More than 150 years following the seventh Duchess of Bedford began offering a meal between lunch and supper, determining the best afternoon tea in London remains challenging. Naturally, there are plenty of classic alternatives inspired by her favoured menu, such as scones with lashings of jam and cream, cucumber finger sandwiches, trays of pastries and cakes, and pot upon pot of Darjeeling as well as Earl Grey.
In London, afternoon tea is now considered a celebration activity. Flutes of Champagne and lovely pastries are expected, but strange appetizers and powerful cocktails may surprise the Duchess of Bedford. We’ve sat down to numerous cups of tea, finger sandwiches, scones, and macarons to offer you our editors’ picks for the best afternoon tea in London, from traditional spreads to innovative twists that lead into evening beverages.
1.The Beaumont
You might envision F Scott Fitzgerald lying languorously in this Art Deco-inspired hotel’s opulent Gatsby Room, a sanctuary of dark woods and esoteric artwork where this best afternoon tea in London is served and a baby grand piano tinkles in the background.
In line with the establishment’s transatlantic motif, the cuisine mixes European sophistication with classic American flavors. There are delicate Reuben and chicken Caesar sandwiches, as well as still-warm scones, but the pastries are the star of the show: a chocolate macaroon infused with peanut butter and jelly, a cheesecake topped with rhubarb slivers, a key lime and matcha-stuffed religieuse, and an elegant slice of Boston cream pie.
2. Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Bridgerton lovers will enjoy this fun, Regency-inspired afternoon tea, created by baker extraordinaire Lily Vanilli and served in the historic theatre’s Grand Saloon. On the menu? Delicious small Coronation chicken pies alongside caramelised onion chutney, madeleines laid out with whipped feta as well as pickled heritage carrots, crumpets heaped high with smoking salmon and Earl Grey-infused cream cheese frosting, strawberry frozen yogurt sandwiches, sticky caramel puddings, as well as an airy vanilla along with passionfruit cake concluded with complex piping and chocolate-covered cupid.
The attention to detail is what keeps us coming back, from the soundtrack (classical renditions of pop songs, of course) to the excellent china made by Kit and Willow Kemp, which includes costume design pictures from the theatre’s previous ballets and operas.
3. The Ritz
When a classic option is required, The Ritz, which has served the best afternoon tea in London since 1906, is the ideal choice. Presented in the hotel’s stunning Palm Court, with gold walls, glittering chandeliers, and ivory accents, the elaborate settings compliment the classic cuisine, which is done flawlessly.
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The sandwiches, which are sometimes an afterthought at other afternoon teas, are exceptional here, ranging from ham with grain mustard mayonnaise on brioche and smoked salmon with lemon butter on sourdough to the egg mayonnaise roll with chopped shallots and watercress. The fruit scones and ornate desserts are equally impressive, as is the hotel’s resident pianist, who serenades you while you enjoy a glass of Barons de Rothschild Champagne or Darjeeling Second Flush. In short, no trip to London is complete without it.
4. Petersham Nurseries
The Richmond institution’s wonderfully tiny teahouse is the epitome of the best afternoon tea in the London setting. Walking through the lovely Petersham meadows, along the tree-lined road, and past the magnificent plant area, you’ll discover a conservatory fit for Alice in Wonderland, complete with greenery, antique garden chairs, and unexpected bits of whimsy. Fittingly, the food is delivered on a cake stand topped with a stunning floral arrangement.
Savoury delicacies include salt beef mini bagels with pickled cucumber, radicchio and wild mushroom sandwiches, clementine and pomegranate cakes, and pecan tarts with crème fraiche. The scones, however, are the standouts: buttery soft, studded with fruit, and the ideal vehicle for the tangy orange jam and clotted cream.
5.The Bloomsbury
The literary-minded hotel’s palm-filled, retina-searing Coral Room is magnificent, but nothing tops the tranquil Dalloway Terrace, named for the memorable Virginia Woolf protagonist, where guests are served pots of chamomile and jasmine silver tip tea all afternoon.
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Pastrami sandwiches, poached salmon on malted cocoa bread, devilled egg buns, lemon scones, and a variety of delectable desserts range from a saffron custard tart to a dark chocolate dome with a cherry mousse center. Finish this best afternoon tea in london experience with a refreshing drink, such as a martini with rosemary and citrus oleo saccharum or an ice-cold Collins mixed with Earl Grey syrup.
6. The Langham
The Langham’s menu, meticulously crafted by the hotel’s executive pastry chef Andrew Gravett and overseen by Michel Roux Jr, features decadent treats that are riffs on the nation’s favourite biscuits, such as pink wafers infused with rhubarb and custard creams reimagined with a chocolate shell and intense Madagascan vanilla cream. Combine classic finger sandwiches, sweet and savory scones, and the calm of the environment – the sumptuous Palm Court – for a wonderful day for the best afternoon tea in London.
7. Sketch
The soft scalloped seats and dusty pink walls may be gone, but Sketch’s Gallery restaurant is still as stunning as ever, with copper accents and artwork by British-Nigerian master Yinka Shonibare. The menu for afternoon tea is classically British, with a few twists, such as cucumber and coronation chicken sandwiches served on a brioche bun with black truffle and cream cheese, and a strawberry Battenberg beside a pineapple éclair.
8. The Goring
The Goring has been serving the best afternoon tea in London for more than a century, and it does it wonderfully. Whether you’re seated on the veranda or in the dining room, the luxurious decor immediately sets the tone for an afternoon spent feasting on freshly made scones, lemon cakes, and delicate finger sandwiches. For an added touch of opulence, add a glass of Bollinger special cuvée Champagne or Bollinger rosé Champagne & facts about afternoon tea.
9. Brown’s
Tea in Brown’s award-winning, wood-panelled drawing room is a regal occasion, and it was a favourite of Queen Victoria. Sample salt beef, horseradish mayonnaise, and pickled cucumber sandwiches while sipping one of the various teas available, which range from Assam gold to a pleasant blackcurrant and hibiscus fruit infusion. What about sweet treats? Try the vanilla mille-feuille and pistachio opera cake.
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10. The Rosebery at Mandarin Oriental
The Mandarin Oriental’s Victorian-inspired tea parlor in the heart of Knightsbridge, named after late nineteenth-century prime minister Archibald Primrose, Earl of Rosebery, has a comprehensive variety of imported premium teas, including orange pekoe from Sri Lanka and golden monkey leaf from China. With its proximity to South Carriage Drive, the Rosebery makes for a luxurious Hyde Park stopover.
Conclusion:-
Afternoon tea. Yes, it’s twee, but there’s something rather enjoyable about working your way through what amounts to dessert tapas, especially if you’re in one of London’s top hotels or restaurants. We’ve compiled a list of best afternoon tea in London, in a city known for serving out some of the world’s best spreads, complete with small cakes, finger sandwiches, and pots of excellent tea.
Our best afternoon tea in London choices will help you and a loved one enjoy a wonderful afternoon tea in the capital city. Find everything from conventional British cuisines to more innovative selections and kid-friendly portions. There is no better way to mark a birthday, holiday, or special occasion. Expect to pay between £50 and £80 per person for the experience, but you’ll be in for a real treat. Many of these best afternoon tea in London have specific sitting hours, so making reservations in advance is generally suggested & know about London afternoon tea.
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