The Best Afternoon Tea In London For Every Occasion: 2026 Guide

By Laura Reynolds

Last Updated 29 July 2026

Laura Reynolds The Best Afternoon Tea In London For Every Occasion: 2026 Guide

Top afternoon tea in London: An afternoon tea stand shaped like an egg, on a table in front of a window. Through the window is a view of the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf. — Afternoon tea with drop-dead stunning views over London. Image: Duck & Waffle

Afternoon tea in London has become incredibly popular in recent years, for celebrating special occasions, catching up with friends or just doing something a bit different. But the capital is SO packed with afternoon tea options, choosing where to go for your sandwiches, scones and teeny cakes can be overwhelming.

To make things easier, we're rounded up the top afternoon teas available in London right now.

What's the best afternoon tea in London?

What a question. There are so many different afternoon teas in London catering to all manner of tastes, budgets, styles, dietary requirements and other factors that it's hard to compare them all (that said, these experts did). Read on for some of our favourites.

London's best afternoon tea with a view

When you want an afternoon tea that's as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the taste buds, book one of these offerings, with spectacular views of the capital to enjoy as you tuck into delicate finger sandwiches and tasty pastries.

Afternoon tea at The Shard

Top afternoon tea in London: a table decorated with greenery, with afternoon tea at the centre. Tower Bridge and the river are visible through the window behind. — Scones with a side of London. Image: Shangri-La The Shard

London's tallest building seems the obvious place to head for a view of any sort, and afternoon tea fans are catered for at the Shard in abundance. Aqua Shard on the 31st floor usually offers a nostalgically-themed one: at time of writing it's the Peter Pan afternoon tea completely with fog-enshrined pirate ship.

Further up, a more traditional afternoon tea is served in the Shangri-La Hotel, in Ting on the 35th floor. The menu here chops and changes as frequently as the London skyline, so check what's serving before you book,

Afternoon tea at Duck & Waffle

Trumping The Shard's offerings in height is Duck & Waffle's Sky High Afternoon Tea. Head to the 40th floor of the 110 Bishopsgate skyscraper for an afternoon tea menu served on an ornamental hand-painted duck egg, a nod to the restaurant's name and signature dish, with views across London to boot.

The Library afternoon tea with Thames views at Marriott County Hall

Top afternoon tea in London: a table laid with a white cloth, with an afternoon tea stand. The River Thames and the Elizabeth Tower are visible through the window in the background. — Watch the river traffic as you eat. Image: London Marriott Hotel County Hall

Watch traffic chug by on the River Thames, and gaze across at Elizabeth Tower at The Library, inside The Marriott at County Hall, which is located next to the London Eye. Choose your seat carefully for views of the ever-rotating wheel, or across the river to the splendid buildings of Westminster. Tuck into traditional afternoon tea while watching the world — including a constant stream of boats — go by. And take time to look around inside too; this gorgeous book-lined establishment is like a great big hug.

Afternoon tea at the Oxo Tower

Another river view, this one further east, focusing on St Paul's Cathedral. Located on the eighth floor of the South Bank structure, Oxo Tower Restaurant serves a traditional afternoon tea, its glass windows offering views of the City skyline.

London sightseeing afternoon tea tour bus

Top afternoon tea in London: a woman sitting at a table with an afternoon tea stand in front of her, looking at Westminster Abbey through a bus window. — Pack several London sights into one afternoon tea. Image: Brigit's Bakery

Can't settle on just one landmark to gaze on while you graze? See multiple London sights on a Brigit's Bakery afternoon tea bus tour. Book your seat on a specially kitted out double decker, and board at either Northumberland Avenue or Victoria Coach Station. Several themed buses usually run at the same time: at the moment, Paddington, Monopoly and Peppa Pig are among your options.

As tea is served, the bus takes a route passing the likes of Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Hyde Park, the Royal Albert Hall, Marble Arch and Trafalgar Square. A word of warning — there are no toilets on board, so go easy on the tea refills.

