Best Afternoon Teas in London (2026) – 20+ Must-Visit Spots

Connor Arnold

Editor of Afternoonteas.org

London is the undisputed capital of afternoon tea. From legendary institutions like Claridge’s and The Ritz to creative newcomers, we’ve compiled our list of the very best afternoon teas in London for 2025.

As always, all recommendations are taste-tested and based on real first-hand experience. We’re just a team of afternoon tea lovers that want you to find your perfect place for high tea in the city!

Best London afternoon tea picks at a glance

In a rush? Here are our best London afternoon tea recommendations at a glance:

Best overall afternoon tea in London ⭐ The Ritz afternoon tea
Best luxury afternoon tea ⭐ Fortnum & Mason afternoon tea
Best affordable afternoon tea ⭐ Café Rouge afternoon tea
Best themed afternoon tea ⭐ Sherlock Holmes afternoon tea
Best afternoon tea with a view ⭐ Afternoon tea at Aqua Shard
Afternoon tea of the week ⭐ Afternoon tea at Harrods

Last updated:

January 7, 2026

Why our shortlist changes

Every three months, we revisit our top picks. Each new contender goes through our full review process before earning a place on the list.

Best London afternoon tea of the month: Biscuiteers’ festive afternoon tea

There are so many Christmas-themed afternoon teas this time of year, but our personal favourite has to be Biscuiteers. This delightful biscuit boutique is located in Notting Hill and won Best Festive Afternoon Tea in London 2024 by The Nudge.

You start with a selection of sandwiches, including festive flavours like cranberry and turkey, followed by fluffy scones with clotted cream and jam. For the sweet treats, you tuck into a selection of hand-crafted treats like spiced honey and fig cake, white chocolate and cranberry macarons, mandarin and chocolate choux buns – plus two Christmas-themed iced biscuits!

You can also upgrade the afternoon tea to include a DIY icing experience, where you get to hand-decorate four Christmas biscuits! This is one of the most fun and, dare I say, the most festive afternoon teas in London this year. The quality is second to none, and there’s no place that feels more festive than Notting Hill.

Address: 194 Kensington Park Rd, London W11 2ES
Price: £49 per person

20+ Best Afternoon Teas in London Reviewed

1. Afternoon tea at The Ritz

Best for: A quintessentially British, ultra-luxury experience.

What you need to know: Served in the spectacular Palm Court with its sparkling chandeliers, afternoon tea at The Ritz feels like stepping onto the set of a period drama (with better cake). Expect flawless finger sandwiches, warm scones with lashings of clotted cream, and cake slices wheeled over on a traditional guéridon trolley! Just keep in mind, the dress code is taken very seriously – jackets are mandatory for men, and during a summer visit, a few in our party found it a little much.

Fun fact: The Ritz is the only hotel in the UK with a certified Tea Master. They personally source teas from plantations around the globe, blending them into exclusive house favourites like the Ritz Royal Blend – served nowhere else in the world.

User review: “Afternoon tea at the Ritz was simply different level. The whole experience was just brilliant. The palm room is exquisite and the service is simply outstanding. Cannot recommend this enough. Easy to get to and a real treat, Would highly recommend as a birthday treat or present as it really is a treat.” Giselle, TripAdvisor

Address: 150 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1J 9BR
Price: Approx. £72 per person (can vary with champagne or special packages)

2. Afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason, The Royal Exchange

Best for: Elegant afternoon tea in the heart of the city.

What you need to know: Set beneath the grand domed ceiling of the Royal Exchange, nobody does afternoon tea better than Fortnum & Mason. The vibe is less stiff-upper-lip than The Ritz and more quiet luxury. You can choose from a curated selection of eight signature loose-leaf teas, then dive into dainty finger sandwiches, golden scones, and their famous selection of preserves. Here’s a fun piece of history – the Royal Exchange was opened in 1571 by Queen Elizabeth I, making this one of the most historically rich settings to sip tea in!

Fun fact: Fortnum & Mason has been serving tea since 1707, and many of the blends offered here are exclusive to the Royal Exchange location. Their Royal Blend (a mix of Assam and Ceylon) was originally created for King Edward VII.

