London’s best afternoon teas

What is it? A London icon and the ideal choice for a super special occasion.

Why we love it: The Ritz is, quite literally, a byword for luxury, so you know you’re in for a treat with afternoon tea in the hotel’s 18th-century William Kent House, where you’ll find yourself dining beneath a gilt ceiling that’s more ‘old money’ than Mar-A-Lago. Here you’ll be pampered to perfection as you choose between no less than 20 teas (the ‘Scented Collection’ is as floral as the décor) and pristinely presented sandwiches including a decadent smoked salmon with gentle lemon butter on sourdough. Be sure to leave room for the tantalising array of scones and pastries - the macarons are miniature works of art. 

Time Out tip: If you’re wavering on the price, fair enough – but it’s worth noting that the portions are anything but delicate and you’ll definitely get bang for your buck.

Address: 150 Piccadilly, Mayfair, W1J 9BR.

Sittings: Daily 11.30am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm, 5.30 pm & 7.30pm.

Expect to pay: £95 for adults, £73 for children.

What is it? F&M’s elegant tea salon, which has been serving the good stuff since 1926. Go for a regular afternoon tea or there’s currently also a Winnie The Pooh themed offering to celebrate a century of the beloved bear. 

Why we love it: In a pastel-coloured dining room on the fourth floor of the iconic St James’s department store, this spacious spot excels in both sweet and savoury teas. The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon was named in honour of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s visit in 2012, and comes with a selection of sarnies; coronation chicken; Cotswold Legbar egg mayonnaise; Suffolk cured ham with English mustard; cucumber with lemon and mint; and smoked trout and chive cream cheese. Then it’s time for freshly baked scones and patisseries such as lemon meringue tart, dark chocolate hazelnut praline, rhubarb and bergamot mousse and a rose eclair, all thanks to executive pastry chef Roger Pizey.

Time Out tip: Hit up the downstairs food hall after your tea, and look out for red stickered on-sale items, for high quality food at supermarket prices.  

Address: 4th Floor, 181 Piccadilly, Mayfair, W1A 1ER.

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 11.30am-7pm, Sun 12-6pm.

Expect to pay: From £84 per person.

What is it? Afternoon tea in a beautiful boudoir.

Why we love it: As part of Sketch’s luxe Mayfair pleasuredome, the velvet-clad dandy-esque Gallery is a lesson in more-is-more eclecticism, as a restaurant and exhibition space. Afternoon tea here is something else – a gorgeous line-up of pretty delights ranging from smoked salmon, finger sandwiches and still-warm scones to Victoria sponge from the trolley and assorted petits’ gateaux. Think: pistachio opera cake, mandarin Battenberg as well as orange Victoria sponge from the trolley. As of 2026, art in the Gallery comes courtesy of sculptor Jonathan Baldock.

Time Out tip: Don’t miss a trip to the cluster of egg-shaped toilets, where birdsong is piped into each pod.

Address: 9 Conduit Street, Mayfair, W1S 2XG.

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11am-4.30pm, Sat-Sun 11am-5pm.

Expect to pay: £85 per person. Children up to 15 are £60 each. 

What is it? An English summer picnic-inspired afternoon tea at the NoMad’s stunning, revamped in-house restaurant. 

Why we love it: This Covent Garden hotel atrium is all Manhattan-by-way-of-the-Marais, an extravagant Yank take on the French brassiere, complete with excessively high ceilings, balustrades, balconies and palm trees. Their afternoon tea is equally lavish but rather more British than the surroundings, with a summer picnic theme. Served in a twee wicker basket, expect cucumber sandwiches, coronation chicken, lobster rolls and quiche, as well as scones, cherry bakewell, lemon drizzle choux, coffee and walnut cake, and Victoria sponge mousse.

Time Out tip: Want to keep the party going? Head to the excellent Side Hustle cocktail bar, which you can also find at the hotel. Mezcal drinks are a specialty. 

Address: 28 Bow Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 7AW.

Sittings: Thu-Sun 1-4pm.

Expect to pay: From £50 per person.

What is it? A bucolic garden tea.

Why we love it: Over in Richmond, Petersham Nurseries is so lush with grassy footpaths and multi-coloured orchids, you forget you’re still so close to London. One of its many greenhouses is reserved for garden afternoon tea. Sweets range from chocolate bread and butter slice to refreshing lemon semolina cake, but savouries are the showstoppers. The smoked herb trout and cream cheese between sesame puff pastry is an ode to NYC’s bagel scene, while the egg mayo and cress sandwich comes in a fluffy spinach loaf. Plain and sultana-filled scones complete this triumphant tea party.