Best afternoon tea in London museums, galleries, and attractions

Where to have afternoon tea in London: People sit at tables in a grand, white hall with high ceilings and Corinthian columns, while staff work behind a long white counter. — Dine like royalty with afternoon tea at Kensington Palace. Image: Tips For Travellers, Creative Commons

Combine a day out at one of London's world-class museums or attractions with a couple of hours of calm as you enjoy afternoon tea. Many museums, galleries and tourist attractions across the capital serve afternoon tea in their cafes and restaurants. These are some of our favourites:

Afternoon tea at Kensington Palace

Dine like royalty, with afternoon tea in The Orangery at Kensington Palace. As you'd expect at an Historic Royal Palaces restaurant, the menus tend to have a regal theme, though they change seasonally. Whatever's on offer during your visit, dine among 24 white Corinthian columns and ornate carvings by esteemed sculptor Grinling Gibbons, just a short distance from the palace itself.

Afternoon tea at the British Museum

The British Museum's Great Court restaurant, located on the mezzanine level beneath its famous glass roof in the centre of the building, serves traditional afternoon tea to visitors. The menu consists of scones, a selection of sandwiches and delicate cakes.

Afternoon tea at the Science Museum

Where to have afternoon tea in London: A table set for with an afternoon tea stand, plus several pipettes and other pieces of scientific equipment. — Food you CAN play with. Image: Science Museum

As well as viewing the exhibits, get hands-on with the science yourself at Science Museum's afternoon tea, with plenty to keep kids entertained — think petri dish jelly, cupcakes to decorate using a syringe, and a chance to create your own fizzy drink through some sort of scientific wizardry.

Afternoon tea at the Cutty Sark

The world's only surviving tea clipper vessel is an apt place for afternoon tea. Descend beneath the hull of the Cutty Sark to its glass atrium cafe, and enjoy a traditional afternoon tea menu as you gaze up at the historic ship.

Afternoon tea at Westminster Abbey

Where to have afternoon tea in London: a three-tiered afternoon tea stand on a wooden table, alongside tea and glasses of champagne, against a brick wall backdrop — Take afternoon tea in a medieval setting. Image: Westminster Abbey

The Benugo-operated Cellarium Café & Terrace, set in Westminster Abbey's medieval cellarium, offers a seasonally-changing afternoon tea menu. Dine among historic stonework, or on the more modern light-filled glass terrace, at the centre of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Afternoon tea at the Natural History Museum

Where to have afternoon tea in London: a three-tiered afternoon tea stand on a table, alongside a teapot, teacup, and glasses of champagne — Dine in a part of the museum which few visitors see. Image: Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum's Anning Rooms restaurant — named after fossil hunter Mary Anning — is usually reserved for Members and Patrons. But members of the public can get access to this special inner sanctum of the South Kensington institution by booking for afternoon tea, which is suitably themed, with items including a dinosaur footprint macaron.

Afternoon tea at the Royal Albert Hall

Have afternoon tea within the historic walls of the Royal Albert Hall. Afternoon tea has been served here for over 100 years, and today it has a French-inspired Fête de Versailles theme. It's served in the Coda Restaurant, and can be paired with a tour of the concert hall, if you're so inclined.

Afternoon tea at the National Portrait Gallery

Deep in the vaults of the National Portrait Gallery, Larry's is better known as a bar — and a fine spot it makes for evening drinks — but afternoon tea is also available during the day. Often themed on a current exhibition, slide on into a booth and tuck in, in uber-stylish surroundings.

Afternoon tea at the National Gallery

Next door at the National Gallery, Ochre Brasserie serves a traditional British afternoon tea — and at £35 per person, it's well-priced considering its location on Trafalgar Square.

Afternoon tea at the Wallace Collection

The pretty pastel pink cafe at the Wallace Collection in Marylebone serves afternoon tea, often themed on a current or upcoming exhibition, and occasionally with themed cocktails available too. Explore the varied collections (the armour room is an unexpected treat) before kicking back in the light and airy courtyard-style eatery.

