Best afternoon teas in London – 2020 Guide

The tradition of afternoon teas is no longer limited to the Edwardian Era. Even today, tea lovers of London love to indulge in the afternoon ritual of enjoying sandwiches and scones with a cup of tea. But, what are afternoon teas anyway? Started by the Duchess of Bedford, Anna Russell, in the 1830s, it is a ritual of having a light meal in the afternoons along with a cup of tea. The light three-course meal consisted of finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries along with a cup of tea, also known as 'low tea.' Often confused to be the same, afternoon tea is different from high tea. Unlike afternoon tea, high tea traditionally consists of meat dishes, baked beans, potato, and other heavy dishes. Now that you know the history of afternoon tea, let us look at the tea shops list. These are the 10 'must-visit' places in London that serve lip-smacking good afternoon teas:

1. Afternoon Tea at The Savoy

Also known as the Thames Foyer, this restaurant on the banks of Thames adds a soothing vibe to the mind. The pianist in the gazebo, constructed in the middle of the lounge, plays classical pieces as customers enjoy their afternoon teas.

• Owner: It is owned by Saudi Prince, Al Waheed Bin Talal and managed by the Fairmont Hotels.
• Establishment year: 1889
• Address and Direction: Strand, London WC2R 0EZ, United Kingdom
• Timings: Mon to Sun – 1 pm to 5:45 pm
• Notes: The customers need to follow smart-casual attire in the lounge
• Recommended Teas: (a) Flowering Osmanthus (b) Iron Buddha Oolong
• Recommended Dishes: (a) Omelette Arnold Bennett (b) Pastries
• Price Range: £75 per person or INR 7,000 per person (Conversion rate as on 6 July 2020)
• Reviews: 4.6/5.0 stars (based on 436 Google reviews as on 6 July 2020)
• Contact No: +44 20 7836 4343
• Email: savoy@fairmont.com
• Website: https://www.thesavoylondon.com/experience/afternoon-tea-london/
• Social Handles:
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FairmontSavoy
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesavoylondon
• COVID 19 Precautions: It has resumed the service taking all necessary precautions of social distancing and staff hygiene. Regular temperatures are taken and contactless payments and digital ordering are being promoted.

Afternoon Tea at The Savo, Pinterest, Google Images, Licensed under CC BY 2.0

2. The Palm Court, Ritz Hotel, London

The Palm Court of Ritz Hotel since it's inception has been a hotspot for tea lovers. The mind-soothing and cosy ambience make it is one of the best places to enjoy high-quality afternoon teas like a royal.

• Owner: It is owned by Abdulhadi Mana Al-Hajri
• Establishment year: Founded by Ceaser Ritz, the hotel started its journey in the year 1906.
• Address and Direction: 150 Piccadilly, St. James's, London W1J 9BR, United Kingdom 
• Timings: Monday to Sunday: 11:30 A.M. to 9 P.M.
• Notes: Jeans or sportswear for both ladies and gents is not allowed.
• Recommended Teas: (a) Ritz Royal blend tea
• Recommended Dishes: (a)The cakes and (b) Scones with Cornish clotted cream.
• Price Range: The afternoon tea starts at £61 or INR 5680 for adults, and for kids’ from £40 or INR 3725 onwards. (Conversion rates as on 6 July 2020)
• Reviews: 4.5/5.0 stars (based on 224 Google reviews as on 6 July 2020)
• Contact No: +44 20 7300 2345
• Email: dining@theritzlondon.com
• Website: https://www.theritzlondon.com/dine-with-us/afternoon-tea/
• Social Handles:
• Facebook https://facebook.com/thepalmcourtlondon/
• Instagram https://instagram.com/theritzlondon
• COVID 19 Precautions: Regular temperatures are taken of the staff and contactless payments and digital ordering are being promoted.

