Best afternoon tea in London: 29 top-tier spots to book in 2026

The best afternoon tea in London is a hard thing to define, but we like to think we've tried our fair share of very good afternoon teas in the capital, to be able to bring you this definitive list.

Sure, everyone's a little different when it comes to their preferences. Some love the all-out splendour of a traditional afternoon tea, while others seek out places putting their own unique twist on the British pastime. 

The one thing that unites every entry in this list, is quality. We can personally guarantee that every single afternoon tea right here is worth your time and money, whether it's an extravagant £80 affair or a more affordable offering for less than £20 (yes, really). 

We've made sure to include a decent range of afternoon tea menus so that, whether you're a hardcore traditionalist or love a theme, there's an option for you. You're just a few clicks away from your dream afternoon tea.

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're on the hunt for the best afternoon tea in London, you’ve come to the right place. Check out our top-rated picks below and don’t forget to stick your pinky finger out before taking a sip.

The Library Afternoon Tea, South Bank

What: This old-school library overlooking the River Thames whisks you away from the buzz of the Southbank to somewhere altogether more elegant and calm. The Library, nestled inside London County Hall, serves a quality tea menu starting with classic-with-a-twist sandwiches, from coronation chicken with mango chutney to smoked salmon with caper butter, followed by sweet basil scones with lemon curd. It’s really delicious stuff, and the patisseries end on a high, with seasonal treats like a lemon, elderflower and blueberry cheesecake, and a rhubarb, gooseberry and custard syllabub.
Why we love it: There are three afternoon tea menus to choose from – traditional, vegan and Champagne – and the experience is enjoyed overlooking the Thames.

Where: London Marriott County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, SE1 7PB
When: Served daily, 12-5pm
How much: £70 per person
Book now: The Library Afternoon Tea

Swan London, Bankside

What: Literary enthusiasts – you’re going to love this! This Shakespeare-inspired afternoon tea is served inside bankside’s iconic Globe Theatre, complete with views of the Thames while you gorge on creative sweets and savouries. Sandwiches start on a classic note, but it’s the cakes where the team really pull the stops out, with names inspired by famous Shakespearean quotes. The ‘Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day’ from Sonnet 18 is a rose and mead tart with English rose syrup, for example.
Why we love it: A Shakespeare-themed afternoon tea in the Globe Theatre! Need we say more? Plus, there are savoury, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free alternatives that cater for all. 

Where: 21 New Globe Walk, SE1 9DT
When: Served daily, 12-5pm
How much: £42.50 per person
Book now: Swan London

The Stafford, St James’s

What: Like the idea of an afternoon tea crafted by a Michelin-starred chef? The Stafford’s esteemed offering is developed by Michael Caines, so you can expect the highest in precision and quality. The offering is super seasonal, but at the time of writing (spring) the menu includes luxurious sandwiches, like truffled egg brioche buns, freshly baked scones, and pastries spanning an apricot and lavender mousse cake, and a rose, raspberry and pistachio choux.
Why we love it: The seasonal menu means ingredients are ultra fresh and always changing, so you'll rarely try the same thing twice. With Michelin input from one of the UK’s best chefs, it really is a level above most afternoon teas in the capital.

Where: The Stafford London, SW1A 1NJ
When: Served daily, 12:30-4:30pm
How much: £78 per person
Book now: The Stafford

Mr Ma's Afternoon Tea at The Academy Hotel, Fitzrovia

What: This charming tea pays homage to the hotel’s literary connections to Bloomsbury, specifically Chinese author Lao She’s novel, Mr Ma and Son. The menu offers a quintessentially English High Tea experience with an Asian twist, ranging from classic finger sandwiches to egg tarts and sesame Jian Dui dough balls. Quality teas range from classic English breakfast to Earl Grey and jasmine, and you can add a glass of sparkling for an extra £11.
Why we love it: The menu moves seamlessly from traditional savouries to Chinese-inspired pastries, perfect if you’re after something a bit different, but still with all the pomp and grandeur of a traditional tea.

