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 Afternoon Tea in London
 
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Tradition, elegance, style, luxury and relaxation are all synonymous with the very English tradition of afternoon tea - as are (delicate) piles of sandwiches, cakes, scones, petit fours, jam and lashings of cream. From the timeless elegance of Claridge's to the contemporary twist offered by the Berkeley, London's grand hotels really know how to uphold this historic tradition... with style. So get dressed up, find a seat by the fire, ask the pianist to play a request, and enjoy this classic, tasty and thirst-quenching ritual.
  Asia de Cuba
 45 St Martin's Lane, WC2N 4HX The venue is chic and dominated by fat, cylindrical pillars, each quirkily adorned with a different element. Situated within Morgans Hotel Group's fashionable St Martins Lane hotel, this stylish split-level restaurant serves a cuisine that combines Asian and Cuban elements, and has a Rum Bar that holds the largest selection of "sipping" rum in London. Prices are hardly restrained here, but the type of celebrity clients and fat cat bankers it regularly attracts don't seem to notice. Also available are bento boxes for lunch or pre-theatre takeaway - handy if you're popping in to The Duke of York's theatre opposite or the Coliseum a few doors down. Address: 45 St Martin's Lane, WC2N 4HX Phone: 020 7300 5588 Timing: Breakfast Daily 7am-11am, Lunch Daily midday-2.30pm, Dinner Mon to Wed 5.30pm - midnight, Thu to Sat 5.30pm-00.30am Nearest Station: Leicester Square Tube Asia de Cuba - Information  The Berkeley
Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RL Served in the appropriately themed Caramel Room with its low-lighting, chocolate-coloured wall coverings and snappy faux-crocodile fabrics, afternoon tea at The Berkeley is a modern, stylish affair. From the contemporary design (courtesy of Alexandra Champalimaud) of the room to the unusual, striking design of the cakes and pastries this is an afternoon tea experience for those who like to mix tradition with innovation. While the traditional elements of the meal still remain, The Berkeley has added its own creative twists to the ritual, bringing this centuries old institution into the 21st century by producing cakes and pastries inspired by each fashion season's catwalk designs. Prêt-à-Portea - the "A Fashionista's Afternoon Tea" - costs £35 per person and consists of a choice selection of loose leaf teas and herbal infusions together with a delectable selection of cakes, pastries and savouries served on Paul Smith for Thomas Goode fine bone china and presented in a cutting-edge style to match the catwalk. For those true fashionistas, it pays to upgrade (darling) and follow a warming cup of tea with an invigorating taste of Moet & Chandon NV Champagne served in a Baccarat crystal glass. The Moet & Chandon NV Champagne Prêt-à-Portea costs £49. Venue: The Berkeley Address: Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RL Phone: 020 7235 6000 Time: Daily from 1pm-6pm Price: Afternoon Tea £35 per person | Champagne Tea £49 per person Dress Code: Smart casual Nearest Station: Hyde Park Corner Tube The Berkeley - Information  Brown's Hotel
Albemarle Street, Mayfair, W1S 4BP Established in 1837 for "genteel" folk, James Brown's charming hotel instantly became synonymous with the refined tradition of afternoon tea. A popular haunt of royalty and statesmen, the hotel has also attracted and inspired a number of famous guests. Graham Bell made his first successful British telephone call from Brown's in 1876, Rudyard Kipling wrote 'The Jungle Book' here and regular visitor and author Agatha Christie based her book 'At Bertram's Hotel' on Brown's. Lord Byron who once described the founder, his former valet, as the "gentleman of gentlemen", also supped in these elegant surroundings. The English Tea Room is a wonderfully refined, discrete setting from which to enjoy a choice of teas - including Brown's own blend - finely cut sandwiches, freshly baked scones, Brown's famous home-made jams and clotted cream, and a selection of cakes and delicate pastries. Sink deep into an armchair, relax in front of the fire to the sounds of a piano, enjoy your chosen blend of tea from fine Wedgwood porcelain and select your desired delicacy from a Victorian silver tea-stand as you form part of history at Brown's. Venue: Brown’s Hotel Address: Albemarle Street, Mayfair, W1S 4BP Phone: 020 7493 6020 Time: Mon to Fri 3pm-6pm, Sat & Sun 2pm-6pm Price: Afternoon Tea £35 per person | Champagne Atfernoon Tea £44 per person | Rose Champagne Afternoon Tea £48 per person Dress Code: Smart casual Nearest Station: Green Park Tube Brown's - Information  Claridge's
