I spent the first seven years of my life in the United Kingdom and still have some British terms and phrases in my vocabulary.
21.07.2023 - 07:30 / roughguides.com / London
It’s no secret that, for Brits, tea is not just tea – it’s a national institution, and one of the best things to do in England. All too often, though, treating yourself to an afternoon tea can mean eating tiny sandwiches and slightly dry slices of cake, then paying £50 for the privilege. Those days are over – we’ve done all the arduous research for you, so you can enjoy an altogether more appetising experience. Let us help you find the best afternoon tea in London with our favourites.
This article is inspired by our Rough Guide to England, your essential guide for travelling to England.
Some places in London are renowned for their afternoon teas, and with good reason. They may not be cheap, but for a real once-in-a-lifetime experience, they can’t be beaten. If you’ve got the wardrobe for it (“Gentlemen are required to wear a jacket and tie”), head to the Palm Court at The Ritz.
This is the absolute classic setting for afternoon tea, complete with besuited waiters, resident pianist and harpist duo. Not to mention, of course, belt-breaking amounts of cake. You'll get all the classics — scones with jam and cream, finger sandwiches. There is also a choice of 18 different loose-leaf teas, chosen by the in-house tea sommelier (the only hotel in the UK with such an individual), Giandomenico Scanu.
Afternoon tea at The Ritz is a British institution © The Ritz Hotels
Kids, as a rule, like cake. That said, even the most ambitious child (and many adults) would struggle with the gut-busting towers of sandwiches, pastries and scones some places serve up. As well as offering a deliciously indulgent set of options for adults, Claridge’s is one of the few venues which serves an impressive afternoon tea specially designed for children – and the menu can even be used as a colouring book.
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Looking for the best vegan afternoon tea in London? You're in luck. Vegan (and/or gluten free) options have been booming in the city in the last 5 years, and now even erstwhile Royal tea suppliers Fortnum & Mason have joined the trend.
You'll get delicious treats like millionaire shortbread, cucumber sandwiches, and even vegan scones, all served in the classy calm of the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon (opened by the Her Majesty the Queen, no less). Non-vegans are well looked after too of course – with all the usual favourites like scones with fresh clotted cream, chocolate cake and more.
Fortnum & Mason offers all the classic favourites, plus vegan options © Fortnum & Mason
At Sketch, you can check your preconceptions about afternoon tea being a staid, stuffy affair at the door. Instead, expect irreverent art,
I spent the first seven years of my life in the United Kingdom and still have some British terms and phrases in my vocabulary.
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