It was in 1840, so the legend goes, when the afternoon tea came into existence, after London socialite Anna Maria Russell felt peckish between luncheon and dinner. When she wasn’t inventing British traditions, Anna was a lady-in-waiting to Queen Victoria. Delighted by the idea of sweet and savoury nibbles, the Queen herself introduced London high society to what would become its new national pastime: afternoon tea. In winter, she hosted tea parties in elegant parlours, and when summer came, her guests moved outside to lavish gardens.
Now, afternoon tea has become something of a ‘to-do’ activity for those visiting London, which has a wide selection of establishments offering this treat, from hotels to theatres; some of these take a traditional approach, and others add a sensational twist to the typical sandwiches and scones format. Here is our selection of a few of the city’s most-coveted afternoon tea locations.
The elegant afternoon tea at The Ritz (© John Carey)
The Ritz, Piccadilly
There is nowhere more famous for afternoon tea than The Ritz. Marble pillars, embossed ceilings and regal décor abound in the hotel’s Palm Court, allowing you to enjoy all the splendour of this iconic hotel in one sitting. The afternoon tea itself is befitting of the location; the extensive tea selection is overseen by a certified Tea Master and includes options such as lapsang souchong, organic Darjeeling or even The Ritz Royal Blend. Remember, a dress code applies here, so dust off your most elegant outfit before visiting.Fortnum & Mason, Piccadilly
Much like the shop itself, Fortnum & Mason’s Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon has a rich history stretching back over 314 years and, since 2012, it has been home to the famed Fortnum’s afternoon tea. Interestingly, the kitchen offers a ‘Savoury Afternoon Tea’ option which replaces the usual sweet treats with delicacies such as eggs Drumkilbo and trout & dill eclairs, plus savoury scones served with tomato compote and basil cream cheese instead of the ubiquitous jam and clotted cream. If you’re not one for tea itself, sip on ‘Fortnum’s Fresh Lemonade’ while you discuss hot topics over the flavourful finger food.
Afternoon tea with champagne at Claridge's
Claridge’s, Mayfair
Claridge’s is steeped in luxury. From the suited doormen to the chequered floors, this Three Key hotel has long been the place to go for an elevated experience. The afternoon tea stays faithful to tradition, offering enticing finger sandwiches, scones and hand-made pastries. It may sound simple, but every detail is carefully planned; tea connoisseur Henrietta Lovell has built her tea selection with varieties from all over the world, while everything is served on delicate bone china embossed with Claridge’s own design. You can even pop by Claridge’s Boutique afterwards to browse through luxury homeware, including their branded teapot.The Petersham, Covent Garden
Nestled in the heart of Covent Garden, The Petersham – part of the sustainably minded Petersham Nurseries stable – is an elegant establishment known for its local, seasonal approach to cooking. Its 'La Merenda Afternoon Tea' combines the Italian heritage of its owners, the Boglione family, with this most quintessentially British of meals. The sandwiches (or ‘tramezzini’) are filled with the likes of grilled zucchini and stracciatella; the scones are replaced by pizzette; and there are, of course, cannoli in the sweet selection. It’s all enjoyed in a lavish courtyard or under the interior’s charming chandeliers.
The 'Goûtea' selection from Cédric Grolet at The Berkeley
The Berkeley, Knightsbridge
A stone’s throw away from luxury department store Harvey Nichols, the doormen at The Berkeley wait to greet you. Venture deeper into this super chic, Two MICHELIN Key hotel and you’ll find its glorious afternoon tea offering. The current incarnation, pioneered by celebrated pastry chef Cédric Grolet, is ‘Goûtea’, which combines French sweet treats with the traditional British afternoon tea. Among the creations on offer, look out for Cédric’s famous trompe l’oeil fruits. Prior to this, for the past decade, The Berkeley hosted ‘Prêt-à-Portea’, a fashion-inspired afternoon tea that featured edible handbags, dresses and more. ‘Prêt-à-Portea’ is currently taking a break, with plans to return to The Berkeley in the not-too-distant future.NEW City Guides:
The Goring's award-winning afternoon tea (© Ben Carpenter/Dining Room at The Goring)
The Goring, Victoria
Served on The Veranda overlooking a manicured lawn, The Goring’s afternoon tea will transport you back to a bygone era. It exudes quiet sophistication, which is fitting given that this hotel is the Royal Family’s home away from home. The Goring has been hosting afternoon tea for a century, so it’s no surprise that it’s received national recognition. It won the UK Tea Guild’s esteemed award for Top British Afternoon Tea in 2013, scoring almost full marks for décor, service, tea and flavour. Indulge in a selection of homemade jams, locally sourced seasonal fruits, delectable cakes and, of course, a good range of teas.Royal Albert Hall, Kensington
Originally opened in 1871 as a tribute to Queen Victoria’s late husband, the Royal Albert Hall is a British cultural staple. Its iconic dome, spanning a massive 20,000 square feet, makes it one of London’s most recognisable buildings. For 100 years, people have gathered here to enjoy afternoon tea, which today stays true to tradition with egg mayonnaise sandwiches, freshly baked scones and an assortment of seasonal cakes. The tea selection comes from H.R. Higgins Limited, a specialist tea supplier that was established in London over 80 years ago. Like many afternoon teas, you can make this one a little more special by adding a glass of champagne.
The 'A Decade in the Clouds' afternoon tea at Shangri-La The Shard
Shangri-La The Shard, Southwark
Created as a vertical city with multiple uses, The Shard is one of London’s most eye-catching attributes and by some way its tallest building. The One Key Shangri-La hotel occupies 19 floors of The Shard and includes three signature dining venues. In one of them, TĪNG, you can sample the ‘A Decade in the Clouds’ afternoon tea which pays homage to the city itself and features sweet snacks such as ‘Big Ben at Ten’, ‘Lady in Pearls’ and ‘London Calling’. In addition to the food, let’s not forget the incredible view you can bask in while sipping on your tea.Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Covent Garden
In 2021, the Theatre Royal Drury Lane reopened after a three-year, £60 million renovation project that has restored the historical grandeur of a theatre which first opened in 1812. The Grand Saloon has also returned to its former splendour, complete with high ceilings, chandeliers and elegant ceiling mouldings. It’s the setting for an afternoon tea whose sweet selection comes courtesy of baker to the stars Lily Vanilli. For something even more luxurious, opt for the afternoon tea with Exmoor Royal Beluski caviar and a glass of champagne.
The ‘Charlie & The Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea’ at One Aldwych
One Aldwych, Covent Garden
Listed as a 1907 Edwardian landmark, One Aldwych is a striking hotel inside and out, with a great line in minimalist chic that's helped it secure One MICHELIN Key. Venture inside and you’ll discover, among its many assets, the ‘Charlie & The Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea’. Inspired by the Roald Dahl classic, you can try playful creations like ‘snozzberry jam’, ‘fizzy lifting lemonade posset’ and ‘hair toffee mousse’ – plus a caramel chocolate milkshake that’s been ‘mixed by waterfall’. Whether you want to surprise your children or just indulge in something fun and fanciful with a friend, this afternoon tea experience is a treat for all ages.Love all things MICHELIN?
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Hero Image: The Goring's Chelsea Flower Show themed afternoon tea (© Ben Carpenter/Dining Room at The Goring)
