What began as the Duchess of Bedford's guilty pleasure in the 1840’s, has evolved into an elegant social event, complete with its own set of refined etiquette rules. Inspired by timeless custom, I set out to explore the city’s most iconic afternoon tea spots and invite you to join me in this quintessentially London experience.
There’s no way to start this journey without a trip to The Ritz. Walking into the Palm Court feels like stepping into a grand old film — everything glows gold, with chandeliers casting soft light on the room. I could almost hear the whispers of past royalty in the air as I bit into the delicate sandwiches, which were just as classic as you’d imagine. The scones were warm and crumbly, served with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry preserve, and an assortment of seasonal pastries and cakes. As I sipped their house blend of Ritz Royal English Tea (you can also enjoy an impressive choice of 18 tea varieties), I realised why this place remains the gold standard for afternoon tea.
The price starts at £76 per person, with vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options available upon request. For a luxurious touch, you can add champagne from their selection, like Barons de Rothschild Brut. It’s all about tradition here — no surprises, but that’s exactly the charm.
If The Ritz is a nod to old-world charm, The Lanesborough feels like walking into a scene from Bridgerton — just a little more modern. This venue is renowned for its luxurious atmosphere and exceptional dining experiences, particularly its Bridgerton Afternoon Tea, inspired by the popular Netflix series. The menu includes a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with cream and jam, and a variety of delightful pastries, inspired by characters from the show, all crafted by Head Pastry Chef Pierre Morvan-Benezet. This delightful offering is complemented by a specially made Bridgerton Blend tea, adding a floral richness to the experience.
What struck me here was the calm, almost ethereal atmosphere, and I found myself lingering longer than I planned, savoring both the food and the moment. Afternoon tea at The Lanesborough is priced starting at £41 and can go up to £98 per person, depending on the package you choose. Reservations are recommended due to the popularity of the venue.
The Oscar Wilde Lounge at Café Royal is one of those places that takes you by surprise. The room, with its gold leaf and velvet seats, feels like something straight out of a 19th-century play — bold and a bit decadent. The tea menu here is much the same. I enjoyed traditional sandwiches, especially the smoked salmon and crème fraîche, plain and raisin scones, but it’s the pastries that steal the show. I couldn't resist trying rhubarb vanilla mousse and chocolate sablé, cox apple façon tatin — a fun twist on the classic, and exotic fruit crème brûlée with mango and bergamot gel that was the perfect way to wrap up my afternoon. Café Royal also offers an extensive tea selection, crafted in partnership with Camellia's Tea House, which specializes in unique and wellness-oriented blends.
There’s something about this place that feels indulgent, almost theatrical. I couldn’t help but imagine what it must have been like when Oscar Wilde himself dined here. The afternoon tea starts at £79 per person, and if you're looking to indulge a bit more, enjoy it with a glass of N.V. Veuve Clicquot Brut for £90.
If you want to see art in the form of afternoon tea, Sketch is the place to go. I had heard about its playful, pink-hued Gallery, but nothing prepared me for just how quirky it really was. The tea includes a selection of finger sandwiches and warm scones (both plain and sultana) served with Cornish clotted cream, and either fig or strawberry jam. For the sweet treats, you can indulge in delicate petits gâteaux like blueberry and liquorice tart, Battenberg cake, lemon meringue, and marshmallows flavored with rhubarb, and an option of champagne infused with Earl Grey or vanilla.
The whole experience was fun, whimsical, and definitely not your average tea. Sketch is for those who want something creative and out of the ordinary — it’s more than just tea, it’s a visual and culinary delight. The price is £75 per person, and if you opt for the champagne pairing, it rises to £89. They also offer a more budget-friendly choice called the 'Autumn MMmm... Afternoon Tea,' which costs £55 per person.
At Socca, the French twist on afternoon tea offers a refreshing change of pace. Located in chic Mayfair, the interior of its L’Amour du Thé salon is understated yet elegant, featuring charming murals and soft lighting that creates a cozy, welcoming vibe. What truly stood out to me here were the Mediterranean flavors woven throughout the menu — prawn and lobster salad on brioche, exquisite canapés like crab custard tartlets, duck rillette finger sandwiches, and Welsh lamb croquettes.
On the sweet side, tempting options include Yorkshire rhubarb, lemon meringue pie, and a generous serving of chouquettes instead of the traditional scone, all paired with their selection of light, floral teas.
Priced at £35 per person, this afternoon tea is a collaboration between acclaimed chef Claude Bosi and restaurateur Samyukta Nair, both well-known in London's culinary scene. To elevate your experience, you can opt for a glass of champagne for an additional £22.
Each of these venues offers its own take on afternoon tea, but they all share one thing in common: the ability to transport you, whether to a royal court, a modern gallery, or a sun-soaked terrace in the South of France. For me, it’s the mix of history, design, and, of course, the food, that makes London’s afternoon tea scene one of the best in the world.