Where: 21 Gower Street, WC1E 6HG
When: Monday to Friday, 12-3pm, Saturday to Sunday, 12-5pm
How much: £38 per person
Book now: Mr Ma's Afternoon Tea at The Academy Hotel

Cinnamon Bazaar, Covent Garden

What: There’s nothing classic about Cinnamon Bazaar’s High Chai tea, bringing a heavy dose of fire and spice to the British pastime. Start with samosa chaat, pani puri and masala fish finger sandwiches, followed by saffron and pistachio macarons, amongst other typical Indian sweet treats. Teas skirt the usual English Breakfast for a selection of fine Jing Teas, or there’s freshly-brewed Masala Chai made in-house with ginger and cardamom. Finally, Cinnamon Bazaar’s signature colourful interiors make for an uplifting backdrop.
Why we love it: For something modern, vibrant and totally different, we’d always recommend Cinammon Bazaar’s afternoon tea. The homemade Masala Chai is to die for, and at £27.50 a head, is very affordable for this part of town.

Where: 28 Maiden Lane, WC2E 7JS
When: Served daily, 12-4pm
How much: £27.50 per person
Book now: Cinnamon Bazaar

Royal Afternoon Tea at the Rubens at The Palace Hotel, Victoria

What: This beautifully-restored five-star hotel overlooks Buckingham Palace, so this is about as close as you’ll get to the Royal Family with a glass of Champagne and a scone in your hand! Elegant and quintessentially British, afternoon tea at the Rubens opens up with classic finger sandwiches, before executive pastry chef Sarah Houghting arrives with beautiful sweets, including the signature ‘Coffee Crown’ - a mascarpone mousse, with espresso and a coffee genoise sponge. An extensive tea collection keeps the British flag flying, and there’s a huge collection of sparkling wine to check out too.
Why we love it: When the team say that this is a Royal Tea, they really mean it. Every moment and dainty treat is the epitome of luxury, from the rich furnishings of the Palace Lounge to the many, many upgrades you can add to your experience, from fizz to cocktails.

Where: 39 Buckingham Palace Road, SW1W 0PS
When: Served daily, 12-5pm
How much: £70 per person
Book now: The Rubens at The Palace Hotel

The Foliage Lounge at The Biltmore, Mayfair

What: Sitting right on Grosvenor Square in Mayfair, you couldn’t ask for a better location than The Biltmore for a special occasion. Afternoon tea is served daily in the plush Foliage Lounge, and currently there's a very lovely Spring Menu to dig your teeth into. Sandwiches are filled with the likes of cucumber and mint cream cheese, and chicken with basil pesto, rocket and sundried tomato mayo, while scones come with British honeycomb and Dorset clotted cream. For the sweet course? Think moist carrot cake with an orange glaze, and fluffy Swiss sponge with vanilla ganache and strawberry gel. 
Why we love it: The selection of JING teas features some really interesting options, while the scones come in a range of delicous flavours, including cranberry and orange, and white chocolate.

Where: 44 Grosvenor Square, London W1K 2HP
When: Served daily, 12:30-5pm
How much: £75 per person
Book now: The Foliage Lounge at The Biltmore Mayfair

The Orchard Room Afternoon Tea at Conrad London St. James, Westminster

What: Elegant and contemporary, The Orchard Room is notable for the stunning glass roof, which bathes the whole room in natural light throughout the day. The Orchard Room’s ‘InfiniTea’ afternoon tea focuses on teas, offering a tea sommelier experience for those that want it. Meanwhile, finger sandwiches, fresh scones and elegant patisserie arrives on a three-tiered stand of Wedgwood Wild Strawberry fine bone china. It’s a little more affordable than some of the other hotel experiences in London too.
Why we love it: Food is served on Wedgwood’s Wild Strawberry fine bone china for an extra pretty touch. And if you're the sort who loves to grab a photo or two for the 'gram, the huge skylight ensures your pics are beautifully lit. 

