London is home to some of the finest afternoon tea spots in the world, with so many establishments offering this delightful and delectable experience. If you are looking for classic elegance or a more modern twist, the city has what you are looking for. Here, we explore five of the best afternoon tea spots in London that offer a unique take on this quintessentially British ritual.
The Langham London
As the self-professed birthplace of afternoon tea, The Langham holds a prestigious place in the history of the occasion. Their award-winning service at Palm Court, is curated by Michel Roux Jr. and Executive Pastry Chef Andrew Gravett, with a menu that features delicate finger sandwiches, warm scones and imaginative pastries that expertly highlight seasonal ingredients. Their extensive tea menu is carefully curated, featuring everything from the classics of Earl Grey and Rooibos to their Phoenix Honey Orchid with notes of orange and vanilla.
The Langham’s afternoon tea stands out for its focus on innovation while maintaining classic British elements, making it a must-visit for tea connoisseurs.
The Ritz
Considered the gold standard of afternoon tea, few places in London exude luxury quite like The Ritz and its offering is world-famous for good reason. Served in the opulent Palm Court, this experience offers a selection of finely cut sandwiches, freshly baked scones with Cornish clotted cream and an exquisite array of pastries.
The extensive tea menu features 18 different types of loose-leaf tea, ensuring a perfect pairing for every guest. The Ritz is in fact the only hotel in the UK with a certified tea master, ensuring that every pot is brewed to perfection. Their traditional approach and unwavering commitment to quality makes The Ritz an ultimate afternoon tea experience for those seeking old-world charm, complete with a live pianist and an atmosphere of timeless glamour.
The Goring
A firm favourite of the British Royal Family, The Goring offers an afternoon tea experience truly fit for royalty. Located just a stone’s throw from Buckingham Palace, this family-run hotel exudes an understated luxury that combines timeless elegance with impeccable service. The tranquil surroundings of The Goring’s veranda and garden provide a refined yet relaxed setting, making it a perfect retreat from the bustling streets of London.
The menu showcases a carefully curated selection of traditional British delights, including delicate hand-cut sandwiches, freshly baked scones served with clotted cream and homemade jam and an array of exquisite cakes and pastries inspired by classic flavors.
What truly sets The Goring apart is its prestigious Royal Warrant, a mark of excellence granted by the Royal Household, ensuring that every detail of the experience meets the highest standards. For those seeking a regal afternoon tea in an iconic setting, The Goring is an unrivaled choice.
Nobu Hotel
Nobu Hotel in Shoreditch offers a unique fusion of British and Japanese flavours that breaks from tradition in the best way possible. The setting combines the elegance of afternoon tea with Nobu’s signature contemporary style of sleek and sophisticated, reflecting the hotel’s minimalist Japanese aesthetic. It is an ideal destination for those seeking a stylish yet unconventional tea experience.
Instead of the usual finger sandwiches, the menu features delicate sushi rolls, Japanese-style scones and matcha-infused pastries, offering a fresh take on classic flavours. The tea selection is equally impressive, including both traditional British brews and Japanese varieties such as sencha and genmaicha. Nobu’s afternoon tea is a contemporary, artistic interpretation of the British tradition, perfect for adventurous food lovers eager to try something unique and unexpected.
Peter Pan Afternoon Tea at Aqua Shard
For a more theatrical and spellbinding experience, the Peter Pan Afternoon Tea at Aqua Shard is a dream come true. Inspired by J.M. Barrie’s classic tale, this enchanting tea transports guests straight to Neverland. Set on the 31st floor of The Shard, the venue boasts breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline and hosts an experience designed with whimsical touches that bring the story of Peter Pan to life in a setting as magical as the tale itself.
Every item on the menu is inspired by Neverland, offering a playful and creative twist on traditional afternoon tea. Expect treats like Tinkerbell’s raspberry and elderflower cake, Captain Hook’s cod croquette and Tick-Tock the Crocodile’s wagyu sandwich, all beautifully presented in a miniature galleon. The tea is served with storybook-style menus and a sprinkle of golden fairy dust adds an extra layer of enchantment. This is more than just afternoon tea - it is an immersive journey into a world of fantasy, making it a must-visit for families who want to indulge in a touch of magic high above the city.
London is home to an extraordinary array of afternoon tea experiences, offering grandeur and whimsy. Whether you are an afternoon tea purist or seeking something more adventurous, these venues offer some of the best experiences in the city that made it famous.