Brook Street, Mayfair, W1K 4HR Princes, politicians and personalities have all graced the sumptuously decorated foyer at Claridge's for afternoon tea. The Art Deco interior of this hotel saw a stunning refit in 1999, bringing it back to its awe-inspiring former glory. The centre piece of the foyer - where tea is served - is a huge glass chandelier by Dale Chihuly, it really tops off the opulent surroundings. The interior itself is worth a look even without tea. With a selection of over 30 different blends of tea from around the world, you are spoilt for choice, as you are with the food. The ample selection of classic sandwiches, pastries and, of course, moist, fluffy homemade scones served with jam and clotted cream, will purge any hunger pangs, and probably negate the need for dinner. A pianist and harpist are on hand to accompany your tea. You’ll be swept away by their soothing airs to a bygone era, set in stone at Claridge's. Address: Brook Street, Mayfair, W1K 4HR Phone: 020 7409 6307 Time: Daily 3pm-5.30pm Price: Afternoon Tea £28.50 per person | Champagne Tea £36.50 per person Dress Code: Smart Casual Nearest Station: Bond Street Tube Claridge's - Information  The Connaught
Carlos Place, Mayfair, W1K 2AL The Connaught in Mayfair was originally intended as an oasis of calm for the landed gentry of England to retire to during their hectic visits to the capital. Little has changed since the opening of the hotel in 1897 - doormen in top hats and white gloves still usher guests into the majestic entrance hall with its magnificent mosaic floor and grand wooden staircase, and the historic tradition of afternoon tea is still re-enacted daily. The Connaught's Gallery room exudes rich, sumptuous elegance and style and provides the perfect, luxurious setting for afternoon tea. Film stars Sharon Stone and Lauren Bacall are among the celebrities who have sampled the Connaught's Traditional Tea which costs £28 per person and consists of scones, pastries, crumpets served alongside a selection of teas (including a special Connaught Indian blend), coffee and infusions. Afternoon tea is served from cake stands in the Drawing Room and from a tea trolley service in the Gallery every day from 3.30pm to 5.30pm. Venue: The Connaught Address: Carlos Place, Mayfair, W1K 2AL Phone: 020 7499 7070 Time: Daily 3.30pm-5.30pm Price: Afternoon Tea £28 per person Dress Code: Smart casual - no jeans, no trainers Nearest Station: Bond Street Tube The Connaught - Information  The Dorchester
Park Lane, Mayfair, W1A 2HJ Winner of numerous awards, The Dorchester has been a byword for style and comfort for over 70 years. Of the 3,000 meals served daily at the Dorchester none receives more care and attention than its fabled afternoon tea. Tea is taken in the famous Promenade, and your party will be made to feel truly privileged by the lavish setting and polished service. You can plump for either Traditional Afternoon Tea, Champagne Tea which comes with a glass of champagne, or the more substantial High Tea, perfect as a pre-theatre meal. Choose from a varied selection of 20 imported teas, or go for the Dorchester's very own delicate blend. The hotel employs its very own tea chef, solely in charge of the afternoon’s selection of finger food, not to mention the 15-strong team of pastry chefs who intricately fold together the mouth-watering range of sweets. Their scones have been made to the same delicious recipe for over 50 years, and we can tell why. Address: Park Lane, Mayfair, W1A 2HJ Phone: 020 7629 8888 Time: Afternoon Tea - Daily 2.30pm & 4.45pm Price: Afternoon Tea £33.50 per person | Champagne Tea £42.50 per person | High Tea £46.50 per person Dress Code: Smart Nearest Station: Hyde Park Corner Tube The Dorchester - Information  The Lanesborough
Hyde Park Corner, SW1X 7TA Earning the Award of Excellence from the The Tea Guild in 2009 as well as their Top London Afternoon Tea the year before, an afternoon brew at The Lanesborough is a bit of a treat. The stylish early 19th century hotel sits right on Hyde Park Corner and tea is served in its recently redecorated restaurant, Apsleys, with its beautiful glass roof. The formal ceremony of afternoon tea here takes on an undisputable air of sophistication with the steaming tea served from silver pots - a Russian samovar if you need to know - and poured into fine bone china cups, a stack of crustless finger sandwiches to accompany it. They don't mess around here, employing a dedicated 'tea sommelier', Karl Kessab, who takes the job of tea buying very seriously - most are purchased at auction. Green, black and white teas are