Best afternoon tea London: 32 of the most luxurious ways to enjoy cake and a cuppa

The single best afternoon tea in London is a hard thing to define, so we’ve had to make our selection against varying critera. Forgive us for being greedy (it’s in our nature) but the thing is, people are looking for different things when they weigh up the merits of what’s on offer. Are you looking for the best afternoon tea setting or the best afternoon tea scones? Do you like your sandwiches to come in finger form, or do you prefer something a little more robust? You see the conundrum.

We’ve reviewed each entry and included information on their highlights – whether that’s the food, drinks or ambience. And there’s no saying you just have to stick to one, if you're a big afternoon tea fan we think that it is only right that you would begin to work your way through the below and make it your mission to try the entire list.

When it comes to the history of this refined pastime, we have got the lovely Duchess of Bedford to thank for the tradition of afternoon tea, who decided in 1840 that she simply could not last between lunch and dinner without another meal. The Duchess sounds like our kind of woman. Since then, the idea of grazing on sandwiches and scones in the late afternoon has seriously caught on, with nearly everyone agreeing it’s a pretty solid idea. The only controversy that can flare up on the subject of the best afternoon teas comes when we get to the scones. Do you put jam or cream first? People from Devon are passionate that cream should go on their scones first, before being topped with jam; while the crowds in Cornwall insist it’s easier to go with jam first and then top with cream. While we won't wade in on the debate, we know one thing, whichever way the toppings go on a scone they always taste delicious.

Anyway, enough of the talking. If you are on the hunt for the best afternoon tea in London, you’ve come to the right place. Afternoon tea in London can mean many things, whether that’s your traditional offering, something a little quirkier, or even scones paired with bottomless fizz. Check out our picks of the best afternoon teas in London below, and don’t forget to stick your pinky finger out before taking a sip.

The best traditional afternoon teas in London

Sticking to tradition isn’t always a good thing, but it’s generally acknowledged that in the case of afternoon tea, the traditional ones are the best. Check out some of our favourite traditional afternoon teas below that span spreads at London's top hotels and in some of the capital's most refined lounges. Yes, the prices might be punchy, but you do get a LOT of food at each of these fancy afternoon teas, and if you aren't able to finish all your treats, the team will generally box up any leftovers for you to take home for supper. Think of it like two meals in one. 

The Beaumont, Mayfair

What: Afternoon tea at The Beaumont is, for the most part, a traditional affair - sprinkled with a subtle American flourish. This transatlantic-inspired afternoon tea is served in the hotel's glamorous Gatsby Room, complete with studded burgundy bookcases and 20s-style touches, as well as a grand piano in the corner so that guests can enjoy live music while they dine. Once you've taken in your surroundings, allow the friendly and attentive yet relaxed staff to pour you a glass of Blancs de Blancs while you peruse the tea offering (the Jasmine Silver Needle white tea is very good). To start, guests will receive a perfectly-portioned plate of finger sandwiches - including egg mayonnaise, salt beef with red cabbage and apple slaw, and shrimp cocktail - before a tiered cake stand loaded with warm scones (jam and clotted cream included, of course) and beautiful patisseries arrives at your table. Expect twists on American classics, such as apple pie in the form of a macaroon, Mississippi mud pie presented as a miniature tart and, our personal favourite, a vibrant purple blueberry creation with a meringue-like outer crust and oozy compote middle. We'd give it the title of one of the best afternoon teas in Mayfair. 
Where: 8 Balderton Street, Mayfair, London, W1K 6TF
How much: £45 per person, £60 with a glass of Champagne
Book now: Gatsby's Room at The Beaumont

The Stage at The Londoner, Leicester Square

What: Tradition is (mostly) the name of the game at The Londoner Hotel's afternoon tea, which is hosted in its cosy art-deco Champagne bar, The Stage. Each dainty yet decadent course is well paced and kicks off with a palate-cleansing amuse-bouche - ours featured citrusy sorbet, kiwi and a sherbert dust. The theatre continues (this is The Stage after all) with the savoury course, in which a modern cake stand is filled with three checkerboard layers of perfectly square sandwiches: think chicken with truffle mayo, crab with yuzu creme fraiche, cucumber with lemon tahini and spiced egg mayo on sourdough. The scones are warm, biscuit-like and served with clotted cream, homemade strawberry preserve and bergamot curd while the patisseries make a suitable grand finale. British favourites including Victoria sponge and lemon meringue get a contemporary twist. The latter is filled with raspberry and hibiscus compôte, Valrhona Dulcey cream and raspberry chocolate while a perfect lemon meringue dome is light as air and sits on a black pepper Sablé Breton. Oh, and there's a brilliant pianist playing a grand piano - vocals and all - to entertain you while you eat. Talk about ambience. 
Where: 38 Leicester Square, Leicester Square, London, WC2H 7DX
How much: £65 per person, £80 with a glass of Champagne
Book now: The Stage at The Londoner

