Best afternoon tea in London

Best afternoon teas in London at a glance

• Best for timeless luxury: Ritz afternoon tea, from £72 per person
• Best for a sweet tooth: Fortnum and Mason afternoon tea, from £62.50 per person
• Best for a generous selection: The Goring afternoon tea, from £65 per person
• Best traditional afternoon tea: The Savoy afternoon tea, from £80 per person
• Best for rich chocolate flavours: Ochre at the National Gallery afternoon tea, from £55 per person
• Best for Japanese flavours: Nobu Hotel afternoon tea, from £60 per person
• Best for a Singaporean twist: Pan Pacific afternoon tea, from £78 per person
• Best for seasonal ingredients: The Petersham afternoon tea, from £55 per person
• Best hidden gem: The Stafford, from £70 per person
• Best for airy ambience: The Landmark London, from £70 per person
• Best contemporary atmosphere: Sushisamba, from £65 per person
• Best for whimsy: Peter Pan afternoon tea at Aqua Shard, from £68 per person
• Best value afternoon tea with a view: oblix at The Shard, from £58 per person
• Best selection of teas: Parisian afternoon tea at Mariage Frères, from £35 per person
• Best for central location: The Stage at The Londoner, from £55 per person
• Best for theatre fans: The Grand Saloon at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, from £59 per person
• Best for a family day out: Sweetshop afternoon tea at Chesterfield Hotel, from £65 per person
• Best for riverside views: The Library at County Hall afternoon tea, from £55 per person
• Best for exceptional service: The Langham afternoon tea, from £75 per person
• Best for 1920's elegance: The Beaumont Hotel afternoon tea, from £66 per person
• Best for kids: One Aldwych Charlie & the Chocolate Factory afternoon tea, from £50 per child, £70 per adult
• Best for stunning views: Ting at the Shangri-La Hotel afternoon tea, from £75 per person
• Best for Halloween fans: Wizard afternoon tea at Georgian House Hotel, from £40 per person
• Best wallet-friendly afternoon tea: Royal Lancaster London afternoon tea, from £39 per person

Best afternoon teas in London 2024

The Ritz afternoon tea

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At a glance…
Price: £75 per person/ £53 per child
Best for: timeless luxury
Contact details: The Ritz, 150 Piccadilly, London W1J 9BR

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Afternoon tea at The Ritz is one of the most timeless experiences in London for a reason. Attention to detail and fantastic service make this afternoon tea well worth the splurge. Step into the glamorous Palm Court salon to admire their mirrored surfaces, gold detailing and leafy palms. The luxurious atmosphere is complete with a live pianist and harpist alongside a choir singing traditional carols. The food is traditional with classic British flavours and generous servings; savoury sandwiches include Scottish smoked salmon, breast of chicken with chestnut and sage, cheddar cheese with chutney, and more. Fresh plain and fruit scones come with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry preserve, and the pastries and cakes, which are the real stars of the show, have delicate details and stunning finishes. We enjoyed a selection of gold-leaf topped choux buns, chocolate and chestnut pastries and cranberry and meringue topped cakes. There are 18 luxury teas to choose from, including everything from passion fruit and orange to chocolate mint rooibos and more. We chose the classic Ritz Royal English - a breakfast tea with a blend of Golden Kenyan, Assam and Orange Pekoe. Consider upgrading with a glass of champagne for £22 for a well balanced Barons de Rothschild, 'Réserve Ritz', Brut NV. Overall, the service is a fantastic option for a special occasion with friendly and attentive staff and a gorgeous ambiance. The Ritz is a proud member of the Leading Hotels of the World.

Fortnum & Mason afternoon tea

At a glance...
Price: from £70 per person
Best for: traditionalists and lovers of classic, charming service
Contact details: Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly, London W1A 1ER

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The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum & Mason has to be one of the top locations for a classic afternoon tea. Service is seamless without being stuffy, and we found the waiting staff charming, relaxed and exceptionally well informed – with 92 teas on offer, they need to know their stuff. The sweet patisserie treats are an art form in their own right, and the lobster scone with cream cheese and caviar topping makes the savoury selection a must-try, especially if you’re sharing. Fortnum & Mason is a classic afternoon tea experience with an ever-evolving menu that’s subtly inventive. The care that goes into every aspect of the creation and presentation of the dishes, as well as the knowledge and charm of the staff, make this a truly special experience.

