Afternoon tea has been an English pastime since the early 1800’s. When visiting London, you must stop in for a “spot of tea” and dine on delicious scones, finger sandwiches and decadent desserts! I’ll admit, it’s not cheap but it’s an experience worth having. And hey, isn’t that what life’s all about?

1) The Landmark Hotel

2) Dorchester Hotel

The Dorchester’s award-winning Afternoon Tea has been served with perfection since the first day The Dorchester opened in 1931.

Afternoon Tea is served served six times daily from;
1pm, 2pm, 3.15pm, 4.30pm, 5.30pm and 6.45pm.

The Dorchester Afternoon Tea features savory finger sandwiches, homemade scones and jam and a selection of French pastries and is £45 per person. The Vintage Afternoon Tea on the Balcony is available throughout the year. It is a unique dining experience, served from the intimate balcony overlooking the hotel’s iconic lobby. It is  £55 per person.

Address: Park Lane London W1K 1QA England

3) The Athenaeum

Their afternoon tea won the Tea Guild’s prestigious award for “Top London Afternoon Tea 2012”. Considered the ‘Oscars’ of the tea world, they competed against world-famous London hotels and tea rooms. It’s one of those exquisite things in life that you simply have to do. Afternoon Tea in Mayfair…dainty and decadent delicacies… leaf tea in china teacups… bubbles from the champagne trolley… the perfect way to spend the afternoon chatting and relaxing! Bonus: they also serve gluten free afternoon tea.

Afternoon tea is served daily: 12.30pm, 3pm and 5.30pm – £34.50 per person.

4) The English Tea Room at Brown’s Hotel

For a slice of traditional London life, enjoy the fabled Brown’s Afternoon Tea in our award-winning English Tea Room. Take your pick from over 17 teas — including Brown’s own blend — and a selection of sandwiches, scones, cakes and pastries. The surroundings are a perfect blend of old and new. Original wood paneling and antique fireplaces sit comfortably with Paul Smith floor lamps and contemporary artwork. It is said Queen Victoria enjoying having her tea at Brown’s. ‘£41.50 per person

Afternoon tea is served daily: from 12pm-6.30pm

Address: Albemarle Street, London W1S 4BP

5) Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea at Sanderson Hotel

This is probably one of the most unique teas in London. Menus are hidden inside vintage books, and napkins wrapped with riddles, while teapots adorned with kings and queens and sandwich plates featuring zebras, birdcages, carousels and ticking clocks play host to wondrous fare, ranging from classics such as dainty sandwiches and home baked savory and sweet scones to whimsical culinary treats including ‘strawberries and cream’ homemade marshmallow mushrooms.

Afternoon tea is served daily: from 12:30pm-5.30pm. Tea is served daily and is priced between £38 and £58 per person

Address: 50 Berners St, London W1T 3NG, United Kingdom

6) The Ritz

Let’s be honest, The Ritz hand to make this list. The Palm Court remains a pivotal social point as the venue for the famed Afternoon Tea at The Ritz, an institution in itself and the quintessential British experience. The menu offers guests a selection of 16 loose leaf teas, cut finger sandwiches with traditional fillings, a daily selection of tea cakes and pastries as well as warm baked scones with strawberry preserve and rich, delectable Devonshire clotted cream.

Afternoon tea is served Monday to Sunday: 11:30am, 1:30pm, 3:30pm, 5:30pm & 7:30pm – £61 per person

Address: 150 Piccadilly, London W1J 9BR, England

7) Corinthia Hotel

Served in the grand Lobby Lounge, guests savor delicately cut sandwiches, sample home-made scones, jams, and clotted cream, delight in delicious pastries, and choose from a choice of Tea Palace teas and tisanes, and for the ultimate experience add in Champagne.

Afternoon Tea
Monday to Friday: 2.00pm – 6.00pm
Saturday to Sunday: 12.00pm – 4pm

Address: 10 Whitehall Pl, London SW1A 2BD, United Kingdom

8) The Berkeley Hotel

Fashionista’s rejoice! The Berkeley adds a creative twist to the classic elements of the traditional English afternoon tea with cakes and pastries resembling the latest catwalk designs for the style conscious. The Berkeley London designer afternoon tea, Prêt-à-Portea, is inspired by the themes and colors of the fashion world. The menu is transformed every six months to follow the changing seasons in fashion.

Afternoon Tea: 1pm – 5.30pm every day – £41 per person

Address: Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7RL, United Kingdom

 9) Clairidge Afternoon Tea

 At Claridge’s, they’ve been observing this delightful culinary heritage for the best part of 150 years. For a century or more, the Executive Chefs have remained faithful to the classic combination of finger sandwiches, scones served warm, and sweet pastries. Served on fine china in bold jade and white stripes, this utterly English meal is a mouth-watering experience.

Opening Times:

Served daily 2:45pm, 3pm, 3:15pm, 3:30pm, 4.45pm, 5pm, 5:15pm & 5:30pm – £50 per person

Address: Brook Street, Mayfair, London W1K 4HR

10) Sanctum Soho Hotel

This is the only Afternoon Tea that I found which offers a menu specifically for men! Women can choose from their own “High Tea for High Heels” menu while men have their “Gent’s Afternoon Tea”. In addition to the classic tea, women sip on champagne and men on Jack Daniels. Brilliant!

Served daily: 3:00pm – 5:00pm – £35 per person

Address: 20 Warwick St, London W1B 5NF, United Kingdom