User review: “Champagne afternoon tea was fabulous! More than enough for lunch with a great selection of teas. The champagne was delicious. Staff go above and beyond. We took our cakes home as we couldn’t fit them in & the kind lady in the F&M shop saw we didn’t have a bag for the boxes and kindly asked if we would like one! Very attentive! Beautiful surroundings frappes in history … highly recommend.” Louise G, TripAdvisor

Address: The Royal Exchange, London EC3V 3LR
Website: fortnumandmason.com
Price: Around £60 per person (more with champagne or upgrades)

3. ‘London Calling’ afternoon tea at The Haymarket Hotel

Best for: A fun and London themed high tea.

What you need to know: Located right by Trafalgar Square in London’s theatre district, Haymarket Hotel’s afternoon tea takes full inspiration from the iconic landmarks of London. The menu is super playful – think delights like a dark chocolate and orange Big Ben ganache, ‘Trafalgar Square’ Victoria sponge cake and a cinnamon ‘London Eye’ pastry. The reason this is so high on our list? The quality of the food is really second to none, and you couldn’t ask for a more central location. The price is also really reasonable and won’t break the bank like the Ritz or Fortnum & Mason! And if you’ve ever wanted to take a bite out of Big Ben, this is the afternoon tea for you.

User review: “Highlight for me was an afternoon tea that was just perfect! Thank you to the charming & helpful staff and for a wonderful stay, it was faultless.” Erica M, TripAdvisor

Address: 1 Suffolk Pl, London SW1Y 4HX
Website: https://www.firmdalehotels.com/hotels/haymarket-hotel
Price: From £85 per person

4. Afternoon tea at Claridge’s

Best for: Classic elegance in one of London’s most iconic hotels.

What you need to know: Claridge’s is truly one of the best places for afternoon tea in London – it’s refined, timeless, and elegant. Served in the glamorous Foyer & Reading Room, with its art deco touches and live piano music, it’s an experience that feels totally luxurious. You can expect picture-perfect finger sandwiches (the truffled egg mayonnaise is a standout), warm raisin scones with Marco Polo gelée (aka fancy jam), and patisserie so beautiful it almost feels wrong to eat it.

Fun fact: Claridge’s has been serving afternoon tea for over 150 years and once hosted Queen Victoria’s great-grandchildren for a private tea ceremony. Today, the tea menu is overseen by a dedicated team of tea connoisseurs who travel the world to source their leaves.

User review: “Excellent service and food. The entire experience felt decadent due to the art deco room and the ambience created by the staff and the music/pianist. Leo was our waiter and nothing was too much trouble, he was appropriately attentive and very engaging. Looking forward to returning at Christmas!” Debbie, TripAdvisor

Address: Claridge’s, Brook Street, Mayfair, London W1K 4HR
Website: claridges.co.uk
Price: From £85 per person (champagne options available)

5. Afternoon tea at The Promenade, The Dorchester

Best for: Classic British charm with a live pianist.

What you need to know: Afternoon tea at The Dorchester is served in The Promenade – a stunning, pillared room that feels like the glam living room of a London socialite. It’s all polished marble, plush armchairs, and fresh flowers, with a live pianist that really sets the tone. The menu is traditional at heart – think delicate sandwiches, warm scones with homemade jam, and exquisite pastries inspired by seasonal flavours. It’s luxurious without feeling too much, and perfect for a celebration!

Fun fact: The Dorchester is one of the few London hotels to have its own in-house bakery, meaning the pastries, breads, and scones are all made fresh on-site every day – and you can taste the difference.

User review: “Amazinggg service was incredible I will dream about the food and sandwiches bro. Took my grandma here to celebrate our bdays and WOW. The place was so pretty and we were treated like queens. Rlly deserves its high rating. I struggled between this and The Ritz when choosing, BOY was I right to go with Dorchester.” Claire, Tripadvisor

Address: 53 Park Lane, Mayfair, London W1K 1QA
Website: dorchestercollection.com
Price: From £85 per person (seasonal menus and champagne upgrades available)

6. Afternoon tea at The Rubens at the Palace

Best for: The best London afternoon tea with Royal views!