International afternoon tea in London

Eat your way around the world, with these afternoon tea menus inspired by international cuisines.

Masala High Chai at Cinnamon Bazaar

Where to have afternoon tea in London: a colourful restaurant with pink and green fabric strung from the ceiling. On a table, an afternoon tea stand contains a selection of Indian treats. — London's most colourful afternoon tea? Image: Cinnamon Bazaar

Chef Vivek Singh's Indian restaurant Cinnamon Bazaar — with branches in Covent Garden and Richmond — offers a High Chai, a traditional British afternoon tea infused with Indian flavours. Dishes include masala fish finger sandwiches, spiced paneer rolls and selection of sweets, served in colourful, Indian-inspired settings.

Indian Jasmine afternoon tea at Kona

Kona, located within the Taj51 hotel in St James's, Kona hosts an Indian Jasmine afternoon tea, inspired by traditional spices from across the country, and a love of tea. It's been running for several years now, so they must be doing something right. Items on the menu include a masala mutton keema pinwheel, a khandvi chutney tart, a cheesecake raspberry sonpapri floss and a gulabi trifle served with mini rasmalai (sweetened balls of cottage cheese).

Japanese afternoon tea at The Prince Akatoki

Marylebone's Japanese hotel The Prince Akatoki offers a Japanese-inspired afternoon tea, serving dishes including yellowtail and tuna nigiri; smoked salmon served with yuzu créme fraiche; and a passion fruit and yuzu Swiss roll. A sake pairing is optional.

Japanese afternoon tea at Aki London

Traditional scones are replaced with fluffy dorayaki pancakes at Marylebone-based Japanese restaurant Aki London. The afternoon menu also includes Japanese sandos with fillings including chicken katsu with tonkatsu dijon mayo; and green tea smoked salmon with yuzu curd. Certainly a bit different from egg and cress.

Middle Eastern afternoon tea at The Greenhouses

Where to have afternoon tea in London: a table set for afternoon tea, with delicate tea cups filled with tea, alongside a tiered stand holding several food items — A Middle Eastern take on afternoon tea. Image: The Greenhouses

The botanical-themed private dining rooms at The Greenhouses (locations at One Marylebone and One Smithfield) offer a Middle-Eastern afternoon tea menu. Dine on spice-infused foods including pomegranate-cured salmon and roast marinated beets; a Valrhona chocolate delice; and spiced fruit scones, paired with fig and molasses jam.

Italian afternoon tea at Harry's

Where to have afternoon tea in London: a person's hands removing a vol-au-vent from an afternoon tea stand which is shaped like a peacock — Live La Dolce Vita. Image: Harry's

Mediterranean delights including beef carpaccio, creamy burrata with tomatoes and basil, Amalfi lemon tart and Sicilian cannoli populate the Italian afternoon tea menu at the Knightsbridge branch of Harry's, taking you on a whistle-stop tour of the country's most loved flavours.

Chinese afternoon tea at Dim Sum Library

Tea Tales at Covent Garden restaurant Dim Sum Library is a playful take on afternoon tea. Diners roll the Lucky Dice to reveal one of five legendary Chinese teas, which can be enjoyed as a cocktail, mocktail, bubble tea or traditional hot tea. The food element is served on an elegant birdcage stand and includes wagyu beef puff with black pepper; baked barbecued pork puff; and classic egg tarts.

French afternoon tea at Kettner's

Best places for afternoon tea in London: a three-tiered afternoon tea stand on a table with a white cloth — The legendary French bistro now serves afternoon tea. Image: Kettner's

London's original French bistro Kettner's has launched its first ever afternoon tea, offering a French twist on the British tradition. Menu items include a Brie de Meaux and jambon croffle (a croissant-waffle hybrid); lobster vol-au-vent with Marie Rose sauce; apple tarte tartin; and Madeleines baked to order.