The Palm Court, Pinterest, Google Images, Licensed under CC BY 2.0

3. The Foyer and the Reading Room, Claridge's London

Afternoon teas at The Foyer of Claridge's, London, aren't short of art. It’s a must-visit for every tea lover. However, it shut down its operations, only to be re-opened in 1898 when the owner of Savoy, Richard D'Oyly Carte, decided to purchase it. Since the 1860s, it has been one of the favourite places for the Royal Family. From specially raised chicken to professionally curated tea blends, this place takes the tradition very seriously. They have been serving afternoon teas for almost 150 years.

• Owner: Maybourne Hotel Group
• Establishment year and History: It was started by Mr and Mrs Claridge back in the 1800s.
• Address and Direction: 49 Brook St, Mayfair, London W1K 4HW, United Kingdom
• Timings: Monday to Saturday: 7 A.M.to 11 P.M. and Sunday: 8 A.M.to 11 P.M.
• Notes: Though the management doesn’t have any fixed dress code policy, the smart- casual attire is the best choice.
• Recommended Teas: (a) Claridge’s Blend
• Recommended Dishes: (a) Poached Scottish salmon.
• Price Range: Starts from £70 or INR 6524.54 per person. (Conversion Rates as on 6 July 2020)
• Reviews: 4.5/ 5.0 (based on 61 Google reviews as on 6 July 2020)
• Contact No: +44 20 7107 8886
• Email: dining@claridges.co.uk
• Website: https://www.claridges.co.uk/
• Social Handles:
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/claridges
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/claridgeshotel
• COVID 19 Precautions: They are promoting contactless payments and digital ordering.

4. Afternoon Tea at Corinthia London

Since the opening of the first restaurant in Malta, it has grown into one of the most popular Hotel Brands in London. The afternoon teas served at The Crystal Moon Lounge of the London Hotel is regarded to be one of the best in London.

• Owner: It is owned by the consortium of International Hotel Investments (IHI) –the investment arm of Corinthia's hotel, the Libyan Arab Foreign Investment Company and Dubai’s Nakheel Hotels.
• Establishment year and History: Alfred Pisani started the first Corinthia restaurant back in 1962.
• Address and Direction: 10 Whitehall Pl, Westminster, London SW1A 2BD, United Kingdom
• Timings: Monday to Sunday: 2 P.M. to 6 P.M. ( Closed on Thursday and Friday)
• Notes: Though the management doesn’t have any fixed dress code policy, a smart- casual attire would be the best choice.
• Recommended Teas: The Aromatic Blend (b) The Big Smoke
• Recommended Dishes: coronation chicken (b) the praline
• Price Range: starts from £55 or INR 4660.48 per person (Conversion Rate as on 6 July 2020)
• Reviews: 4.4/ 5.0 (based on 61 Google reviews as on 6 July 2020)
• Contact No: +44 20 7321 3150
• Email: london@corinthia.com
• Website: https://www.corinthia.com/london/restaurants-bars/afternoon-tea/
• Social Handles:
• Facebook: https://facecom/corinthiahotellondon
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/corinthialondon
• COVID 19 Precautions: They resumed the services from 4 July 2020 following all the necessary precautions. Precautions taken up by the management includes - Cashless transaction, Social Distancing, Thermal Checkup and Ala-Carte Menu in place of Buffet.

Corinthia London, Corinthia, Google Images, Licensed under CC BY 2.0

5. Celeste Restaurant, The Lanesborough Hotel

This Michelin star restaurant is a part of one of the best hotels in London managed by Oetker Collection. Having afternoon teas under chandeliers at the pianist plays classics is nothing less than a beautiful dream. Céleste serves the afternoon teas in a casual yet classy manner.

