All Articles 8 best places for afternoon tea in London

8 best places for afternoon tea in London

A woman on the afternoon tea bus in London
Afternoon tea bus in London.
Image: Sebastian Coman Photography / Unsplash
By Joanne ChongFeb 7, 2022 5 minutes read

Afternoon tea is a quintessential British pastime but have you ever wondered how it came about? The practice of taking afternoon tea was inspired by the seventh Duchess of Bedford, who would often fill in the long gap between lunch and dinner with tea and snacks to stave off her hunger.

Fast forward to the 21st century, afternoon tea is now a much-loved tradition for the British with many places serving up an outstanding spread of pastries and cakes to indulge in. We have put together a list of places—from hotels to tea rooms to even a bus—where you can treat yourself to an exquisite and luxurious afternoon tea experience in London.

The best hotels for afternoon tea in London

1. The Milestone Hotel

Afternoon tea at Cheneston’s Restaurant in the Milestone hotel in london
Afternoon tea at Cheneston’s Restaurant in the Milestone hotel in london
Cheneston’s Restaurant in the Milestone hotel.
Image: Management / Tripadvisor

When: Daily at 1 p.m., 3 p.m., and 5 p.m.

An award-winning London hotel situated in the heart of Kensington, The Milestone Hotel has been consistently recognized for its high standards of tea service. Seated opposite Kensington Palace and Gardens, the afternoon tea is served in the elegant Cheneston’s Restaurant, the Park Lounge, or the light-filled Conservatory.

Tuck into the wide array of food, from a sizable selection of exquisite sandwiches and warm scones with Devonshire clotted cream and homemade preserves, to trays of delicate pastries, including eclairs, tartlets, cupcakes, and macarons. And it’s not just the adults who get to be pampered for afternoon tea at The Milestone Hotel in London. Kids will love the specially curated Little Prince and Princess Afternoon Tea menu, complete with child-friendly treats and milkshakes.

2. The Ritz

Afternoon tea at Palm Court, The Ritz  in London
Afternoon tea at Palm Court, The Ritz  in London
The Palm Court.
Image: Annacar (left), Kylie N (right) / Tripadvisor

When: Daily at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., and 7:30 p.m.

Afternoon tea at The Ritz is one of the most timeless experiences in London. Since its opening in 1906, The Ritz has been serving up tea in the glamorously serene Palm Court, and this special occasion is made complete with the live musical ensemble from their resident pianist and harpist.

The tea menu features classic British flavors; savory sandwiches include Scottish smoked salmon, chicken with tarragon creamed mayonnaise, and more. There are also fresh plain and fruit scones served with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry preserves, and an assortment of pastries and cakes for you.

The Ritz in London is the only hotel to have a certified Tea Master, who travels around the world to source for their wonderful teas. While you are there, give their exclusive Ritz Royal Blend Tea a try too.

3. Claridge’s

Afternoon tea at Claridge's in London
Claridge's.
Image: Management / Tripadvisor

When: Daily from 2:45 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Located in the magnificent Art Deco–inspired lobby, afternoon tea at Claridge’s is a classic. For the last 150 years, Claridge’s has been keeping this delightful tradition and perfecting the balance of sweet and savory. The menu features finger sandwiches made with the finest ingredients, warm scones with Rodda’s Cornish clotted cream and seasonal pastries.

At the heart of afternoon tea, is the tea. Curated and handpicked by connoisseurs from the Rare Tea Company, you will find an astonishing selection of teas from the White Silver Tea from the mountains of Fujian, to one of the most prized teas in the world, Malawi Antler.

Your meal will be served in a specially designed stand and the finest bone china and silverware, elevating this luxurious experience. With the impeccable service, it is no wonder why Claridge’s has been highly recommended by many.

The best tea rooms for afternoon tea in London

4. Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon

Afternoon tea at Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon in London
Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon.
Image: Clarissa Follmann / Tripadvisor

When: Monday to Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.

For an afternoon tea beyond the fancy hotels, head down to the stylish Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon, located on the fourth floor of Fortnum & Mason. The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon was opened by Her Majesty the Queen herself in 2012 and encapsulates the sophistication of afternoon tea, as well as contemporary British elegance.

