Afternoon tea is a quintessentially British tradition that dates back to the 19th century. The exact origins of afternoon tea are somewhat unclear, but it is generally believed to have been popularized by Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, in the 1840s. At that time, it was common for people to eat just two main meals a day, with dinner not served until the late evening. Feeling a bit peckish in the mid-afternoon, the Duchess began requesting a pot of tea and some light snacks to be served in her room. She soon began inviting friends to join her, and the practice caught on.

The tradition of afternoon tea quickly spread among the upper classes in Britain, with many fashionable hotels and tea rooms offering their own versions of the experience. Afternoon tea typically consists of a pot of tea (usually black tea, but other varieties may also be offered), along with a selection of sweet and savory treats, such as sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and cakes or pastries.

Today, afternoon tea remains a popular and beloved tradition in London, with many hotels, restaurants, and tea rooms offering their own unique takes on the experience. Some establishments offer traditional afternoon tea, while others put a modern or creative twist on the concept. Regardless of the venue or the menu, afternoon tea continues to be a beloved part of British culture and a must-try experience for visitors to London.

Afternoon tea is a quintessential British experience that is a must-do activity for many visitors to London. Here are some popular places to enjoy afternoon tea in London:

  • The Ritz: The Ritz is a luxury hotel located in the heart of London and is known for its elegant afternoon tea service. The tea is served in the hotel’s ornate Palm Court and includes a selection of sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a variety of cakes and pastries.
  • The Savoy: The Savoy is another luxury hotel in London that offers a traditional afternoon tea experience. The tea is served in the hotel’s Thames Foyer, a stunning glass dome that allows natural light to pour in. The menu includes a selection of sandwiches, scones, and pastries, along with a variety of teas and Champagne.
  • Fortnum & Mason: Fortnum & Mason is a historic department store in London that is famous for its afternoon tea. The tea is served in the store’s Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon and includes a selection of sandwiches, scones, and pastries, along with a choice of over 100 different teas.
  • Claridge’s: Claridge’s is a five-star hotel in Mayfair that is known for its sophisticated afternoon tea service. The tea is served in the hotel’s elegant foyer and includes a selection of finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries, along with a choice of teas and Champagne.
  • The Shard: For a unique afternoon tea experience, consider booking a table at one of the restaurants in The Shard, London’s iconic glass skyscraper. Many of the restaurants offer afternoon tea with stunning views over the city.

In summary, London has a wide variety of places to enjoy afternoon tea, from luxury hotels to historic department stores and unique venues like The Shard. Each place offers its own unique twist on the classic afternoon tea experience, so it’s worth doing some research to find the one that’s perfect for you.

How much does afternoon tea at The Shard cost?

The cost of afternoon tea at The Shard in London varies depending on the restaurant or bar that you choose. Here are the approximate prices for afternoon tea at some of the restaurants in The Shard:

  • Aqua Shard: Afternoon tea costs £42 per person, or £55 per person with a glass of Veuve Clicquot Champagne.
  • Oblix: Afternoon tea costs £42 per person, or £54 per person with a glass of Champagne.
  • Ting at the Shangri-La: Afternoon tea costs £56 per person, or £67 per person with a glass of Champagne.
  • Gong at the Shangri-La: Afternoon tea costs £62 per person, or £72 per person with a glass of Champagne.

Please note that these prices are subject to change and may vary depending on the time of year or any special promotions that are available. It’s always a good idea to check with the restaurant or bar directly for the most up-to-date prices and availability.

Where is the best place to have a high tea in London?

There are many great places to have high tea in London, so the “best” place will depend on your personal preferences and budget. However, here are some highly recommended places for high tea in London:

  • The Ritz: The Ritz is one of the most iconic and luxurious places to have high tea in London. Enjoy your tea in the opulent surroundings of the Palm Court, where you’ll be served a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and an assortment of delicate pastries and cakes.
  • Claridge’s: Claridge’s is another grand and elegant hotel in London that’s known for its high tea service. Enjoy a selection of sandwiches, scones, and pastries in the beautiful Art Deco surroundings of the Foyer and Reading Room.
  • Fortnum & Mason: Fortnum & Mason is a historic department store in London that has been serving high tea for over 300 years. The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon offers a variety of high tea options, including a traditional Afternoon Tea, a Savoury Tea, and a Gluten-Free Tea.
  • The Dorchester: The Dorchester is a five-star hotel in Mayfair that offers a traditional high tea service in its elegant Promenade restaurant. The menu includes a selection of sandwiches, scones, and pastries, along with a choice of over 25 different teas.
  • Sketch: For a unique and quirky high tea experience, head to Sketch in Mayfair. The Gallery room is decorated in a playful, pink theme, and the menu includes creative and colorful treats like caviar and quail egg sandwiches and mini macarons.