The Goring afternoon tea

At a glance...
Price: from £60 per person/£70 with a glass of Bollinger champagne
Best for: sumptuous surroundings and attentive service
Contact details: The Goring, 15 Beeston Place, London SW1W 0JW

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For anyone in search of a quintessentially traditional English afternoon tea, The Goring tops the list. Aside from the replenishable plates of fresh sandwiches, light scones and perfectly presented patisserie, the true standout feature is without a doubt the service. You won’t have to lift a finger in your opulent surroundings, not even to pour yourself a cup of The Goring’s very own blend. We certainly felt like ladies of leisure on our visit. The heavily draped lounge could easily feel oppressive, but there’s a relaxed atmosphere and a nice buzz without being intrusive. Between sips of Earl Grey and chunks of bite-sized scones with dollops of homemade raspberry jam, take a moment to spot the sheep secreted in the room (the iconic symbol of The Goring). The crowning glory of the tea is undoubtedly the pastry plate – delicate macarons, squidgy cakes and light choux bites are on offer for hungry patrons. Save some space, as you’ll be wanting to replenish this selection to your heart’s content.

The Savoy afternoon tea

At a glance...
Price: from £80 per person / from £95 with a glass of champagne
Best for: traditional grandeur in a world-famous setting
Contact details: The Savoy, The Strand, London WC2R 0EZ

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When it comes to timeless elegance, The Savoy knows how to do it right. The selection of teas on offer in the glass-domed Thames Foyer is vast; we opted for The Savoy blend, which was pleasantly bitter and smoky. Classic sandwich fillings, including ham & mustard, egg mayonnaise and coronation chicken, are served in fresh, soft bread, and are replenishable, but there’s plenty of other bites to enjoy. The oven-fresh scones were exceptional, and the buttery, sharp lemon curd served alongside was exquisite. The third course was a selection of French patisserie served tableside on a silver platter. You’re welcomed to try one or all five, which of course we did. To say this tea is generous is an exaggeration, but we can think of no better way to while away an afternoon.

Ochre at the National Gallery afternoon tea

At a glance...
Price: from £55 per person
Best for: rich chocolate flavours
Contact details: Ochre, National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN

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Work up an appetite sauntering around the National Gallery’s majestic halls before retiring to this sophisticated all-day restaurant. The space is stylishly luxurious, rather than traditional, with golden shades of ochre a nod to the gallery’s beautiful gilt frames. When we visited, the afternoon tea menu was crafted and inspired by 'The Lavergne Family Breakfast' by Jean-Etienne Liotard, which you can see for yourself in the gallery. In the portrait, an elegantly dressed woman savours luxurious coffee and chocolate. To reflect this, the food – apart from the classic finger sandwiches – is a chocolate affair, from chocolate scones with hazelnut ganache down to mini cakes inspired by chocolate bars such as Bounty and Ferrero Rocher. To drink, we continued the chocolate theme with a truly decadent chocolate orange espresso martini, as well as a pot of subtle cocoa-flavoured tea, however you can swap this for a glass of champagne and any tea from the menu.

Nobu Hotel London Portman Square afternoon tea

At a glance...
Price: from £60 per person
Best for: Japanese-inspired flavours
Contact details: Nobu Hotel, 22 Portman Square, London W1H 7BG

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Settle into the upscale lounge at Nobu Hotel in Portman Square for afternoon tea. The relaxing ambiance is the perfect setting for a luxurious tea, right off the busy streets of Oxford Circus. The friendly service and and calming atmosphere make this trendy hotel approachable, a great place to celebrate a special occasion. The menu combines contemporary Japanese flavours with traditional afternoon tea classics. The tea selection offers many unique options, like lychee & rose noir and Kabuse sencha. The selection of sushi cups showcase exquisite cuts of high quality salmon and yellowtail. Canapés and savoury options include crispy fried chicken, mushroom Matsuhisa tacos and beef tataki buns with wasabi sauce. The snow crab roll with jalapeño dressing is a personal favourite, showing off the freshest of ingredients. The fluffy scones are served with Cornish clotted cream, raspberry mint jam and a tart yuzu curd. The delectable sweets are visually stunning and full of creative flavours. Stand outs include miso chocolate caramel tart, Fuji apple shiso mirin pillow and a beautiful Hojicha cheesecake. Overall, this service is outstanding and full of unique treats for a one-of-a-kind experience.

