The Best Afternoon Tea in London (2026): Tried, Tested & Worth Every Penny

Finding the best afternoon tea London has to offer is one of the most quintessentially British pursuits there is — and right now, the city’s offering has never been better. Whether you want gilded Palm Courts, sky-high views, or theatrical themed spreads inspired by Netflix’s biggest shows, London has it all. There’s even a Soho escape with carrot cake that looks like an actual carrot.

The format stays gloriously consistent wherever you go. First, kitchens fill fluffy fingers of bread with smoked salmon, cream cheese, coronation chicken and cucumber — perfectly polite mouthfuls to ease you in. Scones follow next, a non-negotiable for any respectable afternoon tea, alongside pots of clotted cream and preserves. Then come the pastries and cakes, ranging from delicate lemon tarts to fantastical chocolate-and-tonka creations by award-winning pastry chefs. And, of course, the teas themselves. Choose from traditional Earl Greys and rich rooibos to glittering emerald Japanese blends and rare single-estate Cornish harvests. Additionally, most venues offer Champagne upgrades, should the occasion call for something fizzier.

Below, we’ve rounded up the best afternoon teas in London right now. Specifically, we cover everything from grand hotel classics to the most creative, conversation-starting experiences in the capital.

Good to know: These venues book up fast. Most need at least 2–4 weeks’ notice; The Ritz and Claridge’s often fill 8–12 weeks ahead at weekends. Book early.

The Best Afternoon Tea in London at a Glance

1. TĪNG at Shangri-La The Shard ⭐ Editor’s Pick — Best Afternoon Tea in London for Views

Best for: Sky-high views and the most dramatic afternoon tea setting in London

There’s nowhere quite like this in London. TĪNG sits on the 35th floor of The Shard. The moment the lift doors open, an uninterrupted panorama hits you — St Paul’s, Tower Bridge, the Thames winding west. Specifically, the low armchairs face the glass directly, so every seat captures the view. Afternoons here tend to stretch well beyond the allotted time.

Currently, the kitchen serves the St-Germain Afternoon Tea. It’s a seasonal collaboration with the French elderflower liqueur, running through to November 2026. Executive Pastry Chef Piero Sottile has built a thoughtful menu. Expect delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and artisanal preserves, and a trio of elderflower-inspired seasonal pastries. Additionally, a dedicated vegan menu is available, with highlights including a St-Germain Sunset Pavlova and Strawberry Meadow vegan cheesecake.

The tea list spans black, green, white and oolong varieties. To upgrade, choose a St-Germain cocktail or a flute of Veuve Clicquot Rosé. If you only do one splurge afternoon tea in London, make it this one.

• Address: Shangri-La The Shard, 31 St Thomas Street, London SE1 9QU
• Price: From £78pp (tea/coffee); from £88pp (with cocktail or Champagne)
• Hours: Mon–Sun 12:30–15:30
• Dress code: Smart casual
• Book: ting-shangri-la.com →

2. Claridge’s — Best Afternoon Tea in London for Connoisseurs

Best for: Smart afternoon tea connoisseurs

There is a very skilled art to afternoon tea at Claridge’s. The trick is keeping it iconic without it becoming a parody of itself. As one of London’s best hotels, this could easily turn into a tourist sideshow — something to tick off a list. Instead, the staff keep it a genuine treat. They make you feel like part of the family from the moment you arrive.

Claridge’s runs two sittings: early and late afternoon. You can choose the sensational Foyer — our recommendation — or the more tucked-away Reading Room. Meanwhile, a pianist and cellist play tunes from the 1920s throughout. The incredible Dale Chihuly chandelier hovers overhead; each of its 800 pieces of glass gets hand-cleaned overnight. It’s a modern-day talking point that never loses its effect.

What to order at afternoon tea at Claridge’s

From the tea menu, try the Tregothnan Earl Grey. It comes from an ancient Cornish estate dating back to 1335. Alternatively, go for Darjeeling, known as the ‘Champagne of teas’. The knowledgeable staff will happily guide you. First, a selection of sandwiches arrives; once you finish those, more appear. The real highlight is the freshly baked scones — plain and raisin. They come with stick-to-your-spoon clotted cream and Claridge’s own jam. Finally, the pineapple and passion fruit cake may well finish you off entirely. Pastries rotate seasonally. Valrhona chocolate choux appears year-round; the rest depends on what the kitchen is currently inspired by.

