Join us as we find the best Afternoon Tea in London

Looking for the best afternoon tea in London? This 2025 edit blends the timeless icons with new standouts, plus practical tips on price, dress code and booking.

We’ve sipped our way across the city to bring you the places that still deliver the best afternoon tea in the London.

Last updated – 13th November 2025

So sit back as we take you through wonderful finger sandwiches, warm scones, and fabulous patisserie.

1. Afternoon tea at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park (The Rosebery)

For refined tea with Hyde Park round the corner

We’ve had a lot of great afternoon teas, but this is one of our favourites. Located in the Rosebery restaurant at the stunning Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Knightsbridge, this is one uber-luxurious setting.

Expect a room with lots of natural light streaming in through picture windows. There are comfy spring-green sofas, and afternoon tea is leisurely and unrushed. Is this the best afternoon tea in London? It comes close.

Read our review of afternoon tea at The Mandarin Oriental

Tip: dietary menus are available, so mention requirements when booking.

2. Afternoon tea at The Lobby Lounge at Corinthia

For pastry lovers and special birthdays

Afternoon tea is served in the circular Lobby Lounge of The Corinthia Hotel, under a glass-domed atrium. The domed roof is filled with an enormous chandelier,  and the glow of 1000 baccarat crystals.

The cakes here are delightful, teensy little things with so much detailing and complexity that they’re more like bits of art than food. And it’s a front-runner for best afternoon tea in London.

Read our review of afternoon tea at Corinthia
Website

Tip: bring an appetite as portions are generous.

3. Afternoon tea at The Ritz

For old-school glamour

Afternoon tea at The Ritz is one of the most famous for a reason. Palm Court’s mirrors and gilding dial up the theatre and spectacle, while the food does the rest. Sandwiches are classic and neatly filled, the scones come warm, and patisserie feels like a celebration. I’d dress up a little and lean into the tradition.

Tip: request the 5pm sitting if you want the room at its sparkliest.

4. Afternoon tea at The Landmark London

For the feeling of being on holiday

Afternoon tea is served in the stunning Winter Garden, and includes an endless array of sticky-sweet cakes. Our personal favourites are the white chocolate and pomegranate mousse, pistachio bakewell with homemade fig and lemon jam, and the cappuccino bavarois. This has got to be one of the best hotels for afternoon tea in London.

Tip: sandwiches are delicious, and refillable. Enjoy!

5. Afternoon tea at Dalloway Terrace

For floral backdrops and stunning surroundings

The Afternoon Tea at Dalloway Terrace starts with freshly cut sandwiches of smoked corn-fed chicken in brioche, free-range egg and mustard cress, and cucumber. My personal favourite though is the open sandwich of a creamy smoked salmon mousse on bread. But is it good enough to be best afternoon tea in London? Maybe just one more scone will help decide it!

Read our review of the afternoon tea at Dalloway Terrace.

Tip: Book early to secure a table on the terrace. 

6. Afternoon tea at The Royal Albert Hall

For architecture lovers

Afternoon tea is held in Verdi, the first floor restaurant in the Royal Albert Hall that curves along the outer edge of the building. The room has picturesque views of the Royal College of Music to one side, and Hyde Park to the other.

The olive-green and cream interior is a calming place to enjoy the quintessentially British tradition of afternoon tea, with cups of East India Company tea. If you paired it with a show at the Royal Albert Hall, then it could possibly be the best afternoon tea in London. It’d be the best day out in any case!

Read our review of afternoon tea at The Royal Albert Hall

Tip: pair your tea with a show or tour at the Royal Albert Hall 

7. Afternoon tea at Claridge’s

For refined luxury without theatrics

If The Ritz is pomp, then Claridge’s is poise. The room is handsome, the afternoon tea service is flawless, and the menu blends yummy finger sandwiches with stunning patisserie. Be warned though, it’s hard to book at peak times, but worth the effort.

Tip: book early as spaces can be hard to come by, especially for seasonal themes (like Christmas afternoon tea)

8. Afternoon tea at The Peninsula London

For a new luxury pick

London’s newest grande dame hotel brings polished service and a swanky lobby setting. For afternoon tea, expect the freshest cut savouries, classic scones and cakes. It’s calm, elegant and feels immediately established.

Tip: check for live music times.

9. Afternoon tea at Sketch

For friends who want a fun afternoon

Sketch keeps the pretty pink room as much a part of the experience as the food. Afternoon tea here skews whimsical with clever patisserie, well made scones, and a dining room that is wildly photogenic. This is a strong contender for one of the best afternoon teas in the London.

Tip: seasonal menus change often so confirm before you go.

10. Afternoon tea at Mad Hatter’s at Sanderson

For whimsical birthdays and families with older kids

The Sanderson Hotel are running an Alice in Wonderland themed afternoon tea. Little hints at the wonderland theme are peppered throughout, starting with rolled sandwiches which are made to resemble the hedgehogs from The Queen’s Croquet. If you’re into the theme then they do it really well at The Sanderson, and you won’t be disappointed.

Read our review of afternoon tea at The Sanderson

Tip: go in the warmer months to enjoy the outdoor spaces.

12. Afternoon tea at The Lanesborough Hotel

For themed teas done well and gluten-free options

Afternoon tea at The Lanesborough brings fine detail to the pastry work and an elegant pace to service. Scones arrive steaming with fragrant jams on the side, and cakes are delightful.

Tip: themes change so check what’s running before you book.

15. Afternoon tea at Brown’s Hotel

For cosier occasions

Best afternoon tea in London could also go to Brown’s Hotel, who offer both a traditional afternoon tea and a healthy Tea-Tox variety. Considering the fact that the healthier version has low-sugar, low-fat, and low-carb elements, it’s surprisingly luxurious and satisfying… yummy.

Read our review of afternoon tea at Brown’s

Tip: aim for a fireside seat in colder months.

Family and themed favourites that still deliver

1. The Ampersand:the Jurassic or Science teas are interactive and fun, with enough quality to please adults.
2. One Aldwych: the Roald Dahl or Charlie tea remains a crowd-pleaser, especially with kids.
3. Aqua Shard: the stunning London view is a draw.

How to choose the best afternoon tea in London (for you)

For first-timers: The Ritz or Claridge’s.
For the view: Shangri-La at The Shard.
For pastry artistry: Corinthia.
For something new: The Peninsula London.
For a fun twist: Sketch.

Practical tips: booking, dress codes, dietary menus

London gets busy when it comes to afternoon tea, so try to reserve a few weeks ahead for weekend slots, especially at The Ritz, Claridge’s and The Peninsula. Dress codes vary from smart casual to jacket preferred – check confirmation emails.

Most hotels now offer vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free services with advance notice, and some do halal options on request.

FAQs for the Best Afternoon Tea in London

How much does afternoon tea cost in London?
Expect a wide range. Grand hotels sit at the top end of around £120pp while restaurants and museums can be more affordable. Prices change often, so check current menus before you book.

Is there a kids’ afternoon tea?
Yes. One Aldwych and several hotels offer children’s menus or themed options.

How long should I allow?
Two hours is standard. If you want live music or sunset views, book into those windows.

Final word

The best afternoon tea in London is the one that matches your mood, whether that’s a 5 star hotel with all the traditional trimmings or something newer. Luckily, London does them all.

Have you tried any of  these afternoon teas before? Which would would you say is the best afternoon tea in London? Drop us a line to let us know if we’ve missed any :)