Afternoon tea in London (or anywhere!) is a cherished tradition blending elegance, great food and stunning venues. Here, we’ve compiled a selection of the most luxurious and distinctive afternoon teas across London, offering a taste of the finest teas on offer.
The Georgian, Harrods
This new look of The Georgian (it first launched in 1911) will be glamorous, theatrical, and, most of all, delicious. The afternoon tea menu overseen by Harrods Executive Pastry Chef Markus Bohr, will offer exquisite sandwiches, pastries and scones, as well as expert tea service from their professional Tea Sommelier. Expect treats such as Confit duck sandwiches with orange marmalade on tomato bread; and Pistachio, pear and sablé Bréton. The space has been redesigned by David Collins Studio and features 25 chandeliers providing fairytale lighting alongside updated Art Deco architectural grandeur. Live music will be performed throughout the day, with a hint to the Jazz Age and The Georgian’s origins. (The restaurant then evolves into its evening iteration, with a menu devised by chef Calum Franklin – known as ‘the pie king’. Expect refined pies leading the repertoire, including the signature ‘Georgian Pie Experience’, plus Chicken Penny and Beef Wellington, among others).
Price: £75 per person for the Afternoon Tea
Location: 87-135 Brompton Rd, London SW1X 7XL, United Kingdom
Corinthia London
The Crystal Moon Lounge is the dazzling setting for their new autumn-into-winter afternoon tea menu (which then evolves into the Festival Afternoon Tea, from the 15th of November to the 5th of January). Executive Pastry Chef Yago Doamo is a creative genius, particularly with his seasonal concoctions. Favourites include sandwiches such as Wiltshire cured ham with spiced pineapple marmalade; Fig and mascarpone tart; and Caramelised apple and vanilla mousse. Then the festive season emerges with treats such as Tahitian vanilla snow globe; Mont Blanc choux; Plum and Amaretto tartlet; and Cranberry and orange blossom Gugelhupf.
Price: £75pp (£85 on weekends) for the Traditional Afternoon Tea, then the Festive Tea (£95pp)
Location: Whitehall Pl, London SW1A 2BD, UK
The Bloomsbury Hotel
Coordinating with the new theatrical production of ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ at the nearby Dominion Theatre (launching on 24 October, with a scheduled long run), The Bloomsbury has introduced a tribute with the Runway Afternoon Tea – available in both Dalloway Terrace and The Coral Room. The pastry chefs have been creative with the ‘Devil’s chocolate cake’, ‘It’s not just blue, it’s cerulean’ (Greek yoghurt mousse and blueberries), and ‘No foam skimmed latte with an extra shot’ (Hazelnut Opera cake with coffee and caramel). There is also a children’s Bumble Bee Tea with treats such as Milk chocolate bumble bee lollipops and Beehive butter shortbread.
Price: £48 per person for the Afternoon Tea, then £25 per person for the children’s Bumble Bee Tea
Location: 16-22 Great Russell St, London WC1B 3NN, UK
The Kensington Hotel
A chic South Kensington hotel, with smart neighbourhood ambience and an elegant Drawing Room makes for the perfect afternoon tea venue. Sandwiches mix traditional with contemporary – the Pastrami with gherkin and horseradish is a local hit. The desserts evolve with the seasons, and currently feature Mango mousse ‘pumpkin’ with coconut yoghurt cream; and Dark chocolate mousse tart with passion fruit parfait. The extensive tea list is sourced by Henrietta Lovell of The Rare Tea Company. The menu also includes a map of the prestigious galleries and museums within a short walk of the hotel, from the V&A and the Royal Society of Sculptors to the Cadogan, Purdy Hicks and Bury Street galleries.
Price: £58pp (or £70pp, including a glass of Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve NV)
Location: The Kensington – 109-113 Queen’s Gate, London SW7 5LP
The Ritz London
Afternoon Tea at The Ritz London offers a luxurious taste of British tradition in the opulent surroundings of The Palm Court. Begin with delicate finger sandwiches, followed by freshly baked scones with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry preserve, and a selection of exquisitely crafted pastries and teacakes, all replenished on request. Choose from over 20 loose-leaf teas sourced by The Ritz’s certified Tea Master, Giandomenico Scanu, for a truly refined experience, or add a glass of Champagne for an extra sparkle. The tableside cake trolley provides the grand finale, with generous slices of seasonal cakes, each a sweet masterpiece to round off this enchanting afternoon in Mayfair.
Price: From £76pp
Location: 150 Piccadilly, London W1J 9BR, United Kingdom
The Dorchester London
Afternoon Tea at The Dorchester is a celebrated London institution, renowned since 1931 for its exquisite charm and sophistication. This opulent setting invites patrons to indulge in a delightful parade of seasonal finger sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream, and a stunning selection of freshly baked cakes crafted by award-winning Pastry Chef Michael Kwan. Accompanied by a carefully curated selection of speciality teas and fine Champagne, the experience is further enhanced by the smooth sounds of a resident pianist, creating an atmosphere of refined elegance. Each element of this timeless ritual reflects The Dorchester’s commitment to quality, making it a memorable celebration of British tradition.
Price: £110pp (Afternoon tea with champagne is £121pp)
Location: 53 Park Ln, London W1K 1QA, United Kingdom
www.thedorchestercollection.com
All imagery courtesy of the brands. Leading image courtesy of Unsplash.