Where: 22-28 Broadway, SW1H 0BH
When: Served daily, 12-4pm
How much: £62 per person
Book now: The Orchard Room Afternoon Tea at Conrad London St. James

Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum & Mason, St. James's

What: Perhaps London’s most famous tea salon, Fortnum & Mason famously made a name for itself blending tea for King Edward VII in 1902, so it’s a fitting place to enjoy afternoon tea. It’s also one of the few places you can come and have afternoon tea in the morning, with generous hours ensuring that there’s plenty of tea to go around. Sip on Fortnum & Mason’s own tea blends on fine china, and enjoy traditional sandwiches, scones and patisserie treats, like rose eclairs and a blueberry frangipane tart. 
Why we love it: The classic afternoon tea is undoubtedly one of the best in the capital, but if you're after something more adventurous (or luxurious!), there are 'High Tea', savoury and caviar menus instead. 

Where: Fourth Floor, Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly, W1A 1ER
When: Served daily, 11am-7:30pm
How much: £84 per person
Book now: Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum & Mason

The Rosebery at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, Knightsbridge

What: Served from whimsical hanging cake stands, afternoon tea at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park never fails to impress. Currently you'll find The Rosebery at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park serving a History of Royal-Tea - a royally themed afternoon tea packed with nostalgic British flair. Expect a playful trawl through monarchy-inspired classics, from coronation chicken based on Queen Elizabeth II’s 1953 recipe to roast Aberdeenshire beef and Baron Bigod cheese. Sweet treats raise the stakes with Maids of Honour tarts and the late Queen’s beloved chocolate biscuit cake. Every aspect of the tea here is superb, right down to the extensive selection of teas. The Rosebery also offers Champagne, sparkling tea, beer, sake, and non-alcoholic pairings.
Why we love it: The History of Royal-Tea is made for special occasions. It's a generous affair - there are six different savouries alone to kicks things off - and the dainty patisseries really are exceptional. Worth the price tag, for sure.

Where: Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, SW1X 7LA
When: Served daily, 12-7:30pm
How much: £85 per person
Book now: The Rosebery at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park

The Drawing Room at Brown's Hotel, Mayfair

What: Brown’s Hotel exudes old-school charm and historic significance at every turn, and the Drawing Room has hosted some of London’s most illustrious figures, from lords and ladies to politicians, presidents and even royals. The gleaming timber wall panels and marble fireplace are just as elegant as always, and afternoon tea matches the setting, with teas from the Rare Tea Company, and an exceptional Champagne collection that includes Moet & Chandon, Ruinart and Dom Perignon.
Why we love it: Brown's Hotel serves an exquisite range of afternoon teas, be it traditional, Champagne, plant-based or even floral. The historic drawing room is suitably celebration-worthy as well. 

Where: 33 Albemarle Street, W1S 4BP
When: Served daily, 12-6:30pm
How much: £80 per person
Book now: The Drawing Room at Brown's Hotel

Afternoon Tea at The Chesterfield, Mayfair

What: This historic townhouse harks back to the 1700s, and it still has that charming, old-school feel as you sit in a plush armchair sipping tea. Afternoon tea at The Chesterfield is certainly one of the more quirky in the city - the conservatory-style dining room has been transformed into a sweet shop for the Original Sweet Shop Afternoon Tea experience. First, a sweetie cart arrives at the table, crammed with glass jars of sweets for you to create your own pick ‘n’ mix, before you feast on finger sandwiches, colourful pastries and scones. A regular award winner at the Afternoon Tea Awards, you can’t go wrong with tea at The Chesterfield.
Why we love it: The Chesterfield has created a truly original afternoon tea menu packed with nostalgic treats. For quality this high, it's also great value. 

Where: 35 Charles Street, W1J 5EB
When: Served daily, 12-5:30pm
How much: £65 per person
Book now: Afternoon Tea at The Chesterfield

The Milestone Hotel and Residences, Kensington

What: The Milestone doesn’t do afternoon tea by halves. This grand tradition has been elevated to new heights at the Kensington hotel with six different sandwiches and savouries, freshly-baked scones with jam and cream, and a selection of French pastries, tartlets and cakes including a very special signature cheesecake. There are vegan, veggie, gluten-free and halal alternatives too, plus a tea selection spanning a diverse selection of classic and unusual options. 
Why we love it: Alternative teas are all well and good, but if you prefer a more traditional affair, The Milestone does it brilliantly. Our favourite patisserie is the brown butter, grapefruit and lavendar tart. 

