England is the home of afternoon tea so where better to enjoy this treat than London? There are a huge variety of afternoon teas available throughout the city, ranging from classic experiences to boozy afternoons and creative twists on the traditional tea. Not sure how to find the perfect afternoon tea for you? Don’t worry! We’ve put together this guide to the best afternoon teas in London. Whether you’re taking family for a special treat or want something fun to do with friends, our afternoon tea guide will help you find the ideal venue.
![Guide to the best afternoon tea in London](https://static.thatsup.co/content/img/article/22/may/guide-to-the-best-afternoon-tea-in-london.jpg?1666274691)
Guide to the best afternoon tea in London
In this guide
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The best afternoon tea in London
- Brigit's Bakery – Afternoon tea bus tour
- Searcys – Afternoon tea and city views
- Midtown – Tequila-themed tea
- L'oscar London – Afternoon tea in a stylish space
- Aqua Shard – Playful afternoon tea
- The Wolseley – Handmade and traditional
- The Mind Palace – Tea and puzzles
- The Lounge at Royal Horseguards Hotel – Classic English experience
- One Aldwych – An imaginative experience
- The Rubens at the Palace – Views of Buckingham Palace
- Lyaness – Tea, scones and cocktails
- Sketch – Modern European influences
- The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon – Choice of afternoon tea menus
- Roast – Views of Borough Market
- The Chocolate Cocktail Club – A treat for chocoholics
- Gatsby's Room – Tradition with a transatlantic influence
- The Ritz – Visit a London icon
- Hotel Café Royal – Timeless and grand
- Pan Pacific – Asian-inspired experience
- The Berkeley – Afternoon tea for fashionistas
- The Foyer & Reading Room – Afternoon tea at Claridge's
- The Goring Hotel – Award-winning traditional tea
- The Harrods Tea Rooms – Upmarket traditional tea room
- The Petersham – An ethical afternoon tea
- Cédric Grolet – World-famous pastry chef's take
- The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences – Sweet and savoury afternoon teas
- The Carlton Tower Jumeirah – One of London's top teas
- The Library – Afternoon tea with a view
- The Chesterfield – A nostalgic afternoon tea
- The Montague on the Gardens – Free-flowing champers
- Cutter & Squidge – One for the vegans
- Nobu – A Japanese-British inspired afternoon tea
- Inamo – An Asian-inspired afternoon tea
- The Ampersand Hotel – One for the dinosaur fans
- Kai – Tea with a Chinese influence
- Holy Carrot – Vegan afternoon tea
The best afternoon tea in London
Top places for afternoon tea in London
![Brigit's Bakery – Afternoon tea](https://static.thatsup.co/content/img/place/b/r/brigit-s-bakery-1.jpg)
![Brigit's Bakery – Afternoon tea](https://static.thatsup.co/content/img/place/b/r/brigit-s-bakery-3.jpg)
![Brigit's Bakery – Afternoon tea](https://static.thatsup.co/content/img/place/b/r/brigit-s-bakery-4.jpg)
![Brigit's Bakery – Afternoon tea](https://static.thatsup.co/content/img/place/b/r/brigit-s-bakery-5.jpg)
Afternoon tea bus tour
With Brigit's Bakery, you can have afternoon tea in the Covent Garden patisserie or enjoy your treat as you cruise around London in a converted double-decker bus. Cocktail-themed afternoon teas and teas suitable for kids are also available on the bus. Expect a celebration of everything tea and cake.
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6-7 Chandos Place, Covent Garden
- Website • 020-302 611 88
- Read more on Thatsup
![Searcys at The Gherkin – Afternoon tea](https://static.thatsup.co/content/img/place/s/e/searcy-s-at-the-gherkin-6.png)
![Searcys at The Gherkin – Afternoon tea](https://static.thatsup.co/content/img/place/s/e/searcy-s-at-the-gherkin-5.png)
![Searcys at The Gherkin – Afternoon tea](https://static.thatsup.co/content/img/place/s/e/searcy-s-at-the-gherkin-1.png)
![Searcys at The Gherkin – Afternoon tea](https://static.thatsup.co/content/img/place/s/e/searcy-s-at-the-gherkin-0.png)
Afternoon tea and city views
If you fancy afternoon tea with a view, Searcy's at The Gherkin delivers. Located on the top three floors of the building, enjoy a luxurious champagne afternoon tea with epic city skyline views. Choose tea with a glass of sparkling wine or champagne, or go for the whole bottle to make it extra special.