The Kensington, Kensington

What: What could be more British than an afternoon tea devoted to London’s landmarks? Taking diners on a culinary tour of the city’s architectural feats, The Kensington’s London Landmarks Afternoon Tea features sweets entitled The Gherkin (white chocolate, dark chocolate ganache), Red Telephone Box (rhubarb mousse) and Big Ben (lemon curd tart). Sandwiches include mostly classic options, but you can also sample miniature steak and ale pies and crab cakes with tartare sauce.  
Where: 109-113 Queen's Gate, South Kensington, London, SW7 5LP 
How much: £42 per person 
Book now: The Kensington 

Palm Court at The Langham, Marylebone

What: Claiming to be the spot where afternoon tea was invented over 150 years ago, it's no surprise that The Langham's offering is, without doubt, one the very best in London. Having recently relaunched with an all new menu, courtesy of highly renowned chef Michel Roux Jr, Palm Court's tea combines some classic elements with other more playful reinventions. Wonderfully warm savoury cheese scones are followed by a series of spectacular takes on traditional sandwiches; the highlight being a smoked trout creation topped with horseradish and watercress in caraway bread. However, the real genius of this afternoon tea comes in the form of of the sweet treats, which have all been inspired by classic British biscuits. A stunning tempered custard cream-shaped chocolate comes filled with vanilla cream and wafer biscuit, while an Iced Gem is an almond sable with apricot compote and cream. Add to this the impressive selection of teas being served from the trolley, and the live piano music being played in the background, and you'll struggle to find many places quite as pleasant.
Where: 1C Portland Place, Marylebone, London, W1B 1JA
How much: £65 per person 
Book now: Palm Court at The Langham

Hyde Park Afternoon Tea at Royal Lancaster London, Bayswater

What: The Hyde Park-adjacent Royal Lancaster Hotel is perfectly placed for those exploring London’s largest central Park, and what better way to take a pit stop than with a blissful afternoon tea? The so-called Hyde Park Afternoon Tea is pretty classic - traditional finger sandwiches, fresh-baked scones, and elegant patisserie treats, like a pandan rice cake with coconut mousse and mango flan, or chocolate ganache cake with Earl Grey jelly. There’s a vegan afternoon tea available too, and teas come from Camellia's Tea House.
Where: Lancaster Terrace, W2 2TY
How much: £39 per person, or £55 with a glass of Champagne
Book now: Royal Lancaster Hotel

Rotunda at Four Seasons Ten Trinity Square, City

What: Sitting under the domed ceiling of the Rotunda lounge at the Four Seasons near Tower Bridge, when choosing to book a table here you can do so knowing you will be waited on hand and foot. Staff are attentive and gracious, and the space is very much traditional, with its offering being labelled as The Crown Jewels afternoon tea, inspired by the treasures of the Tower of London. Whatever day of the week you visit, there will be layers of sandwiches, scones and cakes to demolish – as well as a wide selection of teas and Champagnes.
Where: 10 Trinity Square, City, London, EC3N 4AJ
How much: £50 per person, or £53 with a glass of fizz
Book now: Rotunda at Four Seasons Ten Trinity Square

The Petersham, Covent Garden

What: The Petersham in Covent Garden (along with Petersham Nurseries in Richmond) is founded on sustainable principles that ripple throughout everything it does, including its afternoon tea. Each month, it launches a new offering with a charity affiliation, so for every diner, a donation is made to the chosen cause that month. We love the sentiment, and the food is top notch, too. Its 1000 Bamboo Villages Afternoon Tea, for example, raises funds to restore 2 million hectares of degraded land in Indonesia through a village-based bamboo industry. On the menu, you’ll find Scottish girolle arancini and smoked trout blinis, followed by garden herb scones with lobster and crème fraîche plus malt macaroons.
Where: 27-31 King Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 8JB
How much: £55 per person
Book now: The Petersham