• Owner: It is owned by the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and managed by Oetker Collection.
• Establishment year and History: It started its operations in 2009 under the name of Apsleys before being rebranded as Céleste in 2015.
• Address and Direction: The Lanesborough, Hyde Park Corner, London SW1X 7TA Google Maps
• Timings: Mon to Sun - 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM
• Notes: Smart-casual attire is advised to be worn.
• Recommended Teas: Lanesborough's signature Afternoon tea blend.
• Recommended Dishes: the egg and cress mayonnaise sandwich.
• Price Range: £53 or INR 4,938.73 per person. (As on 6 July 2020)
• Reviews: 4.4/ 5.0 (based on 220 Google reviews as on 6 July 2020)
• Contact No: +44 20 7259 5599
• Email: afternoontea@lanesborough.com
• Website: https://www.oetkercollection.com/hotels/the-lanesborough/restaurants-bars/restaurants/afternoon-tea/
• Social Handles:
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lanesboroughlondon/
• Instagram: https://www.oetkercollection.com/hotels/the-lanesborough/restaurants-bars/restaurants/afternoon-tea/
• COVID 19 Precautions: Closed as of now, will be re-opening soon. No fixed date has been released yet as on 10 July 2020.

Celeste Restaurant - The Lanesborough Hotel, Zomato, Google Images, Licensed under CC BY 2.0

6. Balthazar, London

This artisan restaurant represents bustling New York in London. From the noise of the customers to the Frank Sinatra playlist, all efforts have been made to make it look like having afternoon teas in New York.

• Owner: Keith McNelly
• Establishment year and History: It was opened by Keith McNelly in 1997. Since then, it has been a hotspot for afternoon tea
• Address and Direction: 4-6 Russell St, Covent Garden, London WC2B 5HZ, United Kingdom
• Timings: Monday to Saturday: 3 P.M. to 5 P.M. and Sunday 3 P.M. to 6:30 P.M.
• Notes: Smart-casual attire is advised to be worn.
• Recommended Teas: Chai
• Recommended Dishes: Liberty eclair
• Price Range: £34 or INR 3,168.24 per person. (as on 6 July 2020)
• Reviews: 4.4/ 5.0 (based on 2352 Google reviews as on 6 July 2020)
• Contact No: +44 20 3301 1155
• Website: https://balthazarlondon.com
• Social Handles:
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/BalthazarRestaurantLondon
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/balthazarldn
• COVID 19 Precautions: It has resumed the service taking all necessary precautions of social distancing and staff hygiene. 

Balthazar - London, Method Architects, Google Images, Licensed under CC BY 2.0

7. Sketch, London

If you're one among those souls who love to consume exotic teas in an ambience of mixed art and 18th-century heritage, Sketch, a modern European restaurant and tea room, is the best option! Inside a renovated 18th-century building, this restaurant is known for its afternoon teas and Instagram worthy decor. The decor consists of paintings by David Shrigley. He also designed the crockery of the restaurant.

• Owner: Mourad Mazouz.
• Establishment year and History: This unique restaurant was opened by Mourad Mazouz in 2003.
• Address and Direction: 9 Conduit St, Mayfair, London W1S 2XG, United Kingdom
• Timings: Monday to Sunday: 11:30 A.M. to 02:00 A.M.
• Notes: Smart-casual attire is advised to be worn.
• Recommended Teas: (a) Fruit tea (b) Vanilla tea
• Recommended Dishes: (a)The finger sandwiches (b) the eggs and soldiers.
• Price Range: The afternoon teas start from £59.00 or INR 5,497.04. (As on 6 July 2020)
• Reviews: 4.3/ 5.0 (based on 5228 Google reviews as on 6 July 2020)
• Contact No: +44 20 7659 4500
• Email: info@sketch.london
• Website: https://sketch.london/
• Social Handles:
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smayfair/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/sketchlondon
• COVID 19 Precautions: Closed as of now, will be re-opening on 1 August 2020.

Sketch - London, Frame Web, Google Images, Licensed under CC BY 2.0

8. Farmacy, Notting Hill

It is the perfect representation of traditions mixed with This is a vegan restaurant that serves some of the quirkiest variants of the traditional high tea.

