Afternoon Tea in London: A Guide

Thinking of experiencing afternoon tea in London but not sure where to start? Consider this a little beginner guide!

I’ve been to quite a few afternoon teas around the world these last few years, and each time I’ve thoroughly enjoyed myself! There’s just something so nice about dressing up a little and enjoying fanciful treats and a hot cup of tea.

Obviously, one of the best things to do in London is experience afternoon tea for yourself, so I thought I’d write up the quickest little guide for a total newbie. Check it all out below!

What Exactly is Afternoon Tea?

Here’s where I’m going to nerd out a bit and share with you what I found in my Internet deep diving! If you really don’t care, here’s the brief, TL;DR:

Afternoon tea is a light meal traditionally served with small dishes and a hot cuppa. Meant to be served around 2-4 pm.

A Brief History

You know what’s kind of funny — for as quintessentially British tea is, it actually hasn’t been part of the culture for all that long. Like the Tudors missed out on it by quite a few decades.

Tea came to England in the form of Catherine de Braganza, the Portuguese wife of King Charles II in the 1660s. However, the concept of afternoon tea itself did not begin until nearly two centuries later with Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, in 1840.

You see, the time between dinner and supper was entirely too long, and Anna would begin feeling peckish around 4:00 PM. She started asking for some tea and snacks and as the habit formed, she’d invite her friends to join in.

Of course, this little ritual soon bloomed into a trendy event and a way for aristocrats to show off their wealth. From clothing to china to linens, this was a time to dress everything up. It’s also why it has such a fancy reputation.

Budget Tip: For more affordable afternoon teas, you’ll actually want to look for “high tea” options. High tea is what the working class called their tea breaks back in the day because it was served at a higher table and usually came with a more somewhat more substantial meal. I think definitions are a bit more fluid so just look at the menus and pictures of a place’s high tea to make sure you’re still getting what you want!

PArts to Afternoon Tea

Here’s what to expect in all afternoon teas no matter the location or budget:

• Drink of Choice – Hot tea served in a pot traditionally but so many places also offer coffee and hot chocolate. And they usually offer a alcoholic upgrade.
• 3-Tiered Tray – This is to display your light refreshments going from savory — to sweet. Usually they’ll use the same tray for two people.
• Savory Tier – On the lowest tier, expect savory finger sandwiches.
• Scone Tier – In the middle tier, you’ll get a freshly baked scone with clotted cream and jam.
• Dessert Tier – At the top layer, there will be sweet treats.

*Most* places will refill your tea, savory, and scone tiers at least once! Doesn’t hurt to ask.

Costs of Afternoon Tea in London

Given its history, there’s a certain indulgence to to the practice especially in London! Looking at where I’ve gone not just in the city but elsewhere in the world, you really do get what you pay for.

I’d say you could easily get afternoon tea in London for as low as £20-30 and as high as £90-100. On average, it’ll be around £50-60. I’ve actually experienced a range of teas which I’ll get into below.

My advice is to splurge on a nice afternoon tea. It’s an indulgence, so indulge!

My Experiences with Afternoon Tea in London

Traditional, Luxury – The Lanesborough £££

On my last trip, I wanted to experience as traditional a fancy afternoon tea in London as I could, so I asked my friend, Caitlin, which one she’d pick. She’s an afternoon tea aficionado, so I trust her judgement. Her immediate answer was The Lanesborough.

Mostly because of Lilibet the cute cat but also because it will, in fact, guarantee the most classic experience. The hotel is one of the most luxurious in the city and is right in Hyde Park. This is the kind of place that has a dress code listed (smart casual) and every menu item is crafted like an art piece.

When I went, they had a Bridgerton-themed tea which was really delightful and came out to £89. (It’s still offered at the time of writing this post!) Their desserts actually took up two tiers and the scones were served on the side with not just clotted Devonshire cream and jam but this tasty lemon curd.