Pan Pacific London afternoon tea

At a glance…
Price: from £58 per person
Best for: a Singaporean twist with excellent service
Contact details: Pan Pacific, The Orchid lounge, London, EC3A 7AB.

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Pam Pacific is currently hosting the floral fusion afternoon tea, crafted by Executive Pastry Chef Francesco Mannino, it’s focused on celebrating the seasonal flavours and aromas of spring. You can choose between traditional finger sandwiches or the Kopi Tiam menu, which translates to ‘coffee shop’ in Singapore. The Kopi Tiam menu consists of a Siu Mai basket which is filled with beautifully presented treats from a fried chicken roll to Sarawak pepper beef bean curd, if two of you are dining you can select one of each and share. Savoury treats are followed by a selection of freshly baked plain and fruit scones with clotted cream and homemade strawberry rhubarb preserve and orange marmalade.

You will want your camera on hand for the homemade pastries that follow, they truly are a work of art and are served on a reflective tray for added impact. You’ll find a selection of pastries and meringues to choose from, flavour combinations include lavender and pink guava, hazelnut and chai and matcha and rose to name but a few. The decor is equally opulent with plush chairs, high ceilings and impressive London views. The tea list is plentiful and the staff take great care in talking you through the best selection for your individual tastes, there’s also a variety of champagne on offer starting from £21 a glass. Children can opt for a Bon Point afternoon tea menu at £29 per person and this is a great option for a special family day out in the city.

The Petersham afternoon tea

At a glance…
Price: £55
Best for: fresh ingredients
Contact details: The Petersham, 2 Floral Court, London, WC2E 9FB

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We've tested a lot of afternoon teas (as you can see from this list), but this one truly stood out. Sitting in the middle of Covent Garden, The Petersham is the central London outpost of Petersham Nurseries, which originated in Richmond. Tea takes place in the smart, light restaurant with impressive, giant works of art and good people-watching. With a brief to incorporate a classic British afternoon tea into the Italian vibe of the restaurant, there's a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients throughout.

When visiting in March, the extremely generous tea kicked off with six sandwiches, including crab (our favourite), mushroom & parmesan, courgette & mint or aubergine. Each one was freshly made to order and well-seasoned. Fruit and plain scones were served warm with homemade blackcurrant jam. The classic patisserie continued the focus on seasonal ingredients that weren't overly fussed with – our highlights included a rhubarb financier and clever pistachio brûlée. The tea is delivered on a striking glass cake stand by its friendly and attentive staff and considering the quantities of food, felt like good value for money. As a truly memorable bonus, you get to keep the stunning bouquet that crowns your tea at the end, too.

Rosewood

At a glance...
Price: from £68 per person (£78 with champagne, £88 with a cocktail)
Best for: big flavours and colours – a richer alternative to traditional tea
Contact details: Rosewood London, 252 High Holborn, London

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With its dramatic ceiling, Rosewood’s light-filled Mirror Room is a glamorous spot in which to enjoy its 'Masterful Art' afternoon tea. The tea is served in three courses: sandwiches first, with some richer savouries including truffle egg mayo with confit tomatoes on onion brioche; two types of scone and two mini pastries resembling art by David Hockney (filled with blueberry) and Picasso (complete with lobster telephone); and a final course of colourful, glossy cakes inspired by art including a Banksy’s 'Girl with the Balloon', Andy Warhol’s 'Soup Can' and more from Vincent Van Gogh and Japanese sculptor Yayoi Kusama. Tea comes from the prestigious French tea importer Mariage Frères, and it's an expansive selection that features some rare varieties.

The Stafford

At a glance...
Price: £70pp/from £87 for champagne
Best for: hidden gem in London, quiet luxury
Contact details: The Stafford London, 16-18 St James's Place, SW1 1NJ

Tucked down a quiet street just outside St James’s Park, The Stafford is a luxury hidden gem to discover. This five-star hotel has recently relaunched their afternoon tea experience and it's a very welcome addition to the London afternoon tea scene. You'll be warmly welcomed into the cosy restaurant (bonus points for extremely comfortable chairs!) and service is faultlessly friendly throughout.

