Quick answer
London is the undisputed world capital of afternoon tea — and these 12 spots are the ones that Reddit, food bloggers, and tea obsessives keep coming back to. From The Ritz's legendary Palm Court to Rosewood's under-the-radar artist-themed teas, every venue on this list earned its place through consistent quality and real recommendations.
- Best overall
- The Ritz — 4.4★ (410 reviews)
- Price range
- £70–£95 per person
- Best value
- Fortnum & Mason (refills included)
- Last verified
- 2026-03
Top verdicts
- The Ritz: The most iconic afternoon tea in the world. Palm Court's gilded mirrors make this pure theatre. Book weeks ahead.
- Brown's Hotel: Reddit's top pick for overall experience — best service, best tea, 4.8★ on Google.
- Rosewood London: The hidden gem — easier to book, consistently amazing food, artist-themed pastries.
London's best afternoon teas range from £70 to £95 per person, with The Drawing Room at Brown's Hotel earning top recommendation for its heritage luxury and high 4.8-star rating. This definitive guide explores the city's finest tea experiences, from gilded hotel Palm Courts to Instagram-famous pink rooms, backed by Reddit reviews, food blogs, and years of expert tastings.
London's afternoon tea scene ranges from £70–£95 at grand hotels, with The Ritz and Claridge's leading the pack. This guide highlights the 12 best spots for a proper British afternoon tea, from heritage institutions to modern newcomers.
Afternoon tea is sacred in London. What started with the Duchess of Bedford in the 1840s has evolved into one of the city's most celebrated rituals. We cross-referenced hundreds of Reddit posts from r/LondonFood, r/uktravel, r/LondonTravel, and r/chubbytravel with expert reviews from Wrap Your Lips Around This, A Lady in London, and Forbes Travel to find the 12 that consistently deliver.
The result: hotels where the scones arrive warm, the pastries are genuine works of art, the tea selection goes beyond English Breakfast, and the rooms make you feel like royalty. Whether you want gilded grandeur at The Ritz or Instagram-pink whimsy at Sketch, this list has your perfect tea.
Afternoon Tea Map
All 12 Spots at a Glance
| # | Name | Style | Price | Rating | Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Afternoon Tea at The Ritz | Classic Luxury | £85–£95 pp | 4.4★ | 150 Piccadilly |
| #2 | Afternoon Tea at Claridge's | Refined Elegance | £85–£95 pp | 4.6★ | Brook St |
| #3 | The Promenade at The Dorchester | Grand Hotel | £80–£95 pp | 4.6★ | 53 Park Ln |
| #4 | The Drawing Room at Brown's Hotel | Heritage Luxury | £75–£90 pp | 4.8★ | 33 Albemarle St |
| #5 | sketch | Instagram-Famous | £75–£95 pp | 4.3★ | 9 Conduit St |
| #6 | The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum & Mason | Iconic Institution | £70–£85 pp | 4.4★ | 4th Floor |
| #7 | Afternoon Tea at Corinthia London | Pastry Artistry | £80–£95 pp | 4.5★ | Whitehall Pl |
| #8 | The Rosebery at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park | Refined & Relaxed | £75–£90 pp | 4.7★ | 66 Knightsbridge |
| #9 | Afternoon Tea at The Savoy | Grand Tradition | £80–£95 pp | 4.5★ | Strand |
| #10 | The Goring | Royal Connections | £70–£85 pp | 4.7★ | 15 Beeston Pl |
| #11 | Rosewood London | Under the Radar | £70–£85 pp | 4.7★ | 252 High Holborn |
| #12 | The Lanesborough | Themed Elegance | £75–£90 pp | 4.7★ | Hyde Park Corner |
Quick Picks by Budget
Best Picks by Occasion
Best for a Quintessential London Experience
For that iconic, must-do London afternoon tea, look no further than The Ritz, a global benchmark for luxury. Alternatively, immerse yourself in regal tradition at Fortnum & Mason, personally opened by Queen Elizabeth II.
Best for an Instagram-Worthy Moment
If aesthetics are paramount, sketch's vibrant pink Gallery room and quirky egg-shaped toilets are a photographer's dream. For architectural grandeur, the spectacular glass-domed atrium at Corinthia London provides an equally stunning backdrop for your snaps.
