Afternoon tea has been a part of English life since the early 19th century. It began with the 7th Duchess of Bedford, Anna Russell, who liked to break up the long wait between lunch and a late dinner with tea, bread and butter, and small cakes. This was a simple ritual that was originally adopted by the upper classes, but later by hotels, tearooms, and cafés across the country.
These days, afternoon tea is less about old-school formality and more about enjoying a moment together over something sweet. With Richmond’s historic streets, River Thames setting and long-standing food culture, it is a great area of London to enjoy in.
The Petersham Hotel
On Nightingale Lane at the top of Richmond Hill, The Petersham Hotel overlooks the River Thames and the Petersham Meadows. Each table in the restaurant enjoys panoramic views of the river and countryside, and the décor nods to traditional British elegance. The service is attentive, however there is no rush to clear the table, making it a relaxed experience even at peak times.
Afternoon tea here sticks closely to the British template. On the savoury side, there are finger sandwiches including honey-roast ham with wholegrain mustard, Scottish smoked salmon with dill and cream cheese, egg mayonnaise with watercress, and coronation chicken on countryside bread. Warm fruit scones arrive with West Country clotted cream and strawberry preserve. The sweet tier features a range of pastries, from bitter-chocolate and praline opera cake to apricot sponge. Teas range from Sapphire Earl Grey and Darjeeling to more adventurous selections such as Organic Jasmine and Dragonwell Green. For those celebrating, there’s the option to upgrade to Champagne or Prosecco. The Petersham’s standout feature is its view, and the setting adds to the experience well before the food is served.
Petersham Nurseries
Located on Church Lane, Petersham Nurseries is found inside glasshouses surrounded by plants, trees and a working garden centre. The afternoon tea takes place in the Garden Room, which is essentially a greenhouse dressed with antique furniture, vintage tables, mirrors and plenty of greenery, creating a space that doesn’t try too hard. The weather plays a part in the experience too. On bright days, the room fills with natural light, and on grey and rainy ones, the space feels relaxing and tucked away.
Petersham Nurseries gives afternoon tea a seasonal, fresh, and garden-inspired twist. The kitchen creates savouries such as multigrain sandwiches with mortadella, nocellara olives and pecorino, and roasted tomato and black olive tapenade tart made with the garden’s produce. The sweet selection changes with the seasons. Desserts like raspberry and poppy-seed loaf, mixed berry crumble cake, pear and chantilly cream choux and blackberry chiffon cake appear regularly. Loose-leaf teas accompany the food, and sparkling wine is offered as an upgrade. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free choices are available, and there is a children’s menu for younger guests. The Petersham Nurseries experience is a slightly eccentric take on afternoon tea, in a setting more like a stylish, well-kept potting shed than the traditional tearoom.
The Original Maids of Honour
Right in Richmond’s town centre, The Original Maids of Honour continues a centuries-old legacy tied to the city’s history. The spot has long operated as a bakery and tea house, and is well-known for its Maids of Honour Tart. Inside, the atmosphere is simple, unpretentious and welcoming with floral carpets and dark wooden round tables. This offers a more casual, genuine slice of tradition with a down-to-earth charm.
Instead of three-tiered stands, the emphasis here is on classic pastries and local specialities, reflecting its bakery-café beginnings. The Set Tea includes a pot of tea or coffee, a small selection of classic sandwiches such as salmon, cucumber, cheese or egg, warm plain or fruit scones with clotted cream and jam, and a choice of cake from the counter. The aforementioned Maids of Honour tart is a light pastry filled with a soft curd-style mixture, a recipe that the bakery has produced for generations. For those wanting Afternoon Tea with a connection to Richmond’s history, this place delivers.
The Botanical Brasserie
The Botanical Brasserie is part of Kew Gardens, a verdant oasis in southwest London. Kew began in the mid-18th century as a royal garden and is home to tens of thousands of plants from around the globe. Amongst its facilities are climate-controlled conservatories, formal gardens, historic structures, and cafes and restaurants. The Botanical Brasserie prides itself on combining a respect for plant-inspired surroundings with dining.
On the bottom tier are free-range egg mayo, cress ham and English mustard, coronation chicken and cucumber, and mint and cream cheese sandwiches. Traditional scones with jam and clotted cream form the middle, and a selection of cakes and pastries inspired by Kew Gardens itself head up the top tier. Vegetarian options are covered too, with beetroot hummus and carrot, onion bhajis, and mixed bean sweet potato wraps, with all dishes from the menu served alongside a pot of signature organic tea blend. The Botanical Brasserie keeps things low-key yet tasteful, making it a great Afternoon Tea stop following a walk in the local area.
The Ivy Richmond Brasserie
On Hill Street in the centre of Richmond, The Ivy Richmond Brasserie sits a short walk from main attractions such as the nearby park and gardens. The room has the brand’s familiar mix of bright colours, patterned floors and bold artwork, and is a lively venue with a steady mix of locals, families and people dropping in after a walk by the river.
Although known primarily for its modern British classics, The Ivy also offers an afternoon-tea experience, changing seasonally when the menu is updated. Savouries include the chicken Milanese and truffle cream brioche roll and lightly curried egg finger sandwiches, whilst warm fruited scones are served with clotted cream, fresh strawberries and strawberry preserve. Sweet offerings like crème brulée, salted caramel chocolate truffles, and the signature Ivy chocolate bombe arrive with a selection of teas and coffees such as rosebud, Colong, Ceylon, Earl Grey, and Darjeeling. For those who like a familiar high-street spot with a recognisable look but with a few surprises on the menu, The Ivy Richmond Brasserie fits easily into everyday Richmond life.
Afternoon tea in Richmond covers a range of options, from countryside views and quirky greenhouses, to long-standing local bakeries and familiar brasserie restaurants, each spot has its own take on the tradition. Whether through classic sandwiches, garden-inspired menus or unique updates on old favourites, the neighbourhood has a pick for every occasion. Afternoon Tea is a tradition that has stuck around for a reason, and Richmond’s mix of river, history and open green space gives the ritual a natural home.
