From timeless institutions to avant-garde tearooms, London offers a curated world of delicate finger sandwiches, jewel-like pastries, and fragrant blends served in settings as iconic as the ritual itself. Here’s your guide to the most exquisite afternoon tea experiences in London right now, each with its own twist on luxury, and the perfect atmosphere for slowing down and savouring the finer things.
The Langham, Palm Court Afternoon Tea
The Langham is where it all began: London’s original afternoon tea destination, serving this quintessential ritual since 1865. At Palm Court, chandeliers glimmer over marble floors and velvet booths, setting the tone for a tea that is both elegant and nostalgic. Guests can enjoy a refined selection of sandwiches, from smoked salmon and chive cream cheese to coronation chicken, alongside warm scones and patisserie that echo the hotel’s heritage: think rose and lychee mousse or dark chocolate tart with caramel.
The experience is accompanied by the finest JING teas or a flute of champagne. This autumn, Palm Court introduces a limited-edition menu inspired by Britain’s favourite biscuits, reimagined through the artistry of pastry.
Who it’s for: Lovers of heritage and ceremony, the ones who appreciate old-world glamour paired with modern finesse.
The Kensington Hotel, “Let Us Eat Cake” Afternoon Tea
A playful nod to Marie Antoinette and the decadence of Versailles, The Kensington Hotel’s “Let Us Eat Cake” afternoon tea is a feast for the senses. Set in Drawing Room as opposed to Town House, this tea merges French opulence with London charm. Expect delicacies like strawberry genoise layered with Chantilly, fan-shaped lemon shortbread, and raspberry macarons worthy of royalty. Savour refined finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and “The Queen’s Coupe” a rose-petal–rimmed cocktail with Belvedere Vodka and Earl Grey cordial, for a final flourish of luxury.
This limited-edition tea celebrates art, fashion, and indulgence in perfect harmony.
Who it’s for: Style-conscious guests and culture lovers who appreciate their tea served with theatrical flair and an Instagram-worthy twist.
The Parlour at Great Scotland Yard
Tucked inside the historic Great Scotland Yard Hotel, The Parlour delivers afternoon tea with an imaginative edge. Each course is crafted in collaboration with the legendary Floris London perfumery, blending scent and flavour for a multi-sensory experience. Expect sandwiches with elevated touches: cucumber with dill crème fraîche, roast beef with horseradish, and patisserie infused with aromatic hints of jasmine, bergamot, or vanilla. The setting combines soft lighting and muted elegance, perfect for lingering conversations.
This autumn, a limited fragrance-inspired menu brings the experience to new sensory heights.
Who it’s for: Modern aesthetes and experience seekers who crave something beyond tradition, where tea becomes an art form.
Royal Lancaster London, Hyde Park Afternoon Tea
Overlooking the leafy expanse of Hyde Park, Royal Lancaster London offers an afternoon tea that feels both refreshing and refined. The “Blooming British” afternoon tea pays tribute to the beauty of nature, featuring floral-inspired pastries such as elderflower tarts, lavender macarons, and honeyed scones. Guests can choose between the signature or vegan version, both presented with impeccable attention to detail. The seasonal autumn tea brings new botanical flavours and delicate colour palettes, pairing perfectly with the tranquil views.
Who it’s for: Nature lovers and wellness enthusiasts who enjoy a moment of calm with a side of luxury.
Pennyhill Park Hotel, Afternoon Tea
For those craving a countryside escape, Pennyhill Park offers afternoon tea in the heart of Surrey’s rolling greenery. The experience unfolds in the Hillfield Bar, where deep armchairs and open fireplaces create a serene backdrop. Expect freshly baked scones, finger sandwiches bursting with flavour, and pastries that draw inspiration from English gardens, think blackberry mousse, apple compote tartlets, and hazelnut praline. Inspired by Molton Brown’s signature fragrances, Pennyhill Park’s seasonal afternoon tea currently celebrates the Delicious Rhubarb and Rose scent. From delicately scented napkins to patisserie mirroring the perfume’s bottle, every detail weaves aroma, flavour, and design into a beautifully immersive experience.
Guests can combine their tea with a visit to the award-winning spa for the ultimate indulgence. As autumn sets in, the hotel’s pastry chefs unveil limited-edition creations inspired by seasonal fruits and warming spices.
Who it’s for: City escapees and romantics who love the idea of an elegant countryside interlude with tea by the fire.
Afternoon Tea at InterContinental London Park Lane, IHG Hotels & Resorts
Set beside Hyde Park Corner, The Wellington Lounge channels the elegance of Mayfair and the royal glamour of its namesake. Afternoon tea here is a sophisticated affair with a selection of traditional sandwiches, smoked salmon, roast beef, and egg cress, followed by a dazzling array of desserts that change with the seasons. Guests can opt for the Royal Tea or upgrade to unlimited champagne for an effervescent twist. The lounge’s refined interiors, live piano music, and flawless service make every visit memorable. This season, their autumnal tea introduces spiced pear and chocolate choux among other indulgent additions.
Who it’s for: Champagne lovers and city sophisticates who want to pair tradition with a touch of sparkle.
Sofitel London St James, Phantom of the Opera Afternoon Tea
Where French elegance meets theatrical indulgence, the Phantom of the Opera Afternoon Tea at Sofitel London St James turns Britain’s most beloved ritual into a multisensory performance. Set in the blush-pink Rose Lounge, the experience unfolds like a three-act play: delicate savouries open the show, mist-shrouded patisserie transport you beneath the opera house, and dramatic petit fours close with a flourish. Every detail, from Camellia’s fine teas to the option of chilled Champagne, is designed to delight both the eye and the palate. Just steps from Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus, it’s a moment of pure escapism in the heart of the city.
Who it’s for: Theatre lovers and aesthetes who crave a touch of drama with their indulgence: a perfect blend of performance, patisserie, and Parisian poise.
Mariage Frères Afternoon Tea, Covent Garden
Step into a slice of Parisian refinement at Mariage Frères’ Covent Garden salon, a destination for true tea connoisseurs. The experience centres on the house’s legendary tea collection: over 1,000 blends sourced from the world’s finest estates. Afternoon tea here is served with precision and grace: dainty finger sandwiches, exquisite pâtisserie, and warm scones accompanied by perfumed jams. The autumn limited edition features the brand’s signature harvest teas, Darjeeling and Golden Assam, complemented by chestnut and praline desserts. The setting, with its amber-hued wood, fine china, and old-world charm, transports guests to another era.
Who it’s for: Tea purists and aesthetes who appreciate craftsmanship, calm, and understated Parisian luxury.
The Art of Afternoon Indulgence
Whether you prefer the timeless glamour of The Langham, the Parisian elegance of Mariage Frères, or the playful creativity of The Kensington, each experience offers a window into the city’s soul. These are moments to linger over, a delicate balance of flavour, beauty, and atmosphere that turns an ordinary afternoon into something extraordinary.
