Over 150 years ago, the 7th Duchess of Bedford introduced the delightful custom of serving tea with pastries between lunch and dinner, giving birth to the tradition of afternoon tea.
But where can you find the best afternoon tea in London?
Here are our top picks.
1. Shangri-La The Shard, London
Shangri-La The Shard, London marks its tenth anniversary with a series of exclusive experiences, including a special afternoon tea offering.
At TĪNG Lounge, guests can indulge in the visually stunning 'A Decade in the Clouds' Afternoon Tea, featuring London-inspired pastries like the Lady in Pearls, Big Ben at Ten, and London Calling.
This delightful experience also includes British-inspired savoury sandwiches and freshly-baked scones served with blueberry jam and clotted cream. To top it off, guests can enjoy a signature Chocolate Shard filled with whipped brie and tangy berry compote, served amidst clouds of dry ice for a truly memorable touch.
Available from £78 per person, or £88 with a glass of Champagne.
2. Bicentenary Afternoon Tea - Ochre London
Inspired by the National Gallery's 200th Birthday, Ochre has crafted an exclusive Afternoon Tea to commemorate this incredible milestone. Featuring artfully designed pastries and teas, this experience celebrates the gallery's rich history and cultural impact with every bite and sip, offering a truly artistic culinary journey.
55.00 per person / 65.00 per person with a glass of Champagne or cocktail
3. The Lanesborough, London
The Lanesborough London, part of the Oetker Collection, unveiled its latest seasonal Afternoon Tea series inspired by the television series Bridgerton in collaboration with Netflix and Shondaland.
Launched on May 16th alongside the new season's debut, this limited edition experience invites guests to indulge in the elegance and sophistication of the Regency era. Featuring delectable sandwiches and canapés such as truffled egg, smoked salmon with horseradish cream, and creamy cheese with pickled cabbage, each dish offers bold and unexpected flavours.
Complementing these savoury delights and traditional scones with cream and jam from The Lanesborough, guests can savour four signature treats inspired by the series' protagonists.
4. Theatre Royal, Drury Lane
Theatre Royal Drury Lane is the only theatre in London that serves Afternoon Tea.
The latest menu features sweets and cakes by baker to the stars, Lily Vanilli, and introduces a new and wonderful array of classic savoury treats, including mini British pies, served by the talented chefs at Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
The new savoury items on the menu include a bitesize English crumpet topped with Earl Grey infused cream cheese and John Ross Jnr smoked salmon; a savoury madeleine with whipped English feta and pickled heritage carrot; and Coronation Chicken Pie with caramelised onion chutney.
Lily Vanilli’s sweet treats include delicious warm fruit scones, paired with jam and cream; a fluffy vanilla cake filled with passionfruit and buttercream, topped by a handmade chocolate cupid; a mini sticky toffee pudding filled with a custard centre, drizzled in salted caramel and topped with crunchy caramel popcorn; and a delicious strawberry ice cream sandwich layered with marshmallow, strawberry parfait, brown sugar biscuit and dark chocolate.
Served in the beautifully restored Grand Saloon, a marble-lined Regency room with twinkling chandeliers and a fine art collection, this is the most extraordinary place in the heart of Covent Garden to enjoy a decadent Afternoon Tea.
The Regency Afternoon Tea at Theatre Royal Drury Lane is priced from £59 per person, children’s £20 per person
5. The Connaught
The Connaught, a prestigious hotel in the heart of London's Mayfair, offers an exquisite afternoon tea experience that epitomizes British tradition and elegance.
Nestled within this luxurious establishment, the afternoon tea service combines historical charm with modern sophistication, creating a memorable indulgence for guests.
Guests can choose from an extensive selection of teas curated by The Connaught’s expert tea sommelier. The menu includes a traditional three-tiered stand with finger sandwiches, scones, pastries and Cakes.
6. Claridges
Claridge's, a historic and iconic hotel located in the heart of London's Mayfair, is renowned for its exquisite afternoon tea.
This celebrated tradition, which has been perfected over more than 150 years, offers guests an elegant and quintessentially British experience in a setting of timeless luxury.
The afternoon tea at Claridge's is served in the stunning Foyer & Reading Room, an opulent space that combines Art Deco elegance with contemporary sophistication.
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