• Owner: Camilla Fayed.
• Establishment year and History: Farmacy was launched in 2016 by Camilla Fayed.
• Address and Direction: 74 Westbourne Grove, Notting Hill, United Kingdom
• Timings: Thursday to Sunday: 3:30 P.M. to 5 P.M. (Closed on Monday to Wednesday)
• Notes: They serve vegan, dairy-free dishes and teas only.
• Recommended Teas: Hemp Tea
• Recommended Dishes: The lemon cake
• Price Range: £50 or INR 52 per person. (As on 6 July 2020)
• Reviews: 4.3/ 5.0 (based on 1395 Google reviews as on 6 July 2020)
• Contact No: 0207 221 0705
• Email: nottinghill@farmacylondon.com
• Website: https://farmacylondon.com/pages/restaurant-london-notting-hill
• Social Handles:
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/Farmacyuk/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/farmacyuk
• COVID 19 Precautions: It has resumed the service taking all necessary precautions of social distancing and staff hygiene. 

Farmacy - Notting Hill, Harpers Bazar, Google Images, Licensed under CC BY 2.0

9. The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum and Mason, London

Founded by Hugh Mason in 1705 and joined by William Fortnum in 1707, it takes pride in being one of the oldest tea shops in London. Its tea salon has become one of the best places to consume afternoon teas and evening tea.

• Owner: Wittington Investment Limited
• Establishment year and History: The tea Salon was inaugurated in 2012 by the Queen of England, along with Duchess of Cambridge and Duchess of Cornwall.
• Address and Direction: 4th Floor, Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly, St. James's, London W1A 1ER, United Kingdom
• Timings: Monday to Saturday: 11:30 A.M. to 7 P.M, Sunday  12 A.M. to 6 P.M.
• Note: Smart-casual attire is allowed in the restaurant.
• Recommended Teas: Fortnum’s Tea
• Recommended Dishes: Battenberg Cake
• Price Range: £60.00 or INR 5,607.57 per adult person and £30.00 or INR 2,803.78 per child. ( As on 6 July 2020)
• Reviews: 4.2/ 5.0 (based on 436 Google reviews as on 6 July 2020)
• Contact No: +44 20 7734 8040
• Email: reservations@fortnumandmason.co.uk
• Website: https://www.fortnumandmason.com/restaurants/diamond-jubilee-tea-salon
• Social Handles:
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/fortnums
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/fortnums
• COVID 19 Precautions: They started their operational from 4 July 2020. Precautions like Cashless transaction, Social Distancing and Thermal Checking are being followed.

The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum and Mason, Pinterest, Google Images, Licensed under CC BY 2.0

10. Daylesford Cafe, Pimlico Road

The organic cafe is slowly but steadily making its place in the heart of afternoon tea lovers because of the organic produce that is served at the cafe. This organic cafe is also known to be famous amongst many celebrities.

• Owner: Carol Gray Bamford
• Establishment year and history: Carole Gray Bamford founded the first Daylesford Cafe in 2002.
• Address and Direction: 44B Pimlico Road, London SW1W 8LP
• Timings: Monday to Saturday: 8 A.M. to 8 P.M., Sunday  10 A.M.–4 P.M.
• Notes: Everything is prepared using their own organic produce, meat, cheese, etc.
• Recommended Teas: The Digest B
• Recommended Dishes: (a) Salmon with crème fraîche sandwich (b) Egg mayonnaise with chives sandwich.
• Price Range: Not available
• Reviews: 4.1/ 5.0 (based on 397 Google reviews as on 6 July 2020)
• Contact No: 020 7881 8060
• Email: Dennis@daylesford.com
• Website: https://www.daylesford.com/locations/pimlico-sw1/
• Social Handles:
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DaylesfordFarm
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daylesfordfarm
• COVID 19 Precautions: It is taking all necessary precautions of social distancing and staff hygiene.

Daylesford Cafe - Pimlico Road, Tag Venue, Google Images, Licensed under CC BY 2.0

Though there are many other places in London that serve afternoon tea, the above list of best 10 tea cafes in London has been created after extensive research and primary data collection. Try visiting these places and please do share your experiences here in the comment section below.