The Best Places for Afternoon Tea in London

This is a collaborative post.

150+ years since the seventh Duchess of Bedford started serving a meal between lunch and dinner, it still remains hard to narrow down on the best afternoon tea in London.

Luckily, you can use the five special recommendations below to treat yourself and your loved ones to special afternoon tea in the city at any time of the year. Read on for more!

1. Claridges

Claridges is one of the places to visit if you want to enjoy delicious afternoon tea. The hotel has long sought to continue the ritual the seventh Duchess of Bedford, Anna Russel, started.

Afternoon tea at the hotel has become a tradition and is served with a twist of its own creativity in its Foyer and Reading Room. Ensure you visit its website to see its menus.

2. The Ritz

Indulging in afternoon tea at The Ritz when visiting the capital has always been considered a timeless experience and for a good reason. Fantastic service is one of its hallmarks.

The facility boasts mirrored surfaces, leafy palms, and gold detailing that make it worth it to splurge on its afternoon tea — a harpist and live pianist help complete the luxurious atmosphere.

Besides great attention to detail, you’ll love that the food here is traditional and features various beloved British flavours. Some of its savoury sandwiches served with the tea include:

• Chicken with tarragon creamed mayonnaise

• Cheddar cheese with chutney

• Scottish smoked salmon

Enjoy its wonderful tea and sandwiches as you peruse through the available short stay apartments in London here. There is no better way to spend your afternoon in London!

3. Afternoon Tea at Harrods

Harrod’s Tea Room opened its doors to the public for the first time in 1911. It initially went by The Georgian and was revered for its special sprung dance floor and tea dances.

Decades later, it remains one of the city’s most Googled afternoon tea places. London residents love it because it offers a true idiosyncratic ‘English’ experience.

Its menu is diverse and is no less than eight pages of different teas to choose from – herbal, classic, oolong, green, black, and even hot chocolates.

All its teas come accompanied by a unique key depicting how astringent, sweet, or woody it is.

4. The Savoy

The Savoy has continued to serve afternoon tea in London in its pretty Thames Foyer every day since 1889. It’s the best place to visit for a special occasion as you listen to the pianist working wonders on the grand piano set in a gazebo under a stained-glass dome.

Its delicious sandwiches help to elevate the classics and include Scottish Salmon served with lemon cream and chive. You can also go for the English Cucumber with green pea hummus.

5. Petersham Nurseries’ The Teahouse

Champagne, tea, sandwiches, and cake are all requirements of a good afternoon tea. However, the setting also matters; you won’t find anything prettier than the one at Petersham Nurseries.

Its display is a showstopper, and nothing beats wandering around its lovely gardens after indulging in a cup of your favourite tea. Please note that its special afternoon teas are only served from Thursdays to Saturdays.

Conclusion

The long-running British tradition of special afternoon tea with delicate scones, cakes, and sandwiches is one that’s justly treasured. It’s a tradition that will take you back to a sophisticated time, and there are no better places to do it than in the five locations mentioned above.