Afternoon tea in London is more than just a meal—it’s a ceremony, a pause in the day where elegance meets indulgence. Whether you’re celebrating something special, catching up with friends, or simply treating yourself, London offers countless places where this beloved tradition is elevated into an art form. Here are some of the most iconic destinations for afternoon tea in the capital—each offering a unique ambience, impeccable service, and menus full of thoughtful, pork-free and alcohol-free delights.
1. TĪNG at Shangri-La, The Shard
Perched high on the 35th floor of The Shard, TĪNG at Shangri-La offers a spectacular setting for afternoon tea with unparalleled panoramic views of London. The ambiance is serene and contemporary, making it feel like a sky-high sanctuary. Their menu takes inspiration from both Asian and British cuisines, offering exquisite savouries and intricately designed desserts. It’s a great choice for those who want a peaceful escape with an unbeatable view.
Starts at – £55 per person
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2. Fortnum & Mason, Piccadilly
The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum & Mason is as regal as its name suggests. Known for its heritage and commitment to quality, Fortnum’s offers a classic afternoon tea experience with tiered stands of freshly baked scones, delicate pastries, and finger sandwiches. The vast tea menu is curated from their own collection, and the interiors, with soft pastels and fine china, add to the refined atmosphere. A quintessential London tea experience not to be missed.
Starts at – £82 per person
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3. The Lanesborough, Hyde Park Corner
Step into a world of stately charm at The Lanesborough, where afternoon tea is served in the palatial Withdrawing Room. The setting is grand yet inviting, with soaring ceilings, classical decor, and warm, attentive service. Their afternoon tea features a seasonal menu filled with traditional favourites and inventive pastries, all beautifully presented and made without pork or alcohol-based ingredients. It’s ideal for a luxurious, slow-paced afternoon near Hyde Park.
Starts at – £89.00 per person
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4. The Landmark London, Marylebone
The Winter Garden Restaurant at The Landmark is set in a breathtaking eight-story glass atrium filled with palm trees and natural light, creating a tranquil oasis in the heart of Marylebone. Afternoon tea here is a visual treat, with gleaming silver stands and pretty patisserie. The menu includes a generous variety of sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream and jam, and intricately decorated cakes. It’s a perfect place for a leisurely afternoon in an uplifting setting.
Starts at – £75 per person
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5. Palm Court at The Langham, Oxford Circus
Often credited with originating the tradition of afternoon tea, The Langham’s Palm Court offers a stylish and historically rich experience. Their menu blends classic recipes with modern elegance—think art-inspired pastries and warm scones served with house-made strawberry jam. The setting is timeless, with its soft lighting and graceful decor, making it feel like a step back into a more refined era, ideal for those who appreciate heritage and sophistication.
Starts at -£85 per person
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6. Sketch, Mayfair
For a tea experience that’s playful, creative, and utterly Instagram-worthy, Sketch delivers on all fronts. Served in The Gallery—an all-pink, art-filled dreamscape—afternoon tea here is like walking into a surreal, pastel-hued fantasy. The menu includes inventive pastries and classic bites with quirky twists, served on unique crockery. Every detail, from the interior design to the presentation of the food, is curated for drama and delight.
Starts at £115 per person
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7. The Ritz, Piccadilly
No list of London afternoon teas would be complete without The Ritz. This is the gold standard of traditional tea service, held in the opulent Palm Court with live piano music and flawless silver service. The menu is a masterclass in classic British fare, featuring cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches, warm scones, and delicately flavoured cakes. The experience here is strictly formal, but unforgettable in its splendour.
Starts at £75 per person
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8. The Berkeley, Knightsbridge
For fashion lovers, The Berkeley’s “Prêt-à-Portea” is a stylish twist on afternoon tea, where the patisserie mimics current fashion trends. From edible handbags to shoe-shaped desserts, the creativity here is unmatched. Served in a chic dining room overlooking Wilton Place, this afternoon tea feels modern, playful, and luxurious. It’s also refreshingly inclusive, with halal-friendly and vegetarian menus available upon request.
Starts at £85 per person
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9. The Connaught, Mayfair
Tucked in the heart of Mayfair, The Connaught offers a tranquil and refined tea service in its elegant Jean-Georges dining space. With its muted tones, natural light, and polished service, this is an experience for those who love subtle luxury. Their afternoon tea is rooted in tradition but presented with a contemporary finesse, from the savoury tarts to the pastel-hued pastries.
Starts at £85 per person
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10. The Dorchester, Park Lane
Afternoon tea at The Dorchester is a grand affair, served in the lavish Promenade lounge. With its gilded columns, fresh flower displays, and gentle live music, the setting is as impressive as the tea itself. Expect beautifully crafted finger sandwiches, buttery scones, and patisserie that’s as much art as food. The Dorchester offers a halal and alcohol-free experience upon request, making it perfect for elegant family gatherings or celebrations.
Starts at £95 per person
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11. Rosewood London, Holborn
At the Rosewood’s Mirror Room, afternoon tea becomes a feast for the senses. The room itself feels like a jewel box, with mirrored panels and plush seating. Known for its seasonal, themed teas—often inspired by famous art or cultural icons—the pastries here are miniature masterpieces. Each piece tells a story, making this tea not just a meal but an experience.
Starts at £80 per person
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12. Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park
The Rosebery Lounge inside the Mandarin Oriental offers a calming, botanical-inspired setting with soft hues and an expansive tea menu. The food presentation is flawless, with delicate cakes, savoury bites, and fresh scones served alongside fragrant blends from around the world. It’s a peaceful retreat from the busy Knightsbridge streets and perfect for slow, meaningful moments.
Starts at £79 per person
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13. Claridge’s, Mayfair
Claridge’s is the epitome of Art Deco glamour, and its afternoon tea matches the legendary reputation. Served in a sophisticated dining room, the experience is as classic as it gets—elegantly cut sandwiches, perfect scones, and exquisite pastries, all served on fine china. The staff are warm and knowledgeable, and every detail—from the tea leaves to the table linens—feels timeless and refined.
Starts at £95 per person
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14. SUSHISAMBA, Covent Garden
For a vibrant and unexpected twist, SUSHISAMBA offers an afternoon tea that fuses Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian influences. Served in a stylish, high-energy environment, the tea includes mochi, tropical fruit tarts, and savoury bites that burst with colour and flavour. It’s a bold alternative to the traditional, perfect for those seeking something different yet indulgent.
Starts at £65 per person
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15. Brown’s Hotel, Mayfair
London’s oldest hotel, Brown’s combines rich history with understated elegance. Afternoon tea is served in The Drawing Room, where wood-paneled walls, book-lined shelves, and a live pianist create an inviting and genteel atmosphere. The menu includes classic favourites made with care, and the tea list is extensive and curated with connoisseurs in mind.
Starts at £55per person
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16. The Goring, Belgravia
Tucked away behind Buckingham Palace, The Goring offers a quintessentially British tea experience in its garden-facing lounge. It’s known for its impeccable service and devotion to tradition, with freshly baked scones, elegant cakes, and refined sandwiches served in one of London’s last family-owned luxury hotels. The atmosphere is warm, and the attention to detail makes it feel both personal and luxurious.
Starts at £75.00 per person
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Whether you’re after a traditional experience or a contemporary twist, afternoon tea in London is a world unto itself—rich in history, full of flavour, and deeply relaxing. These iconic venues all offer something unique, and best of all, they cater beautifully to those of us who prefer pork-free, alcohol-free indulgence without compromising on experience.
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