We took the waiter’s recommendations on tea choices to begin and weren’t disappointed – the Stafford signature blends offer classic options, while the stunning white apricot fusion tea was deliciously fruity and jammy. Champagne is served from an ornate champagne trolley before the star of the show, the special cake trolley, is wheeled out for you to admire and choose from. Take your pick of ornate patisserie from the trolley and they'll be brought back to you on a classic afternoon tea stand. Sandwiches were fresh and varied with the decadent addition of a truffled egg brioche bun. Along with classic fruit and plain scones we also particularly enjoyed a warm mini cheese scone, served with sour cream and chives. From the patisserie picks, the vanilla and raspberry ‘white mouse’ was memorable, and the fresh raspberry and elderflower macaron was a standout.

The Landmark London

At a glance...
Price: £70pp/from £83 for champagne
Best for: airy ambience, classic patisserie with a twist
Contact details: The Landmark London, 222 Marylebone Rd, London NW1 6JQ

Located in the heart of Marylebone, The Landmark London offers a special afternoon tea with classic British dishes and flavours. The eight-storey glass atrium is adorned with leafy palm trees and full of airy sunlight for a unique setting to take tea. Service is friendly and attentive, with a live pianist for added ambience. There's a wide range of teas on offer, from classic English breakfast to our server's recommendation: a fruity mango black tea. The current afternoon tea menu has been curated pastry chefs Mauro and Daniel, winners of Bake Off the Professionals 2023. To start, sandwiches are traditional, with lapsang souchong smoked Scottish salmon, truffle egg mayonnaise, classic cucumber and coronation chicken on walnut bread – with trays of extras if you want seconds. Scones were a highlight of the tea: alongside classic plain are memorable candied apricot and marzipan scones, studded with sweet melting chunks of marzipan. Both are served warm with clotted cream, jam and the special addition of a rich hazelnut chocolate ganache. The luxurious desserts take classics such as pavlova and chocolate swiss roll and elevate them with expert flair – our favourite was the white chocolate and yuzu cheesecake filled with a spiced pear compote. This would be a great offering for those looking for a classic afternoon tea with top-notch service.

Sushisamba

At a glance...
Price: from £65 per person (£80 with champagne)
Best for: non-traditionalists who prefer Japanese savouries to sandwiches
Contact details: Sushisamba, 35 The Mkt, London WC2E 8RF

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High above the famous Covent Garden piazza, this glass-ceilinged space has a lively, jungle-like vibe due to a living ceiling canopy and oversized plants. We tried both the signature tea– with luxurious ingredients including lobster and wagyu beef in sliders and mini tacos and caviar topped tuna – and the vegetarian alternative, all presented on elegant three tiered ‘trees’. Cakes fuse Asian flavours with British classics, such as the Japanese Pandan custard tart and Battenburg with yuzu – and a separate final serving of traditional scones. Choose from five Canton teas, which can be topped up, and three champagnes.

Peter Pan afternoon tea at Aqua Shard

At a glance…
Price: £68 per person/ £88 with a glass of champagne
Best for: whimsical bites and literary luxury
Contact details: Aqua Shard, The Shard, 31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9RY

Get transported to Neverland with magical views, as if you're Peter Pan flying over the rooftops of London. Children and adults alike will love the nostalgic treats and artistic touches included in this afternoon tea. From the custom crafted ship that holds the food, to the story behind each component (the cod brandade is in the shape of a hook, as Peter calls him a ‘codfish’, for example), everything is meticulously designed and pure magic. Choose from either 'darling tea', which has delicious floral notes, or 'adventure tea', made from black tea with citrus, mango and ginger. The perfectly cut sandwiches are light, soft and fluffy, with flavoursome fillings of chicken, bacon and mustard, along with the standout truffle egg mayo (more vegetarian options are available). Your next course, after a fresh round of specially designed plates with Peter Pan characters on them, are freshly baked scones served with delicious apple jam and coconut clotted cream. The magic continues into the desserts. The ‘Peter’s secret never tree entrance’ is particularly noteworthy – a soft chocolate sponge with chocolate mousse, ganache and raspberry jam. Like the waitress spraying the Tinkerbell biscuit with edible gold glitter, the thought behind each element brought so much joy. From start to finish, this afternoon tea is a display of enchanting storybook delicacies in a stunning, picturesque setting.

