Henry James may have been an American but he hit the nail on the head when he said, “There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.” There’s something so utterly decadent about this completely unnecessary meal – especially when paired with a glass of mid-afternoon champagne. Finding its origins in the British capital, London remains home to some of the world’s very best and most inventive pastry chefs, creating mouth-wateringly pretty miniatures sandwiches, scones and pastries for your delectation. We’ve scoured the capital to find the best afternoon teas in London to book now.

Rosewood London, Holborn

Executive pastry chef Mark Perkins first launched the Rosewood London’s Art Afternoon Tea in 2017 and it has since become a firm favourite on the capital’s foodie scene. Having taken inspiration from internationally renowned artists and their London exhibitions, the latest iteration celebrates the work of Claude Monet, his beloved Giverny garden, the celebrated Water Lilies series and his distinctive use of light, colour and texture through refined patisserie – and is available to book from 4 March 2026. 

Standout savouries kick off proceedings, as guests are served with elegant bites of baked camembert custard tart topped with poached pear and lobster and prawn profiterole, before roast chicken with baby gem lettuce and tarragon-infused mayonnaise in an onion seed bun; egg mayonnaise with King’s imperial caviar on brioche; and cured salmon with crème fraîche, cucumber ribbon and trout roe. The pre-dessert takes the form of freshly-baked scones and lemon and vanilla madeleines, paired with a light jasmine and oolong tea-infused cream with strawberries that nods to the produce grown in Monet’s garden.

Finally, the art cakes translate three iconic works into flavour and form: The Water Lily Pond becomes a pistachio and cherry blossom creation referencing Monet’s favourite gâteau vert; Impression, Sunrise is reinterpreted as a peach melba-inspired cake, honouring the dessert created by Auguste Escoffier at The Savoy Hotel for Nellie Melba; and Woman with a Parasol is expressed through apricot and rosemary, finished with a delicate chocolate parasol. It doesn’t get more inventive than this. 

From £80 per person, visit rosewoodhotels.com 

Hotel Café Royal, Regent Street

Inspired by the life, work and enduring influence of David Bowie, Hotel Café Royal is celebrating its relationship with one of the world’s biggest stars with a sophisticated afternoon tea available until 29 March 2026. The launch commemorates the retirement of Bowie’s otherworldly alter ego, Ziggy Stardust, with a legendary farewell party, the Last Supper, following his final performance at the Hammersmith Odeon in July 1973. The unique menu has been created as an anniversary tribute to Bowie, marking 10 years since his death. It includes a selection of finger sandwiches which reference Bowie’s career: expect the Thin White Duke filled with cucumber, cream cheese and poppy seeds, and the Stardust Caesar, featuring egg mayonnaise with anchovy.

Sweet treats include the Green Suit – a pistachio sponge with praline and whipped ganache, which is a nod to the green suit Bowie wore for the Tin Machine concert in 1991 – and the Midnight Orange cake, aka a chocolate éclair with orange caramel, representing the Kansai Yamamoto jumpsuit worn to promote the Aladdin Sane tour in 1973. Bowie-branded plain and raisin scones will also be served, accompanied by jams and preserves. Famously, Bowie was partial to Japanese green tea, and an expertly sourced selection has been curated to accompany the afternoon tea, alongside a collection of loose-leaf oolongs, darjeelings and French champagnes. Finally, a special Bowie Gin and Olive cocktail, made with Café Royal Gin, will also be available, inspired by the singer’s penchant for gin martinis with two green olives.

From £85 per person, visit hotelcaferoyal.com

Twenty8 NoMad, Covent Garden

Enjoy a New York-inspired afternoon tea at The NoMad’s new Twenty8 restaurant. Hosted beneath the iconic soaring glass atrium in the vintage palm court, the menu reimagines classic elements through a modern American lens – from savoury bites like egg salad with black truffle and chive, and a blue cheese scone with sage, to inventive pastries crafted by NoMad London’s pastry team. 

Sweet highlights include pumpkin cheesecake, and almond and blackcurrant frangipane tart, alongside freshly baked scones served with clotted cream and rum currant and orange zest jams. Pair with a pot from the rare tea selection, or elevate the experience with a glass of champagne or chilled sparkling tea. Perfectly positioned opposite the Royal Opera House and moments from the West End for those catching shows from The Book of Mormon to The Devil Wears Prada, think of this as the perfect destination for a pre-theatre pitstop, mid-shopping spree or just for something a little different.

