Covent Garden – one of London’s most spectacularly bustling corners – is a lively wonderland district jammed with exquisite reminders of its rich history, from its ornate theatres showcasing world-class opera and stage productions to designer boutiques and unique shops. Yet for some visitors, simply having access to the best of the area’s culinary offerings is sufficient. Among its many charming options, Covent Garden’s afternoon teas are, for some, quite literally the ‘icing on the cake.’
The tradition of afternoon tea was born from the upper classes, and this historic influence is evident in its design. A quintessential British afternoon tea is typically served from 3-5 pm and comprises an elegant or playful assembly of finger sandwiches, miniature cakes, and freshly baked scones. This indulgence is often accompanied by a selection of fine teas or champagne.
Whether you’re a Londoner, a frequent visitor to the city, or discovering it for the first time, partaking in this enduring tradition provides an indulgent pause to feel refreshed. From premium pairings of champagne and macarons to whimsical themes designed to excite and delight, afternoon tea in Covent Garden is certain to deliver a fine slice of British history and culture.
‘Tea and Tales’, Martins Lane Hotel
Emulating aspects of Covent Garden itself, Philippe Starck, the visionary designer behind St Martins Lane Hotel, has crafted in his own words, a ‘surrealist wonderland.’ Their lobby is a visual buffet, featuring golden tooth-shaped seats, oversized chess pieces, and a golden hand that invites a quick shake to reveal a hidden, swanky speakeasy bar. With its blend of elegance, quirkiness, and playfulness, the hotel provides a fitting environment for a memorable afternoon tea.
Those booking afternoon teas are welcomed into the hotel’s ‘Den,’ a cosy yet stylish lounge adorned with eccentric wall art that will capture one’s attention until the food arrives. The 2024 ‘Tea and Tales’ theme, which continues into 2025, reflects distinctive design elements of the hotel through an inventive array of sandwiches, pastries, and cakes. Their ‘Revolving Door’ is embodied by a Croque Monsieur with honey-roasted ham and goat cheese, while the ‘Game of Chess’ comes to life as an Opera Cake with calamansi.
Ladurée
Ladurée is a sugary icon. Credited for inventing the modern macaron – a labour-intensive sandwich-cookie – Ladurée is also known for its other exquisite patisserie and regal pastel interiors finished with fine details. The company typically offers a wide variety of handcrafted desserts from éclairs, and tarts to mille-feuille, all made with high-quality ingredients manipulated with artistic baking precision.
Their afternoon tea offering includes a selection of sweet and savoury items including a choice of two sandwiches, scones, pastries, and two of their world-renowned macaron – a simple but elegant fare. When taken all together, Ladurée offers not only a charming and, typically, high-quality experience, combining an English tradition with French style and skill, but also a slice of dessert history.
‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’, One Aldwych
One Aldwych has all the ‘wow factor’ one might expect from an establishment designed by the architects behind London’s iconic ‘The Ritz’ hotel, and that which has appeared on the ‘Leading Hotels of the World’ list. Before One Aldwych became a hotel it had other important functions, such as housing The Morning Post and the UK’s Ministry of Defence, and therefore, the building came to be considered a London landmark in itself.
Navigating the grand lobby, guests will be guided to the hotel’s restaurant, now fully dedicated to the provision of afternoon tea based on acclaimed British author Roald Dahl’s novel, Charlie and The Chocolate Factory. This much-beloved classic has been adapted by Hollywood several times, but this real-life performance produces amongst other delights, ‘fizzy lifting drinks’, ‘snozzberries’, and ‘chocolate swudge.’ Aldwych succeeds in bringing these treats to life as part of ‘one of the tastiest tales ever told’, so that both those familiar and unfamiliar with the story can enjoy the immersive theme in a stylish setting,
The Savoy
Opening in 1889, The Savoy was the first deluxe hotel in London, and ever since, it has served afternoon tea every day. The Savoy has maintained its reputation as a lavish establishment by holding onto such traditions, and continually serving delicious food to its patrons. Newly opened in November 2024, The Gallery is a sumptuous dining space: a glass-domed atrium bathed in golden light, and the perfect space for an indulgent distraction such as afternoon tea.
With gold embossing and upholstery in leather and warm colours, the setting is far from being a stiff affair and is warm and inviting, much like the afternoon tea service. Typically, a pianist will be tinkling in the corner as you consider The Savoy’s inclusive afternoon tea menu, comprising a selection of sandwiches, pastries, scones, and sweet treats, in addition to separate menus for vegetarians, plant-based, and children.
Sushisamba
If traditional sandwiches and cakes don’t appeal to you, Sushisamba in Covent Garden offers a refreshing and inventive take on the British afternoon tea tradition. Known for its multicultural fusion of Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian cuisines, Sushisamba supplies a playful alternative to the concept making it a worthy choice for adventurous tea-goers.
The Covent Garden branch continues the chain’s signature style, which combines art-deco interiors with natural elements -plants, trees, and leaves- creating a fun yet, relaxed setting to dine in. That the restaurant is a cultural mix lends itself to unconventional choices and the company hasn't held back: as part of their afternoon tea, they offer wagyu sliders, lobster taquitos, and gunkan (topped sushi rice balls) with truffle. This is a fine opportunity for those seeking a more eclectic culinary mix to enhance their afternoon tea experience.
Diamond Jubilee Tea, Fortnum & Mason
In 2012, the Diamond Jubilee Afternoon tea was launched by Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II on the top floor of one of London’s most eminent department stores. Fortnum & Mason ( F&M ) has a 300-year history, which includes inventing the scotch egg, and royal tea sources, and is particularly famous for its classic teal colouring and wicker basket hampers brimming with treats and other fabulous culinary fare.
F&M are experts in producing high-quality treats and, with that in mind, there may be no better way to indulge in a regal experience than by pausing for their afternoon tea. F&M’s offering is elegant, focusing on classic flavours but with details aiming to elevate both taste and aesthetics. Certainly stylish, the food is served with the finest teal crockery which one may savour the occasion with, hovering indecisively over their delicious sandwich fingers, scones, or eclairs, amongst other fine accompaniments fit for royalty.
Options for Afternoon Tea around Covent Garden are copious, both in terms of the number and, the depth of experience one wishes to enjoy. From the classic and refined approach of London hospitality institutions like The Savoy and Fortnum & Mason to the more unconventional but thoroughly entertaining services at One Aldwych and Sushisamba, an invitation to any of these fine establishments is very much a golden ticket to enjoy.