Afterwards, a long evening stroll across Hyde Park helps walk off the cake.

• Address: Claridge’s, Brook Street, London W1K 4HR
• Price: Traditional afternoon tea from £95pp | Champagne afternoon tea from £110pp
• Hours: Daily, 14:45–17:30
• Dress code: Elegant smart casual; formalwear not enforced
• Book: claridges.co.uk →

3. The Ritz London — Best Classic Afternoon Tea in London

Best for: Old-school glitz and the gold standard afternoon tea experience

Is there a more famous London institution than The Ritz? Indeed, the iconic hotel has long set the standard for afternoon tea in the capital. Staff serve it in the Palm Court — deliciously grand, swimming in gold. In addition, a resident pianist plays at every sitting. Tea-takers choose from 20 loose-leaf types. Meanwhile, the staff guiding them have spent months in Sri Lanka tasting and sourcing the perfect blends.

First, the kitchen produces fresh, crustless, finger-sized sandwiches, generously filled. Next, scones arrive warm, accompanied by strawberry jam and Cornish clotted cream. Finally, the top tier of your three-tiered stand holds opulent pastries, cakes and fruit tarts. Whatever your party can’t finish, staff box it up to take home. Ask for a personalised cake if the occasion calls for it.

The dress code is strict. Specifically, gentlemen must wear a jacket and tie; jeans and sportswear are not permitted, so come prepared. With five sittings a day, the operation runs smoothly. Moreover, the venue makes your departure time clear at booking, so there are no surprises. Therefore, book well in advance: weekend sittings sell out 8–12 weeks ahead.

• Address: The Ritz London, 150 Piccadilly, London W1J 9BR
• Price: From £95pp (adults); from £73pp (children)
• Hours: Mon–Sun: 11:30am, 1:30pm, 3:30pm, 5:30pm, 7:30pm
• Dress code: Strictly formal — jacket and tie required for gentlemen
• Book: theritzlondon.com →

4. The Lanesborough — Best Themed Afternoon Tea in London

Best for: Cinematic Regency — the Bridgerton afternoon tea London experience

The Lanesborough’s uber-indulgent Bridgerton afternoon tea has returned. This time, it reflects season four, following Benedict as he falls deeply in love with Sophie. Accordingly, the menu pays homage to the Regency era. Think great revelry, high style, and balls that were the hottest tickets in town.

Natural light pours through the glittering domed glass roof of the dining room. If you’re lucky, you’ll also hear the distant purr of Lilibet, the resident Siberian forest cat. After a glass of Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée, the cakestand arrives like a drool-inducing mirage. Finger sandwiches pack in fillings including Westcombe cheddar and spring onion, Scottish smoked salmon and caraway crème fraîche, and spicy harissa chicken and basil — the firm favourite by some distance.

Furthermore, head pastry chef Jolan Thiry’s creations each relate to a plot point from season four. For instance, Benedict’s Masquerade features chocolate and tonka mousse with hazelnut praline, topped with a chocolate masquerade mask. Scones also follow the savouries — devoured quickly once you smother them in fruit preserves and clotted Devonshire cream.

• Address: The Lanesborough, Hyde Park Corner, London SW1X 7TA
• Price: £92pp
• Dress code: Smart casual
• Book: oetkercollection.com →

5. The Savoy — Most Iconic Afternoon Tea in London

Best for: An iconic, indulgent London afternoon tea experience

When people think of afternoon tea in London, The Savoy is inevitably among the first names that comes to mind. Richard D’Oyly Carte opened it in 1889 as Britain’s first purpose-built luxury hotel. It has maintained a timeless appeal ever since. The Gallery is the hotel’s newer dining destination. It welcomes you into a vast, peach-hued space that transports you to another era. Meanwhile, impeccably dressed waiters pour tea from polished silverware while a pianist plays in the background.