What you need to know: Overlooking the Royal Mews of Buckingham Palace, The Rubens offers an afternoon tea experience that feels ultra regal. Served in the Palace Lounge, the menu is a colourful celebration of British classics with a touch of whimsy. Expect tiers of perfectly cut finger sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream and jam, and inventive pastries inspired by the season or even royal events. There’s also a popular children’s tea, making it a great pick for families or visiting guests.

Fun fact: The Rubens was once part of the Buckingham Palace estate and remains one of the closest places you can enjoy afternoon tea right beside the palace gates – keep an eye out for the royal horses trotting by!

User review: “This was a great afternoon tea. The sandwiches, scones, desserts, and tea were delicious. The tea room was nice and the service was good. The venue overlooks the stables of Buckingham Palace. I would go back.” Gail M, TripAdvisor

Address: 39 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 0PS
Website: rubenshotel.com
Price: From £60 per person (children’s afternoon tea from £35)

7. Brigit’s Bakery sightseeing afternoon tea bus tour

Best for: A quirky, feel-good sightseeing experience.

What you need to know: This is afternoon tea on the move (literally). Hop aboard a vintage Routemaster double-decker bus and enjoy a full afternoon tea while gliding past London’s most iconic landmarks, from Big Ben to Buckingham Palace. The menu includes a French-inspired twist on the British classic: think mini quiches, delicate sandwiches, vibrant pastries, and perfectly formed scones, all served with tea, coffee, or bubbly if you fancy. It’s really a lot of fun, and a great way to see London without jumping on and off of tubes all day!

Fun fact: Each bus is themed – some tours are even seasonal or character-based (like Peppa Pig or Paddington) – and come complete with fun narration, so it’s as much a tour as it is a treat.

User review: “We had a lovely time at the Paddington Bear afternoon tea bus tour! Ane, Nicole, Shadiat and Phoenix were all super lovely and made the experience really pleasant and fun. Ane and Nicole were on our floor throughout the trip and were super nice, energetic and friendly- thank you so much!” Johanna, TripAdvisor

Address: Departs from 8 Northumberland Avenue or Victoria Coach Station (varies by tour)
Website: b-bakery.com
Price: From £45-£70 per person depending on the tour and extras

8. SUSHISAMBA afternoon tea, Covent Garden

Best for: A bold, globally inspired twist on tradition.

What you need to know: Though lesser known, SUSHISAMBA’s high tea is undeniably one of the best afternoon teas in London. Served in their striking Covent Garden location, the menu blends Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian influences into a high tea that’s as colourful as it is creative. Think sushi rolls in place of sandwiches, mochi and brigadeiros instead of scones, and exotic teas or sake cocktails to sip. It’s daring, delicious, and a great choice for foodies looking for something out of the ordinary.

Fun fact: This is one of the only London afternoon teas to feature tempura, yuzu éclairs, and samba-style sweets on the same menu – each element crafted with meticulous detail and flair.

User review: “I came here for the opening of Afternoon Tea. What a delight. Such a cool combination of unique food options. Wagyu katsu sliders, taquitos, sushi, Battenberg. Had such a lovely meal.” Max E, TripAdvisor

Address: 35 The Market Building, Covent Garden, London WC2E 8RF
Website: sushisamba.com
Price: From £52 per person (with optional sake pairing or cocktails)

9. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory afternoon tea, One Aldwych

Best for: Kids (or big kids at heart).

What you need to know: Inspired by Roald Dahl’s much-loved tale, this afternoon tea at One Aldwych is a sensory adventure from start to finish. Think golden chocolate eggs, candyfloss clouds, “not-quite-as-it-seems” sandwiches, and bubblegum panna cotta – all served in the sleek, modern Indigo restaurant with playful nods to Wonka magic. It’s imaginative, joyful, and full of surprises, with an optional cocktail menu for grown-ups and themed drinks for little ones.