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30 St Mary Axe, The City/City of London
- Website • 033-010 708 16
- Read more on Thatsup
Tequila-themed tea
Midtown offers all-day dining and late night partying but you can also sample a unique tequila-themed afternoon tea here. Expect Mexican twists on typical teatime nibbles, as well as a margarita so you can wash it all down. This afternoon tea is popular with those looking for a new take on a tradition.
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50-60 Southampton Row, Bloomsbury
- Website • 020-724 218 00
- Read more on Thatsup
![L'oscar London – Afternoon tea](https://static.thatsup.co/content/img/place/l/o/loscar-hotel-1.jpg)
![L'oscar London – Afternoon tea](https://static.thatsup.co/content/img/place/l/o/loscar-hotel-.jpg)
![L'oscar London – Afternoon tea](https://static.thatsup.co/content/img/place/l/o/loscar-hotel-3.jpg)
![L'oscar London – Afternoon tea](https://static.thatsup.co/content/img/place/l/o/loscar-hotel-12.jpg)
Afternoon tea in a stylish space
As if the Baroque-style L'oscar London wasn't impressive enough with its regal decor fit for royalty, they also serve a seriously impressive afternoon tea. It's served in the L'oscar Restaurant – another part of the hotel known for its opulent interiors – and comes with delicate finger sandwiches, freshly-baked scones, pastries, and an assortment of sweet treats, with even a vegan version available.
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2-6 Southampton Row, Holborn
- Website • 020-740 555 55
- Read more on Thatsup
![Aqua Shard – Afternoon tea](https://static.thatsup.co/content/img/place/a/q/aqua-shard-2.jpg)
![Aqua Shard – Afternoon tea](https://static.thatsup.co/content/img/place/a/q/aqua-shard-0.jpg)
![Aqua Shard – Afternoon tea](https://static.thatsup.co/content/img/place/a/q/aqua-shard-4.jpg)
![Aqua Shard – Afternoon tea](https://static.thatsup.co/content/img/place/a/q/aqua-shard-3.jpg)
Playful afternoon tea
Located on the 31st floor of The Shard, at Aqua Shard you can enjoy afternoon tea and stunning views. The Peter Pan afternoon tea is a playful twist on a classic. Enjoy sandwiches, scones, and sweet and savoury treats with tea, and you can add champagne or a cocktail.
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The Shard, 31 St Thomas Street, Southwark
- Website • 020-301 112 56
- Read more on Thatsup
Handmade and traditional
The Wolseley brings the European café tradition to London, with a British and European menu. Enjoy a choice of afternoon teas here from a simple cream tea to the classic experience, or an extra indulgent option that includes a glass of champagne. Scones and pastries are handmade every day and there’s a selection of popular teas.
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160 Piccadilly, Mayfair
- Website • 020-749 969 96
- Read more on Thatsup
Tea and puzzles
The Mind Palace is a Sherlock Holmes-themed bar complete with mementos and puzzle games. You can enjoy an unusual afternoon tea here, tucking into sandwiches and sweet bites whilst solving intriguing mysteries. This is an immersive afternoon tea experience in a unique and unexpected venue.
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W12 Shopping Centre, Shepherd's Bush Green, Hammersmith and Fulham
- Website • 020-813 000 21
- Read more on Thatsup
Classic English experience
The Lounge at Royal Horseguards Hotel is a regal setting where you can enjoy a sophisticated classic afternoon tea. Expect traditional sandwiches and sweet treats, along with a house blend of tea specifically to complement the food. This elegant tea close to Trafalgar Square gives guests a taste of tradition.
