exceptional service, and a quintessentially British atmosphere.
Highlight: In summer, guests can enjoy tea in the private garden — a rarity in central London.
Customer Testimonial 7:
“The Goring’s afternoon tea was charming and authentic. We loved the garden setting and the quiet elegance. It felt like a hidden royal retreat.”
8. The Lanesborough – Regency Elegance
Location: Hyde Park Corner
Price: From £78 per person
For those who love Regency architecture and old-world charm, The Lanesborough is an excellent spot for the best afternoon tea in London. Their menu blends classic British flavors with creative pastries, beautifully presented on ornate stands.
Highlight: The surroundings make you feel like a character in a period drama.
Customer Testimonial 8:
“The Lanesborough was breathtaking. The decor, the service, and the food were straight out of a Jane Austen novel. It’s the perfect place for a special celebration.”
9. Dalloway Terrace – A Seasonal Wonderland
Location: 16-22 Great Russell Street
Price: From £60 per person
For a more relaxed yet still elegant atmosphere, Dalloway Terrace offers a stunning floral terrace and a creative seasonal menu. It’s an under-the-radar gem for those seeking the best afternoon tea in London away from the tourist crowds.
Highlight: Their terrace is transformed each season, creating a completely new visual experience.
Customer Testimonial 9:
“Dalloway Terrace was gorgeous! The flowers, the cozy atmosphere, and the unique pastries made it a memorable experience. A fantastic alternative to the grand hotels.”
10. Afternoon Tea Bus Tour – A Moving Experience
Location: Victoria Coach Station (departure)
Price: From £60 per person
For something entirely different, try enjoying the best afternoon tea in London aboard a vintage Routemaster bus. As you sip tea and nibble pastries, you’ll pass landmarks like Westminster Abbey, Tower Bridge, and Buckingham Palace.
Highlight: Ideal for visitors short on time who want sightseeing and afternoon tea in one.
Customer Testimonial 10:
“The bus tour was so much fun! We got to see all the sights while enjoying delicious pastries. It’s less formal but a great way to experience London in style.”
Tips for Booking the Best Afternoon Tea in London
- Reserve Early: Popular venues like The Ritz and Claridge’s often book out weeks in advance.
- Dress Code: Most high-end locations require smart casual or formal dress.
- Allergies & Preferences: Inform the venue ahead of time for vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options.
- Timing: Afternoon tea typically runs between 12:00 and 17:00. For a quieter experience, aim for mid-week bookings.
- Special Occasions: Many places offer celebratory packages with Champagne or personalized cakes.
A Timeless London Tradition
No trip to the capital is complete without enjoying the best afternoon tea in London. Whether you choose the glamour of The Ritz, the creativity of Sketch, or the charm of Dalloway Terrace, this experience blends history, taste, and elegance in a uniquely British way.
From royal favorites to Instagram sensations, each venue offers a different slice of London’s tea culture. So book ahead, dress elegantly, and savor every sip.