Having afternoon tea in London is a must-do British tradition when visiting the city. Historically known as the 5 o’clock tea, it originated in the 19th century when the Duchess of Bedford asked her servant to bring sandwiches and snacks with her tea in the afternoon to keep her going until dinner. Having something to eat with some tea in the afternoon soon became a tradition and the perfect time to socialize with family and friends.
A cup of tea is still the most popular hot drink of choice in the UK and all Brits know there’s no problem that can’t be solved by putting the kettle on. Over recent years, the traditional afternoon tea with sandwiches and cakes has become a trendy social event again, with many places offering both traditional and themed afternoon teas.
Types of Afternoon Teas in London
Cream Tea
Cream tea is a good option if you want to try something traditionally British, but it is cheaper and lighter than a full afternoon tea. Originating from South West England, cream tea consists of a pot of tea served with traditional scones topped with clotted cream and jam.
For those who don’t know, a scone is a cross between a sweet bun and cake, either plain or made with raisins. Although more recently, it is not uncommon to come across flavoured scones. You can normally choose from various teas to accompany your scones, but the most traditional teas are English Breakfast or Earl Grey. We love cream tea and think it’s a great option if you’ve already had a big lunch and just want a sweet snack in the afternoon!
Traditional Afternoon Tea (and why it is not the same as high tea)
A traditional British afternoon tea consists of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and small cakes or pastries, usually served on a two- or three-tier stand with a pot of tea.
In London it is often served between midday and early evening. If you book an early sitting, we recommend treating it as lunch because a full afternoon tea is surprisingly filling. Champagne, cocktails and children’s themes are common variations. Historically, high tea meant a later, more substantial meal rather than the elegant hotel-style afternoon tea, although some venues now use the terms interchangeably in their marketing.
Afternoon Tea in London: Some suggestions for an unforgettable experience
Our personal advice is simple: if you want the complete afternoon-tea experience, arrive hungry and choose a venue that suits the occasion. The best-known hotel teas usually need advance booking and can cost well over £50 per person, while a cream tea is shorter and more affordable. Check the current menu, duration, dress code, dietary options and service charge before booking.
Thames Cruise with Afternoon Tea
We tried the City Cruises afternoon-tea cruise in 2026 and particularly enjoyed seeing the riverside landmarks from the water. The current experience leaves from Tower Millennium Pier and lasts about 90 minutes, passing sights such as Tower Bridge, the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament. The food is simpler than a luxury-hotel tea, so choose this option primarily for the combined cruise and sightseeing experience.
Find out more: Thames River Cruise with Afternoon Tea
Kensington Gardens Tour and Afternoon Tea
For a spectacular experience, I recommend you take Afternoon Tea and visit the Kensington Gardens.
Find out more: Kensington Gardens Tour and Afternoon Tea
Best Places for Afternoon Tea in London
Booking for 2026: Menus, prices and themed experiences change during the year. As current examples, Fortnum & Mason lists afternoon tea from £84 per person and The Ritz from £95 per adult. Always confirm the venue’s own menu, dietary options, child policy, dress code and any service charge before paying.
With so many venues offering afternoon tea in London, deciding where to go can be tricky. These are our favourite styles of experience, from formal hotel teas to family themes and more affordable cafés.
Claridge’s
Claridge’s serves its traditional afternoon tea in The Foyer & Reading Room, with finger sandwiches, scones, pastries and a broad tea selection. It is a formal Mayfair experience, so book well ahead and check the current dress code and menu.
Web: Claridge’s
The Chesterfield
A traditional hotel located in the luxurious area of Mayfair offering impressive ‘themed’ afternoon teas for an unforgettable experience.
Web: Chesterfield
Fortnum and Mason
Fortnum & Mason on Piccadilly is worth visiting even if you are not booking tea. Its principal afternoon-tea experience is the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon on the fourth floor, where the current choices include classic, savoury, vegetarian and high-tea menus. Prices currently start from £84 per person; reserve the specific menu and time you want.
