Mayfair is so civilised and genteel that it has emerged as the booming hub of a genuine English institution - ‘Afternoon Tea’. This refined culture doesn’t get much more sophisticated than in Mayfair - a dreamy location for those seeking this quintessentially British experience. It’s all about the feeling. You can almost hear the clink of fine bone china and the steady hum of happy conservation floating across the Mayfair air. Amid one of the most luxurious and prestigious corners of the West End - which teems with elegant Georgian and Victorian architecture, high-end real estate, and some of the most exclusive shops in the world - there are Afternoon Teas that offer a delightful range of experiences and atmospheres. Here is our pick of the very best.
The Beaumont Hotel
Out of the Art Deco boom that flourished across 1920s London emerged the beautifully luxurious Beaumont Hotel, just off the prestigious Grosvenor Square. All sleek lines and sensuous geometry, it’s one of the most notable buildings of that prominent architectural period - and one of the absolute best places to enjoy the stop-still splendour of Afternoon Tea in Mayfair. The Beaumont was awarded 'Best Traditional Afternoon Tea' at the Afternoon Tea Awards 2024. The starting place for dissecting what makes it so special are the surroundings. Typically served in ‘The Gatsby’s Room’, it’s an incredibly cosy and elegant space, with everything you experience curated and designed to near perfection: vintage furnishings, rich woods, plush seating, soft lighting, and sumptuous period details everywhere the eye can see. Refreshments are equally satisfying: a vast selection of top-class loose-leaf teas, along with the finest English sparkling wines and other select beverages (including non-alcoholic options). The selection of finger sandwiches includes Coronation Smoked Chicken & Hendick's Cured Lox; but you’ll need to save room for scones, pastries, and dessert. Highlights include a Strawberry & Cream Choux and Coconut & Chocolate Mounds.
Chesterfield Mayfair Hotel
Afternoon Tea is something of a time machine. In essence, you’re travelling back to a different era, recapturing a phenomenon from the past. Nowhere is the nostalgia for something old and wonderful more heightened than at the Chesterfield Mayfair Hotel, which is renowned for its themed experiences: especially the ‘Original Sweetshop Afternoon Tea’. Adding a playful twist to the traditional offerings, it’s more of an obvious assault on the senses - a kaleidoscope of colour and creative details, full of whimsy and cutely attractive and characterful presentation - just like those old treasure trove-like British sweetshops (which used to be on most high streets and in villages across the land, but are sadly few and far between now). Standouts on the nostalgic ‘Sweet Shop’ menu include a theatrically-delivered ‘smoking’ pink lemonade and some delectable, sweetshop-themed cakes. Whichever afternoon tea you opt for, it will, of course, be served on a traditional three-tiered stand, either in Butler’s Restaurant or the Conservatory - both of which are beautifully relaxing. The former boasts rich wood furnishings, with the air of a secret escape, while the latter is flooded with natural light, against the garden-and-fountain backdrop.
The Biltmore
It’s located on Grosvenor Square, surrounded by prestigious gardens and abundant greenery, with the delights of New Bond Street, Mount Street and Berkley Square just a stone’s throw away: this is bona fide Mayfair. The Biltmore’s Afternoon Tea, then, follows suit. Served in the dedicated Tea Lounge, with luscious pink hues and a genteel vibe, they are committed to delivering a ‘quintessential English afternoon tea’ - and are passionate about shining a spotlight on fresh, heritage, and rare, produce from across the UK . What’s also especially notable are their collaborations and themed events, which respond to what’s happening across the English capital. To celebrate London Fashion Week, for example, their chef took inspiration from a shoes-and-handbag range created by leading London fashion designer Malone Souliers.
Pavyllon, Four Seasons Hotel
Pavyllon - recently awarded its first Michelin star - is a majestic French restaurant within the Four Seasons Hotel, just a short walk from Hyde Park Corner. With renowned French Chef Yannick Alléno at the helm, its reputation couldn’t be much higher - and the afternoon tea experience slots perfectly into the wider template of luxury and gastronomic flair. Taking its name from the romantic comedy series on Netflix, the ‘Emily In Paris’ afternoon tea boasts incredible treats: on the savoury side, our favourites include their perfectly-made Cucumber Sandwiches, along with the Whipped Feta and Preserved Lemon. As for the sweets - Mini Chocolate Coffee Éclairs are a prime example of patisserie perfection, while the Compressed Caramelized Apple and Vanilla Isigny Cream is a standout dish. And one cannot leave out the Pistachio Financiers or, for those who want to avoid sugar, the Pistachio Praline, Jasmine Cream and Raspberries option. There are also “So British” Scones with Condiments, and the tea itself is divine.
The Rubens At The Palace
This is widely acknowledged as one of London's best afternoon tea experiences: after all, what could be more quintessentially British than taking tea just outside the home of the Royal Family. Particularly popular - especially if there is a special celebration to make the most of - is the ‘Bottomless Champagne’ Afternoon Tea in the Palace Lounge (albeit please note, while the refreshments are utterly plentiful, there is a maximum seating time of 90 minutes). Classic British traditions guide and shape the menu, but creativity is in rich supply too, while there are also vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and halal options. Heading up the pastry kitchen is Sarah Houghting, a gifted pastry chef who featured on TV show Bake Off: The Professionals.
There’s so much to do in and around Mayfair: immaculate hotels, Park Lane, Hyde Park’s seasonal delights, designer boutiques, Burlington Arcade. Afternoon Tea is more than the icing on the cake, it is a vital experience that speaks to the location’s history and culture in the most sophisticated and refreshing way possible.