Fun fact: The menu is reimagined seasonally, and many of the ingredients are sustainably sourced – so while it may feel like pure fantasy, it’s built on real culinary care.

User review: “I don’t usually write reviews however this was such a great experience. I booked this as a Christmas present for my girlfriend and it was amazing. Food was all delicious staff were amazing. We were allowed to order more if we wanted (within reason.) Would recommend as a fancy present was really worth it so much fun.” Adam, TripAdvisor

Address: One Aldwych, 1 Aldwych, London WC2B 4BZ
Website: onealdwych.com
Price: From £70 per person (children’s menu available; cocktails extra)

10. Science Afternoon Tea at The Ampersand Hotel

Best for: Curious minds and families.

What you need to know: Inspired by the Science Museum over the road, The Ampersand’s award-winning afternoon tea is where science meets sweets. Your afternoon tea arrives at your table overflowing with dry ice, with planet-shaped ice creams and orange petri dish jelly! It’s a fun experience that both adults and children will love, plus you can order more of anything you like for no extra cost! It’s imaginative but refined, with classic scones and finger sandwiches balancing out the edible experiments. It’s one of the best afternoon teas in London in terms of themes!

Fun fact: The tea is served on a bespoke rocket-shaped stand, and even the drinks (like bubbling fruit cocktails) have a laboratory twist. It’s one of London’s most Instagrammable teas – check out our visit in our science afternoon tea review.

User review: “What a lovely combination of science and food. We came here for the science tea, after visiting the Science Museum, and it was such a perfect way to cap off our day of learning and fun.” Jane, TripAdvisor

Address: The Ampersand Hotel, 10 Harrington Road, South Kensington, London SW7 3ER
Website: ampersandhotel.com
Price: From £59.50 per adult / £39.50 per child

11. Afternoon tea at Ochre at The National Gallery

Best for: Art lovers on a day out!

What you need to know: Set within the iconic National Gallery on Trafalgar Square, Ochre is a calm, contemporary brasserie amid the bustle of Trafalgar Square outside! The afternoon tea menu is all about thoughtful details – think classic cucumber sandwiches with Cornish butter and sea salt or Bakewell sponge with cherry compôte, almond cream, and a luscious cherry jam. The ingredients are impeccable and the vibe matches. Go for the high tea and then stroll around the gallery after!

Fun fact: Led by London-based design studio Red Deer, Ochre’s interiors draw inspiration from the paintings that hang on the gallery’s walls.

User review: “Delicious food and wonderful attentive service. We hadn’t seen one another for three years and it is the ideal place both for good food and (audible) conversation !” Henrietta, TripAdvisor

Address: National Gallery, Trafalgar Sq, London WC2N 5DN
Website: https://www.ochre.london/
Price: £55 per person

12. Afternoon tea at Ladurée, Covent Garden

Best for: Macaron lovers

What you need to know: You might know Ladurée most for their staple macarons at the front of Covent Garden’s market building. However, if you ascend the staircase behind the counter, you’ll be transported to a little Parisian tea room, all decorated in white and gold and inspired by Versailles! The afternoon tea at Ladurée is very classic – you’ll get French-cuisine-inspired savouries as well as scones with jam and clotted cream. The best part, however, is that the high tea comes with two macarons of your choosing!

Fun fact: The first Ladurée bakers opened in Paris back in 1962. Since then, there have been over 90 stores in most capital cities including Paris, London, New York, Tokyo and Dubai.

User review: “Their afternoon tea was lovely with their special “Marie Antoinette” blend of Chinese & Indian black teas with hints of rose petal, citrus fruit & honey and the famous Macarons were tasty but I will remain faithful to my beloved Carrot Cake of my little garden centre.” GucciFrenchie, TripAdvisor

Address: 1 The Market, WC2E 8RA London
Price: From £39

13. Afternoon tea at The Connaught, Mayfair

Best for: South-east Asian cuisine in Mayfair

What you need to know: The Connaught is a classic five-star hotel in the heart of Mayfair. Their afternoon tea is served at their Jean-Georges restaurants, which was originally created by the world-renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. But accolades aside, the space is lovely – very light and airy with big curved, floor-to-ceiling windows with stained-glass accents.