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2 Whitehall Court, Westminster
- Website • 020-745 104 26
- Read more on Thatsup
An imaginative experience
Sophisticated and on-trend hotel One Aldwych has a number of on-site dining options. Both guests and visitors can partake in the imaginative “Charlie & the Chocolate Factory” afternoon tea, bringing to life the culinary creations from the much-loved book. You can expect an immersive and indulgent experience here.
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1 Aldwych, Covent Garden
- Website • 020-730 010 00
- Read more on Thatsup
Views of Buckingham Palace
The Rubens at the Palace is a luxurious and traditional London hotel. A classic afternoon tea is served in the Palace Lounge with views of Buckingham Palace. Special diets and children can be catered for too. Choose from a broad selection of teas and enjoy classic sweet and savoury nibbles. They also cater to vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and halal diets.
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39 Buckingham Palace Road
- Website • 020-783 466 00
- Read more on Thatsup
![Lyaness – Afternoon tea](https://static.thatsup.co/content/img/place/l/y/lyaness-4.jpg)
![Lyaness – Afternoon tea](https://static.thatsup.co/content/img/place/l/y/lyaness-0.jpg)
![Lyaness – Afternoon tea](https://static.thatsup.co/content/img/place/l/y/lyaness-2.jpg)
![Lyaness – Afternoon tea](https://static.thatsup.co/content/img/place/l/y/lyaness-1.jpg)
![Lyaness – Afternoon tea](https://static.thatsup.co/content/img/place/l/y/lyaness-3.jpg)
Tea, scones and cocktails
Visit one of London’s leading cocktail bars for a twist on afternoon tea. At Lyaness on the South Bank you can enjoy a playful afternoon tea that pairs your choice of tea with well-balanced cocktails plus flavoursome sandwiches, scones, and sweet treats. You can add a glass of champagne too if it’s time to celebrate.
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20 Upper Ground, South Bank/Southwark
- Website • 020-374 710 63
- Read more on Thatsup
Modern European influences
Sketch is a quirky modern European restaurant known for all-day dining in a unique and highly aesthetic interior that gives off strong Wes Anderson vibes. In The Gallery you can sample a unique afternoon tea with indulgent bites like truffle and cream cheese brioche rolls. Tea is unlimited too!
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9 Conduit St, Mayfair
- Website • 020-765 945 00
- Read more on Thatsup
Choice of afternoon tea menus
The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon is a luxurious English tea room located in Fortnum & Mason. A choice of afternoon tea menus is offered here, including vegetarian, vegan, made without gluten and made without nuts. When you're very hungry, choose the heartier high tea menu.
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Fortnum & Mason, Mayfair
- Website • 020-773 480 40
- Read more on Thatsup
Views of Borough Market
Roast is a modern British eatery overlooking Borough Market, with afternoon tea served six days a week. The menu changes regularly but includes typical treats like cakes, scones, and finger sandwiches. Bottomless prosecco is also on offer for those who like to make their afternoon tea boozy.
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The Floral Hall, Stoney Street, Southwark
- Website • 020-337 131 20
- Read more on Thatsup
A treat for chocoholics
The Chocolate Cocktail Club is a unique bar focusing on chocolate-based cocktails. Afternoon tea is also served, which includes sandwiches, chocolatey scones, and chocolate cakes and pastries. Plus, you get unlimited tea, coffee, or hot chocolate and the option to add a signature chocolate cocktail – a real treat for those with a sweet tooth.
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72 St John Street
- Website
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Tradition with a transatlantic influence
Gatsby's Room at The Beaumont Hotel is a sophisticated restaurant serving all-day dining. An afternoon tea is served here that combines tradition with the venue's transatlantic heritage. Champagne cocktails are available, too, to enhance your experience. Live piano music is also played here throughout afternoon tea and during the evening.
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The Beaumont, 8 Balderton Street, Mayfair
- Website • 020-749 910 01
- Read more on Thatsup
Visit a London icon
The Ritz is an iconic London hotel and afternoon tea is served throughout the day in the opulent surroundings of the original ballroom. Enjoy delicate music by the resident pianist and harpist whilst you savour traditional treats. Expect a choice of fine teas with sandwiches, scones, and elegant pastries.