Where: 1-2 Kensington Court, W8 5DL
When: Served daily, 1-5pm
How much: £85 per person
Book now: The Milestone Hotel and Residences

The Palm Court at The Sheraton Grand, Mayfair

What: Looking for a quintessential afternoon tea in the heart of London? Palm Court is a beautiful restaurant serving a delicate afternoon tea within The Sheraton Grand - a Mayfair hotel with a history dating back to the roaring 20s. Oozing with British luxury and elegant detail, its 'British Social Season' afternoon tea celebrates all thing British, starting with Clarence Court free-range egg mayonnaise, and cucumber and chive cream cheese sandwiches. Of course, there's fresh scones, clotted cream, and homemade preserves too, as well as sweet treats from the restaurant's very own patissiers - the Pimm's macaron is a favourite. To drink, there's an extensive choice of rare teas as well as premium Champagne and sparkling wine. 
Why we love it: Who can resist the pull of Pimm's macarons and blueberry and lemon Battenberg? This is great British nostalgia in cake form and we're obsessed. 

Where: 122 Piccadilly, W1J 7BX
When: Monday to Friday 2-6pm, Saturday to Sunday 12-6pm
How much: £59 per person
Book now: The Palm Court at The Sheraton Grand

Afternoon Tea at The Beaumont, Mayfair

What: Afternoon tea at The Beaumont is a wholly traditional affair served in the hotel's glamorous Gatsby Room, complete with studded burgundy bookcases and 20s-style touches. Once you've taken in your surroundings, allow the friendly and attentive yet relaxed staff to pour you a glass of fizz while you peruse the tea offering (the Jasmine Silver Needle white tea is very good). Alongside finger sandwiches, there's a very nice truffled egg brioche bun that we often think about, while sweets span a tropical layer cake to a Gianduja choux bun. 
Why we love it: From classy interiors to well executed patisserie, The Beaumont certainly boasts one of London's more luxurious afternoon teas, making it perfect for a special occasion.

Where: 8 Balderton Street, W1K 6TF
When: Served daily, 12-6pm
How much: £70 per person
Book now: Afternoon Tea at The Beaumont

Found Bar & Restaurant, St Paul’s

What: A short stroll from London’s iconic cathedral sits Found, an all-day bar and restaurant within the Lost Property Hotel. Menus put a French twist on this British pastime, with eccentric restaurant interiors complete with a dramatic ceiling installations. Start with a plateful of savouries including egg mimosa sarnies on white loaf, or truffled chicken mayonnaise in a brioche bun, followed by fruit and plain scones that you can smother in clotted cream and fruity preserves. Eye-catching patisseries round off the experience, think frangipane lemon curd tart and coconut pineapple mint mousse. Keep it classic with a range of Newby teas, or opt for a glass of sparkling, or even bottomless fizz, alongside your scones and sarnies.
Why we love it: Right in the centre of the city, it's a great place to enjoy tea and cake after a day of sightseeing (St Paul's and Tate Modern are just a short stroll away). It's less than £40 per person, too. 

Where: 3-5 Ludgate Hill, EC4M 7AA
When: Served daily. 12-5pm
How much: From £39.50 per person
Book now: Found Bar & Restaurant

The Rose Lounge at Sofitel London St James

What: Esteemed pastry chef Lerrick Coelho has developed this Phantom of the Opera afternoon tea menu at Sofitel London St James's, a menu divided into three decadent acts. Act One brings luxurious savouries like Cornish crab tartlets with brown crab custard, while Act Two arrives in a plume of dry ice: a vanilla and rose mousse with raspberry confit and a stunning dark chocolate painted mask. For Act Three, the team brings out a quartet of showstopping patisseries and scones that deserve a standing ovation. 
Why we love it: This dramatic afternoon tea marries quality with a smidgen of theatre. There are vegetarian, gluten-free and vegan alternatives, and even the kids get their own special menu if you want to make it a family affair. 

