Ranked by TableJourney editorial score.
Finger sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream and jam, and a tiered stand of cakes, with a pot of loose-leaf tea. A London hotel ritual since 1840.
Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, is credited with inventing afternoon tea around 1840 to bridge the gap between lunch and a late dinner. The Ritz on Piccadilly began serving formal afternoon tea in 1906 in the Palm Court, and Brown's Hotel, Claridge's, The Savoy, Fortnum and Mason and The Lanesborough have served it continuously since the Edwardian era. The orthodox order: a pot of loose-leaf tea, three finger sandwiches (cucumber, smoked salmon, egg mayonnaise), warm scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam, a tiered stand of patisserie. Booking opens months ahead at the marquee rooms.
3 editor picks for Afternoon tea in London, ranked by editorial score. All London signature dishes · Afternoon tea across every city.
The Ritz Piccadilly dining room in Mayfair London, opened 1906 in Cesar Ritz's hotel, holds one Michelin star and runs classical French cooking.
OrderSole Veronique or the Beef Wellington carved tableside, with the cheese trolley to close.
TipAfternoon tea in the Palm Court is the easier reservation; dinner books 8 weeks ahead with strict dress code.
Chris Corbin and Jeremy King's grand European brasserie on Piccadilly in London, opened 2003 in a former 1921 Wolseley showroom, runs from breakfast.
OrderEggs Benedict and a flat white at breakfast, or the Wiener schnitzel and a glass of riesling at dinner.
TipBreakfast from 07:00 is the un-touristed slot. Pre-theatre dinner from 18:00 books a fortnight ahead.
The 1707 grocery and bakery on Piccadilly in Mayfair London, founded by William Fortnum and Hugh Mason, claims the original Scotch egg (1738).
TipThe basement food hall queue is shorter than the main bakery counter. The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon books two weeks ahead.
Afternoon tea makes more sense with someone from London explaining it. These are the classes and tours we have checked, with booking links.
Guided tour · 2h 30m
Step back in time to Tudor England at Hampton Court Palace. Immerse yourself in a place steeped in royal history and drama. Indulge in a freshly prepared afternoon tea...
2 hours
Enter Bustronome London, where gastronomy intertwines with sightseeing aboard a luxurious double-decker bus, promising an unforgettable journey through the city's icon...
1.5 hours
Brigit’s Bakery are pleased to announce the launch of the very first Paddington Afternoon Tea Bus Tour in London. What a bear-tastic opportunity for little cubs and gr...