The Savoy Thames Foyer, Covent Garden

What: There’s a reason the afternoon tea at The Savoy is world famous – it’s in quite the setting. You’ll be seated under a large glass dome in the hotel’s Thames Foyer, where a pianist will play music as you drink and dine. The menu features a spread of sandwiches, as well as another little savoury option – a fig and goat's cheese tartlet. Scones are served warm, and there are both plain and raisin included, and the cakes are a signature selection of The Savoy pastry teams’ favourites. This isn’t one to miss.
Where: Strand, Covent Garden, London, WC2R 0EU
How much: £65 per person
Book now: The Savoy

Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon, Mayfair

What: The elegant Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum & Mason started off life as an apartment to the Fortnum family themselves, so you know it’s in a prime spot within the Piccadilly department store. Decorated in soft duck egg hues and lit with individual table lamps, this wonderfully traditional spot will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Fortnum & Mason is famous for its homemade still-warm scones, but there will also be finger sandwiches and cakes galore to satisfy both your sweet and savoury tooth.
Where: 181 Piccadilly, Mayfair, London, W1A 1ER
How much: £70 per person
Book now: Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon

The Palm Court at The Ritz, Mayfair

What: Possibly the most famous afternoon tea in the world, the offering from the Palm Court at The Ritz is nothing short of luxurious. Expect to be serenaded by a live pianist while being surrounded by gilded mirrors, marble pillars and palm trees. During your time dining in the Palm Court you’ll be treated to unlimited cakes, scones and sandwiches – all you have to do is ask if you’d like more. Although we challenge anyone to get through the first serve alone. The cakes change regularly with the seasons but the scones remain consistent – both raisin and plain are included – and the sandwiches are filled with things like tarragon chicken and mayonnaise or egg with chopped shallots and watercress.
Where: 150 Piccadilly, Mayfair, London, W1J 9BR
How much: £62 per person
Book now: The Palm Court at The Ritz

The Promenade at The Dorchester, Mayfair

What: Filled with palms and pink marble, The Promenade at The Dorchester is over the top in the very best kind of way. While you feast on your afternoon tea, you’ll be treated to a performance by one of the daily pianists, setting a relaxed tone to the whole affair. The afternoon tea menu changes seasonally but you can expect things like a lemon choux bun or a peach and pistachio slice along with the expected scones and sandwiches.
Where: 53 Park Lane, Mayfair, London, W1K 1QA
Book now: The Promenade at The Dorchester

OXO Tower, South Bank

What: The OXO Tower Restaurant delivers that quintessential afternoon tea offering along with stunning views of St Paul’s and the Thames, quite the combo. Alongside your typical sandwiches OXO also offers savoury bites that include morsels like a a chilled cucumber soup and a chorizo madeleine with quince aioli. These are served with a selection of cakes and scones, as you'd expect, as well as offering some seriously good views of London. 
Where: Barge House Street, South Bank, London, SE1 9PH
How much: £35 per person or £45 with a glass of Champagne included
Book now: OXO Tower

The Foyer & Reading Room at Claridge’s, Mayfair

What: Bedecked in that quintessential Claridge’s blue, the Foyer & Reading Room at this top London hotel helps you feel like you’re somewhere sophisticated from the moment you step through its doors. It’s here that afternoon tea is served, in all its pomp and ceremony. As you might expect there is silver, there is fine English china, and there will be a pile of edible delights. You can expect to tuck into the usual sandwich selection - including cucumber, egg mayonnaise, and ham – as well as fruit and plain scones, and a selection of pastries, cakes and biscuits.
Where: 55 Brook Street, Mayfair, London, W1K 4HR
How much: £75 per person, or £85 with a glass of Champagne
Book now: Foyer & Reading Room

Jean-Georges at The Connaught, Mayfair

What: Right in the heart of Mayfair, this high-end hotel is a fitting backdrop to the very loveliest of celebrations. Stepping things up a little from the usual fare, Jean-Georges at The Connaught offers an amuse-bouche before your sandwiches (which come with fillings like tandoori turkey or homemade salt beef), which are then followed by a plate of pretty desserts and a final flurry of scones. And just when you think it’s all over, your waiter will spin you a parting gift of candy floss to take with you on your way, a real delight if you have little ones with you.
Where: Carlos Place, Mayfair, London, W1K 2AL
How much: £60 per person or £70 with a glass of Champagne
Book now: Jean-Georges at The Connaught

Boozy afternoon tea London

If you want something a little stronger than tea to accompany your afternoon delight, why not try out a boozy afternoon tea instead? Whether it’s cocktails, gin or fizz, our pick of boozy afternoon teas should have something for you. Many offer bottomless cocktails or fizz - similar to a the best bottomless brunch deals - while others give you the choice of a set number of drinks to enjoy alongside your afternoon tea. 