Best for Royal Connections & History Buffs
Delve into royal history at The Goring, a favourite of the Queen Mum and venue for Kate Middleton's pre-wedding stay. The Drawing Room at Brown's Hotel also boasts a rich past, with Queen Victoria herself reportedly taking tea there.
Best for Foodies & Pastry Artistry
For an exquisite culinary journey, Claridge's consistently delivers outstanding food and pastries. Corinthia London is renowned for its incredible pastry artistry, while The Lanesborough offers fine detail in their themed pastry creations.
Best for a Refined & Relaxed Atmosphere
Escape the intense crowds at The Rosebery at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, a blogger favourite that offers a luxurious yet calm setting. Rosewood London also provides a sophisticated, 'under-the-radar' experience, easier to book than its more famous counterparts.
Head-to-Head Comparisons
The Ritz vs Claridge's
These two titans of London afternoon tea define classic luxury. The Ritz is pure, gilded grandeur – a spectacle of tradition and formality. Claridge's, while equally elegant, offers a more understated poise and is often praised for its truly exceptional food and impeccable service, allowing the quality to speak for itself. Both are a splurge, but your choice depends on whether you prefer overt pomp or refined perfection.
Classic Luxury vs Instagram Fame: The Ritz vs sketch
Deciding between The Ritz and sketch is a choice between timeless tradition and contemporary cool. The Ritz offers an unblemished, formal experience in a historic setting, perfect for those seeking the ultimate classic. sketch, on the other hand, is a vibrant, avant-garde wonderland, ideal for a visually stunning and highly shareable experience, though its tea is often secondary to its aesthetic. Prices are comparable, but the vibe couldn't be more different.
Hidden Gem vs Grand Institution: Rosewood London vs Fortnum & Mason
For those seeking luxury without the top-tier crowds, Rosewood London is a fantastic 'hidden gem,' offering a sophisticated yet more accessible experience. In contrast, Fortnum & Mason is a grand London institution, steeped in history and royal connections. Both offer excellent value at the lower end of the luxury price spectrum, but Rosewood provides a quieter elegance, while Fortnum & Mason offers a bustling, iconic London atmosphere.
1Afternoon Tea at The Ritz
Classic LuxuryQuick comparison
- Best for
- First-time afternoon tea experience in Mayfair
- Strengths
- 4.4★ from 410 Google reviews · Classic Luxury
- Price / value
- £85–£95 pp
- What to order
- The Traditional Afternoon Tea — delicate finger sandwiches, warm scones with Devonshire clotted cream and strawberry preserve, and exquisite pastries. Request the 5 PM sitting for the room at its sparkliest.
🕐 Opening hours
2Afternoon Tea at Claridge's
Refined EleganceQuick comparison
- Best for
- Refined luxury without theatrics in Mayfair
- Strengths
- 4.6★ from 293 Google reviews · Refined Elegance
- Price / value
- £85–£95 pp
- What to order
- The seasonal afternoon tea — the pastry chefs change the menu regularly with stunning creations. The finger sandwiches are classic and the scones arrive warm with Cornish clotted cream.
🕐 Opening hours
3The Promenade at The Dorchester
Grand HotelQuick comparison
- Best for
- Grand hotel tea with the best sandwiches
- Strengths
- 4.6★ from 246 Google reviews · Grand Hotel
- Price / value
- £80–£95 pp
- What to order
- The classic afternoon tea with champagne upgrade. The sandwiches are the star — consistently rated the best among London's top hotels. Save room for the pastries.
🕐 Opening hours
4The Drawing Room at Brown's Hotel
Heritage LuxuryQuick comparison
- Best for
- Cosy, quintessentially English experience
- Strengths
- 4.8★ from 696 Google reviews · Heritage Luxury
- Price / value
- £75–£90 pp
- What to order
- The traditional afternoon tea in The Drawing Room. Live piano music accompanies your scones. The Tea-Tox alternative offers low-sugar, low-carb options that are surprisingly satisfying.
🕐 Opening hours
5sketch
Instagram-FamousQuick comparison
- Best for
- Friends who want a fun, Instagram-worthy afternoon
- Strengths
- 4.3★ from 9,940 Google reviews · Instagram-Famous
- Price / value
- £75–£95 pp
- What to order
- The Gallery afternoon tea — seasonal menus change often with clever themed pastries. Don't miss the pod toilets. Come with friends for maximum fun.