oblix at The Shard

At a glance...
Price: from £58 per person
Best for: good value tea with stunning view
Contact details: oblix East, Level 32, The Shard, 31 St. Thomas Street, London SE1 9RY

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If you want brilliant views of London, then the 32nd floor of the Shard is a good place to start. Instead of buying a ticket up the Shard to see the view (which can cost approx £30 by itself), head to Oblix in the Shard instead and treat yourself to a special afternoon tea complete with those panoramic views. We visited in December, where the menu had been given a light festive makeover but many of the classics are on the menu all year round. The tea kicks off with a plate of sandwiches including a standout buttery brioche roll filled with egg mayo and topped with a generous amount of truffle. We also had a classic coronation chicken, smoked salmon, an avocado tartlet and impressive mini lobster roll. Scones were served warm with a perfect raspberry jam and sticky fresh honeycomb - although controversially also with whipped cream instead of clotted cream. Patisserie was delicate but familiar favourites - our five treats included a nutty macaron, highly caramelised apple tart tatin and rich chocolate hazelnut ball. If you go for the rosé package, unlimited wine and a cocktail are included along with your pick of tea from the short tea menu.

Parisian afternoon tea at Mariage Frères

At a glance...

Price: £35 per person, + £49 extra with a bottle of champagne
Contact details: Mariage Frères, 38 King Street, London WC2E 8JS
Best for: An extensive menu of speciality teas and tea-infused treats

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As France’s oldest tea house, Mariage Frères is renowned as one of the world’s most exclusive purveyors of fine teas – an afternoon spent at its Covent Garden branch is an absolute must for any tea enthusiast. We sampled its Parisian afternoon tea in the elegant salon with a gallery overlooking the ground floor tea shop. Needless to say, the choice of speciality teas is staggering, spanning a range of herbal, fruit, vintage and rare blends from across the globe. Luckily, a well-versed team of staff are on hand to offer a wealth of knowledge on everything from flavour profiles to oxidation states, allowing us to narrow down to a beautifully floral Formosa blue tea and earthy Namring high mountain darjeeling. A medley of tea-infused treats are served alongside this extensive tea menu. Begin with a round of warm plain scones or bourbon vanilla & golden raisin scones – both are served with a fragrant tea-infused jelly. On the savoury side, traditional sarnies are replaced with a trio of eye-catching coloured bao burgers. Wrapped in a light and fluffy tea-infused bun, each is filled with a tantalising combination of ingredients, from smoked salmon with matcha green tea yogurt & green apple, to seared beef tataki with soy glaze, carrots tahini & seeds. Leave some room for the trio of exquisite tea-infused patisserie: we were especially impressed with the strawberry cheesecake fashioned to look like a vibrant red glazed mushroom, plus a finely layered matcha & chocolate opera cake.

If you have some time spare, it’s well worth perusing the expansive tea emporium on the ground floor, called the Compotoir de Thé. Here, nearly 1000 varieties of rare teas are displayed in antique wooden shelves alongside a range of packaged products, such as tea-themed gift sets, teapots, cups, strainers, books and more. Finally, an assortment of fresh sweet and savoury tea-infused pastries are also available to purchase for the journey home.

The Stage at The Londoner

At a glance...
Price: from £55 per person, £70 champagne tea, £75 rosé champagne tea
Best for: central location
Contact details: The Londoner, 38 Leicester Square, London, WC2H 7DX, United Kingdom

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If you’re doing some central London shopping, The Stage afternoon tea is handily located right on the corner of Leicester Square. The tea is held in what is essentially the hotel lobby - there’s a buzzy atmosphere (especially when the live pianist is playing), although it can get chilly in winter if you’re sat too near the front door. A surprise palate cleanser of elderflower sorbet drizzled with honey is delicate and refreshing. Sandwiches arrive playfully cut into tiny squares instead of fingers and served in three tiers – a chicken sandwich on basil bread was a standout highlight (plus you’re offered seconds if you’re still hungry!). Warm scones are light, fluffy and the perfect size, served with a unique floral and citrusy bergamot curd as well as strawberry jam. In a twist from other afternoon teas we’ve tried, for the patisserie course you head up to a cabinet to pick two larger patisserie items to finish off your feast. We visited near Christmas, so a ‘Joyeux Noel’ of chocolate cake, cream and boozy cherries was a perfect festive treat.