Where: 6 Waterloo Place, SW1Y 4AN
When: Served daily, 12-5pm
How much: £80 per person
Book now: The Rose Lounge at Sofitel London St James

Gallery at The Savoy, 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 Gallery, where a pianist will play music as you drink and dine. The menu features a spread of sandwiches, as well as other savoury bites, like a shrimp Marie Rose with Keta caviar. 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, including lemon and mint cake, and raspberry tartlet. This isn’t one to miss.
Why we love it: Fancy a late night afternoon tea? Gallery at The Savoy serves theirs until 9:30pm, so you can enjoy sandwiches, scones and cakes for dinner if you so wish.

Where: Strand, WC2R 0EU
When: Served daily, 12-9:30pm
How much: £90 per person
Book now: Gallery at The Savoy

Palm Court at The Ritz, Mayfair

What: Possibly the most famous afternoon tea in the world, and certainly the poshest afternoon tea London has to offer, 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.
Why we love it: The Ritz needs little introduction, and really does deliver all the pizazz you'd expect from the world-famous hotel. Gold interiors, unlimited sandwiches and a cake trolley? Come on.

Where: 150 Piccadilly, W1J 9BR
When: Served daily, 11:30-7:30pm
How much: £95 per person
Book now: Palm Court at The Ritz

Afternoon Tea at Pan Pacific London, Liverpool Street

What: Pan Pacific’s location just up the road from Liverpool Street Station is ideal for East Londoners, and this slick hotel offers an afternoon tea that changes seasonally, so there’s often something new on the menu each time you visit. The menu goes above and beyond with palate cleansers, amuse bouche and tea-inspired mocktails, so you feel well and truly fed and pampered by the end of your visit. Start with a delicious apricot sausage roll with dijonnaise to get your tastebuds going, followed by truffled egg brioche and mint with pickled cucumber on granary. Scones come as their own course, with clotted cream, jam and lemon curd on a dinky little silver stand. The finale is four expertly designed cakes, from a blueberry and lemon macaron to mango mousse and a rhubarb and vanilla tart. It's exceptional. 
Why we love it: Pan Pacific's afternoon tea menu one-ups most offerings in the capital with hyper-detailed patisseries, extra courses and creative drinks. We'd recommend it in a heartbeat. 

Where: 80 Houndsditch, EC3A 7AB
When: Thursday-Monday, 1-4pm
How much: £58 per person
Book now: Pan Pacific London

La Bibliotheque, Dalston

What: With a slightly out-of-the-ordinary afternoon tea offering, La Bibliotheque brings its beloved Mediterranean-Japanese fusion to its tiered stands with a ‘Tapas Style’ afternoon tea. Found in the heart of Dalston, this East London restaurant boasts an elegant backdrop dripping with old-world charm - the perfect setting for an afternoon of indulgence. Expect the likes of cured salmon and crushed avo bao buns or crispy focaccia with mizo glazed mushrooms to start, followed by vanilla panna cotta with apricot gel or chocolate chou buns with miso caramel to follow. 
Why we love it: Looking for something a little different? This Mediterranean-Japanese fusion afternoon tea is full of surprises. You won't find a single egg mayo sarnie here!

Where: 325 Kingsland Road, E8 4DL
When: Friday, 1-4pm; Weekends, 12-4pm
How much: From £40 per person
Book now: La Bibliotheque

L'oscar, Holborn

What: Housed inside a stunning old Grade-II listed building (which was once the London headquarters of the Baptist Church), L’oscar is a sight to behold. Afternoon tea keeps things simple, with a small selection of sandwiches and sweets. Start off with savouries like black truffle croque monsieur, and egg mimosa on brioche roll, before you tuck into a malt chocolate and caramel tart, and a magnificent lemon drizzle cake.
Why we love it: The setting! This afternoon tea is served in the former headquarters of a Baptist Church in a Grade II listed building.

Where: 2-6 Southampton Row, WC1B 4AA
When: Monday-Friday 2:30-5pm, Saturday-Sunday 12-5pm
How much: £59 per person
Book now: L'oscar

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, you can get started on the eating part. There are always a selection of fun and seasonal menus on offer, from Wimbledon-themed offerings to a tea inspired by spring florals.
Why we love it: The Sketch team always put on a creative show with their themed afternoon teas, and its impressive golden dining room is sure to take your breath away.