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150 Piccadilly, Mayfair
- Website • 020-749 381 81
- Read more on Thatsup
![Hotel Café Royal – Afternoon tea](https://static.thatsup.co/content/img/place/h/o/hotel-cafe-royal-10.jpg)
![Hotel Café Royal – Afternoon tea](https://static.thatsup.co/content/img/place/h/o/hotel-cafe-royal-9.jpg)
![Hotel Café Royal – Afternoon tea](https://static.thatsup.co/content/img/place/h/o/hotel-cafe-royal-0.jpg)
Timeless and grand
Hotel Café Royal is home to a grand traditional afternoon tea, served in a gilded setting full of mirrors and opulent detail. Expect all the classic treats, such as a selection of tea sandwiches, traditional scones and sweet delicacies. Alternative vegetarian and vegan menus are also available here, and the experience is complemented by live music.
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10 Air Street, Soho
- Website • 020-740 633 33
- Read more on Thatsup
![Pan Pacific London – Afternoon tea](https://static.thatsup.co/content/img/place/p/a/pan-pacific-7.jpg)
![Pan Pacific London – Afternoon tea](https://static.thatsup.co/content/img/place/p/a/pan-pacific-9.jpg)
![Pan Pacific London – Afternoon tea](https://static.thatsup.co/content/img/place/p/a/pan-pacific-0.png)
![Pan Pacific London – Afternoon tea](https://static.thatsup.co/content/img/place/p/a/pan-pacific-3.jpg)
Asian-inspired experience
Pan Pacific is a luxurious hotel with an unmistakeable Asian influence. Afternoon tea is served here, combining English tradition with pan-Asian flavours and ingredients for a unique experience. Food is accompanied by fine tea and you can add a glass of champagne or English sparkling wine for extra indulgence.
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80 Houndsditch, The City/City of London
- Website • 020-711 868 88
- Read more on Thatsup
Afternoon tea for fashionistas
The Berkeley is a five-star hotel that's home to the Prêt-à-Portea afternoon tea. Updated every season, this special afternoon tea translates the hottest fashion into elegant teatime treats. Try exotic flavours and experience innovative presentation with this popular twist on a London tradition.
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Wilton Place, Belgravia
- Website • 020-723 560 00
- Read more on Thatsup
Afternoon tea at Claridge's
Claridge's is an iconic London hotel and in The Foyer & Reading Room, under an impressive glass sculpture, you can enjoy afternoon tea. Sample delicate sandwiches and handmade pastries with the tea of your choice. A special afternoon tea menu for kids is also offered.
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Claridge's, Brook Street, Mayfair
- Website • 020-762 988 60
- Read more on Thatsup
![The Goring Hotel – Afternoon tea](https://static.thatsup.co/content/img/place/t/h/the-goring-hotel-8.jpg)
![The Goring Hotel – Afternoon tea](https://static.thatsup.co/content/img/place/t/h/the-goring-hotel-3.jpg)
![The Goring Hotel – Afternoon tea](https://static.thatsup.co/content/img/place/t/h/the-goring-hotel-0.jpg)
![The Goring Hotel – Afternoon tea](https://static.thatsup.co/content/img/place/t/h/the-goring-hotel-2.jpg)
Award-winning traditional tea
The afternoon tea service at The Goring Hotel has won awards and is popular with tea enthusiasts. Seated in the Veranda space, you can taste exclusive tea blends and homemade snacks and jams. Menus change seasonally to focus on the freshest locally-sourced fruit. A gluten-free afternoon tea is also served.
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15 Beeston Place
- Website • 020-739 690 00
- Read more on Thatsup
Upmarket traditional tea room
The Harrods Tea Rooms inside the famous department store give guests a taste of English tradition. The menus change seasonally but always includes a selection of delicate sandwiches and sweet and savoury bites, of course, accompanied by tea. Enjoy your tea here with live music. Vegan and children's menus are available too.
