One of the nicest things to do in London and one of the most popular activities in the capital is to take part in the ritual of afternoon tea. Once only taken by Royalty and the wealthy, this quintessentially British pastime is now available to anyone and everyone.
I have enjoyed numerous afternoon tea experiences in London and therefore feel confident to advise on this subject.
But for those unacquainted with this English tradition, you may wonder what all the fuss is about; surely drinking tea and eating cake are the same anywhere in the world. Well, it is safe to say that it is in a complete league of its own, and I would like to explain it in more detail.
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The Origins of Afternoon Tea
Afternoon tea was introduced in England by Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, in 1840. The Duchess would become hungry around four o’clock in the afternoon.
Her evening meal would not be served until eight, leaving a long period between lunch and dinner. Anna decided she should have something small to eat in this gap, and the phrase “Afternoon Tea” was invented.
What to expect at Afternoon Tea
Setting the theme for your afternoon tea will rely on aesthetics, how the china and edibles look and taste. Crockery will comprise teapots, cups and saucers, side plates, and usually, a 3-tier cake stand to display the food.
A menu will list tea options and a selection of sandwiches and cakes you will enjoy. You will choose from worldwide black, white, and fruit tea varieties.
If you have opted for a champagne afternoon tea, you will be asked when you would like your bubbles to arrive.
My preference is at the start of the sitting (the name given to your time slot allocation), with my sandwiches. Of course, coffee or even hot chocolate can be served if you don’t like tea, but it is not the norm.
Sandwiches created from artisan bread with delicious fillings, traditional scones with jam and cream, and a selection of mouthwatering pastries will make you salivate before you take your first bite.
Your server will talk you through all your afternoon tea components and ask if you have any questions. The top question asked is how to correctly serve the jam and cream on a scone, the round, baked bread item always served at the best afternoon teas in London.
Cornish or Devonshire Afternoon Tea
This long-standing debate for the British has never really been answered.
In the South of England, there are two coastal areas, Cornwall and Devon. Each area has a different way of spreading the strawberry jam and clotted cream.
Cornwall first spreads the jam on the scones and then heaps a dollop of cream on top. Devon does it in reverse, cream first, then a dollop of jam on top.
To this day, no one can agree on which is the correct way to serve scones. Ridiculous, yes! British tradition, yes!
For the record, I prefer the Cornish way, jam first with a blob of cream on top, as I find it too messy to get the jam to sit on top of the cream if I try to do it the Devonshire way. I wonder how you will serve yours?
Your server will repeatedly return to re-fill teapots and re-stock sandwiches and cakes.
At the end of your experience, you may be allowed to take home any food you haven’t consumed. This varies in each establishment, so don’t be disappointed if they say no.
You will have to try and indulge in everything while you are there.
Be warned, though, that this challenge is hard as everything, although petite in size, is very rich in flavour, and you may end up with a massive sugar rush. On that, I am speaking from experience!
Afternoon Tea Options
Themed afternoon teas have become very popular and often coincide with exhibitions or theatre shows in London.
Dietary requirements allow coeliacs to enjoy gluten-free options and vegans and vegetarians to feast on plant-based delights. There are even boozy afternoon teas where alcohol has replaced the loose-leaf Darjeeling.
Afternoon tea in London can be a luxurious affair with the clinking of champagne glasses in illustrious hotel settings.
Grande dames of the afternoon tea scene, such as the Ritz, the Dorchester and Claridges, are no-longer the immediate choice of the afternoon tea connoisseur. Establishments such as Sketch, Corinthia, and Kensington House compete and often outdo their traditional counterparts.
A dress code is often required for high-end luxury hotels, so it is worth checking before you arrive.
Pricing varies between establishments, but you pay for an experience rather than just tea and cakes.
Sittings are usually for two hours, although some establishments I have visited have let us stay as long as we have wanted. Reservations are essential.
Afternoon tea is suitable for all ages and a great way to celebrate with friends and families or enjoy a centuries-old tradition on your own.
My Top 10 Favourite Afternoon Tea Spots in London
The Kensington
This is my favourite!
