For an Indian afternoon tea, London is the place to be. Discover the top spots serving the most exquisite Indian-inspired afternoon teas across the city. From fragrant chai-infused tea blends to gourmet vegetarian savoury treats, you’re in for top-quality dining.
As always, there are no paid recommendations on this page. We’re simply helping you find the best places for afternoon tea in London. Let’s get started.
- Top-rated Indian afternoon teas in London
- What is the best vegetarian Indian afternoon tea in London?
- Recap of London’s best Indian afternoon teas
Top-rated Indian afternoon teas in London
1. Indian jasmine afternoon tea at Kona
Located within the five-star Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences, just a stone’s throw from Buckingham Palace, Kona offers a unique twist on the classic afternoon tea. Their Jasmine Afternoon Tea is a celebration of Indian flavours, blending traditional spices with a touch of elegance.
You’ll start with a selection of savoury delights, most of which are vegetarian. Expect treats like scrambled paneer bhurjee in crisp filo pastry and aloo bonda mango chutney buns. Plus, there’s an assortment of eight different delicacies to sample including gulab jamun mille fuiellie and chamcham eclairs.
For me, though, the true highlight was the scones. The saffron and elaichi (cardamom) scones, served with elaichi clotted cream and rose jam, were to die for – warm, fragrant, and perfectly paired with a steaming cup of chai.
- Price: £75 per person, £90 with Prosecco
- Address: 51 Buckingham Gate, London SW1E 6AF
- Editor’s insight: “The location is more than ideal for a fun day out in London, plus the restaurant came ‘Highly Commended’ in the Afternoon Tea Awards 2018.“
User review: “There was a wide choice of teas and different teas were recommended at various points as we ate. There was no difficulty when we asked for a couple of extra items, and these were included in the price of the voucher. Although we were told on booking, and on arrival, that our table was available for ninety minutes, we actually stayed for two hours and did not at any point feel that we had outstayed our welcome (and, being a Saturday afternoon, it was pretty busy). Oh – and delightful bathrooms too!” Blaise 19, TripAdvisor
Book through Buyagift.com
Right now, you can book Kona’s afternoon tea through Buyagift. And for total transparency, we may earn a small commission if you purchase through the link below.
Go to Buyagift.com2. Chai afternoon tea at Kinaara, InterContinental London, The O2
Located within InterContinental London, Kinaara is a fine dining restaurant that’s a must-visit. While it’s not in the heart of the city, the stunning views of the River Thames and Canary Wharf make it a dreamy destination in itself.
This East-meets-West style afternoon tea is crafted by award-winning chefs Tanuj and Narayan, winners (that’s right, WINNERS) of Bake Off: The Professionals 2024. The menu blends British tradition with Indian flavours – think savoury treats like coronation chicken sandwiches and bread pakora, while sweet treats include mango tart and spiced chocolate cake.
Tea lovers will be spoiled for choice, with 17 varieties of Jing tea – the widest selection on our list. Whether you prefer black, white, oolong, green, herbal, or even their very own homemade blend, there’s something for everyone.
- Price: £55pp or £75pp with Champagne
- Address: 1 Waterview Dr, London, SE10 0TW
- Editor’s insight: “Kinaara is truly luxury – if the Bake Off: The Professionals name drop didn’t get you, you’ll be delighted to hear the restaurant also achieved two AA Rosettes from 2023.”
User review: “Wonderful afternoon tea with amazing flavours and really friendly service, would highly recommend.” Hollyfrnss, TripAdvisor
Book through Virgin Experience Days
Right now, you can book Chai by the Shore afternoon tea (with Prosecco) through Virgin Experience Days. And for total transparency, we may earn a small commission if you purchase through the link below.
Go to Virgin Expereince Days3. Afternoon tea at Cinnamon Bazaar
With locations in both Covent Garden and Richmond, Cinnamon Bazaar brings a unique twist to the traditional British afternoon tea. The menu takes inspiration from the owner’s roots and vibrant flavours of Kolkata, West Bengal.
The menu is a delightful fusion of East and West, offering savoury bites like mustard fish finger sandwiches alongside sweet treats like fragrant saffron macaron and the truly divine coriander pistachio cake.
For a bold, spice-infused take on afternoon tea, Cinnamon Bazaar is a must-visit. Whether you’re in central London or riverside in Richmond, expect a feast of flavours that’s anything but ordinary.
- Price: £27.50 per person
- Address: 28 Maiden Ln, London WC2E 7JS
- Editor’s insight: “This is by far our most affordable pick – it’s also the most centrally located. The Covent Garden venue is just behind the main action (and so it’s also super easy to get to from Charing Cross station).”
User review: “We really enjoyed our Indian set afternoon tea menu, which made a refreshing change from the usual traditional afternoon tea. Both the savoury and sweet courses were beautifully presented and well flavoured. The ornate yellow teapot was wonderful!” jh43, TripAdvisor
What is the best vegetarian Indian afternoon tea in London?
For us, the best vegetarian Indian afternoon tea has to be at Kona, Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites. The menu is nearly 100% vegetarian. The only exception is a masala mutton keema pinwheel, but even that can be swapped for a veggie alternative. Plus, of all the afternoon teas on our list, their menu is the most extensive and varied.
Recap of London’s best Indian afternoon teas
| Kona | From £75pp |
| Kinaara | From £55pp |
| Cinnamon Bazaar | From £27.50pp |
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