all on the menu, from Gunpowder to Jasmine Pearls - it's a bewildering choice so don't be afraid to ask for advice. There are serveral different types of afternoon tea price packages to choose from (starting at £33) all of which come with a freshly baked scones, thick clotted cream and home made fruit preserves. Opt for the Belgravia Tea (£40) and you'll get fresh strawberries and a glass of Taittinger Champagne as well as tea to sip on. Or, if you want all the trimmings order the Prestige Champagne Tea (£65) - and a glass of Krug Grand Cuvee arrives to top off an afternoon of elegant indulgence. Address: Hyde Park Corner, SW1X 7TA Phone: 020 7333 7254 Timing: Daily 3.30pm-6pm Pricing: From £33 (The Lanesborough Tea) to £65 (The Prestige Champagne Tea) Nearest Station: Hyde Park Corner Tube The Lanesborough - Information  Palm Court
Langham Hotel, 1c Portland Place, W1B 1JA There's a long tradition of taking tea at the Langham Hotel. Afternoon Tea has been sipped here since the mid-19th century, originally served for the princely sum of 1/6d (now 7 1/2p) to the cream of Victorian society. Following a lavish £80m refurbishment, this landmark hotel - the first grand hotel in London - serves up tea, once again, at the Palm Court restaurant. Lavish is an appropriate word. Thanks to elaborate designs by architect David Collins, you can enjoy your tea and cake in sumptuous crystal chandelier lit surroundings, perched on plush velvet seats. An almost ridiculous level of attention to detail means the day's progression is marked by subtle changes in lighting, linen, chinaware and the staff uniforms. An aroma of ginger flower wafts over perfumed teas and delicate cakes while live piano music plays in the background. There are over 30 blends of tea to choose from including home grown tea and pre rain Jun Shan (Imperial Mountain) silver needle yellow tea at £40 a pot. Then, at 18:65 hours (a nod to the year the hotel was built), the transition from day to evening is marked with candle light and the discrete pop of Champagne corks - with over 40 Champagnes by the glass featured. Utterly decadent and delightful. Address: Langham Hotel, 1c Portland Place, W1B 1JA Phone: 020 7965 0195 Timing: Afternoon tea - 3pm-5pm, Champagne hour - 7pm-8pm | Palm Court - 10am-10pm Daily Pricing: £33 (Afternoon Tea), £40 (Bijou Tea) Nearest Station: Oxford Circus Tube Palm Court - Information  The Ritz
150 Piccadilly, Mayfair, W1J 9BR Tea at The Ritz has to be the London equivalent of Breakfast at Tiffany's - a world-famous brand that captures the essence of each city's history and culture. Synonymous with the comfortable colonialism of the old British aristocracy, for Londoners afternoon tea at The Ritz conjures an image of luxury, indulgence, formality and impeccable service. Detailed in delicate shades of gold, pale green and pale pink, the Palm Court, where afternoon tea is served, is an exemplar of soothing sophistication combined with lavish Louis XVI luxury. Lofty ceilings, glittering chandeliers, gilded trellises, marble columns, deep cornices and draped floral curtains all combine for a visual treat of the old Establishment. Waiters, dressed immaculately in tails, serve up tea in fine bone china with exact precision while a pianist tinkles the ivories and a harpist plucks away in the background. Views of Green Park's royal gardens are a stunning reminder of a time when King Edward VII, Winston Churchill and Charles De Gaulle formed part of the regular stream or royal, aristocratic and noble visitors taking tea at the hotel's Palm Court. It hardly needs saying but dress smartly - a jacket and tie are essential for men. Early booking (as far in advance as six weeks for weekend sittings) is essential. Address: 150 Piccadilly, Mayfair, W1J 9BR Phone: 020 7493 8181 Time: Afternoon Tea 11.30am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm & 5.30pm Daily | Champagne Tea 7.30pm Daily Price: £34 per person Dress Code: Jacket and tie. No jeans or trainers. Nearest Station: Green Park Tube The Ritz - Information  St James’s Restaurant
181 Piccadilly, W1A 1ER From the day Fortnum & Mason opened its doors to the nation back in 1707, tea has been one of their main concerns. The charming St James's Tearoom opened just a few years after the British discovered their now beloved cuppa. Fortnum's is the original London tea house. The fabulous food hall downstairs stocks over a century of blends including India, Nepal, Japan, Sri Lanka, along with their own in-house infusions, green teas and all sorts of fruity numbers. Tea tasting really is a fine art and these are the experts with nearly 300 year’s experience. The calm atmosphere, pacifying piano and broad view of Piccadilly makes the St James's Tearoom a tranquil haven away from the sea of shoppers outside. The reputation of the food hall precedes it, and the sandwiches and pastries live up to expectations. Choose from a Traditional Tea, a Champagne Tea or the more substantial High Tea. Address: Fortnum and Mason, 181 Piccadilly, W1A 1ER Phone: 020 7734 8040 Time: Mon to Sat 3pm-5.30pm Price: Afternoon Tea £22 - £30 per person | High Tea £24 - £32 per person Dress Code: None Nearest Station: Piccadilly Circus Tube St James's Restaurant - Information  Tea Palace
