What would London be without its famous afternoon tea? Traditions are traditions, and anyone visiting the English capital should experience this “sacred ritual” at least once—a practice passed down through the centuries that follows a very precise protocol: the tea, the crockery, the accompanying pastries, the service.
But which London establishments serve an excellent afternoon tea? Let’s discover them together!
Afternoon tea represents an iconic British tradition, particularly in London. Whilst today it’s observed in a more relaxed manner, historically it followed strict protocols that governed every detail, from the tea service to the arrangement of furnishings.
The tradition began around 1840 thanks to Anne Mary Stanhope Russell, Duchess of Bedford and confidante of Queen Victoria. To bridge the long gap between lunch and dinner imposed by court etiquette, the Duchess introduced an afternoon refreshment that included tea, bread, butter and typical sweets such as scones and Victoria Sponge cake.
The custom spread rapidly through London’s high society thanks to the Duchess’s invitations, and by 1900 it had become a social phenomenon that crossed all class boundaries, leading to the proliferation of tea rooms throughout the city.
Although called “five o’clock tea“, it was actually served between 3:30 and 5:00 PM. There were two main variations: low tea, reserved for the aristocracy, served with precise rules regarding milk service and the use of Darjeeling, and high tea for the working classes—the names referring to the height of the tables used.
Located in Mayfair, Claridge’s is one of London’s most famous and prestigious hotels: it is a true institution and one of the most coveted locations for enjoying traditional afternoon tea.
Its rooms, with period furnishings, a grand central staircase, pastel-coloured walls, and ceilings adorned with plasterwork and ornate chandeliers, have hosted the afternoon tea ritual for 150 years. The tea, which can be chosen from an endless selection of fine varieties sourced from small producers around the world, is accompanied by traditional delicacies: sandwiches in four different flavours (including smoked salmon and cucumber, and cheese spread), various types of pastries and freshly baked scones. Everything is served on fine Chinese porcelain. The menu is devised and prepared by renowned chef Martyn Nail.
Tea is served in both the spacious Foyer and the Reading Room, which is more intimate. Afternoon tea reservations at Claridge’s can be made up to 90 days in advance, with four different options: Traditional Afternoon Tea, Children’s Afternoon Tea, Champagne Afternoon Tea and Seasonal Afternoon Tea.
Claridge’s is not the only high-end London hotel offering the chance to savour an excellent five o’clock tea. The prestigious Savoy Hotel, another iconic luxury hotel located near Covent Garden, also offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy afternoon tea, served in the traditional manner: a selection of the finest teas and infusions, accompanied by delicious sandwiches, exquisite pastries and cakes, fragrant scones with clotted cream, served on the finest porcelain.
What makes the experience even more unique is the setting: the prestigious Thames Foyer. A spacious hall with white walls adorned with plasterwork and paintings, topped by a glass cupola that filters natural light, at the centre of which stands an elegant gazebo, with small tables and Edwardian-style chairs scattered around. As you savour your fragrant drink, a pianist provides excellent music.
Scoff & Banter Tea Rooms is a warm and welcoming establishment located near London’s most important fashion streets, where you can enjoy traditional English fare, such as pudding and fish & chips, and where you can visit to savour excellent Afternoon Tea. The afternoon tea is served following tradition, accompanied by tempting pastries, sandwiches and freshly baked scones.
There are several Scoff & Banter Tea Rooms scattered throughout London (Bloomsbury, Canary Wharf, Leicester Square, Kensington), but the most famous is certainly the one located at 350 Oxford Street. Underground: Central and Jubilee Lines, Bond Street Station.
Let’s turn to another prestigious London hotel, The Wellesley, which, like many others, upholds the English afternoon tea tradition.
The Wellesley Afternoon Tea is an absolutely unforgettable experience. In the hotel’s exclusive Jazz Lounge, with its vintage and elegantly appointed décor, fine teas selected by an expert Tea Connoisseur are served in cups of the finest porcelain and accompanied by delectable pastries prepared by the hotel’s Pastry Chef, Cristiano Paolini. Everything is enhanced by piano music played live.
To experience authentic English afternoon tea, the right place is the Library Lounge at the Marriott County Hall.
Taking tea in the Library Lounge, with its beige armchairs, delightful round tables covered in pink tablecloths and separated by imposing dark wooden display cabinets, is like taking a journey through time, when tea rooms were occupied by distinguished gentlemen and elegant ladies exchanging the latest gossip between sips of hot, aromatic beverage and fragrant pastries.
Along with a selection of fine teas to choose from, guests are offered a wide choice of refined cakes and pastries, delicate sandwiches and scones with jam and whipped cream.
I don’t think the hotel needs any introduction. At The Ritz, afternoon tea (recommended by the Afternoon Tea Awards 2016) is served in the exclusive and elegant Palm Court: the room, decorated in soft yellow and cream tones, is surrounded by mirrors and abundant potted plants. The fine beverage, available in 18 varieties, is served in cups of the finest porcelain and accompanied by sandwiches cut with geometric precision, delectable pastries and cakes and scones, accompanied by classic jam and whipped cream.
A ritual fit for royalty, reads the description of Afternoon Tea at the Milestone Hotel.
The traditional afternoon tea ritual takes place in the Cheneston’s Restaurant and Park Lounge, with their Regency character, or in the Conservatory, which has a chic and contemporary feel thanks to its contrasting black and white design. A selection of fine teas to choose from is accompanied by classic pastries, sandwiches and scones with jam or clotted cream.
Aqua Shard is a fashionable restaurant with expansive windows offering spectacular views across London.
It’s the ideal location to enjoy the traditional afternoon tea ritual in a modern setting. You can select your preferred tea from a selection by the Rare Tea Company; the beverage is accompanied by the classic selection of finger sandwiches, pastries and freshly baked scones, served with jams and clotted cream.
In the following map you can see the location of the main places of interest mentioned in this article.
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