As a quintessentially English tradition, afternoon tea is one indulgence that simply must be experienced on a trip to London.
With so many choices around the capital, it can be difficult to decide on where to go, so we’re here to help with our pick of the best places to savour afternoon tea in London.
Rubens at the Palace
Before stepping into the resplendent State Apartments of Buckingham Palace, settle into the Palace Lounge at luxury hotel The Rubens at the Palace for their classic Afternoon Tea offering.
Overlooking the Royal Mews, the Rubens afternoon tea takes inspiration from some of the Royal family’s favourite teatime treats, like the chocolate biscuit cake served at Prince William and Kate’s wedding.
The Milestone Hotel
Revel in the grandeur of this English Heritage Grade II listed hotel in the heart of Kensington and Chelsea while tucking into a traditional English Afternoon Tea. Taking great pride in this British tradition, The Milestone Hotel serves a selection of classic sweet and savoury items, including delicate finger sandwiches with smoked Scottish salmon and freshly baked scones with homemade preserves, all accompanied by an extensive selection of teas from around the world.
Fortnum & Mason
Having been opened by Queen Elizabeth II, The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum & Mason is one of the city’s most iconic venues for afternoon tea, combining style with a reverence for the great British tradition. Here, you should try the classic Tea Salon Afternoon Tea menu of finger sandwiches, scones and tea cakes.
Claridge’s
Having served afternoon tea to guests for around 150 years, Claridge’s is one of the most famous venues to enjoy this tradition. Within the hotel’s 1930s Art Deco-style foyer, finger sandwiches, warm scones and sweet pastries are offered alongside teas that have been selected by the hotel’s own specialist tea connoisseur.
Dolly’s at Selfridges
Combine shopping in one of London’s most prestigious department stores with some afternoon indulgence by having afternoon tea at the Art Deco-inspired café Dolly’s, where the finger sandwiches and scones come with lavish desserts from Belle Époque Patisserie and a selection of teas from Selfridges.