Time Out tip: Explore the Petersham garden shop or stroll along the Thames after you have stuffed yourself mightily.

Address: Church Lane, off Petersham Road, TW10 7AB.

Opening hours: Thu-Sun 12-5pm (final seating at 3pm).

Expect to pay: £65 per head. £70 with a glass of fizz.

What is it? A Georgian-era all-day dining room in the middle of Soho.  

Why we love it: Afternoon tea at Dean Street Townhouse is, despite the very central London location (and the fact that it’s run by Soho House), one of the best value options in town. For £32 you’ll get a serious smattering of sandwiches, mini cakes and scones in a seriously good-looking space.

Time Out tip: Make sure you take a wander around the room and check out all the high-end modern art on the walls, with works by Tracey Emin and Peter Blake on display.

Address: 69-71 Dean Street, Soho, W1D 3SE.

Seatings: Mon-Sat 2-5pm. 

Expect to pay: £32 per person. Extra to upgrade tea to Champagne.

What is it? A literary-themed afternoon tea in Hotel Café Royal’s gorgeously gilded Grade II* Grill Room. 

Why we love it: Inspired by three of its most prized literary guests – Oscar Wilde, Virginia Woolf and John le Carré – Hotel Café Royal’s newest themed afternoon tea aims to give you a taste of culture. With the pâtisserie collection alluding to some of the writers’ most iconic works, Hotel Café Royal takes ‘book-mad’ to a new level via a vanilla-flavoured take on Mrs Dalloway’s hat, a gold chocolate version of Dorian’s mirror and the Secret Letter made from Earl Gray mousse. A broader literary canon is explored in the savoury selection, as coronation chicken and smoked salmon sandwiches hint towards Rudyard Kipling and WB Yeats. The experience closes out with three edible books, depicting Wilde, Woolf and le Carré’s works in 68% dark chocolate mousse, vanilla salted caramel, vanilla crémeux and crisp sponge.

Time Out tip: Keep an eye out for a literary-inspired floral installation in the foyer. 

Address: 10 Air Street, Piccadilly, W1B 5AB.

Opening hours: Daily from 12-5.30pm. 

Expect to pay: From £85 per person.

What is it? A Mrs Tiggy‑Winkle-tastic afternoon tea inspired by one of the greatest children's authors of all time.

Why we love it: JW Marriott Grosvenor House London hotel in Mayfair celebrates 160 years since the birth of Beatrix Potter with a flourish of tea and cake. Hitting the whimsy button hard, this kid-friendly afternoon tea runs until November 2026 and comes with a live piano backdrop. Expect a white chocolate egg with malted milk pannacotta and marmalade (paying tribute to Jemima Puddle‑Duck), as well as Tom Kitten’s white chocolate ball of yarn filled with elderflower mousse and wild strawberry compote; Mrs Tiggy‑Winkle gets a lavender sponge cake with blackcurrant jam, and the big guy - Peter Rabbit - is represented by an Earl Grey chocolate mousse garden complete with a meringue radish.

Time Out tip: Five minutes walk away is the excellent Farm Shop on South Audley Street. Pick up some pickle and jam for a true country-core day out.

Address: 86-90 Park Lane, Mayfair, W1K 7TN.

Seatings: Daily, every half hour from 1pm-5.30pm.

Expect to pay: From £75 per adult. £88 with Champagne. From £38 per child. 

What is it? A showy tea in a lavish space.

Why we love it: A self-proclaimed ‘café-restaurant in the grand European tradition’, the Wolseley combines London heritage and Viennese grandeur. Its daily afternoon tea is equally flash, with assorted finger sandwiches, fruit scones with homemade strawberry jam and clotted cream, as well as a selection of cakes. Tea veers from English breakfast through to assam, yunnan green tea, jasmine bud chocolate tea and lapsang souchong. You can add on champers and can get the same deal at The Wolseley City across town. If you want a bargain afternoon; get the simpler cream tea with fruit scones for £19.50 per person.

Time Out tip: Throughout the summer holidays, a children's afternoon tea is available at £20 per child every Saturday and Sunday, with mini hotdogs, chicken goujons, jam roly-poly and chocolate-dipped strawberries.

Address: 160 Piccadilly, Mayfair, W1J 9EB.

Sittings: Mon-Fri 2.30-6.30pm, Sat-Sun 3-6.30pm. 