Mr Fogg’s Gin Parlour, Covent Garden

What: Aptly named Tipsy Tea, the afternoon tea at Mr Fogg’s Gin Parlour is a celebration of all things Victoriana and comes with the option to make your meal 'bottomless'. You’ll drink gin-based cocktails served in cutesy teapots, while tucking into a selection of sweet and savoury goods for an experience that's a little different to your usual afternoon tea. Delicate finger sandwiches are swapped out for large varieties, stuffed with the likes of chicken and roast vegetables, while the sweets might see you tucking into double chocolate brownies or buttermilk fruit scones topped with lemon curd.
Where: 48 Newman St, London, W1T 1QQ
How much: £52 per person
Book now: Mr Fogg's Gin Parlour

The Lounge at The Cavendish, St James’s

What: Want to spice up your afternoon tea? Head to The Lounge at The Cavendish hotel where you can enjoy 90 minutes of free-flowing Prosecco or Champagne alongside a range of sweet and savoury delights. You’ll begin with a selection of freshly-made sandwiches, before moving on to scones slathered with clotted cream and preserves. To round things off, tuck into an assortment of miniature cakes and pastries, while toasting with your glass (or glasses) of fizz.
Where: 81 Jermyn Street, St James’s, London, SW1Y6JF
How much: £120 per person with Champagne
Book now: The Lounge at The Cavendish

Lyaness, South Bank

What: Lyaness serves an exquisite Spirited Tea that brings together cocktails and teatime treats, pairing each course with a drink. You'll start with the likes of fragrant roast chicken which is slathered in creamy tarragon mayonnaise. From the sweet side of things, the caramelised banana and chocolate eclair takes you back to your childhood with banoffee undertones and a hint of salt to counteract the sweet inside, while drinks include the refreshingly sweet Rock Melon Gimlet and the rum-based Rosebud which is matched with flavours of galangal and ginger.
Where: 20 Upper Ground, South Bank, London, SE1 9PD
How much: £55 per person, including paired cocktails
Book now: Lyaness

Zetter Townhouse, Clerkenwell

What: Served between 12-4pm, the afternoon tea at Zetter Townhouse is an all-day affair that celebrates classic combis with a twist – egg, cheese and onion, pork belly croquette, brie, chestnuts and apricot… We could go on, but we’re getting hungry. While it may all seem very traditional (and to some extent it is), Zetter’s offering differs in that you can pair your meal with tea-infused cocktails… chin, chin.
Where: 49-50 St John's Square, Clerkenwell, London, EC1V 4JJ
How much: £49.50 per person
Book now: Zetter Townhouse

116 The Athenaeum, Mayfair

What: 116 at The Athenaeum bills its afternoon tea as ‘fit for royalty’. While we can’t promise you’ll bump into The Queen scoffing miniature cakes, we can guarantee that you’ll get to enjoy a whole host of afternoon tea treats. The selection of sandwiches to start include classic fillings such as egg mayo with chive and caraway, while homemade sweets see the likes of a yuzu and lime curd tart and dark chocolate and earl grey tea ganache on the menu. You can also add 90 minutes of free-flowing Prosecco for just £15 extra.
Where: 116 Piccadilly, Mayfair, London, W1J 7BJ
How much: £60 per person with free-flowing fizz
Book now: 116 at The Athenaeum

Tipple Tea at Rockwell, St. James's

What: Known for its inventive cocktails, it is unsurprising that Rockwell's boozy Tipple Tea is truly an experience. Featuring the likes of the Victoria, the bar's take on the negroni infused with earl grey tea and topped with a lemon-zest smoke bubble, or the Miranda, with Ketel One, apple juice, and cotton candy, it's hard to take your eyes off the drinks. But the food is equally as delicious and creative, including choices like the crab roll with bloody Mary sauce or the peach tartelette with Chartreuse jelly. Given that Rockwell is decorated with tons of faux-foliage and art deco designs, it's apparent that the menu must match the fun-loving interior, and your stomach (and possibly your Instagram) will appreciate the visit.
Where: 2 Spring Gardens, London, SW1A 2TS
How much: £48 per person, including paired cocktails, or £36 per person for the non-alcoholic version
Book now: Rockwell

Quirky afternoon tea London

If you’ve had your fill of classic afternoon teas and want to try something a little different, there’s a quirky afternoon tea in London for you. Check out some of the weird and wonderful options to try below. From themed teas through to fully immersive experiences, we can't get enough of a quirky afternoon tea. If you want to go all in, don't miss the Harry Potter afternoon teas which run both across the UK in London each week. 