From £75 per person, visit hilton.com

Lucky Cat by Gordon Ramsay, Bishopsgate

Putting an Asian spin on the classic afternoon tea 60 floors above The City, Lucky Cat’s menu is perfect for non-traditionalists. Served exclusively from Monday to Friday, the experience begins with a selection of handcrafted nigiri before three sandos filled with shiso cured salmon with wasabi crème fraiche, kyoto cucumber, and short rib in yuzu mustard. Next up, the usual patisserie has been replaced with sweet small bites including yuzu meringue tartlets, matcha and strawberry sando, and miso brownie with white chocolate ganache. Pair with classic or herbal teas, or go all out with a glass of Perrier-Jouet champagne or Akashi-Tai sparkling sake. 

From £50 per person, visit gordonramsayrestaurants.com

Duck & Waffle, The City

Sky-high, 24-hour restaurant Duck & Waffle launched its inaugural afternoon tea earlier this month. A theatrical reimagining of the classic tradition, served 40 floors above the city, the experience begins with a showstopping tableside moment: a hand-painted duck egg inspired by the restaurant’s signature dish. Crack it open to reveal a curated selection of sweet and savoury bites by executive chef Jonathan Bowers.

Highlights include duck liver tartlet with orange marmalade, cubano sandwiches with ham, comté and pickles, lobster rolls with jalapeño and dill, sticky toffee waffles, and a decadent hazelnut croquembouche. Optional champagne and bespoke cocktail pairings are available, and guests will receive a complimentary glass of Veuve Clicquot with every booking until the end of March 2026. Be quick. 

From £55 per person, visit duckandwaffle.com

Brasserie of Light, Oxford Street

Brasserie of Light launched its first-ever afternoon tea last year and it has since become a staple in the sophisticated Selfridges restaurant. Served from 3pm daily, the Pegasus afternoon tea is presented on a silver tray that nods to the restaurant’s pegasus soaring above and begins with a selection of savoury bites including smoked salmon and cream cheese on rye bread, a free-range egg and cress croissant, and a truffle chicken brioche. 

No afternoon tea is complete with scones and all the trimmings, as well as a selection of intricate patisserie: a mini strawberry, vanilla and white chocolate cheesecake, a tropical coconut and rum panna cotta, indulgent chocolate bubbles with brownie. Pair with a curated selection of fine teas, from classic breakfast blend to fragrant jasmine pearls and fresh mint as well as barista-crafted coffees and decadent hot chocolate. For those seeking extra sparkle, opt for a glass of GH Mumm champagne for an additional £19.

From £45 per person, visit brasserie-of-light.co.uk

The Lanesborough, Hyde Park Corner

If you're after traditional pastries with an Instagrammable twist, this is the afternoon tea for you. Settle down in five-star comfort in the hotel’s pretty powder-blue dining room, The Lanesborough Grill, before sampling the Bridgerton afternoon tea inspired by the smash-hit Netflix series' latest instalment. Expertly crafted by head pastry chef Jolan Thiry, the menu pays tribute to the key characters via Benedict’s Masquerade – an indulgent chocolate and tonka mousse with hazelnut praline, set upon a chocolate sable with a masquerade mask – and the Lady in Silver. Crowning the lavish tea stand, this enchanting sharing cake serves as a tribute to Sophie, this season’s leading lady, with a sponge layered with zesty lemon, vanilla whipped cream and yuzu gel.

Drinks are no afterthought, and we recommend pairing with the Forbidden Love cocktail – Hendrick’s Gin is artfully blended with vanilla and lemon, and finished with London Essence peach and jasmine soda for a floral, effervescent flourish, or the non-alcoholic Beneath the Mask, featuring notes of passion fruit, lychee, vanilla and lemon.

From £92 per person, visit oetkerhotels.com

The Fuji Grill at Beaverbrook Town House, Chelsea

Launching hot on the heels of the Fuji Grill’s new tapasu-inspired menu, this playful reimagining of a British classic blends Japanese savoury bites with indulgent patisserie. At the heart of the Sweet and Savoury afternoon tea lies an irresistible celebration of temaki: delicate hand rolls traditionally found in Northern Japan, but given a contemporary, taco-style twist. 