Expect to pay: £46.50 per person. With bubbles £59.50.

What is it? The quintessential British luxury afternoon tea.

Why we love it: At the Savoy, afternoon tea has been a tradition since 1889. Inside their new Gallery restaurant you can relax into plump sofas and take in the grand atrium’s dazzling stained glass dome before getting stuck into a thoughtfully curated afternoon tea. Delivered with seamless service, savoury sandwiches stole the spotlight. The Burford Brown egg and truffle mayo brioche? Unforgettable, and full of flavour. Pair it with your choice of 30 different teas, rich coffee or a glass of bubbly, then finish with freshly baked scones and seasonal pastries like raspberry and fig cake or chocolate and buckwheat petit gâteau – a treat for all the senses.

Time Out tip: They offer a vegan version of afternoon tea, ideal for plant-based tea-munchers. Also, come after 6pm for their Twilight Tea, which comes with a shorter menu but just as much class. 

Address: The Savoy, Strand, WC2R 0EZ.

Opening hours: Daily, 12-9.30pm.

Expect to pay: £95 per person, or £110 with a glass of Nyetimber fizz. £180 for Prestige High Tea. Twilight Tea is £49.

What is it? Afternoon tea in one of London’s most iconic buildings and a world-famous music hall. 

Why we love it: They’ve been serving afternoon tea at the Royal Albert Hall for over 100 years, so you’ll be getting stuck into some serious history if you decide to scoff your finger sarnies here. There are also 14 different kinds of tea on offer, as well as scones, tea cakes and a slice from the cake trolley too. The tea is currently inspired by Versailles, so expect a French twist to proceedings.

Time Out tip: It’s cheaper for under 12s, with a £32 a head menu for kids, as well as veggie and vegan options available.

Address: Coda Restaurant, Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, SW7 2AP.

Opening hours: Seatings daily, 12.30-2.30pm.

Expect to pay: £57 per person, or £82 with a glass of Champagne.

What is it? An artsy tea inspired by Monet and the Impressionist movement. 

Why we love it: This whimsical tea is based on the dreamy vibe of Impressionism, and takes place in the glammy Mirror Room of the Rosewood London hotel in Holbon. Treats come from executive pastry chef Mark Perkins who leans into the work of Monet and the gang to make sarnies and pastries fit for a moody French painter.

Time Out tip: Visit Scarfes Bar – also in the Rosewood – after tea. The cocktails here are crazily good. 

Address: 252 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EN

Opening hours: Daily, 12-5.45pm.

Expect to pay: £80 per person. £108 with a cocktail.

What is it? A cool take on tea.

Why we love it: 10 Trinity Square began life as the headquarters of the Port of London Authority, so there’s been a whole lot of tea coming in and out of the place for over 100 years. No wonder they host such an exemplary afternoon tea in their jaw-dropping, domed Rotunda Bar and Lounge. Lily Vanilli – baker to the stars – has reimagined the tradition as a thoroughly modern affair. Doilies and cucumber sarnies are out; tart and salty gildas (olives, anchovy and pickled chili), salmon-topped confit potatoes and pillowy parmesan gougères are very much in. A powder-puff pink tower of Victoria sponge cake is the star of this gently ironic and extremely chic meal, though the coffee-brandy tiramisu tart isn’t far behind. Here, the emphasis is on fun rather than stuffiness. Or, as Vanilli has put it: ‘This is an afternoon tea for Londoners.’ 

Time Out tip: London by Lily Vanilli is basically the Brat of afternoon teas – so don’t skimp on the Champagne and/or mini cocktails. 

Address: 10 Trinity Square,  Tower Hill, EC3N 4AJ. 

Opening hours: Thu-Sun 2-7pm.

Expect to pay: £55 per person. The cocktail paring is £90 extra.

What is it? Tea at the grande dame of London theatres.

Why we love it: This site that has been in constant use as a playhouse since the 1600s. The tea experience starts the moment the theatre red coats welcome you into the building. Then you’re off to the Grand Saloon, where the theatrical offering starts with a savoury Act One, with sarnies and scones arriving on a serving board made from the venue’s 101-year-old stage floor removed during the building restoration in 2019. Act Two is all about the sweet treats – find out what they are when the red curtain is lifted. Talk about drama. 

Time Out tip: You’re in a theatre! Check out what’s on the big stage after your munch your way through those tiny sarnies.

Address: Catherine St, Covent Garden, WC2B 5JF.