The Collins Room at The Berkeley, Belgravia

What: With an ever-changing schedule of themed afternoon teas, you never know what to expect from The Berkeley. Right now, you can book in to experience the Pret-a-Portea afternoon tea, which showcases couture cakes inspired by designers from Ganni to Gucci. Check out a Balenciaga Couture ensemble reimagined as a mandarin cheesecake topped with an oversized chocolate hat. Or, see Stella McCartney’s psychedelic jumpsuit depicted as a cassis mousse with blackcurrant jelly. It’s trendy-setting stuff, and runs until April 2022.
Where: Wilton Place, Belgravia, London, SW1X 7RL
How much: £79 per person
Book now: The Colins Room at The Berkeley

The Chinoiserie at The Carlton Tower Jumeirah, Knightsbridge

What: We can safely say that afternoon tea at The Carlton Tower Jumeirah is far from traditional. Created by world renowned pastry chef Jessica Prealpato and inspired by the botanics and flora of iconic Kew Gardens, this unique offering is described as 'a tribute to nature'. The affair begins with appetisers including a salsify rice cracker with cavolo nero, before moving onto bespoke savouries - think a truffle croissant filled with duck egg and black truffle and Forman smoked salmon with pickled shallots and wild garlic crème fraîche. After a sorbet palate cleanser, guests are invited to tuck into a selection of scones and sweets, including shortbread pastry with fennel and ginger marmalade, poached rhubarb with fennel seeds, ginger beer reduction and caramelised fennel seeds. It's pretty epic stuff, and the extensive tea offering is no less impressive. 
Where: Cadogan Place, Knightsbridge, SW1X 9PY
How much: £75 per person
Book now: The Chinoiserie at The Carlton Tower Jumeirah

Mirror Room at Rosewood London, Holborn

What: Rosewood London isn’t known for doing things by halves, and the afternoon tea it offers certainly goes all the way to impress. With an ever-changing menu that reflects the seasons, you can expect your afternoon tea treats to be themed to within an inch of their life. The latest tea is inspired by David Hockney's latest London exhibition, Lightroom: Bigger & Closer (not smaller and further away). It includes intricately designed cakes that and classic savouries.
Where: 252 High Holborn, WC1V 7EN
How much: £75 per person 
Book now: Rosewood London

TING Restaurant & Lounge, London Bridge

What: It's probably useful to know that TING is located on the 35th floor of the Shard, which means you can drink in sky-high views of nearly the whole of London while you dine. Its afternoon tea is also alpine themed, so you can feast on savoury delights such as pretzels with liptauer and cucumber and quark sandwiches, alongside Austrian-inspired pastries, including Sachertorte and Black Forest Gâteaux.
Where: 31 St Thomas Street, London Bridge, London, SE1 9QU
How much: £62 per person or £72 with a glass of Champagne
Book now: TING

Sketch: The Gallery, Mayfair

What: The quirky setting for afternoon tea at Sketch is nearly more renowned than the tea itself. The interiors are all gold, with banquette seating and soft frosted glass globe lighting that will make you feel like you’re on the set of a Wes Anderson film. Once you’ve had enough of drinking in the scene before you, you can get started on the eating part. Assorted finger sandwiches have fillings like coronation chicken and salmon with ricotta and there are alternative unorthodox flavours too, like truffle brioche buns – this is a spot for embracing pure indulgence. Little cakes are included along with scones, and there's a homemade traditional Victoria sponge served from a trolley at your table, for a touch of theatre.
Where: 9 Conduit Street, Mayfair, London, W1S 2XG
How much: £65 per person
Book now: Sketch

Aqua Shard, London Bridge

What: At Aqua Shard you'll find a charming afternoon tea experience inspired by everyone’s favourite childhood tale, Peter Pan. Served in the swanky surrounds of this London Bridge restaurant – a dizzying 31 floors up – the menu includes an array of creative savouries, such as mysteriously named baked pigs and a musroom chimney, as well as freshly-baked scones with homemade jam and clotted cream, and a selection of cakes and pastries.
Where: 31 St. Thomas Street, London Bridge, London, SE1 9RY
How much: £52 per person
Book now: Aqua Shard