The afternoon tea menu is delicious and takes inspiration from South East-Asian flavours – not something you’d immediately expect. The menu changes quite often but when we went we tucked into sweet treats like matcha choux with cherry jam and savouries like tandoori yoghurt with Mediterranean bread. The highlight was the scones – served warm with really rich Cornish clotted cream. Heaven!

Fun fact: In 2023, The Connaught Bar actually placed 5th on The World’s 50 Best Bars list. So, it’s well worth a visit if you have time!

User review: “Treated ourselves to a festive afternoon tea during a recent visit to London. Beautiful hotel and looked lovely decked out in its festive decor. Staff are very friendly and efficient. Vegetarian afternoon tea was very tasty and the dinky cakes were beautiful. Nice selection of sandwiches, light fluffy scones and the patisserie work is to be commended. A glass of bubbly and unlimited tea/coffee was very welcome. We felt thoroughly spoiled and it was a lovely way to spend an afternoon.” Purple Traveller, TripAdvisor

Address: 16 Carlos Pl, London W1K 2AL
Price: £60 per person

14. Afternoon tea at The Corinthia London

Best for: Afternoon tea in Westminster

What you need to know: The Corinthia is another of the very tip-top luxury hotels in London. Their afternoon is served within their Crystal Moon Lounge, which is right in the heart of the hotel with an absolutely huge chandelier with 1,0001 Baccarat crystals. So, really, they mean business.

The afternoon tea menu was crafted by the Head Patry Chef Yago Doamo. We went this year and tasted the Summer-inspired menu – think milk chocolate and lemon gateau, cheesecakes, freshly baked scones and delicate little sandwiches. It’s a very refined, very tasty London afternoon tea that rivals the likes of The Ritz.

Fun fact: Strangely, a quite lengthy scene in the 2018 thriller Red Sparrow was filmed both inside and outside the hotel. And allegedly, Beyonce stayed at The Corinthia during her 2025 Cowboy Carter tour – so it’s Queen Bey approved!

User review: “The sandwiches were delicious and we were offered another round each. This was followed by scones and cream served in a fun presentation box and two kinds of jam (the rhubarb was especially delicious) and then a wonderful selection of pastries. When asked why we were coming, I had answered that it was to celebrate both our birthdays so it was an extra delight when we were both presented with an additional cake with a candle for each of us.” Judy, TripAdvisor

Address: Whitehall Pl, London SW1A 2BD
Price: £75 per person

15. Afternoon tea at The Goring, Belgravia

Best for: An award-winning afternoon tea near Buckingham Palance

What you need to know: Located just moments away from Buckingham Palace, The Goring is another utterly luxurious five-star hotel in the city. They’re also the proud holder of The British Tea Guild Council’s Top London Afternoon Tea Award and The Award of Excellence – so you can trust it’s pretty good.

What we liked most about the afternoon tea was the ingredients and how genuinely fresh the food felt. We learned afterwards that the fruits used are all locally sourced and are in line with the season – and the menu changes to keep up. When we went, we tucked into sandwiches like smoked John Ross salmon on beetroot bread and truffled egg mayo, with sweet treats like raspberry and chocolate mousse cake and the freshest pear and almond tart I’ve ever tasted!

Fun fact: According to The Guardian, Kate Middleton actually stayed at The Goring for a few days around her wedding to Prince William!

User review: “I would say, without hesitation, that this was one of the loveliest afternoons I have ever spent. The Goring’s famous welcome was outstanding, as was the personal attention from every member of its team, yet it was never intrusive.” Mary P, TripAdvisor

Address: 15 Beeston Pl, London SW1W 0JW
Price: £75 per person

16. Afternoon tea at Aqua Shard, London Bridge

Best for: Disney lovers and those without a fear of heights!

What you need to know: If you have a crippling fear of heights, just keep scrolling – this one isn’t for you. Perched on the 31st floor of The Shard (the tallest building in London), Aqua Shard probably offers the best afternoon tea with a view in London.

