Discover the 10 Best Afternoon Teas in London: A Quintessential British Experience
Embark on a delightful journey through the heart of London, where the quintessential tradition of afternoon tea beckons with an irresistible blend of history, charm, and indulgence. This cherished ritual, steeped in elegance and grace, traces its origins back to the early 19th century. Picture Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, in the 1840s, wrestling with that "sinking feeling" during the long gap between lunch and dinner. Her solution? A private afternoon tea in her boudoir, a simple affair with tea, bread, butter, and cake. Little did she know, her remedy for afternoon hunger would evolve into a fashionable social event, transcending the confines of her room to become a beloved British institution.
Today, afternoon tea is a celebration of refinement and pleasure, an opportunity to pause and relish in the company of friends, amidst the hustle and bustle of London life. From the opulent salons of grand hotels to the cozy corners of hidden tea houses, London offers a kaleidoscope of afternoon tea experiences, each with its own flavor and flair. Whether you're a devotee of the classic finger sandwich, scone, and pastry trio, or in search of a more contemporary twist on the tradition, the city's tea rooms cater to every taste and fancy.
As we unveil "The 10 Best Afternoon Teas In London," prepare to be transported to a world where time slows down, and every sip of tea and bite of cake is an invitation to savor the moment. From the artistic masterpieces served up in elegant hotel lounges to the innovative creations that challenge the very definition of tea time, these are not merely meals, but enchanting experiences that weave together the past and present of London's illustrious tea culture. So, dust off your finest hat, straighten your pinky, and join us on this exquisite tour of London's most splendid afternoon teas—a tribute to the city's unending love affair with this most delightful of traditions.
The Tea House at Bread Ahead
Bread Ahead's Tea House in Chelsea, London, offers an exquisite afternoon tea experience, focusing on the classics with an emphasis on flavor and quality ingredients. Guests can enjoy a mix of sweet and savory bakes, seasonal sweets, traditional cakes, and freshly baked scones with homemade jam, lemon curd, and clotted cream. The Tea House, embodying elegance and creativity, also offers masterclasses on the art of afternoon tea baking and presentation. Located upstairs at the Pavilion Road bakery, the space is designed for relaxation and indulgence, featuring a menu that celebrates seasonality and traditional bakes, accompanied by Fortnum and Mason teas. Tea service is available Friday to Sunday from 1pm to 3pm at £50 per person.
Regency Afternoon Tea at Theatre Royal Drury Lane
The Grand Saloon Afternoon Tea at The Lane offers a luxurious experience that blends theatrical flair and Regency elegance. Guests can enjoy a curated selection of savories and sweets, including unique creations by renowned baker Lily Vanilli, served on specially designed fine bone china by British designers Kit and Willow Kemp. This seasonal menu, available daily, pairs perfectly with a choice of Rare Tea Company teas and Taittinger champagne
The Gallery at Sketch
Sketch London's Gallery offers an afternoon tea and dinner service that stands out for its creativity and elegance. Guests can enjoy a diverse menu featuring afternoon tea from 11:00 am to 4:30 pm, and dinner with options for a la carte and dessert menus from Sunday to Thursday until 10:00 pm, and on Fridays and Saturdays until 11:00 pm. This venue is celebrated for its artistic ambiance and commitment to providing a unique dining experienc
Chocolate Afternoon Tea at Ochre at the National Gallery
The Lavergne Chocolate Afternoon Tea at Ochre, inspired by Jean-Etienne Liotard's "The Lavergne Family Breakfast," offers a luxurious tea experience that mirrors the elegance and exclusivity found in the artwork. This event, set against the backdrop of the National Gallery, invites guests to immerse themselves in a moment of refined indulgence with coffee and chocolate, reflecting the painting's early morning elegance
The Grill Room, Hotel Café Royal
The Afternoon Tea at Café Royal, known for its opulence, is served in the Grill Room, a golden salon that was once a favorite of Oscar Wilde. Crafted by Executive Pastry Chef Loic Carbonnet, this afternoon tea experience is marked by its lavish setting, featuring live piano music, an array of sumptuous sweets, and a selection of teas and champagne. It's one of London's premier afternoon tea offerings, with pricing starting at £75 per person