Served in the elegant Sir Frank’s Bar or on Beaverbrook Town House’s sun-dappled terrace, savoury highlights include temaki rolls of black cod and spicy tuna and confit duck 'shumai' dumplings, before sweet treats of zesty lemon tart with hazelnut, silky milk chocolate mousse with miso caramel, and a delicate blueberry macaron. A curated selection of premium Japanese loose-leaf teas accompanies the experience, or pick from the champagne menu to toast with a glass of bubbles. Fancy a snack to take home? Head to the Fuji Grill’s new patisserie counter to pick up a selection of handcrafted Japanese sweets, from the yuzu snow cake to matcha mille crêpe cake. 

From £45 per person, visit beaverbrooktownhouse.co.uk

Brown’s Hotel, Mayfair

Tucked away moments from Bond Street, Regent Street, and London’s most famed landmarks, Brown’s Hotel is a luxury hideaway in the heart of Mayfair offering a summer afternoon as elegant and refined as the hotel itself. Served in the Drawing Room, the summer menu includes a selection of classic finger sandwiches – think prawn cocktail with crispy shallots, and coronation chicken brioche – freshly baked scones, decadent strawberries and cream, and an elegant selection of pastries and sweet treats. Highlights include vanilla religieuse, indulgent chocolate layer cake and citrus meringue tart. 

Guests are also invited to try the extensive tea offering, curated in partnership with the Rare Tea Company, and served by expert tea sommeliers, providing personalised guidance in finding the perfect blend to complement each course. For those wanting to elevate the experience further, tea can be replaced with a chilled glass of Laurent-Perrier champagne. The Drawing Room also caters to plant-based guests and offers children’s afternoon tea menus. 

From £80 per person, visit roccofortehotels.com

Cinnamon Bazaar, Covent Garden and Richmond

Fed up with traditional afternoon tea? Cinnamon Bazaar has reimagined the classic by incorporating the bold flavours of India in its High Chai afternoon tea. Served in Covent Garden and Richmond, indulge in street food-style chaats, masala fish finger sandwiches and saffron pistachio macarons, served with a pot of Jing tea and Indian masala chai – or take things up a notch with a chai bellini. 

From £27.50, visit cinnamon-bazaar.com 

Seventy Five at Liberty London, Soho 

Last year, Liberty London overhauled its flagship, second-floor restaurant to bring a touch of the luxurious elegance the department store is renowned for to its menus. Case in point is Seventy Five's afternoon tea, which is available every day of the week and features a selection of savouries and picturesque patisserie, from chalk stream trout filo tarts topped with roe to pistachio praline and clotted cream shortbread, alongside buttermilk scones with clotted cream and jam. For a touch of sparkle, level up with a glass of Bollinger.

From £50 per person, visit libertylondon.com

Oblix at The Shard, London Bridge

A delectable high tea served with a side of serious views, an afternoon spent at Oblix is an afternoon well spent. Hosted in the restaurant's East Wing, and offering guests a contemporary take on a beloved English tradition, delicate savouries are served with an ice-cold tipple of your choice (we recommend Piper-Heidsieck bubbles, obviously). Pristine plates present delicious brioche buns with prawn, avocado and celery, and free-range egg mayonnaise with black truffle, before finely-cut finger sandwiches filled with smoked Scottish salmon with seaweed and cucumber, and coronation chicken with sweet mango chutney.

The perfectly-proportioned cranberry and plain scones – no more than two mouthfuls, which means you can actually finish them – are served with orange and raspberry preserve and lathers of clotted cream. Finish with signature pastries, including a vanilla caramel tart, Oblix hazelnut rocher and orange carrot cake.

While there are plenty of piping-hot teas to choose from – think assam breakfast, organic sencha, and jasmine pearls – one of Oblix's afternoon tea USPs is its three drinks packages: non-alcoholic cocktails, including mocktails like grapefruit and jasmine spritz, prosecco and cocktails together, and then the high-end champagne and cocktails selection. Whichever you choose, you're guaranteed a good time.