12 Covent Garden Market, WC2E 8RF You can't actually sit in and have a cup of tea at the Tea Palace in Covent Garden but for anyone who is obsessive about their brewed leaves this shop is a must-see. From Hand Tied Jasmine Snowdragon Spirals and Dragon Phoenix Pearls to Ceylon Ratnapurna and Lemon Shimmer, there are over 148 different types of tea on offer. Beautifully packaged in purple tea caddies, they've even created a special Covent Garden Blend, from Chinese Yunnan, organic peppermint and cobalt blue cornflowers, to celebrate the shop's opening. They may look rather posh but there's a blend designed to suit every palate - they even do a (but don't ask for it too loudly) Builder's Brew for those whose tastebuds need a firmer prod. A destination shopping experience for true tea fans everywhere. Address: 12 Covent Garden Market, WC2E 8RF Phone: 020 7836 6997 Timing: Mon to Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 11am-6pm Pricing: £3.25 (sample tea caddy), £8.95 (125g tea caddy) Nearest Station: Covent Garden Tube Tea Palace - Information  TeaSmith
6 Lamb Street, E1 6EA Sit up at the tea bar at this Spitalfields Market teashop and enjoy a lovely cuppa, brewed as its meant to be. Tea is studied like a science at TeaSmith with water boiled to the correct temperature and leaves brewed to a precise time. It's a process that husband and wife owners John Kennedy and Tomoko Kawase have perfected through years of research. At the small but perfectly formed shop - beautifully designed by Jonathan Clark Architects - you can sit at the tea bar and enjoy a cup on the premises or buy fresh tea including scented, oolong and white teas as well as a wide variety of leaves from Assams to Earl Greys. All come perfectly packaged in the sleek, streamlined silver tins with signature turquoise and white labels. No afternoon tea should be served without cake and they've teamed up with Suzue and William Curley who supply TeaSmith with delicacies like chocolate yuzu cake from their patisserie in Richmond. Cordon Bleu trained chef Suzue has worked at Claridges and The Savoy where she was in charge of afternoon teas. TeaSmith regularly run tastings which introduce some very unusual brews with the likes of ex-El Bulli chef Nuno Mendes doing the teaching. Alternatively you can enroll on a tea master class run on Thursdays at 7pm and learn the art of tea making for yourself in a two and a half hour lesson at a cost of £35 per person. Address: 6 Lamb Street, E1 6EA Phone: 020 7247 1333 Timing: Daily 11am-6pm | Master class - most Thursdays, 7pm-9.30pm Pricing: £25 (Afternoon TeaSmith Ceremony with Tasting Menu), £18 (Patisserie with Single Tea) | £35 (Masterclass - most Thursdays, 7pm-9.30pm) Nearest Station: Aldgate East Tube TeaSmith - Information  Men's Afternoon Tea at the Mandeville
Mandeville Place, W1U 2BE Sophisticated, single man-about-town? Or simply frustrated when your girlfriend insists on more sale shopping in Selfridges? This could prove the perfect tonic. Don your chinos and tweed and drop into the effortlessly chic Mandeville Hotel in haughty Marylebone for the capital's only afternoon tea for men. Think of it as the culinary and social equivalent of a Yorkie bar for the discerning male customer. Offering a range of whiskies as well as champagne, tea with the boys is accompanied by a selection of grown-up games available at the bar. Eschew female favourites such as Connect 4 and Guess Who? - unwind over a round of backgammon, cards or chess. Add to that a feast of roast sirloin sandwiches, chicken satays and potted shrimps followed by hearty chocolate brownies and scones, washed down with a selection of Earl Gray and Darjeelings as well as a variety of the finest bourbons. All this served in the stunning deVille restaurant on fabulous Tiffany blue china from £22.50. Guys, isn't it always better when you do it by yourself? Venue: Mandeville Hotel Address: Mandeville Place, Westminster, W1U 2BE Phone:  020 7935 5599Time: 3pm-5.30pm Pricing: From £22.50 Nearest Station: Bond Street Tube |
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