The kitchen strikes a strong balance between classic and modern. Sandwiches include Somerset oak-smoked cheddar with tomato chutney on granary bread, cucumber with mint ricotta on spinach bread, and coronation chicken (or chickpea, for vegetarians). Head pastry chef Nicolas Houchet’s creations are equally considered: highlights include a rich chocolate and hazelnut cake layered with caramel ganache, and a delicate Blue Lady Earl Grey and blackberry cake. The scones also arrive warm with pillowy centres. Of the accompaniments, the lemon curd stands out above all.

With more than 30 fine teas on offer, choosing is genuinely difficult. Nevertheless, as a starting point, try The Savoy Afternoon Tea blend. It combines leaves from India and Sri Lanka — rich and malty with a subtle fruity finish.

• Address: The Savoy, Strand, London WC2R 0EZ
• Price: Traditional afternoon tea from £90pp
• Dress code: Smart casual
• Book: thesavoylondon.com →

6. Fortnum & Mason — Best Traditional Afternoon Tea in London

Best for: A classic London afternoon tea without the fuss

The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon sits on the fourth floor of one of London’s most iconic department stores. It feels like stepping into a dining hall of the past. Queen Elizabeth II refurbished and reopened it in 2012. Yet, despite the modernisation, the charm of a place that has served afternoon tea for around 100 years remains entirely intact.

The tea itself is classic and beautifully executed. Specifically, sandwiches cover Coronation chicken, ham and mustard, smoked trout and egg mayonnaise. Scones arrive still warm — evidence they’re freshly baked. Naturally, they come alongside Fortnum & Mason strawberry jam and orange curd. Cakes rotate with the seasons. However, the rose éclair — a firm favourite of Queen Elizabeth II — stays on the menu year-round. For those who want to push the boat out further, the caviar afternoon tea is a newer, more extravagant option.

Dozens of fantastically named infusions compete for attention: Jasmine Dragon Pearls, Hattialli, Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe. Nevertheless, the classic Royal Blend with milk is always a fine starting point. Above all, the service makes the experience. Staff are friendly, endlessly knowledgeable, and liable to bring an extra slice of cake at the end just because.

• Address: 4th Floor, Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly, London W1A 1ER
• Price: From £84pp (Classic); from £85pp (Savoury); from £86pp (High Tea)
• Dress code: No specific dress code
• Book: fortnumandmason.com →

7. Ham Yard Hotel — Best Value Creative Afternoon Tea in London

Best for: Creative afternoon tea in London with a playful twist

Stepping into Ham Yard always lifts the mood. The playfully designed hotel and its glass-ceilinged orangery form a light-drenched oasis in the middle of Soho. It’s also home to one of the most creative afternoon teas in town. Kit Kemp’s trademark quirkiness carries through to the patisserie. Take the carrot and pecan cake. Its cream cheese frosting sits beneath what looks like a miniature carrot — actually white chocolate dyed orange with a green tip. It looks almost too good to eat.

The scones and clotted cream come with passionfruit jam alongside traditional strawberry preserve. Meanwhile, the Biscoff and mascarpone éclair is a knockout. In the savoury section, standouts include spinach and ricotta pastry parcels and an apple chutney and cheddar sandwich.

Among the teas, the most intriguing is the Sailor’s Farewell. It blends red fruits, sweet papaya, hibiscus and smoked black tea — and lingers like a hot mezcal. The most popular, however, is rooibos, with fruity notes of papaya, liquorice and orange. For bubbles, the menu offers Spanish Raventós Blanc de Blanc or Rathfinny Rosé from Sussex. Healthy, gluten-free and vegan menus are all available too.

• Address: Ham Yard Hotel, 1 Ham Yard, London W1D 7DT
• Price: From £45pp
• Hours: Daily 12pm–4:45pm
• Dress code: Smart casual
• Book: firmdalehotels.com →

8. Dalloway Terrace — Best Budget-Friendly Afternoon Tea in London

Best for: A quintessentially English afternoon tea in London near the British Museum

Near the British Museum, the Bloomsbury Hotel’s Dalloway Terrace is one of London’s prettiest spots for afternoon tea. The terrace takes its name from Virginia Woolf’s Mrs Dalloway. Indeed, the designers have leant right into it: extravagant country garden blooms change with the seasons, echoing the heroine as she heads out to buy flowers for her party.