Ginza St James’s, St James’s

What: For something a bit different to the usual offering, Ginza St James's has put a Japanese twist on afternoon tea. Instead of finger sandwiches you’ll find sushi, while the tea on offer comes from renowned Japanese tea house Tsujiri. There’s a slant towards more savoury fare on Ginza’s menu but there are a couple of sweets too. Chocolate brownies with coconut biscuit are rich and sweet while the passionfruit curd with lychee sorbet is the perfect finisher. Everything is served on a sculptural wooden stand for added theatre.
Where: 15 Bury Street, St James’s, London, SW1Y 6AL
How much: £49 per person 
Book now: Ginza St James's

The best affordable afternoon teas in London

This entire guide is dedicated to the best afternoon teas in London, which means that even though this lot are a smidge more affordable, they're still the very best in the business. We just like to cater for every budget here at SquareMeal. Luckily, all of these afternoon teas come in at £35 or under, with one great-value option available for under 20 quid!

Ham Yard Hotel, Piccadilly Circus

What: Afternoon tea at Ham Yard Hotel in Soho is taken in The Orangery, a naturally bright and elegant room packed with leafy ferns, a sandstone fireplace and comfortable sofas. It’s here that you can munch your way through traditional sandwiches, plus a couple of savoury bites including a Croxton manor gougere and black pudding sausage roll. Scones are, of course, part of the equation, while patisserie choices include an apple macaron and lemon and raspberry choux. For the quality of food, the choice of tea and the exceptional surroundings, we think £35 ain’t bad.   
Where: One Ham Yard, Piccadilly Circus, London, W1D 7DT 
How much: £35 per person 
Book now: Ham Yard Hotel 

The Ivy, Chelsea

What: The Ivy Chelsea is one of the most impressive and iconic offshoots of this brasserie chain, and it’s easy to see why with its stunning garden and nature-inspired interiors. If you like, you can plump for a cream tea here for just £9.50 per head (tea with scones, clotted cream and jam), but the afternoon tea is similarly affordable at under £30 a head. It’s called the Wonderland Afternoon Tea and features a grilled chicken and truffle mayonnaise brioche roll, a red velvet raspberry Queen cake and a Wonderland juice bottle (the mystery beckons).
Where: 197 King's Road, Chelsea, London, SW3 5ED 
How much: £28.95 per person 
Book now: The Ivy Chelsea 

Dalloway Terrace, Bloomsbury

What: You can’t go wrong with a seat at Dalloway Terrace, where the interiors are so beautiful you won’t be able to stop yourself from snapping a picture. It’s the prettiest backdrop to the daintiest of British traditions, and you can bet its offering is definitely a looker. Look out for stunning treats including Tea Tonique, which is an Earl Grey and green tea jelly with green velvet sponge, and Rose Silence, a delicately scented rose and almond sponge topped with rose cream.  
Where: The Bloomsbury Hotel, 16-22 Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury, London, WC1B 3NN 
How much: £35 per person 
Book now: Dalloway Terrace 

The Wolseley, Mayfair

What: The Wolseley is famed for its careful and attentive service, so expect to be treated like a VIP during your afternoon in the restaurant’s care. Alongside the usual afternoon tea offering, The Wolseley also offers a cream tea (£13.75), giving you the option of just having a scone with cream and jam instead of the whole three-tiered affair. If you do go all in, you can expect assorted finger sandwiches, scones and a selection of pastries, as well as a choice of tea.
Where: 160 Piccadilly, St James's, Mayfair, London, W1J 9EB
How much: £33 per person, £44.50 with Champagne
Book now: The Wolesley

The Wallace, Marylebone

What: We’ve saved the cheapest until last, with the afternoon tea at The Wallace coming in at under 20 quid per head! Bargain. So, what do you get for you money? Start with dainty sandwiches filled with coronation chicken, smoked salmon and dill cream cheese and egg mayo and mustard. Then choose either a plain or fruit scone served with clotted cream and strawberry jam (we’re team fruit), before finally finishing with mini pastries and cakes. A selection of teas are on offer to pair with it, and you could quite easily add a glass of fizz and still be within budget at £26.50. This is our new go-to.   
Where: Hertford House, Manchester Square, Marylebone, London, W1U 3BN 
How much: £19.50 per person 
Book now: The Wallace 

Prefer your afternoon exploits to be a little more unique? Check out our pick of London’s best themed afternoon teas.