Best Afternoon Teas

Top 5 Places for afternoon tea for every budget

English afternoon tea is a British tradition, typically enjoyed between 3:30 and 5 pm, consisting of tea, sandwiches, scones, and cakes. It originated in the 1840s as a way for the upper class to bridge the gap between lunch and a late dinner. Today, it's a popular social occasion, often enjoyed as a treat or to celebrate special events.

1. Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum & Mason

‍

‍

What is it?

F&M’s elegant tea salon, which has been serving the good stuff since 1926.

Why we love it: In a pastel-coloured dining room on the fourth floor of the iconic St James’s department store, this spacious spot excels in both sweet and savoury teas. The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon was named in honour of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s visit in 2012, and comes with a selection of sarnies; Coronation chicken; Cotswold Legcar egg mayonnaise; Suffolk cured ham with English mustard; Cucumber with lemon and mint; and smoked trout and chive cream cheese. Then it’s time for freshly baked scones and patisseries such as lemon meringue tart, dark chocolate hazelnut praline, rhubarb and bergamot mousse and a rose eclair, all thanks to executive pastry chef Roger Pizey.

Time Out tip: Hit up the downstairs food hall after your tea, and look out for red stickered on-sale items, for high quality food at supermarket prices.  

Address: 4th Floor, 181 Piccadilly, Mayfair, W1A 1ER.

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 11.30am-7pm, Sun 12-6pm.

Expect to pay: From £82 per person.

‍

2. The Palm Court at The Ritz

‍

What is it?

A London icon and the ideal choice for a super special occasion.

Why we love it: The Ritz is, quite literally, a byword for luxury, so you know you’re in for a treat with afternoon tea in the hotel’s Palm Court, where you’ll find yourself surrounded by the titular foliage and dining beneath a gilt ceiling that’s more ‘old money’ than Mar-A-Lago. Here you’ll be pampered to perfection as you choose between no less than 20 teas (the ‘Scented Collection’ is as floral as the décor) and pristinely presented sandwiches including a decadent smoked salmon with gentle lemon butter on sourdough. Be sure to leave room for the tantalising array of scones and pastries - the macarons are miniature works of art.

Time Out tip: If you’re wavering on the price, fair enough – but it’s worth noting that the portions are anything but delicate and you’ll definitely get bang for your buck.

Address: 150 Piccadilly, Mayfair, W1J 9BR.

Sittings: Mon-Sun 11.30am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm, 5.30 pm & 7.30pm.

Expect to pay: £81 for adults, £59 for children.

‍

3. London By Lily Vanilli at Four Seasons Tower Bridge

Afternoon tea at Tower Bridge Four Seasons

What is it?

A cool take on tea.

Why we love it: 10 Trinity Square began life as the headquarters of the Port of London Authority, so there’s been a whole lot of tea coming in and out of the place for over 100 years. No wonder they host such an exemplary afternoon tea in their jaw-dropping, domed Rotunda Bar and Lounge. Lily Vanilli – baker to the stars – has reimagined the tradition as a thoroughly modern affair. Doilies and cucumber sarnies are out; tart and salty gildas (olives, anchovy and pickled chili), salmon-topped confit potatoes and pillowy parmesan gougères are very much in. A powder-puff pink tower of Victoria sponge cake is the star of this gently ironic and extremely chic meal, though the coffee-brandy tiramisu tart isn’t far behind. Here, the emphasis is on fun rather than stuffiness. Or, as Vanilli has put it: ‘This is an afternoon tea for Londoners.’

Time Out tip: London by Lily Vanilli is basically the Brat of afternoon teas – so don’t skimp on the Champagne and/or mini cocktails.

Address: 10 Trinity Square,  Tower Hill, EC3N 4AJ.

Opening hours: Thu-Sun 2-7pm.

Expect to pay: £48 per person. The cocktail pairing is an extra £81.

‍

4. The Clink

What is it?

Afternoon tea in an actual working prison: HMP Brixton.

Why we love it: Definitely one of the more unique afternoon tea experiences in London, the Clink is a charity which runs a training restaurant at HMP Brixton. Here residents of the prison learn value skills, including how to prepare a banging afternoon tea as part of their studies for NVQ Level 2 in Patisserie and Confectionery. You’ll eat in the old governor’s house – which dates back to 1819 – and all bread and cakes are baked on-site. Expect savoury sarnies filled with smoked trout and chive crème fraiche, scones and sweet treats such as raspberry and ruby chocolate éclairs, blackcurrant and coconut fruit bavarois, and mango and passionfruit macarons. Register for bookings here.

Time Out tip: There are full vegan and gluten free menus available.  

Address: HMP Brixton, Jebb Avenue, Brixton, SW2 5XF.

Sittings: 2pm, 3pm and 3.30pm on alternate Fridays.

Expect to pay: £37.50 per person.

‍

5. Caffe Concerto

For the feeling of grandeur, kinder on your wallet, afternoon tea starts from £32.95 per person. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific location and any special offers or packages available. For example, some locations offer afternoon tea for two with prosecco from £38. A great chain you can find all over London which will not mean you have to take another ;loan put on the house for a great taste of England in comfortable surroundings.

Click here for more information

‍