It’s Afternoon Tea Week in London, happening now until August the 14th. Below we have a hand-curated list of the best afternoon tea locations, including historic classics and one-of-a-kind specialities to help you join in on the celebration. Whether you’re setting out to honor a special event or you’re simply looking for a lovely way to fill your time in between lunch and dinner, Afternoon Tea Week is a landmark holiday that mirrors the standards of luxury and tradition in London.
The Lane
What: This afternoon tea week enjoy a reimagined Luxury Regency Afternoon Tea by Lily Vanilli at the Lane London. Served in the opulent surroundings of the Grand Saloon, the Luxury Afternoon Tea starts with a glass of Taittinger Brut Reserve and a welcome serving of blinis with Exmoor Royal Beluski caviar. Priced at £99 per person, the tea includes a generous array of savoury bites such as madeleines topped with lapsang-souchong glazed salmon, bitesize canelés with whipped ricotta and pickled beetroot, a signature Lily Vanilli puff pastry sausage roll made with Cornish sausage meat, roast bacon lardons and a cider vinegar deglaze. Warm scones will be brought to the table with salted whipped butter, cream and homemade jams. You can also tuck into their new summer punch – a cocktail made from Pimm’s, apricot liqueur, cucumber and lemon juice, topped up with ginger ale. Across the weekend guests will also be treated to stunning performances from a live harpist in the Grand Saloon, completing the ultimate Regency Afternoon Tea experience. Performances will take place Friday 12th – Sunday 14th of August from 11am-5pm.
Where: Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Catherine St, London WC2B 5JF
Cost: £49 for Adults and £35 for Children
The Wolseley
What: The Wolseley is a beautiful option any day of the week, located in London’s historic Piccadilly. The interior of this restaurant is surrounded by a double staircase and filled with charming gold and bronze detail throughout. Unbelievably, The Wolseley venue was once a car showroom where the motor brand that once occupied this space explains its namesake. Be sure to note the teapots at The Wolseley, as each one is unique and silver plated. You may choose from a cream tea or champagne tea option, suited for any afternoon tea occasion.
Where:
160 Piccadilly London W1J 9EB
Cost: £36.00 per person
Sketch
What: David Shrigley’s Sketch is nothing short of unforgettable. Sketch is a must-attend venue that is far more than London’s Instagram sensation; this tea room is marvelled for its beautiful jungle bar, eclectic and charismatic art decor, charming blush pink seating (that coordinates with the rest of the tea room), and, of course, the transcendent ‘eggloos’ found in the washroom. Your afternoon tea at Sketch will dazzle and inspire you, from start to finish.
Where:
Sketch: 9 Conduit Street Mayfair London W1S 2XG
Cost: £59 per person
The Stafford
What: What is truly marvellous about enjoying an afternoon at The Stafford is the historic beauty you will enjoy on your way in, or out, if you choose to amble through St. James street. The Stafford has a newly added dining room properly suited for afternoon tea. The Stafford offers delicious homemade scones, both sweet and savoury, an extensive wine list, and traditional pastries inspired by the classic bakeries of St. James street. If you want a relaxed and charming evening, The Stafford is a must-visit, served between 12 – 7 pm daily.
Where:
The Stafford: 16-18 St James’s Pl, St. James’s, London SW1A 1NJ
Cost: £45 per person
Fortnum & Mason’ Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon
What: Fortnum & Mason offers a quintessential afternoon tea experience in London. Dating back to 1707, the Fortnum & Mason department store continues to reinvent itself while maintaining the timeless beauty it is famous for. Fortnum and Mason also offers shopping downstairs where you can purchase your favourite tea and more. The latest development at Fortnum & Mason is their all-new terrace, where you can enjoy your afternoon tea from the iconic tiffany blue china while enjoying London’s beauty outdoors.
Where:
Fortnum & Mason: Fourth Floor, Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1A 1ER
Cost: £70 per person
Cinnamon Bazaar
What: Cinnamon Bazaar puts an Indian twist on London’s classic afternoon tea. This venue is named after the bazaar marketplace, a market for entertainment where items are sold, purchased and exchanged. The cross-cultural dining experience at Cinnamon Bazaar is an exciting celebration of London’s rich diversity, a fun change for Afternoon Tea Week. This fine restaurant uniquely offers a vast array of chaats, an ancient indulgent treat admired by traders at a bazaar. Experience an unprecedented afternoon tea hotspot at Cinnamon Bazaar.
Where:
Cinnamon Bazaar: 28 Maiden Lane, London, WC2E 7JS
Cost: £28 per person
The Drawing Room at Brown’s Hotel
What: For a truly regal experience, look to the Drawing Room in the Brown’s Hotel. Queen Victoria was known to enjoy her afternoon tea at Browns and it is easy to see why. The wood-panelled tea room is luxurious, award-winning and beyond all, a historic experience–the Drawing Room is the perfect way to honour afternoon tea week.
Where:
Brown’s Hotel: 30 Albemarle Street London W1S 4BP
Cost: From £65 per person
Searcys at The Gherkin
What: Located on the 38th floor of The Gherkin, Searcys is an afternoon tea like no other. With 360 degree views of the London skyline, sultry, dramatic lighting and many afternoon tea options to choose from, you’re sure to have a grand evening. I recommend the Limitless Sparkling Afternoon Tea with Searcys Selected Cuvée Brut Champagne. Why not have the best of both worlds with this endless Champagne and Tea extravaganza.
Where:
The Gherkin: 30 St Mary Axe, London, England EC3A 8EP
Cost: £55 per person
The Promenade at The Dorchester Hotel
What: The Promenade at The Dorchester Hotel is a staple to London. The attention to detail in The Dorchester is unique to its high reputation that has been this venue’s standard for decades. You will notice the historic glamour of this tea room from the moment you walk into the promenade, to the end of your evening. The humble exterior of The Dorchester Hotel sets you up for a sweet surprise as the marble-columned and flower-bedecked reception area welcomes you to the marvellous afternoon tea that is nearing. Enjoy the afternoon tea daily, from 11 am to 6 pm.
Where:
The Promenade: The Dorchester, Park Lane, London W1K 1QA
Cost: From £75 per person
The Goring
What: The Goring Afternoon Tea offers a stunning environment in the closed green fields of the Veranda. This venue is a classic choice for Afternoon Tea, as The Goring has been perfecting the craft of high tea for over a century. Bollinger Special Cuvée Champagne and Bollinger Rosé Champagne are both offered with tea, as well as an assortment of seasonal items guaranteed to provide you with a delectable menu. You may select from a wide array of teas culminated from around the world while enjoying the stunning grounds and award-winning service at The Goring.
Where:
The Goring: Beeston Pl, London SW1W 0JW
Cost: From £60 per person
