The best hotels with afternoon tea in London

Afternoon tea at The Langham is an experience steeped in elegance and tradition. The Palm Court, within the hotel, sets the stage with its sophisticated decor and natural light filtering through large windows. The afternoon tea here includes finger sandwiches and a selection of freshly-baked scones served with clotted cream and preserves. There's also an assortment of pastries, cakes, tea, and the option to add champagne. They also occasionally serve themed afternoon tea, like a festive take at Christmas time.

The Townhouse is set in a stunning Georgian townhouse, the perfect setting for this quintessential British tradition. The afternoon tea here includes a selection of finger sandwiches, freshly-baked scones with clotted cream and house-made jams, alongside pretty pastries and cakes. The stylish yet relaxed setting of Dean Street Townhouse creates an ideal backdrop for enjoying the classic British treat.

Renowned East End baker Lily Vanilli is behind the afternoon tea at the Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge, reinventing the traditional treat with an Aperi-tea concept that transitions from daytime indulgence to an evening aperitivo-style experience. Served in the elegant Rotunda, the menu features Lily's signature cakes, decadent pastries, and savoury bites, paired with playful mini cocktails like the Lily Royale and Salted Espresso. Changing seasonally, this is a unique and modern take on London's afternoon tea culture.

The Mirror Room, the hotel's elegant venue for this afternoon tea, is sleek and sophisticated. They change occasionally but include themed options like the Festive Afternoon Tea and the Garrard Festive Art Afternoon Tea, a partnership with the British jeweller Garrard. The teas include things like sandwiches, pastries, cakes, and more, with themed tweaks on the classic treats. You can enjoy yours with tea or champagne.

As you step into the iconic Foyer & Reading Room, the room is decorated with Art Deco touches and plush furnishings. The legendary afternoon tea at Claridge's is nothing short of luxury, beginning with a selection of finger sandwiches featuring classic fillings like cucumber and smoked salmon. The pastry selection showcases the skill of the hotel's world-class pastry chefs, with options such as freshly-baked scones with Claridge's jam, pastries, and cakes, all presented on tiered silver stands. They also serve seasonal fruits and a selection of teas, including the complex Claridge's Blend.

The Gallery, where this world-famous afternoon tea takes place, features a stunning glass dome that bathes the space in natural light, further enhanced by a live pianist playing during the day. The afternoon tea at The Savoy is a culinary work of art, kicked off with a selection of dainty finger sandwiches filled with classic and inventive fillings. The tiered cake stands come stacked with freshly-baked scones, pretty pastries, and cakes - all crafted by the hotel's skilled pastry chefs. The extensive tea menu features over 30 types. They also offer a vegan afternoon tea and a vegetarian afternoon tea.

Afternoon tea is held in The Drawing Room in Brown's Hotel, which was established in 1837. Expect sandwiches, from traditional cucumber to inventive modern twists, and freshly baked scones served with clotted cream and jams. The pastry selection shows off the skill of the hotel's pastry chefs, while the tea menu boasts a varied selection. They also serve a festive afternoon tea at Christmas.

Shangri-La at The Shard in London offers a luxurious afternoon tea high above the city's skyline. Set against the backdrop of London's iconic skyline, the hotel's TĪNG Lounge on level 35 provides a sleek setting for afternoon tea. It starts with a selection of things like finger sandwiches, freshly-baked scones, clotted cream, and house-made jams, adding a traditional touch. They usually have more than one menu to choose from, including traditional afternoon tea and themed ones, like an Asian-inspired one and a festive one at Christmas.

The Drawing Room, where afternoon tea takes place at 11 Cadogan Gardens, is filled with vintage furniture and tasteful decor. The afternoon tea here changes fairly regularly and usually includes sandwiches with both traditional and contemporary fillings, baked scones, pastries, and cakes. They usually have meaning behind them; for example, one of their afternoon tea menus pays tribute to their privileged location in Cadogan Gardens.

The Ritz serves up one of the most iconic afternoon teas in the country and perhaps the world. It's served in the spectacular surroundings of The Palm Court, decked out with crystal chandeliers, ornate decor, high ceilings and a live pianist. It looks like it's been plucked straight out of a fairytale. Your afternoon tea spread includes finely-cut sandwiches and freshly-baked scones with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry preserves. There are also pastries, teacakes and 18 types of loose-leaf tea to choose from, or you can opt for a glass of champagne. The Ritz London is also the only hotel in the UK to have a certified Tea Master, Giandomenico Scanu, who travels worldwide to tea plantations to source their range of brews. There's also a children's afternoon tea menu served with specially blended decaffeinated tea. It's worth noting that this one has a formal dress code.

Set in the iconic Mayfair district, The Connaught offers an elegant and luxurious backdrop for this time-honoured tradition. The tea unfolds in the Espelette restaurant or the stylish Jean-Georges at The Connaught. The menu features a selection of finger sandwiches, freshly-baked scones served with clotted cream and jam, and a variety of pastries and cakes crafted by the hotel's skilled pastry chefs.

Afternoon tea at The Landmark London takes place in their stunning eight-story glass atrium, providing a stunning setting for this long-standing tradition. The afternoon tea begins with a selection of sandwiches with a varied selection of fillings. The freshly-baked scones are served warm and paired with clotted cream and house-made preserves, offering a nod to tradition. There's also an assortment of pastries and cakes, each a work of art.

Located in South Kensington, The Drawing Room, where the tea at The Ampersand Hotel is served, is decorated in a contemporary design and plush furnishings. The afternoon tea menu at The Ampersand includes sandwiches featuring high quality ingredients, freshly-baked scones served with clotted cream and jam, and pastries and cakes.

At Park Grand London Lancaster Gate, there are plenty of afternoon tea options, among which is an Indian-inspired choice celebrating India's rich flavours. This unique tea experience includes a selection of authentic Indian sweet and savoury treats. Feast on things like the Bombay Aloo Banda Pal, a Mumbai tea-time snack accompanied by samosas, chicken tikka sandwiches, mango rice pudding, and more. The entire spread is paired with a curated selection of Indian teas.

The Piccadilly London West End is another hotel that offers Indian-inspired afternoon tea, putting a contemporary spin on the timeless British tradition. Enjoy things like homemade Lucknawi spiced scones with strawberry cumin jam. It's all complemented by a choice of ginger and cardamom tea or prosecco, adding an Indian twist to the classic afternoon tea.