Web: Fortnum and Mason
The Ritz
The Ritz is one of London’s most formal afternoon-tea experiences, served in Palm Court with live music. Prices currently start from £95 per adult, and the hotel requires a jacket and tie for gentlemen; jeans and sportswear are not permitted for afternoon tea. Check the full dress code before booking.
Web: The Ritz
The Berkeley
The Berkeley is famous for Prêt-à-Portea, its fashion-inspired afternoon tea. That particular experience is taking a temporary break in 2026 while it relocates; the hotel is currently offering Goûtea, which combines French pâtisserie with British afternoon-tea ideas. Check the current experience rather than booking on the strength of an older Prêt-à-Portea description.
Web: The Berkeley
Sketch London
This trendy restaurant in the heart of London has different rooms offering breakfast, lunch, dinner and traditional afternoon tea. Each room is decorated in a different theme for a unique atmosphere, making its afternoon tea a trendy choice in London.
Web: Sketch London
Shard
The tallest building in London, the Shard, has several restaurants that offer traditional Afternoon Tea. With their amazing views, Afternoon Tea in one of their restaurants can be one of the most spectacular options. Take a look at restaurants TING, Aqua Shard, Oblix…
Other places in London offering afternoon tea include Harrods, Brown’s Hotel, The Dorchester and the Hilton and Hyatt hotels.
More Afternoon Tea options in London
If you are looking for a more affordable afternoon tea in London, there are several great coffee shops and tea rooms in London that offer cheaper afternoon tea. The setting may not be as grand, but it will still be a traditional and enjoyable experience.
Patisserie Valerie
A chain of coffee shops in London where you can enjoy a cup of tea with a wide choice of decadent cakes and desserts.
Web: Patisserie Valerie
Caffé Concerto
Home to impressive cakes and pastries, afternoon tea is also served in an impressive three-tier stand with all the traditional features.
Web: Caffe Concerto
Le Pain Quotidien
Another good chain of cafe shops, with several venues throughout central London, for tea and cake.
Web: Le Pain Quotidien
Afternoon Tea for Kids in London
Many tea rooms offer afternoon tea with children in mind so the whole family can enjoy this British delicacy.
Peppa Pig Afternoon Tea Bus Tour
This is undoubtedly one of the most popular options: A traditional British high tea aboard a Peppa Pig-themed double-decker bus. Perfect for trying afternoon tea, keeping the children entertained and taking a bus tour of London simultaneously!
Find out more: Peppa Pig Afternoon Tea Bus Tour
Charlie and The Chocolate Factory
Hotel One Aldwych offers afternoon tea with the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory theme.
Find out more: One Aldwych.
Science Afternoon Tea
At the Ampersand hotel, they have created a science-themed afternoon tea, with cakes decorated as planets and science experiments… one to leave children speechless!
Find out more: Science Afternoon Tea
Jurassic Afternoon Tea
Also offered by the Ampersand Hotel, this afternoon tea is perfect for fans of Jurassic Park and dinosaurs!
Find out more: Jurassic Afternoon Tea
Peter Pan Afternoon Tea at the Shard
The Shard’s Aqua Shard restaurant offers Afternoon tea inspired by Peter Pan.
Find out more: Peter Pan Afternoon Tea
Jungle Book Afternoon Tea
Afternoon tea for kids at Brown’s hotel, inspired by the Jungle Book.
Find out more: Brown’s
Chesterfields
In Mayfair, this children’s afternoon tea is inspired by an Old Sweet Shop.
Find out more: Chesterfield’s Afternoon Tea
Hi, we are Alberto and Amy, the London locals behind PlanTrip London. We’ve lived in London since 2010 and have spent every year since exploring the city, from its famous landmarks to the markets, pubs, parks and hidden corners most visitors never find. Over the years we became the go-to trip planners for friends and family visiting London, so we created this site to share the same first-hand, tried-and-tested advice with you. Every itinerary, tip and recommendation here comes from our own experience with our two children, so you can plan a London trip that’s easier, better value and far more memorable.