The current menu is very cute and takes inspiration from Peter Pan and the island of Neverland. The whole afternoon tea is served on a custom-made tea stand in the shape of the Hook’s ship The Jolly Roger. And the food is just as delightful and includes warm scones hidden in a treasure chest as well as sweet treats like ‘Peter Pan’s Hat’ choux pastry. Plus, there are options for vegans and vegetarians!

Fun fact: The Shard is apparently 309.6 metres high and is not just London’s but Western Europe’s tallest building.

User review: “Amazing afternoon tea, a great selection of savouries, scones and cakes. The scones was lovely We asked for more jam and cream.We left feeling very full! The service was excellent and we were given a wonderful table with a view. We ask more scones which was given at no extra cost. They even gave us a box to take home the cake we couldn’t eat.” Katie, TripAdvisor

Address: Level 31, The Shard, 31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9RY
Price: £70 per adults, £56 per child

17. Afternoon tea at The Milestone Hotel

Best for: Afternoon tea in Kensington

What you need to know: The Milestone Hotel has a prime spot right opposite Kensington Palace and Gardens, so you’re technically sharing the neighbourhood with royalty. The afternoon tea here is nice and traditional. You’ll find all the staples done properly: neatly cut finger sandwiches, fluffy scones with clotted cream and jam, and an elegant selection of hand-crafted pastries and cakes. It’s one of those places that feels properly British, in the best way.

When we visited in summer, we tried their seasonal Wimbledon-themed afternoon tea. Highlights included a Pimms jelly (gorgeous) and a choux pastry shaped like a tennis ball. They also update the menu throughout the year to match key London events, so it’s worth checking if there’s a themed twist when you book.

Fun fact: The Milestone won an Award of Excellence at the 2023 and 2024 Afternoon Tea Awards – two years on the trot!

User review: “Brilliant place to eat staff are very nice perfect place to eat with a family or friends. 100% recommend to anyone looking for a place to eat” Jenson, TripAdvisor

Address: 1-3 Kensington Ct, London W8 5DL
Price: £85 per person

18. Afternoon tea at The Beaumont

Best for: 1920s glitz and glamour

What you need to know: The Beaumont is a gorgeous five-star hotel that’s pretty close to Oxford Street! The afternoon tea is a very classic menu of finger sandwiches, freshly baked homemade scones and hand-crafted dainty cakes and pastries. The treats are served in their Gatsby Room, which is really something. The space is super cosy with red walls, art on the walls and lots of bookcases – it’s very art deco inspired. The idea is that it gives off Mayfair in the 1920s vibes (the hotel was built in 1926), but above anything else, it’s just a really comfortable place to while away a few hours.

Fun fact: The Beaumont bagged the an Award of Excellence at the 2025 Afternoon Tea Awards

User review: “We had an amazing experience with afternoon tea at Beaumont hotel. The location, the service, and of course the tea and the food were absolutely great.” Emma B, TripAdvisor

Address: 8 Balderton St, Brown Hart Gardens, London W1K 6TF
Price: £65 per person

19. Bridgerton afternoon tea at The Lanesborough

Best for: Lady Whistledown Stans

What you need to know: One of the most exciting new afternoon teas for 2025, The Lanesborough is a five-star hotel offering a fun Bridgerton-themed afternoon tea. Though it doesn’t come with Jonathan Bailey (sadly), it does come with a full Bridgerton-inspired menu. Sweet treats include ‘The Social Butterfly’, a fun sharing cake inspired by Miss Penelope Featherington and a little ‘Lady Whistledown’ pastry which is fittingly both bitter and sweet in taste.

You’ll take tea in The Lanesborough Grill, a spectacular space with a domed glass ceiling and sparkling glass chandeliers that feel straight out of a Bridgerton ball. It’s bright, refined, and genuinely one of the most picturesque settings for afternoon tea in London.

Fun fact: The Lanesbrough’s history dates back to the 1700s, making it one of the oldest establishments in London.