London's best luxury afternoon teas for a special occasion

London's finest afternoon tea: Elegant tea room with a large ornate metal gazebo in the center, set under a stained-glass dome ceiling and crystal chandeliers. Patrons sit at tables and on plush sofas throughout the room, which features patterned carpets and classical architectural details. — The Savoy offers afternoon tea for extra special occasions. Image: Christian Lendl, Unsplash License

'Best' is of course subjective when it comes to afternoon tea, and depends what you want from the experience. If you're looking for a rather upmarket setting for a very special occasion (and yes, a bill to match) these hotels are considered to offer some of the finest afternoon teas in London. Just bear in mind that the prices put them into 'bucket list' territory rather than 'casual lunch' for the majority of Londoners and visitors.

Afternoon tea at The Ritz, Piccadilly

Probably the most iconic afternoon tea in London, 'Tea at The Ritz' is synonymous with feeling fancy. Have a seat in the hotel's Grade II* listed 18th century Neo-Palladian townhouse, William Kent House, and watch the treats roll in... quite literally. Afternoon tea here comes with tableside service, including cakes served from a guéridon trolley, alongside the traditional finger sandwiches and scones. The Ritz London is the only hotel in the UK with a certified Tea Master, who travels the world to find the best blends. Note the dress code for this one.

Afternoon tea at The Savoy, Strand

On a par with The Ritz is The Savoy's own afternoon tea, served in the quiet glamour of the hotel's Gallery restaurant — think warm, peach-lit interiors beneath a stained glass dome. Worth noting is the Twilight Tea, served from 6pm-9.30pm, offering the daytime afternoon tea experience for anyone who wants to dine a little later — and served with a cocktail, as is befitting of the hour.

Afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason, Piccadilly

London's best afternoon tea;: a tiered afternoon tea stand loaded up with Winnie the Pooh themed treats — Winnie the Pooh afternoon tea for summer 2026. Image: Fortnum & Mason

Head up to the fourth floor of foodie-centric department store Fortnum & Mason, and enter the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon for a moment of calm away from the hubbub. Afternoon tea has been served in the store for more than a century (and these days it's available at the Royal Exchange branch in the City too), and since 2012 in this bright and airy room, accented in Fortnum's signature pastel teal shade. The afternoon tea menu changes seasonally (summer 2026 offers a Winnie the Pooh theme) but it's reliably served on a shiny silver tiered stand, with all the traditional finger sandwiches, scones and dainty little cakes you'd expect.

Afternoon tea at The Landmark London, Marylebone

London's best afternoon tea: a very high room with many tables, a piano, and several palm trees. — A dreamy setting for afternoon tea. Image: The Landmark London

Top of our London afternoon tea bucket list is a trip to Marylebone hotel The Landmark London, where afternoon tea is served in the decadent Winter Garden, surrounded by palm trees, and flooded with natural light from the glass ceiling. Themes change seasonally, and it's not uncommon for live musicians — or, on very special occasions, ballet dancers — to perform as you dine.

Afternoon tea at The Langham London, Marylebone

The pastel pink cover of the Langham's afternoon tea book — They know afternoon tea. Image: The Langham London

This central London establishment claims to have been "the first Grand Hotel to serve the experience [afternoon tea] to the public" in London, when it opened its doors all the way back in 1865, and has recently published The Langham Afternoon Tea Book, so fair to say it knows its stuff. These days, the tradition continues inside the Palm Court restaurant, where a traditional and seasonal afternoon tea menu is served daily, accompanied by live piano music to elevate the occasion.

What time is afternoon tea served in London?

Afternoon tea serving times vary between different establishments — we've seen it served as early as 11am, and as late as 6pm (for later than this, see The Savoy, above). The core hours are between 2pm-5pm. Some restaurants serve it in sittings, while others allow you to book a time slot of your choosing any time in the opening hours.

What's the dress code for afternoon tea in London?

Again, this varies between different restaurants. Some will be fine with you turning up in jeans, while others expect more formal attire (especially if located within an upmarket hotel). Some — such as The Ritz — specify a dress code.

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