From £59 per person, visit oblixrestaurant.com

The Georgian, Knightsbridge

Steeped in history, The Georgian opened in 1911 and is Harrods' oldest restaurant – so it was only fitting that it should serve a time-honoured tradition like afternoon tea. Until 3 March 2026, enjoy the exclusive Spring Festival menu offering a number of limited-edition Asian-inspired bites alongside signature sandwiches and scones. Expect shiso leaf-wrapped crispy duck and hoisin followed by the likes of a black sesame and raspberry bretonne and a decadent chocolate and salted caramel bar embellished with a symbolic horse. Vegan options are available too, and can be paired with a selection of Harrods teas or champagne.

From £82 per person, visit harrods.com

Rails Restaurant, King’s Cross

All aboard for a taste of the golden age of rail travel with Great Northern Hotel’s new afternoon tea, inspired by its history as London's original railway hotel and the destinations served from nearby King's Cross station. The menu features flavours as diverse as the routes that depart from the station, with a selection of savouries including a smoked salmon from the Isle of Skye paired with crème fraîche, dill on beetroot bread roulade, as well as a pear and pistachio tart hailing from Kent. Fruit and plain scones are served with plenty of strawberry jam and Cornish clotted cream, and can be paired with either loose-leaf blends from East India Tea Company, Nyetimber English sparkling wine or Billecart-Salmon champagne.

From £41.50 per person, visit railslondon.com

Royal Lancaster London, Lancaster Gate

Welcome the changing of the seasons at Royal Lancaster London with its Blooming British afternoon tea, in collaboration with the Natural History Museum. Promising a floral-inspired twist on a quintessential British tradition, this afternoon tea honours the flora, fauna and pollinators on our doorstep and uses only locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Designed to help support a future where people and pollinators thrive, expect an array of artistic sweet treats such as the Pear Baba – English Williams pear, Poire William soaked baba and chantilly cream – pumpkin cheesecake, and a honey cake known as the Beehive. Vegan and children's options are also available. 

From £49 per person, visit royallancaster.com

Corinthia, Embankment

Corinthia London will be celebrating summer in the best way it knows how: by serving a classic afternoon tea with plenty of champagne and caviar. Seasonal treats are complemented by an extensive range of traditional and exclusive tea blends, while stand-out sandwiches include secret smokehouse salmon with lemon, coronation chicken on white bread, and salted cucumber with chilli and coconut yogurt. The cakes and pastries are a delight for the senses, featuring apples and Speculoos gateaux, and pistachio and white chocolate cookies, all accompanied by scones alongside strawberry and rhubarb jam and Cornish clotted cream.

From £85 per person, visit corinthia.com

The Ivy Asia, across London

The famed Asian restaurant in Mayfair, Chelsea and St Paul’s, part of The Ivy Collection, offers an afternoon tea that put an Eastern twist on the classic. Coupled with a glass of Perrier-Jouet champagne, sample some of the brand’s delectable small dishes and popular sweet bites – think aromatic duck spring rolls, vegetable dumplings and spicy avocado maki roll, and finish off with white chocolate choux buns, and raspberry macaroons – while taking in the signature green marble flooring and oriental furnishings. 

From £33.95 per person, visit theivyasia.com

The Kensington, South Kensington

Images: Justin De Souza

In celebration of the V&A’s acclaimed Marie Antoinette Style exhibition, five-star London hotel The Kensington continues its ode to 18th-century decadence with its afternoon tea, Let Us Eat Cake. Drawing inspiration from the fashion, gardens and lavish court life of the fêted French queen, the menu features a selection of patisserie, including Le Gâteau du Jardin – a strawberry genoise sponge layered with vanilla Chantilly and fresh strawberries – and Le Brisé de la Dauphine: a delicate lemon shortbread shaped like a fan. Savouries include refined finger sandwiches such as French chicken tarragon on white bread, and avocado purée, sundried tomatoes and crumbled feta on a savoury pink brioche roll before scones and all the trimmings.

We'd recommend pairing with The Queen’s Coupe – a royally indulgent cocktail featuring Belvedere vodka, Pimms, Earl Grey cordial, clarified clotted cream, and Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve NV, served with a rose petal and raspberry rim.

From £59 per person, visit doylecollection.com

The Stafford, St James’s

The Stafford London, renowned for its timeless elegance and exceptional hospitality, has just relaunched its sophisticated afternoon tea, offered daily from 12-5.30pm. Served from a bespoke cake trolley for an added sense of theatre and occasion, and to allow guests to choose their preferred cakes and pastries, this afternoon tea is perfect for those with a sweet tooth, thanks to the yuzu lemon tarts, and spiced pear compote with poached pear ganache choux on offer.

