Afternoon tea is one of London’s most iconic traditions, and when it’s done well, there’s really nothing quite like it.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, entertaining visitors, or simply fancy an indulgent afternoon of finger sandwiches, scones and Champagne, London does afternoon tea better than anywhere else in the world.
From timeless hotel institutions to playful, themed experiences with skyline views, these are the best afternoon teas in London…the ones I recommend time and time again, and the ones that truly feel like an event.
So, ready to find out which are the best afternoon teas in London?! Let’s go!
Now, I have to admit, I’m actually super fussy with afternoon tea.
I have to really be in the mood for it (I know…take my British passport away from me already!!), but this means I have incredibly high standards when it comes to afternoon tea, so you can be sure that all of these afternoon teas truly are the very best in London.
1. The Goring
If you’re looking for a quintessentially British afternoon tea, The Goring is hard to beat.
Just moments from Buckingham Palace, this family-owned hotel is elegant, traditional and wonderfully refined.
The afternoon tea here feels intimate and classic, with perfectly baked scones, delicate finger sandwiches, and beautifully crafted cakes served in luxurious surroundings.
And, if you’re still peckish by the end, they’ll bring you even more pastries, scones, and sandwiches!
It’s polished without being stuffy, and ideal if you want a truly timeless London experience.
My aunty and I treated my mum to champagne afternoon tea at The Goring for her 60th, and we all loved every minute of the experience!
2. Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park
For a slightly more contemporary take on afternoon tea, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park delivers sophistication in spades.
Their afternoon tea is located in The Rosebery, a really beautiful room that feels super special, and the tea itself is beautifully presented with a modern twist on classic flavours.
Expect impeccable service, refined patisserie, and the option to add Champagne for a truly indulgent afternoon.
It’s perfect for when you want something elegant but not overly traditional.
This was the last afternoon tea I had before Covid and lockdown, so it holds a special place in my heart haha.
3. The Langham
The Langham is often credited with serving one of the original afternoon teas in London, and it remains one of the very best.
I was fortunate to enjoy afternoon tea at The Langham for the first time about ten years ago when I was staying at The Langham hotel, and it’s still incredible.
Served in the glamorous Palm Court, this is a refined yet relaxed experience with flawless execution.
The pastries are exceptional, the scones are some of the best in the city, and the atmosphere feels luxurious without being intimidating.
It’s a classic for a reason, and one I always recommend for first-timers.
4. The Ritz
Afternoon tea at The Ritz is the gold standard.
From the moment you step into the opulent dining room, it feels like a true occasion.
Both of my grandmothers had always wanted to experience afternoon tea at The Ritz, and when I was in my very first job after Uni, I told them I’d treat them as soon as I got a payrise or new job.
When I finally got my new job, the first thing I did was book afternoon tea at The Ritz. I took both my grandmother’s and my mum, and the four of us had the most magical day together.
Everything here is traditional and perfectly done…think silver service, live piano music, exquisite sandwiches, and flawless patisserie.
It’s formal, glamorous, and unapologetically classic. If you want the most iconic afternoon tea experience in London, this is it.
I’m sooo glad I took them before they got too old and unwell to enjoy it, and even more glad I did it when it was around £45 per person…because it’s now an eye-watering £95 per person!!
5. The Savoy
Few places feel as iconic as The Savoy, and afternoon tea here is every bit as special as you’d expect.
Served in the elegant Thames Foyer beneath its famous glass dome, it’s a beautiful blend of tradition and luxury.
Expect beautifully presented cakes, classic sandwiches, and impeccable service in one of London’s most historic hotels.
It’s refined, timeless, and perfect for a celebratory afternoon.
6. Aqua Shard’s Peter Pan Afternoon Tea
For something a little more playful (and with spectacular views), the Peter Pan Afternoon Tea at Aqua Shard is a brilliant choice.
It’s one of the most memorable London afternoon teas I’ve ever had!!
Set high above the city, and served daily from 12:00pm – 3:15pm, this themed afternoon tea reimagines the classic experience with whimsical touches inspired by Neverland.
The views alone are breathtaking, but the creative presentation and inventive desserts make it truly memorable.
It’s ideal if you want something fun, modern, and very social media-worthy.
Side note: Aqua Shard also offers the amazing Aqua Shard Festive afternoon tea at Christmas!!
7. The Kensington Hotel
Serving one of London’s most charming and elegant afternoon teas anducked away in leafy Kensington, The Kensington Hotel feels like a hidden gem – refined yet unfussy, with a light European feel.
The Kensington Hotel’s afternoon tea changes seasonally, but with each iteration you can be guaranteed tiered trays are filled with delicate sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and beautifully crafted pastries that strike the perfect balance between classic and creative.
Paired with a pot of exceptional tea (or a glass of bubbles), this is an afternoon tea that feels stylish, relaxed, and quintessentially London, and ideal for a long catch-up with friends or a leisurely weekend treat.
8. Sanderson Hotel’s Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea
If you’re after a themed afternoon tea that still feels chic, Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea at the Sanderson is a firm favourite.
Inspired by Alice in Wonderland, it’s playful, imaginative, and beautifully executed, with quirky details like “Drink Me” potions and whimsical desserts.
Despite the theme, it still feels polished and grown-up, making it perfect for a fun afternoon with friends or a unique celebration.
The Sanderson also has a really beautiful private area that’s perfect for groups! I really loved having a cute work afternoon tea here for my boss’s team baby shower when I was working at Google.
9. Dukes Hotel
Tucked away in St James’s, Dukes Hotel offers one of the most intimate and elegant afternoon tea experiences in London.
Served in a cosy, refined setting, this is afternoon tea at its most understated and luxurious.
The focus here is on quality rather than spectacle…beautifully made pastries, excellent tea, and faultless service.
It’s a great option if you prefer something quieter and more discreet.
Best Afternoon Teas in London by Occasion
If you’re short on time (or just want the highlights), here’s a quick guide to help you choose the perfect afternoon tea based on what you’re looking for.
Best Afternoon Tea for First-Timers
If you’ve never had afternoon tea in London before, you can’t go wrong with The Goring.
As one of the original homes of afternoon tea, it offers a beautifully balanced experience, elegant, welcoming, and impeccably executed.
It’s classic without feeling intimidating, making it ideal for your first taste of this British tradition.
Best Afternoon Tea for Views AND Best Themed Afternoon Tea
For jaw-dropping views and a memorable setting, Aqua Shard is unbeatable.
Set high above the city, it combines a playful, themed afternoon tea with sweeping skyline views, making it perfect for special occasions or visitors who want something a little different.
Best Classic & Traditional Afternoon Tea
If you’re craving timeless glamour and the most iconic experience London has to offer, The Savoy is the ultimate choice for me.
From silver service to perfectly executed sandwiches and pastries, this is afternoon tea in its most traditional and luxurious form.
The Home of the Afternoon Tea
London’s afternoon tea scene is wonderfully diverse, from traditional luxury hotels to modern, themed experiences with skyline views.
Whether you’re craving old-world glamour, playful creativity, or quiet luxury, there’s an afternoon tea in London to suit every mood and occasion (and yes, even my fussy tastes!)
These are the ones I return to time and time again, and the ones that truly capture the magic of this most British tradition.
Catherine Lux is a veteran travel blogger by night and the Head of Content Marketing at Amazon by day. Originally from Surrey, she spent four years living in Australia (2007-2009, and 2016-2018), and now lives in London. An ex-party girl sometimes prone to relapses, she loves nothing more than sharing her fine dining and luxury travel experiences with her loyal readers.
