Best Afternoon Tea in London

The Quintessentially English Tradition of Tea and Cakes

The English Tea Room at Brown's Hotel in London is steeped in history. (Brown's was London's first ever hotel.) This is a wonderful location to enjoy the English tradition of afternoon tea. It's not stuffy but it is certainly sophisticated. The Baby Grand piano playing soft music makes you feel relaxed and majestic and I found the staff attentive but not intrusive.

• Brown's Hotel Afternoon Tea Review
• Brown's Hotel

Afternoon Tea at The Ritz is known worldwide and is something everyone should try at least once in a lifetime. Tea at The Ritz is an institution in itself and is served in the spectacular Palm Court.

The Ritz opened in 1906 and still offers all the glamour, excitement, and graceful living that are synonymous with this legendary, world famous hotel.

• Afternoon Tea at The Ritz Review
• The Ritz London

They don't keep winning awards for nothing - this place is superb! I would definitely recommend Afternoon Tea at the Lanesborough. It is a wonderfully relaxed dining experience where you will be treated extremely well. A real 'must do' for any visit to London.

• 2009 Lanesborough Afternoon Tea Review
• 2007 Lanesborough Afternoon Tea Review
• The Lanesborough Hotel
• Aspleys Italian Restaurant

Afternoon tea should be luxurious and elegant and that's what you get at Claridge's. Enjoy the gentle live music and the award-winning afternoon tea of pastries and savories, light, crusty scones and rich clotted cream. Oh, and as much tea as you can drink. I'd go again just for the delicious Marco Polo tea-infused jelly (jam).

• Claridge's Afternoon Tea Review
• Claridge's London

It was Anna, 7th Duchess of Bedford, who in the late 18th century had the brilliant notion of asking her butler to bring her a light meal in the middle of the afternoon. The Park Room has named its tea in her honor. 'Anna's Tea' is as distinguished as its originator, with a choice of 17 blends of tea from around the world.

• Grosvenor House Afternoon Tea
• Grosvenor House, A JW Marriott Hotel

Taking Afternoon Tea in The Promenade at The Dorchester has been a tradition for 75 years and the phrase still conjures up sumptuous images of well-mannered staff, delightfully luxurious surroundings, beautifully-prepared delicacies and superb teas served in fragile bone china.

• Dorchester Afternoon Tea Review
• Dorchester Hotel

Prêt-à-Portea at The Berkeley is designed to add a creative twist to the classic elements of the traditional English afternoon tea with cakes and pastries inspired by the latest fashion season's catwalk designs for the style conscious. It may not be the quintessential English afternoon tea but who cares? It's fabulous darling!

• Prêt-à-Portea Afternoon Tea at The Berkeley
• The Berkeley

The Met Bar at the Metropolitan Hotel is famous for its cutting-edge attitude, legendary cocktails, and late-night parties. Afternoon Tea is quintessentially British but The Met Bar have found a way to add a contemporary twist to this tradition. This is not British 'old school' but it is fun and you do get to use a silver tea service.

• Afternoon De-Light at The Met Bar Review
• Metropolitan Hotel

The Palace Lounge at Rubens at The Palace has views of The Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace, the Queen's stables. I'd recommend planning a day out to include tea at Rubens combined with a trip to Buckingham Palace, The Queen's Gallery or The Royal Mews.

• Rubens at The Palace Afternoon Tea
• Rubens at The Palace Hotel

Sit and lose yourself in the opulent surroundings of the Criterion Restaurant, one of London's most historically distinguished restaurants and landmarks, while indulging in their traditional English afternoon tea. Originally opened in 1874 this lavish venue has been serving afternoon tea to the cream of London society for 135 years.

• Criterion Restaurant Afternoon Tea
• Criterion Restaurant