To begin, tea starts with Champagne, should you choose to indulge. Next, sandwiches arrive cut into fingers, lined up like piano keys. Options include intensely curried coronation chicken in turmeric bread, refreshing cucumber, peppery smoked salmon in rye, and a moreish Emmental and chutney toastie. Then come the cakes — gem-like sweets on a tiered stand. Warm scones nestle alongside purple-blackcurrant madeleines. The scones pair with homemade hibiscus jam and a generous dollop of Cornish clotted cream. Higher up the stand, a gold-leaf-dotted choux bun and a rum punch baba topped with whipped mascarpone cream both reward attention.

Furthermore, Dalloway Terrace is one of the better-value options in central London. It’s genuinely lovely.

• Address: Dalloway Terrace, 16–22 Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3NN
• Price: From £55pp
• Dress code: Smart casual
• Book: dallowayterrace.com →

9. The Dorchester — Most Glamorous Afternoon Tea in London

Best for: A luxury London afternoon tea on Park Lane

The Dorchester has long stood for luxury and elegance. Indeed, its afternoon tea holds that reputation up. Consequently, the Promenade draws celebrities, royalty and influencers. They come for the coral-coloured silk draperies, plush velvet sofas and majestic Corinthian columns. Settle in, and time tends to disappear.

The kitchen produces gourmet sandwiches: roast butternut squash and sage jalousie, cucumber with wild rocket and lemon cream, Clarence Court egg mayonnaise with mustard cress on white bread, and the exceptional Dorrington ham, truffle and Parmesan on onion bread, which bursts with flavour. Warm raisin scones with seasonal preserves and clotted cream come next, followed by pastries of serious ambition: walnut-glazed carrot cake with cream cheese, a mousse with chocolate crémeux and hazelnut praline, and a mango and coconut tart with pineapple cream, coconut Chantilly and tropical compote. In short, each plate arrives as a considered construction.

• Address: The Dorchester, 53 Park Lane, London W1K 1QA
• Price: £95pp
• Dress code: No shorts or sportswear
• Book: dorchestercollection.com →

10. The Langham — Best Historic Afternoon Tea in London

Best for: Traditional afternoon tea in London with celeb-spotting potential

During the Victorian era, The Langham became the first grand hotel in the world to serve afternoon tea to British high society. It remains one of the very best. The Palm Court is the setting: glamorous, lush and theatrical. Lady Gaga, Angelina Jolie and Selena Gomez have all spent time in its plush chairs.

Executive pastry chef Andrew Gravett and two-Michelin-starred Chef Michel Roux created the menu together. To start, settle in with chilled rosé Champagne and a piping hot Phoenix Honey Orchid loose-leaf tea. The cucumber sandwich with Ivy House Farm clotted cream butter is a classic. Equally, the gentleman’s relish sandwich — roast cauliflower, anchovy relish, devilled quail’s egg on the side — is a standout. Pastries include a juniper-infused baba with grapefruit confit and a blackcurrant, chestnut and violet charlotte.

Nevertheless, nothing here overshadows the main event: the signature Langham scones, theatrically presented under a silver cloche. They are light and fluffy — honestly among the best in the city. The finale, a chocolate, praline and pear pudding, arrives to share.

• Address: The Langham, 1C Portland Place, London W1B 1JA
• Price: From £85pp
• Dress code: Smart casual
• Book: langhamhotels.com →

11. Raffles London at the OWO — Best Themed Spy Afternoon Tea in London

Best for: A unique London afternoon tea with an espionage theme

Raffles at the OWO has built a reputation for spy-themed teas. Its latest takes its cues from one of London’s hottest West End musicals — Operation Mincemeat. As a result, the menu brings the daring British deception of 1943 to life. Five cakes each reflect a key element of the covert operation.