Catered to different preferences and dietary needs, there is a wide range of tea experiences available. In addition, there are also unlimited free refills of food, which you could request to be packed if you are unable to finish. At the end, there will be a cake cart with an extensive selection of cakes for you to finish your meal on a sweet note.

5. Kensington Palace

Afternoon tea at Kensington Palace Pavilion in London
Kensington Palace Pavilion.
Image: Julia C / Tripadvisor

When: Daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (March–October), Daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (November–February)

Nestled in the royal grounds of Kensington Palace, the Kensington Palace Pavilion offers a premium location for a traditional afternoon tea. If the weather permits, you can choose to sit on the alfresco terrace surrounded by greenery and a sense of tranquility.

Afternoon tea is served in a three-tiered dish, with sandwiches on the bottom level, scones with clotted cream and jam pots on the second tier and petite cakes on the top level. You can choose from the selection of tea, bubbles or British Pimm’s to accompany your meal. The attentiveness of the service staff, delightful ambience and lovely food would make this a splurge that is well worth and definitely a fond memory for the years to come.

If you’d like to enjoy more than just the food, The Kensington Palace Royal High Tea package allows you to explore and take a leisurely stroll in the gardens with a fun and knowledgeable guide.

6. The Rubens at the Palace Hotel

Afternoon tea at The Rubens at the Palace Hotel
The Rubens.
Image: travelsmitty / Tripadvisor

When: Sunday to Friday from noon to 5 p.m., Saturday from noon to 6 p.m.

Looking to savor an opulent and unforgettable day out in the capital? You can’t go wrong with afternoon tea at The Rubens at the Palace. Positioned directly opposite the Royal Mews of Buckingham Palace, the afternoon tea experience at The Rubens is steeped in royal connections. With a reputation as one of London’s best, take pleasure in the delectable selection of delicate finger sandwiches, warm and fluffy scones and mouthwatering pastries influenced by Royal events and dining trends throughout the centuries.

There is also a Little Prince and Princess Tea for those under 12, with freshly made bite-sized sandwiches, scones, selected pastries, and a choice of milkshake, hot chocolate, tea, or soft drink.

Other places for afternoon tea in London

7. Brigit’s Afternoon Tea Bus

 Brigit’s Afternoon Tea Bus in London
 Brigit’s Afternoon Tea Bus in London
Brigit’s Afternoon Tea Bus.
Image: Tripadvisor

When: Daily from noon to 5 p.m.

Putting a special twist to a traditional English experience, the Brigit’s Afternoon Tea Bus tops the list of quirky experiences in London. There is no better way to experience London than roaming the city’s most iconic sites on a vintage red bus while savoring a classic London afternoon tea.

Boarding at Victoria Coach Station, your driver will take you around Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, St James's Park, Hyde Park, The Royal Albert Hall, Trafalgar Square, and more. When you are comfortably seated, afternoon tea featuring an array of tasty sandwiches, heavenly cakes and pastries, and scones with cream and jam will be served. The tour will last for about one and a half hours, depending on traffic conditions.

8. Kona

Afternoon tea at Kona in London
Kona.
Image: KayF1962 / Tripadvisor

When: Thursday and Friday at noon and 2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday at noon, 2 p.m., and 4 p.m.

If you consider yourself ‘curious and curiouser’, and a little ‘mad’, be sure to head to Kona for their Queen of Hearts afternoon tea. The Queen of Hearts afternoon tea features thoughtfully designed pastries and sumptuous savory treats inspired by the foul-tempered monarch from Alice in Wonderland.

If you are a fan of scones, you are in for a treat. Kona offers not just one, but three different types of scones: plain, chocolate chip, and sultana, served with classic Cornish clotted cream and jam. The highlight would have to be the intricately designed sweets, which include Off With Their Heads—a delicious banana moelleux with a raspberry crémeux dress; Checkmate—a redcurrant and chocolate Battenberg cake in the style of a classic checkerboard; Tea Party at 6—a dark chocolate hat, fitting for a mad-hatters tea party. The presentation of the cakes and the attention paid to details are simply mindblowing. Jump down the rabbit hole now and book a spot here for your next afternoon tea.

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Joanne Chong
Self-diagnosed with the wanderlust gene, Joanne Chong loves going to new places, exploring unchartered territories, and immersing herself in the local culture. She also loves bread and a good cuppa—coffee flows through her veins and she eats her weight in bread.