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87-135 Brompton Road
- Website • 020-773 012 34
- Read more on Thatsup
An ethical afternoon tea
Ethical cooking is at the heart of The Petersham, and this shows in their afternoon tea menu too. Served in the elegant Covent Garden restaurant, you can enjoy scones and sweet and savoury nibbles. There are many afternoon teas to choose from, including the classic, vegetarian, vegan, children's, or savoury. Plus, the restaurant uses the proceeds to support charitable causes.
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2 Floral Street, Covent Garden
- Website • 020-730 576 76
- Read more on Thatsup
World-famous pastry chef's take
At his first international outpost at The Berkeley hotel, world-famous pâtissier Cédric Grolet crafts an enchantingly playful take on the traditional British afternoon tea. Combining it with its French cousin goûter, he offers sweet and savoury treats that change seasonally, but always feature his trademark trompe-l'œil marvels.
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The Berkeley, Wilton Pl, Belgravia
- Website • 020-723 560 00
- Read more on Thatsup
Sweet and savoury afternoon teas
Enjoy a quintessential afternoon tea at The Athenaeum, with a feast of sandwiches, cakes, pastries, and traditional scones with jam and clotted cream. There's also an option for those who prefer savoury, including cheddar scones, savoury pastries, Welsh rarebit and tartlets. If you prefer to go bottomless, upgrade your afternoon tea with free-flowing bubbles for 90 minutes. The restaurant is bright, spacious, and contemporary, with a sleek parquet floor, wood panelling, and brass light fixtures.
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116 Piccadilly, Mayfair
- Website • 020-749 934 64
- Read more on Thatsup
One of London's top teas
Named in 2023 as the best contemporary afternoon tea in London, afternoon tea at The Carlton Tower Jumeirah is themed on the flowers of British gardens. Visit this luxury five-star hotel for sweet and savoury treats from renowned pastry chef Jessica Prealpato, who has some serious accolades under her belt, including being crowned Best Pastry Chef in the World.
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1 Cadogan Pl, Belgravia
- Website • 020-723 512 34
- Read more on Thatsup
![The Library at County Hall – Afternoon tea](https://static.thatsup.co/content/img/place/t/h/the-library-at-county-hall-20230124-4.jpg)
![The Library at County Hall – Afternoon tea](https://static.thatsup.co/content/img/place/t/h/the-library-at-county-hall-20230124-0.jpg)
![The Library at County Hall – Afternoon tea](https://static.thatsup.co/content/img/place/t/h/the-library-at-county-hall-20230124-2.jpg)
![The Library at County Hall – Afternoon tea](https://static.thatsup.co/content/img/place/t/h/the-library-at-county-hall-20230124-5.jpg)
Afternoon tea with a view
Enjoy a quintessentially British afternoon tea at The Library, where you can indulge in a selection of signature cakes, each inspired by the breathtaking vistas of the iconic Elizabeth Tower and Big Ben. Feast on a delectable assortment of finger sandwiches accompanied by freshly baked scones served with luscious jam and rich clotted cream.
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London County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, South Bank/Lambeth/Southwark
- Website • 020-790 280 00
- Read more on Thatsup
A nostalgic afternoon tea
This whimsical afternoon tea at The Chesterfield Mayfair introduces a playful nostalgia to your palate with surprises like Coca-Cola, smoking pink lemonade and various sweet-shop-themed cakes. Expect treats like chocolate scones, finger sandwiches, and smoked salmon on beetroot bread. There's also an extensive tea selection to accompany the food, and you can elevate the experience with a chilled glass of champagne.
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35 Charles Street, Mayfair
- Website • 020-749 126 22
- Read more on Thatsup
Free-flowing champers
The Montague Hotel in Bloomsbury, situated within a charming townhouse, is conveniently located near some of the city's top attractions. Here you can enjoy 90 minutes of free-flowing Lanson champagne, paired with a tasty assortment of homemade cakes, scones, and sandwiches in the atmospheric Leopard Bar, overlooking the lush gardens. There's also a vegetarian afternoon tea option.