🕐 Opening hours
6The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum & Mason
Iconic InstitutionQuick comparison
- Best for
- Tea connoisseurs and quintessential British heritage
- Strengths
- 4.4★ from 3,779 Google reviews · Iconic Institution
- Price / value
- £70–£85 pp
- What to order
- Order one traditional and one savoury tea between two — refills let you try both. The tea collection is unmatched, with rare blends from their ground-floor counters. Browse the shop after.
🕐 Opening hours
7Afternoon Tea at Corinthia London
Pastry ArtistryQuick comparison
- Best for
- Pastry lovers and special birthdays
- Strengths
- 4.5★ from 337 Google reviews · Pastry Artistry
- Price / value
- £80–£95 pp
- What to order
- The afternoon tea with champagne — the artistic cakes are the star. Look up to appreciate the 1,000 Baccarat crystal chandelier while you eat. Portions are generous so bring your appetite.
🕐 Opening hours
8The Rosebery at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park
Refined & RelaxedQuick comparison
- Best for
- A relaxed, unrushed afternoon with Hyde Park nearby
- Strengths
- 4.7★ from 2,687 Google reviews · Refined & Relaxed
- Price / value
- £75–£90 pp
- What to order
- The signature afternoon tea — dietary menus are available, so mention requirements when booking. The room is light and airy, making this one of the most comfortable tea experiences in London.
🕐 Opening hours
9Afternoon Tea at The Savoy
Grand TraditionQuick comparison
- Best for
- Hungry tea-goers who want unlimited sandwiches
- Strengths
- 4.5★ from 930 Google reviews · Grand Tradition
- Price / value
- £80–£95 pp
- What to order
- Go for the full afternoon tea with the unlimited sandwich refills. The eclairs are excellent. Ask about lower-sugar options if you prefer lighter fare.
🕐 Opening hours
10The Goring
Royal ConnectionsQuick comparison
- Best for
- Royal heritage and proximity to Buckingham Palace
- Strengths
- 4.7★ from 1,509 Google reviews · Royal Connections
- Price / value
- £70–£85 pp
- What to order
- The traditional afternoon tea, ideally on The Veranda in warmer months. The Goring is all about British tradition — expect classic scones, proper sandwiches, and attentive service in an intimate setting.
🕐 Opening hours
11Rosewood London
Under The RadarQuick comparison
- Best for
- Easier bookings and artistic presentation
- Strengths
- 4.7★ from 3,513 Google reviews · Under the Radar
- Price / value
- £70–£85 pp
- What to order
- The themed afternoon tea — check what the current artist theme is before you go. The presentation is stunning and the pastries are genuinely delicious, not just pretty.
🕐 Opening hours
12The Lanesborough
Themed EleganceQuick comparison
- Best for
- Themed teas and excellent gluten-free options
- Strengths
- 4.7★ from 861 Google reviews · Themed Elegance
- Price / value
- £75–£90 pp
- What to order
- Whatever the current themed tea is — they put serious effort into the rotating concept. The scones with fragrant house-made jams are a highlight. Ask about gluten-free options when booking.
🕐 Opening hours
🫖 Afternoon Tea Experiences
Curated afternoon tea experiences you can book in advance
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Planning Your London Afternoon Teas Visit
Reservations Are Essential
Popular afternoon tea spots, especially the iconic ones like The Ritz or Claridge's, book out weeks, if not months, in advance. Always make a reservation online or by phone as early as possible to secure your desired date and time.
Understand the Dress Code
Many luxury hotels maintain a smart casual to formal dress code. Venues like The Ritz famously require a jacket and tie for gentlemen. Always check the specific venue's website beforehand to avoid disappointment; trainers and ripped jeans are generally frowned upon across the board.
Dietary Requirements & Menu Options
Most establishments, including Fortnum & Mason and Corinthia London, are adept at accommodating dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free). Inform them at the time of booking, and they will usually prepare a bespoke menu for you.
Timing Your Tea & Service Length
Afternoon tea typically lasts between 1.5 to 2 hours, offering a leisurely experience. Most venues offer sittings from midday to late afternoon. Choose a later slot if you intend for it to replace dinner, especially at places like The Savoy with its unlimited sandwiches.