Masterful Art Afternoon Tea at the Mirror Room, Rosewood London
The Art Afternoon Tea at Rosewood London is an award-winning culinary experience that combines the world of art with the elegance of afternoon tea. Featuring pastries that are inspired by and resemble the works of famous artists like Yayoi Kusama, Vincent Van Gogh, Andy Warhol, Banksy, and David Hockney, this unique event celebrates creativity in both art and culinary forms. Served daily from noon to 5:45 p.m., it's a masterful blend of taste and artistry
Sri Lankan High Tea at Lyaness
Lyaness, located on London's Southbank, is the flagship bar from the celebrated Mr Lyan and his team, known for winning prestigious awards like World’s Best Bar & Best International Hotel Bar. Emphasizing innovative and unique ingredients, the menu at Lyaness is designed around these elements rather than traditional cocktail recipes, offering guests an extraordinary drink experience. The space is designed for comfort and fun, accommodating both intimate and larger gatherings, highlighted by its distinctive electric blue decor and the original green marble bar from its predecessor, Dandelyan
Afternoon Tea at Bentley's Oyster Bar & Grill
Bentley's introduces a new twist on the British tradition of afternoon tea, served in their stylish upper-level spaces. This offering includes a three-tiered selection of refined treats, complemented by a crisp Rosé and a variety of Lalani and Co teas. The menu boasts items like Rooftop Smoked Salmon, Cornish Crab sandwiches, homemade scones, and an assortment of pastries and desserts. Available Friday through Sunday from 2pm to 5pm, prices start at £42 per person, with an option to include Piper-Heidsieck Rosé Champagne for £55.
A Taste of Balthazar at Balthazar
This Parisian-inspired afternoon tea with a New York twist features crab and tarragon chicken sandwiches, a mini hamburger, and five mini desserts, blending the best of French and American pastry arts in a high-ceilinged, elegant setting
Afternoon Tea at Flemings Mayfair Hotel
Flemings Mayfair Hotel offers a distinguished afternoon tea in The Drawing Room, blending Georgian elegance with modern indulgence. This space, adorned with hand-painted de Gournay panels, serves a variety of afternoon teas complemented by delicate pastries, finger sandwiches, and a selection of teas. Afternoon tea at Flemings celebrates the quintessential English tradition in a setting that honors its 18th-century heritage.
As our tea-infused adventure winds down, we find ourselves enveloped in a warm, aromatic embrace, having traversed the length and breadth of London's most enchanting afternoon tea locales. From the opulent halls echoing with the clinks of fine china to the cozy nooks where whispers of history blend with the scent of freshly baked scones, we've sipped and savored our way through a tapestry of flavors as diverse and delightful as the city itself.
But fear not, dear tea enthusiast, for the journey doesn't end here. Each cup of tea is a portal to new discoveries, and every bite of a delicate pastry a reminder of the simple joys that life affords us. As you venture forth, may the memory of these splendid teas be a beacon of warmth and elegance, a gentle nudge to pause, reflect, and indulge in the beautiful ritual of afternoon tea.
So, don your fanciest hat and raise your teacup high, to London and its timeless tradition of afternoon tea—a whimsical, wonderful experience that leaves us longing for just one more sip, one more bite, in this splendid city where the tea always brews just right.
FAQ
What do the British have for afternoon tea?
Afternoon Tea is a meal composed of sandwiches (usually cut delicately into 'fingers'), scones with clotted cream and jam, sweet pastries and cakes.
What is a proper English afternoon tea?
An Afternoon Tea menu should include light cakes, scones and sandwiches. Traditional sandwich fillings are often cucumber, smoked salmon, coronation chicken or egg mayonnaise. But they should always be served with the crusts cut off - Anne, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, was quite insistent on this point!
What 4 foods are included in afternoon tea?
There aren't any rules when it comes to the food, but a standard afternoon tea menu comprises a tier of sandwiches, a tier of cakes and one of scones or teacakes. But you could also throw in pastries, petits-fours or biscuits.
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