There are few traditions more quietly comforting than afternoon tea and in London, it’s treated almost as an art form. For well over a century, the ritual of sandwiches, scones and patisseries, paired with loose-leaf teas and perhaps a flute of Champagne, has formed a timeless cultural touchstone.
However, what’s remarkable in the present day is how creative modern chefs and hoteliers continually push the boundaries of tradition. Across the capital’s grand hotels, boutique venues and even theatres, the afternoon tea tradition is continuously being revived and renewed.
Below we reveal a selection of the very best, each exceptional in its own right and all drawn from London’s finest venues.
Rubens at the Palace
Steeped in history and once part of the 18th-century grounds of Buckingham Palace, Rubens at the Palace remains a proud reflection of its royal heritage. Under the guidance of Executive Pastry Chef Sarah Houghting and Afternoon Tea Manager Kamal Kamal, the team delivers impeccable service rooted in traditional British hospitality, elevated by seasonal ingredients and a commitment to sustainability.
Guests can relax in the Palace Lounge and enjoy panoramic views of the Royal Mews of Buckingham Palace. Houghting’s pastry kitchen takes exceptional pride in crafting each element of the experience, from the freshly baked scones and dainty finger sandwiches to the signature crown pastry made with vanilla cheesecake, mango, passionfruit curd and coconut sponge.
For those wishing to elevate the occasion further, the Golden Tips Tea is available at £500 for two. This features the Royal Afternoon Tea paired with rare Ceylon Golden Tips from Sri Lanka, served with white-glove ceremony, golden scales and a bottle of Lanson Champagne sabred at the table. However, the most exclusive option is the Gourmet Chef Experience with Sarah Houghting at £1,200 for two, which includes an interactive pastry masterclass, Champagne and canapés, followed by either a bespoke three-course dinner with wine or the Royal Afternoon Tea served in the Palace Lounge.
The Ritz, London
If there is a yardstick by which all afternoon teas are judged, The Ritz London remains it. Located in the iconic Palm Court, the venue is gilded and staffed with impeccable formality, synonymous with one of London’s most venerable institutions.
Prices start from £81 and the experience concludes with the signature tableside service, where guests are offered two generous slices of cake from the guéridon trolley. The Ritz London is also the only hotel in the UK with its own certified Tea Master and among these is the exclusive Ritz Royal Blend Tea, available solely at The Ritz. Guests can choose from 20 different loose-leaf varieties whilst enjoying a full spread of delicate sandwiches, warm scones and a selection of beautifully presented pastries whilst the resident pianist or harpist provides the appropriate musical backdrop.
The Lanesborough
As the winner of AA Hotel of the Year 2023, The Lanesborough, which was redesigned by Alberto Pinto, offers a limited-edition Bridgerton Afternoon Tea, created in partnership with Netflix. Served in the hotel’s opulent and glass-domed Regency dining room, the menu celebrates key aspects of Bridgerton Season 3 and offers a selection of finger sandwiches, pastry tartlets, scones and four themed sweet creations, including treats inspired by Penelope Featherington, Colin, Eloise and Lady Whistledown.
Prices typically start just under £100 per person, with Champagne upgrades available. The experience can also be enjoyed with a signature Friends to Lovers cocktail or its non-alcoholic counterpart, the Blooming Wallflower. A bespoke Bridgerton Blend Tea, rich, floral and infused with fruit and rose petals, is also served and available to purchase in person or online.
Claridge’s
Another benchmark among London’s afternoon tea elite is Claridge's, serving its renowned Afternoon Tea in The Foyer & Reading Room. Prepared fresh each day, the menu follows the traditional mix of sweet and savoury, featuring British favourites like smoked Scottish salmon, seasonal pastries and warm scones with Claridge’s jam and Cornish clotted cream, alongside a wide selection of teas, from rich Oolong to the house Claridge’s Blend.
Traditional Afternoon Tea starts from £95 per person, with Champagne and Rosé Champagne options from £110 and £125 and a Seasonal Afternoon Tea from £125. Diners can also explore sample menus, purchase gift vouchers or book themed experiences such as Children’s Afternoon Tea or Afternoon Tea at The Painter’s Room on Fridays and Saturdays.
The Dorchester
The Promenade sits at the heart of The Dorchester, carrying a warm buzz from breakfast through to lunch before giving way to its celebrated afternoon tea. Afternoon tea here reflects the elegance of Mayfair and it firmly keeps to tradition thanks to award-winning pastry chef Michael Kwan.
Served in beautifully grand surroundings, guests are treated to dainty finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and an array of finely crafted pastries, all paired with a selection of rare teas that are exclusive to the hotel. Traditional afternoon tea is priced at £95 per person, with Champagne options available from £110 and for those looking to indulge further, diners can add caviar or a bottle from the hotel’s Champagne list.
The Savoy
Hosted beneath the refurbished Thames Foyer’s glass dome, The Savoy’s afternoon tea remains a landmark London experience. Complete with live music, the menu features over 30 teas, traditional sandwiches, homemade scones and exquisitely crafted pastries, with guests having the option to add a glass of Laurent-Perrier Champagne or Nyetimber to elevate the occasion.
Afternoon Tea has been a Savoy tradition since 1889 and prices typically begin around £90 per person, with Champagne pairings available for those wishing to elevate the occasion. From 7pm, Twilight Tea gives the experience a more evening feel, with elegant savoury bites, two scones from the hotel’s dedicated scone shop and Nyetimber served beneath the stained glass dome.
In a city that loves its rituals, afternoon tea has never stood still. London’s most luxurious hotels have turned a simple spread of scones and sandwiches into something far more imaginative and in some cases, exceptionally extravagant. From rare teas, pastries inspired by period dramas or Champagne served beneath glass domes, each venue puts its own stamp on the tradition. What hasn’t changed though, is the appeal: afternoon tea still offers that mix of comfort, ceremony and indulgence that nowhere does quite like London.