To accompany the sweet slices, expect truffled egg and watercress brioche buns and sandwiches such as honey-roasted ham with mustard mayonnaise and classic coronation chicken, alongside plain, raisin or cheddar scones. For those wishing to celebrate in style, enjoy a chilled glass of champagne from the extensive wine list.

From £78 per person, visit thestaffordlondon.com

Aqua Shard, London Bridge

Served high above the city skyline in the venue’s triple-height atrium, Aqua Shard invites you to whisk the kids off to Neverland with its Peter Pan afternoon tea, in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital. Inspired by the magical characters of J.M Barrie’s beloved story, with confections including Tinker Bell cookies, Captain Hook's Battenburg and You Can Fly – milk chocolate mousse, yuzu cremé and pickled mushroom – this nostalgic offering is served on tea stands inspired by Captain Hook’s ship, the Jolly Roger, floating atop a mystical sea of dry ice.

Drinks are just as spectacular, with a special Fairy Dust cocktail on offer (vodka, apple liqueur, fresh lime, and sugar syrup). Those who like their afternoon tea a little more traditional can enjoy two specials created for the occasion: the Darling Tea and the Adventure Tea. So, that’s the second star to the right, then straight on ‘til morning. See you there.

From £70 per person, visit aquashard.co.uk

The Guardsman, Buckingham Gate

Inspired by the native flora of London's Royal Parks, this brilliantly British afternoon tea from The Guardsman looks just as delightful as it tastes. Begin with a selection of sandwiches, from Burford brown egg mimosa and rocket mayonnaise to Goldstein Scottish salmon and garden herb cream cheese, followed by irresistible pastries including carrot cake shaped like a flower pot and fresh mango tart, alongside freshly baked scones with Dorset clotted cream and jams. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free afternoon teas are all available, and the price includes a glass of champagne for good measure.

From £65 per person, visit guardsmanhotel.com

The Savoy, The Strand

Served in the glamorous pink-hued surroundings of The Savoy's newly-opened Gallery restaurant, guests have been coming to this hotel on The Strand for afternoon tea for more than a century. The Savoy’s expert pastry team has devised a menu of signature savouries and sweets, ranging from cucumber and mint ricotta on spinach bread and butternut squash tart with caramelised figs, to mandarin and citrus mousse and apple and custard shortbread. Vegan and vegetarian options are also available and don't forget to add a glass of Nyetimber English sparkling wine or Laurent-Perrier champagne to make the event that much more special.

From £90 per person, visit thesavoylondon.com

The Langham, Fitzrovia

Images: Will Stanley Creative

One of London’s true grande dame hotels, The Langham is the undisputed birthplace of afternoon tea. Still served in the glamorously serene Palm Court, where the very first afternoon tea was served in 1865, its modern offering draws on this extraordinary legacy and the generations of exceptional chefs who have helmed the kitchen. Now overseen by Michel Roux Jr and executive pastry chef Andrew Gravett, The Langham afternoon tea is a celebration of all things British. 

A vast list of Jing teas are served in delicate Wedgwood teacups (or Gusbourne sparkling wine in champagne flutes, if you wish) while pastries include poached pear and vanilla charlotte cake, chestnut and blackcurrant barrette and lemon and hazelnut tart. There are also seasonal finger sandwiches, including coronation chicken with curried butter, aged beef sirloin, and, of course, some of the best scones you’ll find in the city.

From £85 per person, visit palm-court.co.uk

The Dorchester, Hyde Park

Served in the hotel's magnificent Promenade Restaurant, afternoon tea at The Dorchester is about as traditional as they come and begins with a glass of Veuve Clicquot champagne, poured by an impeccably polite, tail-coated waiter. A bounty of crust-free sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream and tiers of almost-too-pretty-to-eat French pastries, featuring chocolate and raspberry choux and mandarin and passionfruit cheesecake. Fanciful fare is complemented by an extensive menu of teas, including The Dorchester's unique house blend. The hotel also offers a children's afternoon tea priced at £50 per head, featuring bite-size sandwiches, cupcakes and milkshakes.

From £95 per person, visit dorchestercollection.com

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