Moreover, the setting adds enormous weight to the experience. The Drawing Room of Raffles London formerly housed the Old War Office and Britain’s Ministry of Defence. Consequently, sitting down here genuinely feels like stepping back in time. First, the kitchen serves beef and aubergine, pork loin ham, smoked salmon and horseradish cream, and egg and cress sandwiches. Traditional sultana and buttermilk scones follow next, ready for Cornish clotted cream, strawberry jam and lemon curd. The showstopper, however, is The Briefcase: a layered creation shaped like a leather case, with notes of coffee, barley malt and roasted grains — symbolising the secret the operation’s officer carried.

• Address: Raffles London at The OWO, 57 Whitehall, London SW1A 2BX
• Price: £95pp
• Dress code: Smart casual
• Book: raffles.com →

12. The Connaught — Best Afternoon Tea in London for Pastry

Best for: World-class afternoon tea London patisserie at Jean-Georges

Notably, few afternoon teas match the serenity at Jean-Georges at The Connaught. The balance between old-school and contemporary is pitch-perfect — an immediate exhale from the second you walk in. Additionally, a resident harpist strums in the corner, and staff greet you with bubbles and an amuse-bouche. Both the Champagne and the alcohol-free Saicho Hojicha sparkling jasmine tea are equally considered options.

The sandwiches may quietly bewilder you. They are airy and clean-cut. Indisputably British, yet infused with Spanish and Asian influence from Executive Chef Ramiro Lafuente and Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Specifically, expect cucumber with orange blossom and thick-cut fresh smoked salmon with miso. Above all, the scones stand out. The wholemeal ones are nutty, fresh and more rustic than the white and raisin alternatives. Add cream and a seasonal berry compote. They are simply the best scones in the city.

Executive Pastry Chef Loic Carbonnet’s desserts are a further highlight. For instance, try the chocolate and coffee sponge with praline glaze, or the picture-perfect summer strawberry tartlet. Whatever you don’t finish, staff box it up — though leftovers rarely survive the journey home.

• Address: The Connaught, Carlos Place, London W1K 2AL
• Price: From £85pp
• Dress code: Smart casual
• Book: maybourne.com →

13. The Goring — Best Afternoon Tea in London for Elegance

Best for: The most elegant afternoon tea London setting

Indeed, The Goring’s Veranda stakes a serious claim as London’s most elegant setting for afternoon tea. Walk through the glitzy lounge and you reach one of two sprawling dining spaces. Plush banquettes and armchairs in the lounge await for post-indulgence cocktails afterwards. However, on Saturdays, the Dining Room also opens for tea. The Veranda, however, is the main event: natural light floods in, casting gridded shadows across crisp white tablecloths.

Specifically, the kitchen packs sandwiches with honey-glazed Dukeshill ham and mustard, Clarence Court egg mayonnaise and cress, and Devon white chicken with tarragon mayonnaise. Scones come in classic raisin and plain varieties, the latter topped with lavender sugar. For the sweet tier, expect a rose water, lychee and raspberry macaroon. Also notable: a rich white chocolate and camomile opera, and a lemon curd and fennel pollen treat. In summary, it’s a beautiful choice for a birthday, anniversary, or any occasion that deserves a truly special room.

• Address: The Goring, 15 Beeston Place, London SW1W 0JW
• Price: £80pp
• Dress code: Smart casual; no sportswear or shorts
• Book: thegoring.com →

14. The Stafford — Best Afternoon Tea in London for Dietary Requirements

Best for: Outstanding gluten-free afternoon tea in London

There’s something inexplicably comforting about afternoon tea at The Stafford. Indeed, it’s the kind of place you bring a parent or best friend. You’ll spend hours chatting over free-range coronation chicken sandwiches and raspberry and pistachio choux. The kitchen serves tea in the Michael Caines restaurant. In particular, expect traditional and raisin scones, a floral-heavy pastry assortment, and a considered sandwich selection. The truffled egg and watercress brioche bun is a true highlight. You will request seconds.