The Grand Saloon, Theatre Royal Drury Lane

At a glance...
Price: from £59 per person, £69 champagne tea, £99 caviar and champagne tea
Best for: theatre fans, visiting around a show
Contact details: The Lane, Catherine St, Covent Garden, London WC2B 5JF

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If you’re in London to see a show, an afternoon tea beforehand is an extra special treat. The Lane at Theatre Royal is ideally situated for this – set right in the theatre building (currently showing the musical of Frozen) in Covent Garden. The tea takes place in a beautiful grand room with a large central bar, stunning high ceilings and marble panels on the wall, all in a teal and pale pink colour scheme. Friendly and skilled staff expertly pour tea and champagne into a tea set ornately decorated with illustrated characters. We loved the subtle soundtrack of classical versions of pop songs too (fans of Bridgerton will recognise these)!

Controversially, there are no sandwiches in this tea. The menu changes regularly but always kicks off with unique savouries. When we visited, these comprised a sausage roll, herby goat’s cheese-filled cannele (our favourite) and smoked salmon-topped caviar, unusual savoury twists on classically sweet bakes. The scones were a standout highlight of the tea: still warm, generously topped with plenty of crunchy Demerara sugar and perfectly soft and fluffy, served with classic clotted cream and strawberry jam. The sweet course was a bit hit and miss for us - a pleasant classic chocolate cake was good, but we weren’t fully convinced by the ‘lemonade’ tart or a cold sticky toffee pudding. We enjoyed a brilliantly refreshing peppermint tea from the short tea menu and there are various options of the whole tea to choose from, including a caviar option for extra luxury!

Sweetshop afternoon tea at Chesterfield Hotel

At a glance…
Price: from £65 per person/ £75 with glass of Lanson Champagne/ £35 per child
Best for: a family day out
Contact details: The Chesterfield Hotel, Mayfair, London W1J 5EB

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If you’re looking for a magical afternoon tea for a special occasion that will inspire the imagination and excite the palate of both adults and children, then the Chesterfield is for you. Set in a grand, Georgian hotel on a smart Mayfair street, the service is exceptional from the moment you step into their large marble hallway. Once you’re seated and have been talked through the extensive range of teas, your experience will start with a dramatic smoking pink lemonade topped with a flying saucer, you’ll then move onto a selection of beautifully presented finger sandwiches, our favourites were the Scottish smoked salmon with chive cream cheese and roast chicken with mustard mayonnaise and nibbed almonds.

Accompanying the sandwiches are endless fluffy scones, Drumstick macaroons, strawberry liquorice allsorts cheesecake, blue raspberry & bubblegum Battenberg, giant jazzie lollipops, coca cola slice and a decadent take on a Reece’s peanut butter cup. When it’s time to leave you’ll be escorted to a traditional sweet shop stand where you can select a bag of your favourite pick and mix sweets to take home, any treats you couldn’t quite finish will be beautifully boxed up for you to take away too.

The Library at County Hall afternoon tea

At a glance…
Price: from £55 per person/£71 free flowing English sparkling wine
Best for: riverside views
Contact details: The Library, London County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PB

The afternoon tea at The Library at County Hall thoroughly makes the most of its location. From tables overlooking the river, to the Big Ben-themed menu, it’s perfect for first-timers to London or if you’re hosting friends or family.

Situated next to Westminster Bridge, bag a window table for views of the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and, of course, the river to watch boats come and go whilst you sip your tea. The experience starts with a choice of tea brought brought to your table – the Library’s own signature blend is our top pick – and soon to be available to buy and take home with you, too. Sandwiches tick off the classics, including a super creamy egg mayo and gently spiced coronation chicken. A crayfish cocktail in a brioche bun was an enjoyable twist on a traditional prawn cocktail. For the scone course, unusual fresh basil scones were paired with lemon curd and clotted cream and were a surprise hit, a winning combination that tasted well balanced. For purists, there are sultana scones with strawberry jam, too.