Where: 9 Conduit Street, W1S 2XG
When: Served daily, 11am-4:30pm
How much: £85 per person
Book now: Sketch

ROBA Bar & Restaurant, Paddington

What: Certainly the most affordable afternoon tea on this list, if not London as a whole, ROBA Bar & Restaurant offers a simple menu of classic dainty fare. Kick off with a selection of freshly made sandwiches, before heading on to handmade sultana and plain scones served with strawberry jam and quality clotted cream. As for the sweets, you might find the likes of macarons alongside mini cakes with classic flavours. Plus, you can tag on a glass of Champagne for just a little extra.
Why we love it: The price! You won't find an afternoon tea in London that's better value than this one. 

Where: 34 Norfolk Place, W2 1QW
When: Friday-Sunday, 12:00-5pm
How much: £15.95 per person
Book now: ROBA Bar & Restaurant

Afternoon Tea at Georgian House Hotel, Pimlico

What: This elegant Grade II listed property hides something magical inside - a unique Wizard Afternoon Tea, complete with potion making experience. Popular with hen parties and birthdays, Wizard Afternoon Tea is served as three courses of savouries, sweets and scones, with some secret cakes and potions arriving in between. There’s also a Little Wizards tea on offer, so this one is great fun for all the family.
Why we love it: This adorable Wizard Tea will be adored by kids and adults alike. And for the adults, you can add bottomless bubbles for £20!

Where: 35-39 St George’s Drive, SW1V 4DG
When: Friday-Sunday, 12:30-5pm
How much: £40 per person
Book now: Afternoon Tea at Georgian House Hotel

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 gets the party started with tasty snacks, from beef and horseradish choux buns to a pear and blue cheese quiche. Sweets keep things classic with Victoria sponge, a lemon tart, and pistachio macarons. 
Why we love it: It's one of the most impressive afternoon teas with a view in London. Just make sure to reserve a seat on the balcony.

Where: Barge House Street, SE1 9PH
When: Served daily, 2-4:30pm
How much: £50 per person
Book now: OXO Tower

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 Blooming British afternoon tea menu is designed in collaboration with the Natural History Museum, putting a floral-inspired twist on a quintessentially British tradition. Expect carrot cake with orange blossom frosting, vanilla bavarois with rosemary apple compote, and a sweet violet cheesecake. 
Why we love it: This blooming beautiful afternoon tea really does feel like a celebration of nature. Here's a tip: the menu is cheaper on a weekday if you happen to be free Monday to Friday. 

Where: Lancaster Terrace, W2 2TY
When: Served daily, 1-4pm
How much: From £49 per person
Book now: Royal Lancaster Hotel

11 Cadogan Gardens, Chelsea

What: The Chelsea Garden afternoon tea takes inspiration from nearby Cadogan Gardens and the many green spaces in the area. Served on elegant William Edwards tableware, the menu moves from elegant savouries, like a pea and asparagus tart, to dainty sweets, such as a Yorkshire rhubarb and stem ginger choux bun. Tea-inspired cocktails are a lovely special touch. 
Why we love it: It's the perfect afternoon tea to treat a loved one to. The tea selection is excellent, too. 

Where: 164 Pavilion Road, SW1X 0BP
When: Served daily, 2-5:45pm
How much: £55 per person
Book now: Hans’ Bar & Grill at 11 Cadogan Gardens

The Wolseley Piccadilly, Mayfair and The Wolseley City

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 (£19.50), 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.
Why we love it: The Wolseley gives you the option to add savoury additions to your tea, from a mini Welsh rarebit to fishcakes with lobster mayo.

Where: 160 Piccadilly, W1J 9EB; King William Street, EC4N 7HR
When: Monday-Friday 2.30-6.30pm, Saturday-Sunday 3-6.30pm
How much: £46.50 per person
Book now: The Wolseley Piccadilly; The Wolseley City

Prefer your afternoon exploits to be a little more unique? Check out our pick of London’s best themed afternoon teas for everything from Bridgerton to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory-inspired menus.