Tipping Etiquette in London
A discretionary service charge of 12.5% is often added to your bill, especially in high-end venues like The Dorchester or The Lanesborough. If it's included, no additional tip is strictly necessary, though you can round up or add a small extra amount for exceptional service.
Frequently asked questions
How much does afternoon tea cost in London?
Afternoon tea in London ranges from £40 at smaller tearooms to £95+ at grand hotels like The Ritz and Claridge's. Most luxury hotel teas sit between £70–£95 per person. Adding champagne typically adds £15–£30. Budget-friendlier options like Cinnamon Bazaar in Covent Garden start around £25 per person.
Do I need to book afternoon tea in London in advance?
Yes — especially for The Ritz, Claridge's, and The Savoy, which can book up weeks ahead for weekend sittings. Midweek slots are easier to secure. Most venues accept bookings 4–8 weeks out.
Is there a dress code for afternoon tea in London?
The Ritz has the strictest dress code — jacket and tie required for men. Claridge's, The Dorchester, and Brown's expect smart casual at minimum. Sketch is more relaxed. Check your confirmation email for specific requirements.
What time should I book afternoon tea?
Traditional sittings run from 12:30 PM to 5:30 PM. The most popular slots are 2:00–3:30 PM. At The Ritz, the 5:00 PM sitting offers the best ambiance. Allow at least 90 minutes to two hours.
Which London afternoon tea is best for a first-timer?
The Ritz or Claridge's for the classic experience. Both deliver full pageantry — tiered stands, fine china, impeccable service. For something modern and Instagram-friendly, Sketch's pink Gallery room is unforgettable.
Are there dietary options for afternoon tea?
Most luxury hotels now offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free teas with advance notice. The Mandarin Oriental and The Lanesborough are particularly well-regarded for dietary accommodations.
What is the difference between afternoon tea and high tea?
Afternoon tea is the elegant experience with finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries served on tiered stands, typically between 2–5 PM. High tea is actually a heartier, working-class meal served around 5–6 PM. What London hotels serve is afternoon tea.
What is the difference between high tea and afternoon tea in London?
Historically, 'afternoon tea' was a light snack for the upper classes, while 'high tea' was a more substantial, working-class evening meal. In modern London, almost all hotel offerings are 'afternoon tea,' featuring delicate sandwiches, scones, and pastries. Don't ask for 'high tea' in a luxury setting like The Ritz – it's an afternoon tea experience you're after!
What should I wear to afternoon tea in London?
Dress codes vary, but generally, smart casual is the minimum. For top-tier hotels like The Ritz or Claridge's, gentlemen often require a jacket (and sometimes a tie), while ladies opt for dresses, skirts, or smart trousers. Check the specific venue's website, but err on the side of elegance to feel comfortable and respected.
How long does afternoon tea usually last?
Most afternoon tea sittings are designed to last between 1.5 to 2 hours. This allows ample time to savour the different courses, enjoy the ambiance, and engage in conversation without feeling rushed. Some venues like The Savoy, with unlimited sandwiches, might encourage a slightly longer stay if you're particularly hungry!
Are children welcome at London afternoon teas?
Many London hotels welcome children, often offering special 'children's afternoon tea' menus with more kid-friendly items. However, the atmosphere at places like The Dorchester or The Goring can be quite formal. It's best to check with the individual venue directly, especially for very young children, to ensure it's suitable.
Can I get vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options for afternoon tea?
Absolutely! Most high-end London establishments are very accommodating to dietary requirements. Venues such as Fortnum & Mason explicitly offer vegan tea options, and others like Corinthia London can create bespoke menus. Always inform them of your dietary needs when making your reservation.
Is afternoon tea worth the price in London?
While certainly a splurge, London afternoon tea offers a unique cultural experience that goes beyond just food. You're paying for impeccable service, stunning ambiance, a sense of occasion, and often a taste of history. For special occasions or a luxurious treat, a tea at The Ritz or Claridge's is widely considered a memorable and worthwhile investment in a classic London tradition.
How we built this list
We analyzed hundreds of Reddit posts and thousands of comments across relevant subreddits spanning 2019 to 2026. Places were ranked by frequency of independent recommendations and verified with Google ratings. Every spot was mentioned in at least 2 separate threads by different users.
