It’s afternoon tea week! If you didn’t know that the 9th-15th August is dedicated to this British pastime, now you do. You’re welcome. As if you need an excuse to down tea (or champagne) and scoff cake.
As the home of English tea and scones, it’s no surprise that afternoon tea in London is top tier. Here are the best spots that you shouldn’t miss this week.
The Best Spots for Afternoon Tea Week
A Parisian Affair at Mariage Frères
Covent Garden
For a classic experience with a French twist, indulging in afternoon tea at luxury tea company Mariage Frères is a must.
What’s most impressive about this afternoon tea is the sheer amount of choice. Decide between Parisian afternoon tea, featuring smoked salmon sandwiches infused with Paris Marais tea, or the black olive souffle that comes with Covent Garden tea.
With over 1000 different types of tea to accompany your sarnies and cakes, there’s something to suit everyone’s taste.
Price: Parisian Tea is £33 per person and Covent Garden Tea is £39 per person
Drake & Morgan x Sipsmith’s Gin-Based Tea
Various Locations
The pretty Drake & Morgan cocktail bars are putting the tea in a G&T in their new afternoon tea experience with Sipsmith Gin.
Start off your high tea with a gin-infused hot chocolate, followed by a mini fish & chips and Brick Lane salt beef bagels. End your afternoon with a hot chocolate brownie and strawberries and cream. Delicious.
Gin-lovers, this one’s for you.
Price: £49.95 for two people
High Chai at Cinnamon Bazaar
Covent Garden
Bored of the usual afternoon tea fare? Head Chef Vivek Singh has created an exciting Indian take on afternoon tea at Cinnamon Bazaar.
Expect classics with an exotic twist – think spiced paneer rolls in place of finger sandwiches, chaat bites, and shrikhand cheesecake to finish the experience with something a little bit sweet.
Price: £25 per person
Sip Champagne at Searcys’ St Pancras Bar
St Pancras
Conveniently located in St Pancras, Searcys are bringing a decadent afternoon tea experience to the capital.
Perched at Europe’s longest champagne bar, you’ll be able to enjoy their Staycation Afternoon Tea: an array of savory bakes, scones, and sweet treats, all washed down with a glass or two of Veuve Clicquot bubbly. Pure luxury.
Price: From £39 per person
Afternoon Tea with 360 Views at The Gherkin
City of London
Another Searcys offering can be found stories high at The Gherkin.
Enjoy a delicious selection of pastries as you overlook the stunning London skyline. Oh, and you’ll get to quaff unlimited Moët & Chandon as you marvel at the view.
Price: From £49 per person
Indulge in Ultra-Cool Afternoon Tea at SKETCH
Mayfair
For a completely surreal experience inside a pastel pink dream, head to SKETCH and try their totally wacky afternoon tea in London.
The menu manages to be totally unconventional and quintessentially British at the same time – foie gras tartelette, truffled eggs, and a rose and lychee macaroon all feature in the afternoon tea.
Top tip: make sure you head to the famous egg toilets while you’re there to snap a pic… yes, really.
Price: From £60 per person
Art-Inspired Afternoon Tea at Rosewood Hotel
Holborn
Inspired by Yayoi Kusama’s exhibition at the Tate Modern, Executive Pastry Chef Mark Perkins has crafted a delicate afternoon tea experience at the Rosewood Hotel.
This is a pretty expensive afternoon tea at £125 per person, although the offerings are incredible. As you would expect with an art-inspired high tea, the treats are both a feast for the eyes and the belly, resembling flowers and featuring flavours like yuzu, raspberry, and coconut.
Price: £125 per person (includes a glass of champagne)
Afternoon Tea Week: Practical Information
- Many of the afternoon tea slots at these places will fill up quickly, so make sure to book ASAP. If you have any allergies or food preferences it’s worth mentioning these to the restaurant in advance too.
- Check exactly what your afternoon tea includes and whether it’s bottomless or not – nobody wants a nasty shock and extra charges on your bill.
Looking for More London Food Guides?
Check these out…
Afternoon Tea in London
Bottomless Brunch in London
Best Bars in London
