London Afternoon Tea

(London, England, UK)



The Victorians established afternoon tea as a true British tradition. This very social occasion quickly became a time for ladies to dress up in the latest fashions, share the latest gossip and show off their homes.

Nowadays, afternoon tea provides an ideal time to take a break, relax and enjoy much more than just the great British cuppa. So, why not step back in time and pamper yourself with a sumptuous afternoon tea in one of the following venues.


The Ritz

Address: 150 Piccadilly, London, W1J 9BR
Tel: +44 (0)20 7493 8181
Step back to a more refined era and see how the gentry took their afternoon tea. Complete with musical entertainment and impeccable service, taking tea at The Ritz symbolises the height of luxury and indulgence. Everybody has the same tea determined by the maitre'd and a jacket and tie are required for gentlemen. Early booking is essential at this very famous location.
Tea: 3 sittings at 13:30, 15:30 and 17:30 daily
Average price: GBP 27.00 per person
Nearest tube station: Green Park

Brown's Hotel

Address: Albemarle Street Mayfair, London, W1S 4BP
Tel: 020 7518 4108 (booking is essential)
Opened in 1937, James Brown's stylish hotel immediately became a popular haunt for the wealthy aristocracy. Many famous people have enjoyed afternoon tea at this historic location, including Agatha Christie amongst others. The drawing room is an elegant and peaceful setting for tea, which includes a generous serving of sandwiches and scones.
Tea: 14:00 to 18:00
Average price: GBP 25.00 per person
Nearest tube station: Green Park

The Carlton Towers

Address: Cadogan Place, London, SW1X 9PY
Tel: +44 (0)20 72351234
This five-star hotel in the heart of Knightsbridge offers an excellent range of traditional teas. Opened in 1961, it was the first modern luxury hotel to open in this very exclusive area. Afternoon tea options include champagne and strawberries, although the speciality teas and cakes are the main attraction. The elegant and peaceful setting of the Chinoiserie provides beautiful harp music. Afterwards, take a stroll in the hotel's picturesque garden. Children are very welcome and well catered for.
Tea: 15:00 to 18:00
Average price: GBP 20.00 per person
Nearest tube station: Knightsbridge

Claridge's

Address: Brook Street, Mayfair, London, W1A 2JQ
Tel: +44 (0)20 7629 8860
Famous for its art deco interior, this beautiful hotel is hidden away in Mayfair. It has been recently refurbished and the new-look Foyer and Reading Rooms are well worth seeing. With a selection of 14 teas, freshly-made scones and pastries from the hotel's patisserie, the afternoon tea is accompanied by a piano and violin duo. A jacket and tie are required for gentlemen after 18:00.
Tea: 15:00 to 17:30
Average price: GBP 26.00 per person
Nearest tube station: Tottenham Court Road

The Dorchester

Address: 53 Park Lane, London, W1A 2HJ
Tel:+44 (0)20 7629 8888 (reservations essential)
The luxury hotel has won the Tea Council's award for the Best Afternoon Tea in London for 2000 and 2002. Although over 3,000 meals are served each day, the hotel pays particular attention to its famous and renowned afternoon tea. Tea is served by highly courteous and efficient staff in the Promenade, a truly opulent setting. Afternoon and Champagne Tea includes a glass of pink champagne. High Tea is served slightly later and is an ideal pre-theatre meal with many savoury choices.
Tea: 14:30 to 18:30
Average price: GBP 23.50 per person
Nearest tube station: Marble Arch

Fortnum and Mason

Address: Piccadilly, London, W1A 1ER
Tel: +44 (0)20 7734 8040
For almost 300 years, Fortnum and Mason have served tea and is the original London tea house. The extensive food store stocks more than 100 different blends, including many unusual and exotic teas from China, Japan, India and Ceylon, together with their own in-house infusions and a wide range of green teas. Afternoon tea is served in the St James' Tea-room. Choose from a Traditional Tea, a Champagne Tea or High Tea.
Tea: 15:00 to17:30
Average price: GBP 20.00 per person
Nearest tube station: Green Park

The Landmark

Address: 222 Marylebone Road, London, NW1 6JQ
Tel: +44 (0)20 7631 8000
Opened more than 100 years ago, the Landmark has a massive Victorian central atrium. The high ceiling allows large palm trees to happily grow in this fantastic central location. In the winter, the hall is floodlit and together with the lush plants, this gives a strong feeling of summer. With delicious tea and cakes, this venue is perfect for a sumptuous afternoon tea.
Tea: 15:00 to 18:00
Average price: GBP 20.00 per person
Nearest tube station: Marlyebone

Orangery at Kensington Palace

Address: Kensington Gardens, London, W8 3UY
Set in the grounds of historic Kensington Palace, the Orangery was built by Queen Anne in 1705. It was originally used as a venue for entertaining in the summer, and to store plants in the winter. The beautiful and tranquil Kensington Gardens are nearby and are open to the public, providing a peaceful oasis. Afternoon tea is superb and the views are simply breathtaking. Tea may include fresh strawberries and double cream, depending on the season.
Tea: 15:00 to 17:00
Average price: GBP 10.00 per person (reservations not possible)
Nearest tube station: High Street Kensington Tube

Sotheby's Café

- 34-35 New Bond Street, London, W1
Situated in the shopping district of Bond Street, Sotheby's Café provides an excellent venue for afternoon tea. The extremely popular and sophisticated café is set in the surroundings of the world's most famous auction house. Afternoon tea offers house-blended teas and a mouth-watering selection of cakes and scones at very reasonable prices.
Tea: 15:30 to 16:45
Average price: GBP 5.00 to GBP 10.00 per person
Tel: +44 (0)20 7293 5077
Nearest tube station: Bond Street