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15 Montague Street, Bloomsbury
- Website • 020-763 710 01
- Read more on Thatsup
One for the vegans
Cutter & Squidge, in the quaint neighbourhood of Soho, is renowned for its tasty signature sweet treats. Everyone can enjoy afternoon tea with Cutter & Squidge since they offer a range of menus that cater to diverse dietary preferences, including a vegan selection featuring treats like vegan sausage rolls, mini cakes, and brownies. You also have the option to add bubbles or make your way through the cocktail list.
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20 Brewer Street, Soho
- Website • 020-773 425 40
- Read more on Thatsup
A Japanese-British inspired afternoon tea
Indulge in a fusion of British afternoon tea and Japanese culture at the prestigious Nobu Restaurant at the Portman Square hotel. Nobu's unique interpretation is served in The Lounge, a relaxed restaurant and bar. Enjoy a selection of teas, including a berry and hibiscus blend and a honey orchid tea from Wudong Mountain. You won't find any finger sandwiches on this menu; expect to see takes on Nobu's iconic cup sushi and other Japanese-inspired treats.
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22 Portman Square, Marylebone
- Website • 020-398 858 88
- Read more on Thatsup
An Asian-inspired afternoon tea
If dainty finger sandwiches and scones slathered in clotted cream and jam don't really suit your palate, then you might like Inamo's offering. You can enjoy afternoon tea with an Asian twist here, including sushi and Asian tapas, fresh sashimi, maki rolls, gyoza and futomaki. Add one hour of bottomless fizz to make it boozy.
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134-136 Wardour Street, Soho 11-14 Hanover Place, Covent GardenInamo Soho
134-136 Wardour Street, SohoInamo Covent Garden
11-14 Hanover Place, Covent Garden -
Inamo Soho
inamo-restaurant.com/our-venues/inamo-sohoInamo Covent Garden
inamo-restaurant.com/our-venues/inamo-covent-gardenInamo Soho
020-785 170 51Inamo Covent Garden
020-748 405 00 -
Inamo Soho Inamo Covent Garden
One for the dinosaur fans
The Ampersand Hotel has a reputation for afternoon teas inspired by nearby museums. The menu is inspired by the European debut of Patagotitan Mayorum, one of the largest known creatures to have walked the planet. Be transported back over 200 million years with treats like T-Rex cheese straws, a raspberry and lemon crémeux volcano eruption, and a chocolate dinosaur egg nest. Children can enjoy hot chocolate, while adults can indulge with champagne, alcohol-free sparkling rosé, or specially-crafted cocktails.
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10 Harrington Road, Kensington
- Website • 020-758 958 95
- Read more on Thatsup
![Kai Mayfair – Afternoon tea](https://static.thatsup.co/content/img/place/k/a/kai-9.jpg)
![Kai Mayfair – Afternoon tea](https://static.thatsup.co/content/img/place/k/a/kai-6.jpg)
![Kai Mayfair – Afternoon tea](https://static.thatsup.co/content/img/place/k/a/kai-7.jpg)
![Kai Mayfair – Afternoon tea](https://static.thatsup.co/content/img/place/k/a/kai-8.jpg)
Tea with a Chinese influence
Enjoy a distinctive Chinese afternoon tea at Michelin-starred restaurant Kai. Located in Mayfair, this is an upscale venue with afternoon tea served most days of the week. You'll enjoy elegant treats alongside cocktails and hot tea here, with afternoon tea intended to be a bustling social occasion. The restaurant has a sophisticated look with striking wall art, flowers, and metallic touches.
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65 S Audley St, Mayfair
- Website • 020-749 389 88
- Read more on Thatsup
Vegan afternoon tea
Holy Carrot is the place to go for an exclusively vegan afternoon tea. This plant-based eatery focuses on ethical and sustainable food and afternoon tea includes innovative sweet and savoury treats that are vegan, sugar-free, and gluten-free. Top off your tea with a vodka gimlet or glass of champagne.
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156 Portobello Rd, Notting Hill
- Website
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