“There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.” — Henry James
If your next travel destination is London, you are in for a treat. I cannot think of a better city for indulging in afternoon tea! From historic hotels to charming tea rooms, the city offers an array of venues where you can sip, savor, and unwind. So as part of your London itinerary make sure to stop by one of these locales for a delicious, hot cup of tea.
***
Working with a personal travel advisor is a great way to simplify your trip planning while maximizing your time once you reach your destination. Click here to learn about some of the bespoke services I offer!
***
The Promenade at The Dorchester
As you step into The Promenade, located within the iconic 5-star luxury hotel, The Dorchester, you’ll be greeted by Corinthian columns, gold leaf accents, and plush velvet sofas. Whether you’re meeting friends, celebrating a special occasion, or simply indulging in a quiet afternoon, The Promenade is a place where memories are made—one cup of tea at a time. From the delicate finger sandwiches to freshly baked scones, warm and crumbly, served with clotted cream and strawberry jam, the pastries are miniature works of art. But it’s not just about the food. The attentive staff ensures that your teapot is always full, and the tea selection is extensive. Choose from classic blends like Earl Grey or explore more exotic options. And if you’re feeling extra indulgent, why not add a glass of champagne from the dedicated champagne bar?
The Chesterfield Mayfair
The Original Sweetshop Afternoon Tea at The Chesterfield Mayfair is a lovely location to revel in sweet indulgence, from the whimsical smoking pink lemonade to the delightful sweetshop-themed cakes. You’ll enjoy chocolate scones and mouth-watering finger sandwiches—finely sliced smoked salmon on beetroot bread, complemented by an impressive selection of loose-leaf teas. For an extra touch of luxury, add a chilled glass of Lanson Champagne to accompany your decadent treats. It comes as no surprise that The Chesterfield Mayfair’s afternoon tea received the prestigious Award of Excellence at the 2023 Afternoon Tea Awards. It promises an extraordinary and memorable outing for tea aficionados.
Related: Top Luxury Hotels in London
The Drawing Rooms at the Ampersand
The ambiance at The Drawing Rooms is a delightful blend of an English drawing room and a salon de thé. Here you’ll find a one-of-a-kind experience—the Science Afternoon Tea, completely unique to The Ampersand. This award-winning tea was crowned Best Themed Afternoon Tea at the Afternoon Tea Awards a few years ago. What makes it extraordinary? Expect a mix of exciting and curious dishes, from jellies served in petri dishes to chocolate spacemen and dinosaur biscuits. The Drawing Rooms are popular with Kensington locals and those seeking a quiet corner in this discreet London address. The feeling is both intimate and buzzing, with sunshine pouring in through the large Victorian windows. And if you can’t make it to The Drawing Rooms, don’t worry! You can enjoy their delightful afternoon tea from the comfort of your hotel with their convenient delivery service
Indigo at One Aldwych
Indigo is both a signature restaurant and the neighborhood jewel famed for its flavor at One Aldwych. Whether you’re staying at the hotel or visiting Covent Garden, Indigo’s calm and elegant space overlooking the vibrant Lobby Bar offers a prime position. It’s the perfect spot to keep an eye on the hotel’s comings and goings while enjoying breakfast, brunch, or dinner. The mantra behind the scenes at Indigo is that good food always starts with great ingredients. That’s all thanks to Head Chef Dominic Teague who crafts seasonal menus that fuse British culinary traditions with an inventive approach to cooking. All ingredients are carefully sourced from local and regional suppliers, often featuring foraged foods and forgotten flavors. On top of that, every dish at Indigo is entirely gluten and dairy-free, ensuring that guests with dietary preferences can indulge without compromise.
Related: Top Neighborhoods to Visit in London
The Lanesborough Hotel
The hotel has been awarded the No. 1 Hotel in London in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards. Its prime location near Hyde Park and exclusive shopping districts adds to its allure. The Michelin-starred Céleste restaurant within The Lanesborough Hotel offers an exquisite afternoon tea experience. Imagine delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and an array of sweet treats. Whether you choose the vibrant Library Bar or the charming Garden Room, both spaces provide delightful ambiance. The Lanesborough Hotel’s afternoon tea is also a multiple-time winner of the UK Tea Council’s Award of Excellence. With pianists playing in the background on select days, visitors can indulge in a quintessentially British tea, served in either the Regency-style dining room or the elegant ‘Withdrawing Room.
Related: The History of Michelin Stars
Gatsby’s Room at The Beaumont Hotel
Gatsby’s Room is a relaxed and intimate space inspired by the 1926 origins of the building. As you step inside, you’ll immediately feel like you’ve been transported to the glamorous era of the Roaring Twenties. The Beaumont Hotel seamlessly blends English traditions with a light American flair providing the best of both worlds: . All the delicious pastries can be paired with a wide choice of exquisite loose-leaf teas from JING. Gatsby’s Room has been recognized for its excellence. It proudly holds the title of ‘Best Traditional Afternoon Tea’ in the 2024 Afternoon Tea Awards and received the Award of Excellence in 2023. These accolades speak to the quality and memorable experience it offers.
The Guardsman Hotel
This gem nestled just 400 meters from Buckingham Palace promises an experience fit for kings and queens. Imagine sipping tea while the echoes of royal history surround you. The Guardsman’s Royal Parks-inspired afternoon tea draws inspiration from the local flora. You’ll find a delightful array of treats, all homemade with care. From delicate finger sandwiches to warm-from-the-oven scones, every detail is thoughtfully crafted. Picture yourself enjoying Burford brown egg mimosa sandwiches, Goldstein Scottish salmon, and cream cheese delights. The patisserie selection includes Raspberry Posy and Toadstool treats, all served with freshly baked scones and clotted cream. If you’re in the mood for something different, try their Picnic Afternoon Tea. Take your treats to one of London’s stunning parks and enjoy the great outdoors. Finger sandwiches, patisserie delights, and a bottle of Mumm Cordon Rouge Champagne await you.
The Cadogan Lounge by Benoit Blin
Inspired by the Cadogan Place gardens opposite the hotel and the elegant trinket box design of the lounge itself, pastry chef Benoit Blin and his team have created a spectacular Afternoon Tea journey. With a name synonymous with dainty pastries, Chef Benoit Blin brings his 30 years of acclaimed expertise to The Cadogan Lounge. His culinary creativity shines through delicate paprika-smoked cornbread sandwiches and sublime religieuse pastries. Teatime here is à la française, and every bite tells a story. All the offerings are freshly prepared each day, using hearty, traceable, and seasonal ingredients. But that’s not all. The lounge itself is a visual treat. Soaring ceilings, beautiful artwork inspired by the gardens, and a majestic central marble bar create an ambiance that’s both refined and inviting. It’s the perfect setting for a leisurely afternoon tea.
The Landmark London
The Landmark is conveniently located for exploring central London, making Afternoon tea here the perfect break during a day of sightseeing or shopping. This iconic hotel boasts historic grandeur having been in operation since 1899. As soon as you enter the lobby, you are greeted by large marble columns and a stunning glass roof, setting the tone for an unforgettable experience. That said, the Winter Garden restaurant within The Landmark is where the magic happens. Picture a sunlit atrium with towering palm trees, a tranquil pond, and live piano music. Whether you prefer black, green, or herbal, there’s tea to suit every palate. Here, you’ll enjoy your afternoon tea with all the trimmings: delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and an array of delectable pastries.
If you need professional assistance curating your trip to London or any other European destination, check out my personal travel consultancy services here. My services range from flight management to tour excursions to travel insurance to full custom itineraries. Everything you need to plan a successful and memorable trip I’ve got you covered!