For some, afternoon tea in London conjures up notions of silk stockings, lace curtains and fine bone china, but if you take a closer look, it’s steeped in refined, even theatrical, traditions, which is all part of its charm. The decorum that surrounds this leisurely meal began with its posh origins. In the middle of the eighteenth century, dinner time in Britain had shifted from noon to later in the evening, which did not suit the Duchess of Bedford, Anna Maria Stanhope (1783–1857), one of Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting. So, she asked her servants to bring tea and biscuits to her bedroom in Belvoir Castle at four o’clock each day. Once she began inviting her friends, afternoon tea quickly became a social occasion that spread throughout England. Today, when visiting London, travelers should consider staying at one of London’s many historic hotels to take advantage of their world-class afternoon tea services. With beautiful settings, luxury accommodations, rare teas and plenty of gourmet goodies, the best London hotels for afternoon tea combine the convenience of taking a midday break near your hotel room and a delicious treat that will revive you after a morning of sightseeing.
The Best London Hotels for Afternoon Tea
Claridge’s
Courtesy of Claridge’s
Claridge’s afternoon tea is served in the Theirry Despont designed foyer and reading room – a glamorous setting inspired by the art deco movement of the 1930s. The menu features a selection of decadent sandwiches, such as Clarence Court duck egg with heritage tomato and basil on white bread and Norfolk chicken breast with truffle and parmesan on rye bread, among others. Hand-made pastries, crafted under the guidance of pastry chef Jérôme Chaucesse, are made fresh daily. The in-house tea connoisseur, Henrietta Lovell, selects teas from around the world and works closely with executive chef, Martyn Nail, to ensure each brew complements the food and is expertly prepared and poured. Guests can choose between traditional, champagne or children’s afternoon tea served daily between 2:45 pm and 5:30 pm. Book Now
The Langham
Courtesy of the Langham
Since its luxurious Palm Court opened in 1865, the Langham London became the first grand hotel to ever serve afternoon tea. The menu is overseen by chef Michel Roux Jr. and executive pastry chef Andrew Gravett and takes inspiration from Britain’s classic biscuits and baked tarts. Pastries pair perfectly with their selection of JING tea, a single garden British tea brand, and sparkling wine from Gusbourne, an estate with vineyards in Kent and West Sussex. Menu highlights include roast beef with sauce ‘Albert’ and watercress on caraway bread and ploughman’s cheese scone made with raw milk Isle of Mull cheddar, tamarind pickle and apple. The Langham London serves afternoon tea from Thursday through Sunday between 12:30 pm and 5 pm. Book Now
The Cadogan
Courtesy of the Cadogan
The Cadogan, a Belmond Hotel, is conveniently located between London’s Knightsbridge and Chelsea neighborhoods. Inspired by childhood memories of spending time with his grandmother, chef Adam Handling and his team have created a delicious afternoon tea experience. Open daily from 12 pm to 6 pm, guests can sip on tea while sampling a selection of sandwiches, including classics like smoked salmon and cream cheese with pickled shallot and dill on granary bread. Freshly baked scones and an assortment of sweet treats, such as coffee cake with mascarpone cream and fig leaf and blackcurrant tarts, are also served up daily. The kitchen is proud to use some of London’s best seasonal, sustainably sourced ingredients for their ever-changing menus. Book Now
The Savoy
Courtesy of the Savoy
Since 1889, travelers from all over the world have been coming to the Thames Foyer London to enjoy afternoon tea at the Savoy. Located in the heart of the hotel, the foyer has a stunning glass-domed atrium with a gazebo from which a pianist plays during the day. They offer more than 30 tea varieties served along with finger sandwiches, such as coronation chicken and Himalayan salt-cured cucumber with sundried tomato hummus, as well as home-made scones with clotted cream, jam and lemon curd and a selection of pastries. Guests can also add a glass of Louis Roederer Brut Premier or Deutz Rosé to complete the experience. Afternoon tea is served from Monday through Tuesday between 12 pm and 4 pm (last seating at 2:45 pm) and from Wednesday through Sunday from 12 pm to 6 pm (last seating at 4:45 pm). Book Now
The Ritz
Courtesy of the Ritz
The Ritz London has been serving afternoon tea since 1906. Today, guests can choose between traditional afternoon tea or champagne afternoon tea. The traditional afternoon tea is served in the Palm Court surrounded by twinkling chandeliers, glittering mirrors and fresh flowers. They serve 18 different types of loose leaf tea alongside scones with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry preserve, as well as sandwiches, teacakes and pastries. The champagne afternoon tea can be enjoyed with musical accompaniment from resident pianist Ian Gomes. Sittings for afternoon tea take place daily at 11:30 am 1:30 pm, 3:30 pm, 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm. Please be mindful of the dress code: gentlemen are required to wear a jacket and tie; jeans and sportswear are not permitted for ladies or gentlemen. Book Now
The Ned
Courtesy of the Ned
The Ned by Soho House is a hotel and members’ club in the City of London with nine restaurants. Afternoon tea is served in Millie’s Lounge set amidst the Grand Banking Hall, which features original, double height, wrought iron windows, vaulted ceilings and verdite columns. In addition to afternoon tea classics of cakes, scones and sandwiches, guests can order ham hock scotch eggs with gribiche sauce and Jersey Rocks oysters. Tea is served from Monday to Friday between 2 pm and 5 pm, as well as Saturday from midday to 5 pm. Book Now
The Goring
Courtesy of the Goring
Built in 1910, the Goring is the only luxury hotel in London that is still owned and run by the family that built it. They have been perfecting the art of afternoon tea since the hotel opened its doors over a century ago. Guests can enjoy a pot of the Goring Afternoon Blend, their signature blend of Assam and second flush Darjeeling. Afternoon tea also comes with pastries, scones and sandwiches, which also pair well with a glass of Bollinger Special Cuvée Champagne or Bollinger Rosé Champagne along with hand-picked strawberries. Afternoon tea is served in the hotel’s veranda from Monday through Friday at 3:30 pm, 4 pm and 4:30 pm, as well as Sunday from 1 pm to 4 pm. On Saturday, afternoon tea is served in the dining room from 1 pm to 4:30 pm. Book Now
Jam first, or clotted cream?
Scone preparation has been a topic of much debate for generations. The Cornish tradition is to spread the jam on a halved scone and then add clotted cream on top. It’s been reported that the Queen prefers her scones this way. However, in other parts of England, such as Devon, it is common to add the cream first and then the jam. Both ways are fine, so you’ll just have to find the order that best suits your taste.
If you enjoyed The Best London Hotels for Afternoon Tea, check out other travel articles about historic hotels.