The finishing dessert course brings in the Big Ben element, with each intricate pastry impressively designed to represent a different part of this London icon. All three are rich and creamy – from the chocolate mousse tower to the lemon and raspberry bell with a whole raspberry hidden inside, adding some welcome freshness. We weren’t offered extra sandwiches or a change of tea, but the menu is plenty filling enough that you won’t need extra.

The Langham afternoon tea

At a glance...
Price: from £75 per person / £90 with a glass of Gusbourne Brut Reserve or Blanc de blancs
Best for: exceptional service
Contact details: The Langham, 1c Portland Place, London W1B 1JA

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The Palm Court at The Langham is a haven of comfort and luxury in which to enjoy afternoon tea. From the teeny stool provided for your handbag to the seasonal flowers, offer of more sandwiches and refills of tea, the Langham leaves no detail unconsidered. They’ve been serving afternoon tea since 1865, so they’ve had plenty of practice. The setting gives a stylish nod to art deco with the huge lights that really come into their own as the afternoon fades to evening (book at 4.30pm for this timing), and there’s a relaxed air about the place that welcomes all ages.

Created by Chef Michel Roux Jr and Executive Pastry Chef Andrew Gravett, the current menu is inspired by the nation’s favourite biscuits, reimagined with clever textural changes and flavours. That pink wafer is not at all how it appears, and the custard cream is fitted into a delicate dulcey (think posh Caramac) chocolate shell. Sandwiches are welcomingly familiar, each with a different style of bread, and include cucumber, cream cheese and chive, and hot smoked Scottish salmon, sour cream and dill. Scones come as both savoury (with extra cheese on the side) and sweet with cream and homemade preserves. The very generous tiffin for two defeated us, so we opted to take it home as a treat for later. No one hurries you here and the meal is very well paced. Teas can be chosen from a variety of flavours supplied by JING; there are lighter white teas and green teas, floral numbers like the Ceylon & rose and classics like Assam with milk. Or drink English sparkling wine from Gusbourne throughout the meal if you prefer. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free menus are available and there is a children’s menu for smaller visitors.

The Beaumont hotel afternoon tea

At a glance…
Price: £66pp/ from £86 with a glass of champagne
Best for: 1920’s decadence
Contact details The Beaumont, Brown Heart Gardens, Mayfair, London, W1K 6TF

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Afternoon tea at The Beaumont hotel is served in the aptly-named Gatsby room, which is home to a grand baby piano, a hidden door posing as a bookshelf and plenty of oil paintings to gaze at and soft furnishings to relax on. The menu has a transatlantic twist in true Gatsby fashion, you’ll find sandwiches filled with devilled egg mayonnaise, chicken caesar salad and beef pastrami (Reuben-style) which are replenished as much as you’d like. A round of freshly baked scones and homemade strawberry jam is sure to satisfy all classic afternoon tea enthusiasts. You’ll also need to leave room for sweet treats such as the chocolate brownie, caramelised apple, rhubarb tart and pear choux, not to mention a selection of perfectly fluffy homemade marshmallows. The afternoon tea here is a very generous affair with faultless service, so it’s the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion. The Beaumont's drinks menu boasts an extensive range of rare and seasonal teas, or you can opt for one of the cleverly paired cocktails (non-alcoholic versions also available).

One Aldwych Charlie & the Chocolate Factory afternoon tea

At a glance...
Price: from £50 per child under 12/ £70 per adult/ £85 for champagne afternoon tea
Best for: a whimsical treat for both big and little kids
Contact details: One Aldwych, 1 Aldwych, London WC2B 4BZ

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The Charlie and the Chocolate Factory-themed afternoon tea at One Aldwych starts with a magical opener – a chocolate, whisky & cherry cocktail complete with dry ice smoke and poured from a glass teapot. There’s also a non-alcoholic version so everyone can enjoy the drama. We opted for the chocolate tea (it seemed only right) which had a delicious cocoa aroma. Three finger sandwiches, a savoury scone served with bacon jam, and a warm quiche went down nicely alongside our drinks. The attentive staff offered to refill the savoury plate, but we were saving space for the main event.

