The Ultimate Guide To High Tea In London: Twenty Must Try Venues

Forbes

12-07-2025

English afternoon tea set including hot tea, pastry, scones, sandwiches and mini pies on marble top table. getty
High tea is more than a British tradition — it's an immersive cultural experience, steeped in elegance, history, and indulgence. In London, it's practically an art form. From royal favorites and grand hotel salons to quirky modern twists, the capital is brimming with venues that elevate the tradition to unforgettable heights. This guide features 20 of the best places in London for afternoon tea, each offering its unique charm, whether you're a purist or a modern tea lover.
Albemarle St, Mayfair, London W1S 4BP
Brown's is the oldest hotel in London, and the Drawing Room offers fireside coziness with timeless decor. Enjoy Brown's Afternoon Blend alongside delicate sandwiches and pastries — or try their seasonal vegan or children's teas.
Brook St, Mayfair, London W1K 4HR
A destination for royalty and fashion icons, Claridge's offers afternoon tea in its Foyer & Reading Room. The signature Claridge's Blend (Assam and Darjeeling) sets the tone for tiers of refined pastries and warm scones. Elegant, hushed, and impossibly polished. Connaught Patisserie – Petite Perfection
Mount Street, Mayfair, London W1K 2AL
This stylish pink patisserie serves exquisite desserts and elegant teas in a cozy, chic setting. Try the Patisserie Blend with their jewel-like pastries. Dalloway Terrace – Literary Charm
16-22 Great Russell St, Bloomsbury, London WC1B 3NN
Named after Virginia Woolf's heroine, Dalloway Terrace offers floral tea sets and a poetic ambiance. The Bloomsbury Blend is floral and fragrant — perfect for a reflective tea hour. The Dorchester – Grandeur on Park Lane
53 Park Ln, Mayfair, London W1K 1QA
The Promenade at The Dorchester offers an indulgent setting for afternoon tea. Their Dorchester Blend is a full-bodied black tea that pairs perfectly with their famously light scones—a must for fans of silver service and opulent interiors. The Goring – A Royal Favorite
15 Beeston Pl, Westminster, London SW1W 0JW
A short stroll from Buckingham Palace, The Goring's afternoon tea is served in a sunlit veranda or private garden. Enjoy their rich Goring Afternoon Blend with perfect finger sandwiches and Victoria sponge. Ham Yard Hotel – Urban Oasis
1 Ham Yard, Soho, London W1D 7DT
A modern take on tea in a quirky boutique hotel, served in the Drawing Room or rooftop garden. The Ham Yard Fruit Tea (berries and hibiscus) offers a light, zesty contrast to traditional sweets.
A group of young female friends enjoying an afternoon tea set. Millennial tea drinkers now exceed Baby Boomers tea drinkers. getty The Berkeley – Fashion-Inspired Treats
Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7RL
Berkeley's Prêt-à-Portea changes seasonally, drawing inspiration from current runway trends. Pastries shaped like handbags and heels pair beautifully with their Fashionista Blend or a glass of bubbly. Chic, witty, and delicious. Fortnum & Mason – The Queen's Grocer
181 Piccadilly, St. James's, London W1A 1ER
At the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon, indulge in the Royal Blend (Assam and Ceylon), first made for Edward VII. Afternoon tea here is a regal affair, with refills on tea and treats encouraged. Don't miss browsing the ground floor tea counters afterward. The Connaught – Refined and Contemporary
Carlos Pl, Mayfair, London W1K 2AL
Afternoon tea at The Connaught combines classic flavors with a sleek setting. Their Connaught Blend is dark and malty — perfect alongside pistachio macarons or elderflower tarts. The Langham – Where It All Began
1C Portland Pl, Marylebone, London W1B 1JA
The birthplace of afternoon tea in 1865, The Langham continues to serve it with style in the Palm Court today. Their Langham Blend is rich and smooth, and the pastries blend tradition with innovation. The Lanesborough – Regency Romance
Hyde Park Corner, London SW1X 7TA
For Bridgerton fans, this might be the ultimate stop. The Lanesborough's Bridgerton-inspired tea in the Lanesborough Grill features ornate settings and delicate treats. Try the Lanesborough Breakfast Blend with dainty confections worthy of Lady Whistledown. The Milestone Hotel – Opposite Kensington Palace
1 Kensington Ct, Kensington, London W8 5DL
Traditional in every sense, afternoon tea at The Milestone includes Milestone Afternoon Blend and all the trimmings — scones, jam, clotted cream, and elegance. One Aldwych – A Whimsical Twist
1 Aldwych, London WC2B 4BZ
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory inspires this theatrical tea. Think candy floss, golden chocolate eggs, and a signature Chocolate Tea. Ideal for kids — or adults who still dream in Roald Dahl. The Ritz London – Classic Luxury
150 Piccadilly, St. James's, London W1J 9BR
A London institution since 1906, afternoon tea at The Ritz is served in the stunning Palm Court, complete with gilded ceilings, mirrored walls, and live piano music. Choose from over 18 looseleaf teas, with the robust Ritz Royal English as the house signature. Expect finely cut finger sandwiches, buttery scones with clotted cream, and exquisite pastries — all served with theatrical elegance.
Scones with Strawberry Jam and Clotted Cream getty Royal Horseguards Hotel – With a Secret Service Past
2 Whitehall Ct, Westminster, London SW1A 2EJ
Set in a historic building that once housed British Intelligence, this tea room offers plush seating and a menu of classic teas. Horseguards Blend is a rich, malty pick. The Savoy – Timeless Tradition
Strand, London WC2R 0EZ
Afternoon tea at The Savoy is served in The Thames Foyer, beneath a glass dome and within a gazebo. The Savoy Afternoon Blend is part of a menu featuring over 30 teas. Expect beautifully presented sandwiches and seasonal cakes in a setting that echoes Edwardian grandeur. Sketch – Playful and Pink
9 Conduit St, Mayfair, London W1S 2XG
Afternoon tea at Sketch's Gallery is a feast for the eyes and palate. Think couture cakes, quirky crockery, and Sketch Earl Grey with a twist—a favorite for Instagrammers and art lovers alike. TĪNG at The Shard – Sky-High Views
31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9QU
Afternoon tea with a view of the London skyline. TĪNG offers a refined menu with an Asian twist, complemented by a light Shard Blend white tea, which perfectly matches the lofty atmosphere. The Wolseley – Grand Café Style
160 Piccadilly, St. James's, London W1J 9EB
This glamorous 1920s venue, once a car showroom, now serves an elegant, no-nonsense afternoon tea. Try their Wolseley Afternoon Blend with a Victoria sponge in timeless style.
Whether you're looking for a traditional scone-and-tea experience or something with flair, London has it all. From iconic hotel lounges to fashionable salons and literary terraces, there's a perfect high tea spot for every taste. Pair your tea with history, views, art, or a splash of whimsy — and you'll see why afternoon tea in London is more than a meal: it's an unforgettable experience. More from Forbes Forbes The Cheese Lover's Perfect Weekend: Three Days In London By Joseph V Micallef Forbes The Whisky Lover's Perfect Weekend: Three Days In London By Joseph V Micallef Forbes Exploring London's Buried History: The Subterranean Tourist By Joseph V Micallef