These are just a few of the many places to have high tea in London, but they all offer a unique and memorable experience.

The Winter Garden Restaurant, located in the iconic Landmark London hotel, is indeed a fantastic place to enjoy an exquisite afternoon tea experience. The stunning glass atrium, complete with towering palm trees and a fountain, creates an atmosphere of elegance and tranquility. Here are some highlights of the Winter Garden afternoon tea service:

The menu includes a selection of classic finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and preserves, and a variety of delicate pastries and cakes.
Guests can choose from a wide range of teas, including traditional blends, herbal infusions, and exclusive teas that are only available at the Landmark London.
For an extra special treat, guests can opt for a Champagne Afternoon Tea, which includes a glass of Champagne alongside the traditional tea service.
The Winter Garden also offers a special Children’s Afternoon Tea, which includes kid-friendly sandwiches, pastries, and a hot chocolate or fruit juice.
Overall, the Winter Garden Restaurant is a perfect place to indulge in a luxurious afternoon tea experience in London’s elegant surroundings.

Best traditional afternoon teas in London

London is known for its traditional afternoon tea experiences, and there are many great places to indulge in this quintessentially British tradition. Here are some of the best places for traditional afternoon tea in London:

  • The Ritz: The Ritz is one of the most iconic places to have afternoon tea in London, with a reputation for opulent surroundings and impeccable service. Enjoy a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a variety of pastries and cakes, all served on beautiful china.
  • Claridge’s: Claridge’s is another classic and elegant hotel in London that’s known for its afternoon tea service. Enjoy a selection of sandwiches, scones, and pastries in the beautiful Art Deco surroundings of the Foyer and Reading Room.
  • Fortnum & Mason: Fortnum & Mason is a historic department store in London that has been serving tea for over 300 years. The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon offers a traditional afternoon tea experience, complete with a tiered cake stand and a selection of teas.
  • The Savoy: The Savoy is a luxurious hotel in London that offers a traditional afternoon tea service in its Thames Foyer. Enjoy a selection of sandwiches, scones, and pastries, along with a choice of over 30 different teas.
  • The Dorchester: The Dorchester is a five-star hotel in Mayfair that offers a traditional afternoon tea service in its elegant Promenade restaurant. The menu includes a selection of sandwiches, scones, and pastries, along with a choice of over 25 different teas.

These are just a few of the many places to have traditional afternoon tea in London. Each offers its own unique atmosphere and experience, but all are sure to provide a memorable and delicious tea experience.

The Drawing Room at the luxurious and iconic Brown’s Hotel in Mayfair is a great place to enjoy a quintessential English afternoon tea experience. Here are some highlights of their award-winning afternoon tea:

The menu includes a selection of classic finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and preserves, and a variety of delicate pastries and cakes.
Guests can choose from a wide range of teas, including traditional blends, herbal infusions, and exclusive teas that are only available at Brown’s Hotel.
The Drawing Room offers a range of different afternoon tea options, including a traditional afternoon tea, a gluten-free afternoon tea, and a children’s afternoon tea.
The atmosphere in the Drawing Room is elegant and sophisticated, with beautiful decor and comfortable seating.
Overall, the Drawing Room at Brown’s Hotel is a great place to experience a classic and indulgent afternoon tea in the heart of Mayfair.

Modern Indian afternoon tea in Covent Garden anyone?

There are some great options for modern Indian afternoon tea in Covent Garden! Here are a few options to consider:

  • Cinnamon Bazaar: This stylish and colorful restaurant in Covent Garden offers a “Bombay High Tea” experience that blends traditional Indian flavors with modern techniques. The menu includes a variety of sweet and savory treats, such as spiced scones, tandoori chicken sandwiches, and chai-infused macarons.
  • Dishoom: This popular restaurant chain with locations across London offers a “Bombay Afternoon Tea” that features a variety of Indian-inspired snacks and treats, such as samosas, bhel, and chai. The afternoon tea is served in a beautiful and atmospheric setting that evokes the glamour of 1940s Bombay.
  • Baluchi at The LaLiT London: This high-end Indian restaurant in a luxurious boutique hotel near Tower Bridge offers a “Royal Indian Afternoon Tea” that blends classic English tea service with Indian flavors and ingredients. The menu includes a range of savory and sweet bites, such as mini lamb samosas, paneer tikka sandwiches, and mango shrikhand.

Overall, there are many great options for modern Indian afternoon tea in London, including several in the Covent Garden area.