Scones arrived in baskets; they were okay, but not as light and buttery as we had hoped. However, as a vehicle for lemon curd, blackberry jam and clotted cream, they did the job. Everyone around the room was busily snapping photos of their sweets displays, and when ours arrived, we could see why. It’s a sweet tooth’s dream: rainbow layers of bubblegum-flavoured panna cotta, mysteriously flavoured candy floss and honeycomb cake pops take centre stage, but our favourite was a chocolate egg filled with vanilla cheesecake and fruit purée. A bottle of chocolate milk washes it all down. This makes for a special afternoon that kids will remember forever, or an excuse not to act your age – whatever your reason for visiting, it’s a sweet treat not to be missed.

Ting at the Shangri-La Hotel afternoon tea

At a glance
Price: from £75 per person / from £90 with champagne
Best for: wonderful views, tourists, treat for friends
Contact details: Ting, Level 35, Shangri-La Hotel, 31 St Thomas Street, London SE1 9QU

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We visited Ting in the run up to the Royal Jubilee. The team of thoughtful pastry chefs and mixologists created recipes using the royal celebrations as inspiration; the platinum fizz cocktail combines strawberries, pineapple and lemon juice and is the perfect way to start a luxurious afternoon. Savoury bites included miniature duck pancakes, chicken liver parfait and a selection of imaginative finger sandwiches.

The themes here are taken very seriously, and there is excellent attention to detail, but never at the expense of flavour. The selection of cakes we tried were beautifully balanced in terms of sweetness, sharpness and richness (which made it even easier to try the whole range!). The chocolate & raspberry shard is served in a cloud of dry ice and is the final show-piece to your experience. This is a generous afternoon tea and the waiting staff were extremely knowledgeable about their extensive list of teas on offer. Some could even predict instinctively which ones we would enjoy – with great success! Go for the views, stay for the scones.

Wizard afternoon tea at Georgian House Hotel

At a glance…
Price: £40 per person/ £20 children
Best for: A family treat or fans of Halloween
Contact details: Georgian House hotel, Pimlico, London SW1.

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This fun and imaginative afternoon tea is one that’ll delight kids and adults alike, upon entering the smart Georgian house hotel you’ll be led to the basement where your spooky afternoon tea awaits. Expect plenty of surprises with overflowing cauldrons, salmon sandwiches served from a smoking box, bubbling cocktails and mocktails and golden chocolate wizard hats. The afternoon tea is served in a gothic looking bird cage and is a very generous affair with a variety of delicate savoury treats from tiny tarts to a selection of open and closed sandwiches. Freshly baked eye of newt scones are served with curdled cream and crushed strawberries after which a fresh bird cage is brought out with an abundance of sweet treats, a favourite had to be the web topped passion fruit jelly which almost looked too good to eat. The staff were attentive, relaxed and fun and there’s plenty of quirky decorations and spooky music for an authentically ghostly experience. There is also the option of a vegan version as well as bottomless prosecco for an extra £20.

Royal Lancaster London afternoon tea

At a glance...
Price: from £39 per person
Best for: budget luxury
Contact details: Royal Lancaster London, Lancaster Terrace, London W2 2TY

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If you’re looking for a traditional afternoon tea in luxe surroundings with unexpected homemade goodies thrown in, the Royal Lancaster London is for you. Each pot of tea comes with an infusion card to keep track of optimum brewing times. The selection of sandwiches ticked all the classic boxes, and we were presented with a separate plate of sandwiches for our vegetarian guest, including more adventurous alternatives such as piquillo red pepper & hummus to accompany the traditional cucumber & cream cheese.

Accompanying the sandwiches were delectable warm tarts with caramelised red onion and goat’s cheese. Almond, plain and fruited scones hot from the kitchen were the highlight, and came with homemade strawberry jam and clotted cream. The menu changes seasonally – on our visit, we were big fans of the chocolate truffle lollipops with honey centres, especially as the honey was made from beehives on the roof of the hotel itself.

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What's your favourite afternoon tea in London? Leave a comment below...