User review: “Very nice environment! We chose afternoon tea Bridgerton and was great and with the menu adapted for lactose intolerant that I am.” Mirian, TripAdvisor

Address: Hyde Park Corner, London SW1X 7TA
Price: £89 per person

20. Wizard afternoon tea at Georgian House Hotel

Best for: Magic or Harry Potter lovers

What you need to know: Tucked away just a short walk from Victoria Station, the Georgian House Hotel has carved out a niche in London with its wizard-themed experiences. Their Wizard Afternoon Tea comes served in a charming birdcage (I prefer to call it an owl cage). You can expect a whimsical menu of ever-changing sweet and savoury treats inspired by the wizarding world, often featuring things like cauldron cakes and spellbound pastries.

For an extra layer of magic, you can upgrade to a potion-making experience, where you’ll mix your own edible potion under the guidance of their Head Wizard. It’s hands-on, a little theatrical, and perfect for kids (or adults) who want to feel part of the story. Plus, you’re encouraged to wear a wizard or witch’s hat throughout the tea!

Fun fact: The Georgian House Hotel also offers fully themed Wizard Chambers where you can stay overnight!

User review: “We had a nice afternoon tea. The sandwiches were fantastic. There were four of us and we had three different kinds of tea (I enjoyed the peppermint) and three bottles of the soft drinks which had a swirling effect in the bottle so it looked magical. It was Harry Potter-adjacent, but still kinda cool.” Millard, TripAdvisor

Address: St George’s Dr, Pimlico, London SW1V 4DG
Price: £40 per wizard

21. Sweetshop afternoon tea at Chesterfield Hotel

Best for: Anyone with a sweet tooth

What you need to know: Brace yourself for a sugar-filled trip down memory lanes. The afternoon tea at The Chesterfield has made waves for its pretty unique menu inspired by traditional sweet shops. You’ll start with a familiar selection of freshly made finger sandwiches and homemade chocolate chip scones (a nice twist on the classic), but the real star is the sweet trolley that follows.

The desserts are all inspired by iconic British and American sweets – you’ll find Coca-Cola slice cakes, mini Reese’s peanut butter cups, Drumstick-flavoured macarons, cherry love heart cheesecake, and giant Jazzies covered in colourful sprinkles (my star of the show).

On your way out, you can help yourself to the Pick ‘n’ Mix trolleys, where you’re invited to fill a yellow-striped sweet bag with your favourites. It’s the kind of thoughtful, playful extra that makes this one of the best afternoon teas in London – great for kids, but just as fun for grown-ups.

Fun fact: The Chesterfield Hotel’s Sweetshop Afternoon Tea was crowned ‘Best Themed Afternoon Tea’ at the 2025 Afternoon Tea Awards!

User review: “I took my 8 year old granddaughter to the Chesterfield for High Tea during her first trip to London. As usual, the Chesterfield did not disappoint, and built memories both my granddaughter and I will share forever. The service was stellar, and the food was varied, delicious, and plentiful.” Candy A, TripAdvisor

Address: 35 Charles St, London W1J 5EB
Price: £75 per person

FAQs

What is the best afternoon tea in London?

The best afternoon tea in London in 2025 is widely considered to be The Ritz for its truly classic experience.

How much does afternoon tea cost in London?

Afternoon tea in London typically costs between £30 and £90 per person, depending on the venue. Luxury hotels like The Ritz or Claridge’s start from around £75, while more affordable options can be found from £30 to £50 per person. You can find the best deals by heading to our afternoon tea in London special offers guide.

What is the dress code for afternoon tea in London?

The dress code for afternoon tea in London varies by venue. Luxury hotels like The Ritz and Claridge’s require smart casual or elegant attire (no sportswear or trainers). More casual spots don’t usually have restrictions, but it’s best to check each venue’s guidelines when booking!

What is the most famous afternoon tea in London?

There’s nowhere more famous for afternoon tea than The Ritz. Served in the Palm Court, it includes finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, cakes and a choice of 18 loose-leaf teas. It’s an experience that’s on many London bucket lists, and it’s one of our best afternoon teas in London.

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