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The 5 Best Luxury Afternoon Teas in London
Indulge in Elegance
London is synonymous with tradition and sophistication, and there’s no experience that embodies this more than indulging in a luxury afternoon tea. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, embracing the festive season, or simply looking for a quintessential British treat, London offers a stunning array of venues to enjoy this timeless ritual. From hotel afternoon tea in glamorous five-star settings to enchanting Christmas afternoon tea experiences, these handpicked locations are perfect for creating unforgettable memories. Gather your loved ones for a sumptuous afternoon tea for two or savor a festive high tea filled with seasonal delights. With exquisite teas, mouthwatering pastries, and impeccable service, discover the best spots for an indulgent afternoon tea experience in London.
If you’re a fan of the traditional delights of afternoon tea, you’re in for a treat with these incredible venues. But if you’re looking to add a unique twist to your afternoon tea experience, don’t miss our recommendations at the bottom of the page. From quirky themes to unexpected settings, these options take luxury afternoon tea to a whole new level!
At a glance
Price: From £80 pp
Address: The Biltmore, 44 Grosvenor Square, London W1K 2HP
Best for: Afternoon Tea next to Fireplace
A glamorous and jewel-inspired afternoon tea experience
Nestled in the heart of Grosvenor Square, The Biltmore Mayfair exudes elegance and charm, making it the perfect setting for a luxurious afternoon tea experience. The menu, crafted by Michelin-starred Chef Jason Atherton, reimagines British classics with a touch of innovation. Begin with savoury delights such as crab and avocado tartlets, smoked salmon rolls, and Hereford beef brioche. Next, indulge in pillowy scones wrapped in warm napkins, served with Cornish clotted cream and berry jams.
For tea connoisseurs, a curated selection of blends awaits, while those marking a special occasion may opt for Moët & Chandon Imperial champagne. Set in the Tea Lounge, with its flawless service and glamorous ambiance, this afternoon tea for two is an unforgettable treat, especially if you’re in search of a festive afternoon tea or a luxurious Christmas high tea experience.
At a glance
Price: From £76 pp
Address: 150 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1J 9BR
Best for: Timeless Luxury
Website : www.theritzlondon.com
Timeless elegance and old-school glamour
Step into the iconic Palm Court at The Ritz London, where afternoon tea becomes a regal affair drenched in gold, mirrored surfaces, and leafy palms. Accompanied by live music from a pianist or harpist—and traditional carols during the festive season—this experience is as quintessentially British as it gets.
The menu is a proud celebration of tradition, beginning with a selection of crust less finger sandwiches. Towering scones, served warm with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry preserve, are a highlight. But the pièce de résistance lies in the exquisite pastries: gold-leaf choux buns, cranberry-meringue cakes, and decadent chocolate and chestnut delights. Tea connoisseurs will appreciate the curated list of 18 luxury blends, from fruity infusions to the classic Ritz Royal English, a rich breakfast tea with Kenyan, Assam, and Orange Pekoe leaves.
At a glance
Price: From £82 pp
Address: 4th Floor, Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1A 1ER
Best for: Traditional and Classic Afternoon Tea
A quintessential and timeless afternoon tea experience
Nestled within the fourth floor of the iconic Fortnum & Mason on Piccadilly, The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon is a serene retreat wrapped in the brand’s signature eau-de-nil tones. Start your afternoon tea experience with a perfectly brewed cup from the salon’s extensive collection of 92 teas.
The menu features both savoury and sweet delights that elevate tradition to an art form. Indulge in lobster scones topped with cream cheese and caviar, or opt for the classic plain and fruit scones served warm with Fortnum’s own jam and clotted cream. Sweet treats are as stunning to look at as they are to taste.
The subtle creativity of the menu ensures this luxury afternoon tea remains timeless while embracing innovation. Whether you’re marking a special occasion or simply treating yourself, The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon is a celebration of elegance and flavor in one unforgettable afternoon tea for two setting.
At a glance
Price: From £70 pp
Address: 16-18 St James’s Place, London SW1A 1NJ
Best for: Quiet Luxury
A quiet retreat in luxury
Afternoon tea at The Stafford is a collaboration between head pastry chef Magdalena Velczenbach and Michelin-starred chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen. The experience begins with a curated selection of teas from Camelia’s Tea House. The White Apricot tea, a fragrant and refreshing choice, pairs beautifully with a celebratory glass of Louis Roederer Collection 244 Champagne.
The savoury course includes traditional finger sandwiches with flavors like smoked salmon and cream cheese, coronation chicken, and ham and mustard. The star of the savouries, however, is the decadent truffled egg brioche bun. The grand finale comes with the arrival of the bespoke cake trolley. Guests can select up to five pastries from the rotating seasonal selection, with options like coffee choux buns and chai latte honey cakes. With its outstanding service, historic charm, and innovative menu, The Stafford is a hidden gem perfect for a luxury afternoon tea for two or a special Christmas afternoon tea outing.
At a glance
Price: From £70 pp
Address: 222 Marylebone Rd, London NW1 6JQ
Best for: Experiencing luxury
Timeless elegance in a stunning atrium
Located in the heart of Marylebone, The Landmark London provides a luxury afternoon tea in an enchanting eight-story glass atrium, complete with towering palm trees and an abundance of natural light.
The tea menu, crafted by Mauro and Daniel—winners of Bake Off the Professionals 2023—is a testament to refined taste.The savoury course showcases classic British sandwiches with servers happily offering second helpings. The scones, served warm, are a standout feature. Alongside the traditional plain scones, unique candied apricot and marzipan scones shine with their sweet bursts of flavor, paired with clotted cream, jam, and a rich hazelnut chocolate ganache for an indulgent twist.
Desserts are an exquisite finale, elevating traditional favourites into decadent creations. Highlights include a white chocolate and yuzu cheesecake with spiced pear compote and a beautifully crafted pavlova. Every bite reflects the expert craftsmanship of the pastry chefs.