Here’s a look at their other menu items:

Sandwiches:

• Truffled egg mayonnaise, watercress
• Poached cornfed chicken, chive and sour cream
• Lambton and Jackson smoked salmon and horseradish, dill
• Organic cucumber, garlic herb cream
• Cream cheese and kale tartlet

Pastries:

• The Social Butterfly
• Colin’s Travels
• The Book of Eloise
• The Lady Whistledown

Drinks

As for the tea, the Lanesborough has its own tea supplier, so they created a specific Bridgerton Blend that’s “a floral black tea blend with delicious sweet tones of fruit and rose petals.” Obviously, I opted for that one to stay on theme!

Otherwise they offer their signature breakfast tea, some teas with a twist, and classic black, green, and herbal teas.

And drinkers, they have a whole cocktail and champagne selection for an extra fee. Naturally, there are Bridgerton-themed drinks there as well!

Quirky, mid-range – Brigit’s Bakery Bus ££

Every since my friend, Milou, shared this experience years ago, I’ve been wanting to try. Full disclosure they gifted me and a friend spots on their bus, but, of course, all opinions will always be my own.

Like most mid-range options for afternoon tea in London, Brigit’s Bakery Bus starts at £45. Their teas happen in those famous red double decker buses, and you’ll even catch the tour from Victoria Station as though you’re hopping aboard any other bus. The seats are in the second floor and on top of the bus, and you can pick them out as you’re booking your tour.

If you’re wondering how they keep things from spilling everywhere, you won’t get a traditional tea set but your drinks will be served in a mug you can take home with you. Very cute!

The whole ride is around 90 minutes and acts as a mini tour of all the popular London spots. We actually did one of their themed tours for Easter, but generally here’s what you can expect along with the classic scone, clotted cream, and jam combo.

Savory

• Mini seasonal quiche
• Cucumber, cream cheese, and mint finger on basil bread
• Turkey ham, and cheese, mayo mustard finger on tomato bread
• Feta, tomato, and red pepper savory muffin
• Salmon and cucumber pretzel with cream cheese

Sweets

• Lemon meringue tart
• Chocolate cupcake
• Chocolate and cherry choux
• Coconut chocolate sable

Drinks

As for drinks they have a fairly extensive tea selection as well as coffee and hot chocolate! I actually opted for hot chocolate on this trip.

Additionally, they have wines and champagnes you can pay extra for.

Casual, Affordable – The Original Maids of Honour £

Clocking in at £24.50, the tea at The Original Maids of Honour is actually called high tea, not afternoon tea! Just to give you an idea of the more casual vibe.

It’s right by Kew Gardens, so I came here first, walked all around the gardens, and then ventured into Richmond. It’s such a cozy spot, and the tea was a delightful way to start my trip. Obviously, you’re not getting the bells and whistles of fancier afternoon teas in London, but it’s a lovely option for its price.

The other nice part is that they serve their teas all day Monday – Sunday instead of only during a few hours in the afternoon. And you can choose between a classic high tea set or a savory high tea set for £2 more. A nice alternative for those that don’t want so much sugar.

Here’s the gist:

High Tea

• Unlimited tea or coffee
• Sandwiches
  • English chedar
  • Oak-smoked salmon
  • Roasted ham
  • Free range egg mayonnaise
  • Cucumber
• Two scones with clotted cream and preserve
• A choice from today’s patisserie or a MoH tart

Savoury High Tea

• Unlimited tea or coffee
• Sandwiches
  • English chedar
  • Oak-smoked salmon
  • Roasted ham
  • Free range egg mayonnaise
  • Cucumber
• One scone with clotted cream and preserve
• Two cocktail sausage rolls
• Portion of a quiche or savory pastry

If you want to spend more, they’ve also got:

• A Specialty Set Tea for £50
• Champagne Set Tea starting at £45
• Prosecco Set Tea starting at £35

And I think that pretty much sums up everything I know and can share about the afternoon tea experience! If you have any questions, let me know below!

For more UK travel, read these next:

• First Time in… London? – A Quick Guide
• How Plan a Day Trip to the Seven Sisters Cliffs
• 27 Positively Lovely Bookstores in London You MUST Visit

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