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A Guide to Afternoon Tea in London

London Afternoon Tea Ideas and Inspiration

Nearly 200 years after the seventh Duchess of Bedford started feeling peckish before dinner and treated herself and her guests to a tasty mid-afternoon snack, the jury is very much out when it comes to crowning the best afternoon tea in London.

With so many delicious options on offer, from quirky treats on London buses to luxury eats in Harrods, how do you know where to start your hungry hunt for fancy finger food in the Capital?

To help you on your way to high tea heaven, here are our top picks of the most unusual, themed and luxurious afternoon teas in London.

Quirky Afternoon Tea in London

Despite afternoon tea having originated in the circles of 19th-century high society, one no longer has to take this delicious treat in the drawing room. In fact, nowadays, the more unique the venue, the better! Here are our top picks for quirky afternoon teas in London.

Afternoon Tea with Champagne for Two in The Domes at London Secret Garden, Kensington

Afternoon Tea with Champagne for Two in The Domes at London Secret Garden, Kensington

As unique afternoon tea experiences go, it doesn’t get quirkier than outdoor dining in a transparent dome. Cosy, intimate and delightfully different, discover this enchanting eatery at London Secret Garden. From Scottish salmon and cream cheese sandwiches to fluffy jam and cream scones and a chilled glass of Champagne each, you’re in for a tasty treat – just remember to keep it a secret!

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Gin Afternoon Tea London Bus Tour for Two with Brigit’s Bakery

Gin Afternoon Tea London Bus Tour for Two with Brigit’s Bakery

Alight here for an unusual afternoon tea with a twist on a 1960s Routemaster bus. Soak up the sights of the city as you sip away on three morish Hayman’s Gin cocktails and tuck into delicious finger fancies and cakes, with a choice of freshly brewed teas. Make sure to remember your camera – after all, when else are you going to eat a scone as you zoom past Nelson’s Column?

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Thames River Cruise with Afternoon Tea for Two

Thames River Cruise with Afternoon Tea for Two

Sit back, relax and enjoy the incredible views of London's iconic landmarks from the comfort of a state-of-the-art cruise boat, as you float along the banks of the Capital. This unforgettable river cruise includes a traditional afternoon tea boasting all the bells and whistles, with an assortment of scrumptious sandwiches, delicious cakes and refreshing teas and coffees. All aboard!

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Afternoon Tea for Two on the Northern Belle Luxury Train

Afternoon Tea for Two on the Northern Belle Luxury Train

Take a stylish trip down memory lane and experience luxury rail travel at its very best aboard the Northern Belle train. With 1930s glamour oozing from every carriage, you’ll have the choice between a traditional afternoon tea or if you fancy something a little quirkier, The Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea Party! With wandering musicians and table magicians, you’re in for the train ride of a lifetime.

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Themed Afternoon Tea in London

What do you get if you mix the traditional afternoon tea experience with children’s stories, intricately designed cakes and tonnes of fun and funky props? Themed afternoon teas, that’s what! If you’re ready for a fairytale feast, look no further – here are London's best themed afternoon teas.

Alice's Queen of Hearts Themed Afternoon Tea for Two at 5-star Taj 51 Hotel

Alice's Queen of Hearts Themed Afternoon Tea for Two at 5-star Taj 51 Hotel

You’ll have a grin as wide as the Cheshire Cat’s on your trip to Taj 51’s award-winning Alice in Wonderland themed afternoon tea. The elegant and eclectic 5-star hotel welcomes you inside the pages of Lewis Carroll’s literary classic, with a decadent and delicious selection of treats from the Queen of Hearts herself, including ‘Checkmate’ Battenburg cake and ‘No White Roses’ cupcakes!

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The Potion Room Themed Afternoon Tea for Two at Cutter and Squidge

The Potion Room Themed Afternoon Tea for Two at Cutter and Squidge

Grab your invisibility cloak and sneak unnoticed into The Potion Room – a secret hideaway for powerful sorcerers found beneath the bustling streets of London. Cutter and Squidge’s fantasy world is home to a truly magical experience, where you’ll marvel at the Potions Master’s magnificent edible potions before delighting in a delicious themed afternoon tea for two. Bring on the pumpkin juice!

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Luxury Afternoon Tea in London

For ladies and gents who like to partake in a spot of high tea in London, only the most sophisticated and decadent of eateries will do. Pinkies in the air and napkins at the ready, our opulence-obsessed friends – it’s time to browse our collection of the most indulgent luxury afternoon teas in London.

Bottomless Champagne Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at the Palace for Two

Bottomless Champagne Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at the Palace for Two

Feast like kings and queens with this regal bottomless Champagne afternoon tea at The Rubens at the Palace. Set in a historical hotel overlooking the Royal Mews of Buckingham Palace, you’ll experience the very best in hospitality as you indulge in a stunning selection of finger sandwiches, sweet treats and fluffy scones with cream and homemade seasonal fruit preserve. Let them eat cake!

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Champagne Afternoon Tea for Two at The Park Room at 5-star Grosvenor House Hotel

Champagne Afternoon Tea for Two at The Park Room at 5-star Grosvenor House Hotel

For 5-star service with a serious slice of style, Grosvenor House is the epitome of grandeur and decadence. Served in The Park Room, you’ll settle down for a luxury afternoon tea with chilled Champagne to the sound of relaxing piano music. Expect delicious smoked Oakham chicken and tarragon sandwiches, buttermilk scones and an array of freshly baked pastries and cake. Bravo!

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Champagne Afternoon Tea in London

If you’re of the persuasion that a mid-afternoon snack is always best served with bubbles, our selection of Champagne afternoon teas in London will not disappoint. A flute or five enjoyed over pretty pastries and other delectable treats are sure to bring a little fizz to proceedings!

Afternoon Tea with a Bottle of Champagne at The Hansom in 5* St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel for Two

Afternoon Tea with a Bottle of Champagne at The Hansom in 5* St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel for Two

Champagne lovers, rejoice. The afternoon tea menu at The Hansom comes complete with a bottle of champers included! Found in the 5-star St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel, this vibrant bar celebrates British heritage and will charm you with its relaxed and glamorous atmosphere as soon as you step inside. Prepare to indulge in salted caramel choux buns, passionfruit tartlets and much, much more.

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Champagne Afternoon Tea for Two at Number Twelve Restaurant

Champagne Afternoon Tea for Two at Number Twelve Restaurant

Found within the grand surrounds of the Ambassadors Bloomsbury Hotel, Number Twelve restaurant’s Champagne afternoon tea is the chicest spot in the city. Soak up the brilliant buzz of the restaurant and slip into your seats to enjoy course upon course of delicious sandwiches, scones with preserves and clotted cream, fruit tartlets, teas, coffees and of course, Champagne and strawberries!

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Hungry for more?

Discover our full selection of the best afternoon teas in London and beyond, from traditional offerings to Champagne brunches and even afternoon tea at home! Or, if you’re looking for more inspiration about how to make your trip to the city one to remember, make sure to check out our Days Out in London Ideas blog for our insider recommendations.

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