Theme: London Landmarks Afternoon Tea
Pricing: £50 per person or £80 with a 2 glasses of Champagne (2023 pricing)
Address: 109-113 Queen’s Gate, London SW7 5LP
Availability and Rates for Accommodation at The Kensington
Claridges
Theme: Claridges British Classic Afternoon Tea
Pricing: £75 per person or from £85 with a glass of Champagne (2023 pricing)
Address: Brook Street, Mayfair, London, W1K 4HR
Availability and Rates for Accommodation at Claridges
The Drawing Room at Browns Hotel
Theme: A Quintessentially English Afternoon Tea. A favourite of Queen Victoria.
Pricing: £75 per person or £85 with a glass of Champagne (2023 pricing)
Address: Albemarle Street, London, W1S 4BP
Availability and Rates for Accommodation at Browns Hotel
Sketch
Theme: Over Styled and Fun. Great for a non-traditional afternoon tea.
Pricing: £75 per person or £94 with a glass of Champagne (2023 pricing)
Address: 9 Conduit Street, London, W1S 2XG
The Connaught
Theme: Fusion of Flavours Afternoon Tea
Pricing: £75 per person or from £85 with a glass of Champagne (2023 pricing)
Address: Carlos Place, Mayfair, London, W1K 2AL
Availability and Rates for Accommodation at The Connaught
Corinthia Hotel
Theme: Decadent Afternoon Tea taken beneath a chandelier of 1001 baccarat crystals.
Pricing: £65 per person or £75 with a glass of Champagne (2023 pricing)
Address: Whitehall Place, London SW1A 2BD, United Kingdom
Availability and Rates for Accommodation at Corinthia London
Sanderson Hotel
Theme: Alice in Wonderland Afternoon Tea. Complete Vegan menu available.
Pricing: £48 per person or from £58 with a glass of Champagne (2023 pricing)
Address: 50 Berners St, Fitzrovia, London W1T 3NG
Availability and Rates for Accommodation at Sanderson
The Dorchester
Theme: Traditional Afternoon Tea
Pricing: £95 per person or £105 with a glass of Champagne (2023 pricing)
Address: 53 Park Lane, Mayfair, London W1K 1QA
Availability and Rates for Accommodation at The Dorchester
The Berkeley
Theme: Pret-a-Porter Afternoon Tea
Pricing: £75 per person or £87 with a glass of Champagne (2023 pricing)
Address: Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7RL
Availability and Rates for Accommodation at The Berkeley
The Ritz
Theme: The most iconic hotel to enjoy one of London’s best Afternoon Teas
Pricing: £70 per person or £92 with a glass of Champagne (2023 pricing)
Address: 150 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1J 9BR
Availability and Rates for Accommodation at The Ritz
Pin for London Travel Inspiration
Kemkem
Sunday 6th of March 2022
They all look so yummy! I had afternoon tea at the Intercontinental Hotel many moons ago, and l think l will have to try one of these other hotels on this list :-).
Faith Coates
Sunday 13th of September 2020
I had a gorgeous afternoon tea at the Globe Theatre in London, the theme was a Midsummer Night's Dream. I can't wait to get back and try more places.
WhereAngieWanders
Sunday 13th of September 2020
There are so many to choose from in London so I hope my list of the best ones will help you decide.
Alison
Sunday 13th of September 2020
Well this had me drooling. And brought back memories of Afternoon Tea at Harrods in 1980! I think back then it was one of the few places in London doing it. Anyway at the time it was the most famous place to go. I'm with you on the scones - jam goes on first and then you can really pile the cream high; that's how we always had them as kids in Oz anyway. From this collection I think I'd choose Browns because they are the only one with a traditional floral tea service. Lovely post Angie.
WhereAngieWanders
Sunday 13th of September 2020
Glad you enjoyed this one Alison - I'm glad you are on Team Cornwall with me!
Bree
Saturday 12th of September 2020
Oh this makes me hungry. My sister traveled to Melbourne in February and we had a high tea for my birthday - including wine and gluten free.
WhereAngieWanders
Sunday 13th of September 2020
A glass of bubbles always makes it even more special!
Jan
Saturday 12th of September 2020
Lovely post! I enjoy the concepts of both afternoon tea and high tea. Nothing like having English tea with scones, sandwiches and cakes. I prefer jam first then clotted cream! :-)
WhereAngieWanders
Sunday 13th of September 2020
Glad you are on Team Cornwall with me! It just doesnt seem right putting cream on first!