Opening hours: Wed-Sun, 12-5pm. Sittings every half hour. 

Expect to pay: £59 per person.

What is it? A cute afternoon tea at the new Zetter hotel in Bloomsbury, right next door to the British Museum.

Why we love it: One of the hotel’s loveliest spaces is The Orangery, and this is where breakfast and afternoon tea is served. This stunning, plant-laden atrium looks out onto the walled courtyard garden which backs directly onto the British Museum, and feels like a whimsical countryside conservatory. Four kinds of sarnies (each on a different kind of bread), homemade vanilla & buttermilk and blackcurrant & sultana scones, as well as four different cakes and pastries are included. 

Time Out tip: Follow your afternoon tea with a stroll down one of London’s best and most historical streets, the nearby Lamb’s Conduit Street. 

Address: 2-7 Montague Street, Bloomsbury, WC1B 5BP.

Opening hours: Afternoon tea served daily from 12-4pm.

Expect to pay: £75 with tea, or £90 including a glass of Lanson Champagne.

What is it? As well as their signature afternoon tea, posh department store Fortnum & Mason now offer this high-end, caviar-tastic tea.

Why we love it: Decadence doesn’t come much more delicious than an afternoon tea that makes a meal out of fabulous fish eggs. It also takes place in the store’s Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon, but at a somewhat higher price, as you might expect. The caviar comes alongside minature sourdough crumpets, and alongside some crème fraîche with chives, stuffed baby potatoes and quail eggs.

Time Out tip: Simply be very wealthy? 

Address: 181 Piccadilly, W1A 1ER.

Seatings: Mon-Fri 11am-5.30pm, Sat 11am-6.30pm, Sun 11.30am-5.30pm.

Expect to pay: Golden Oscietra - £165 (30g), £255 (50g). Beluga - £355 (30g), £565 (50g).

What is it? The home of high tea.

Why we love it: High tea originated at the Langham in 1865, so this is a historic one to tick off your list. Dining in the glam Palm Court, this iconic afternoon tea is curated by executive pastry chef Andrew Gravett and celebrity chef Michel Roux Jr. We basked in the ultra elegant ambiance as a pianist played, enjoying dainty finger sandwiches with devilled quail egg, roast chicken, cucumber, and tangy Gentleman’s Relish. Scones are paired with clotted cream and homemade preserve, and there’s a melt-in-the-mouth seasonal trifle to finish. Our favourite though? The mulled cider and apple creme fraiche tart; a true taste of luxury.

Time Out tip: For an extra £20-ish, you can add on a tea cocktail. We like the sound of the chamomile version, with Pisco El Gobernador, honey, lemon, and Rathfinny sparkling wine.

Address: 1c Portland Place, Fitzrovia, W1B 1JA.

Opening hours: Daily, 12.30-5pm. 

Expect to pay: £85 per person, or £100 with a glass of Champagne.

What is it? A tribute to central London via the medium of cakes.

Why we love it: Step inside Haymarket Hotel’s natty bistro Brumus for a daily tea that also acts as a whistlestop tour of London’s most recognisable landmarks. As well as your standard sarnies, you'll be served a dark chocolate and orange tribute to Big Ben, a cinnamon and cream cheese London Eye, and a sponge cake Trafalgar Square.

Time Out tip: The tea also includes access to a free self-guided tour of the real life versions of the edible landmarks, created by Blue Badge Guide Katie Wignall of Look Up London.

Address: 1 Suffolk Place, Haymarket, SW1Y 4HX.

Opening hours: Daily 12-4.45pm

Expect to pay: £50 per person or £62 with a glass of Langham Estate Culver Classic Cuvée or a London Buzz cocktail.

What is it? Afternoon tea at the restaurant inside one of London’s most iconic department stores, Liberty.

Why we love it: What better way to take a break from rifling through the racks at Liberty than to settle down for a spot of afternoon tea. Seventy Five opened for business in April 2025 under the watchful eye of head chef Joe Holness, formerly of Michelin star resto Da Terra. Afternoon tea here encompasses hot smoked trout filo tarts, pistachio crème choux buns, buttermilk scones with clotted cream and jam, and the option to add on a glass of Bollinger.

Time Out tip: Why not get pierced after tea? Piercing expert Maria Tash has her own parlour on the ground floor of Liberty.

Address: Second floor, Liberty, Regent Street, Carnaby, W1B 5AH.

Sittings: Daily from 1pm.

Expect to pay: £50 or £66 with a glass of Champagne.