For those who need gluten-free options, The Stafford particularly stands out. The kitchen produces excellent alternatives that feel like genuine choices, not afterthoughts. As a result, nobody at the table misses out on pastry chefs Aubin Farges and Avneet Kaur’s creative work. The tea selection also offers something different: the white apricot infusion is not to be missed. Similarly, the jasmine tisane is so delicate, you’ll turn a blind eye to the caffeine and order a second pot.

• Address: The Stafford, 16–18 St James’s Place, London SW1A 1NJ
• Price: From £78pp
• Dress code: Smart casual; no sportswear, athletic trainers or shorts
• Book: thestaffordlondon.com →

15. Sketch, The Gallery — Best Afternoon Tea in London for Art Lovers

Best for: Afternoon tea in London with art, atmosphere and a side of Champagne

Notably, Sketch redesigned the Gallery at the start of 2026. The famous millennial pink has given way to a warm, burnished yellow with copper de Gournay wallpaper. Jonathan Baldock’s Mask series lines the walls — 84 clay faces that create a quietly hypnotic effect. Furthermore, a live string trio plays throughout service. And yes, the iconic egg-shaped pods in the loos are still there and still worth a detour.

Moreover, the afternoon tea is anything but traditional. Expect truffle finger sandwiches, scones with organic preserves and pillowy marshmallows, rhubarb and raspberry cheesecake, and beautifully crafted seasonal pastries. Teas range from delicate Japanese varieties to Moroccan blends. Champagne and cocktail upgrades are available, and the caviar man still does his rounds — a Sketch institution at this point.

The dress code is ‘art smart’: style and character required; shorts and sportswear are not. In short, it’s a great choice for a birthday or a fashion crowd gathering. Book it when you want afternoon tea to feel like a proper occasion, not just a polite sit-down.

• Address: Sketch, 9 Conduit Street, Mayfair, London W1S 2XG
• Price: From £85pp; with Pommery Champagne from £114.50pp
• Hours: Mon–Fri 12pm–4pm; Sat–Sun 11am–4:30pm
• Dress code: Art smart — style and character; no shorts or sportswear
• Book: sketch.london →

Afternoon Tea in London: FAQ

What is afternoon tea?

Afternoon tea is a British tradition of taking a meal in the mid-to-late afternoon. It typically includes finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and preserves, and a selection of cakes and pastries. All of this arrives alongside a pot of fine loose-leaf tea. Many venues also offer a Champagne or sparkling wine upgrade. However, it differs from ‘high tea’, which was historically a working-class supper eaten at a high dining table. Today, though, the two terms are often used interchangeably.

What is the history of afternoon tea?

Indeed, Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, traditionally receives credit for inventing afternoon tea. In the 1840s, she began taking a tray of tea and small snacks in the late afternoon. Her aim was to stave off hunger between lunch and dinner. She then started inviting friends. As a result, the habit spread quickly through Victorian high society. Grand hotels embraced it. London’s five-star institutions — many of which have served it for well over a century — have since turned it into one of the city’s great experiences.

What is the difference between afternoon tea and cream tea?

A cream tea is a simpler affair: just scones with clotted cream and jam, alongside a pot of tea. There are no sandwiches, cakes or pastries. By contrast, afternoon tea is the full three-course experience — savouries first, then scones, then the sweet tier. In other words, a cream tea is what you have at a National Trust café in Devon. Afternoon tea is what you book six weeks ahead at Claridge’s.

What is high tea?

Despite its use in many upmarket hotel menus, high tea was historically a working-class early evening meal at a high dining table. Consequently, the two terms carry quite different original meanings. It typically included heartier dishes like meat, pies or fish alongside tea. The hospitality industry has since repurposed the term, but proper afternoon tea — sandwiches, scones, cakes — remains technically distinct from it.

What do you wear to afternoon tea in London?

It depends on the venue. The Ritz enforces a strict formal dress code. Gentlemen must wear a jacket and tie; jeans and sportswear are not permitted. Most other top venues ask for smart casual — no athletic trainers, no shorts, no sportswear. Some places, like Sketch with its ‘art smart’ policy, have their own interpretation. When in doubt, dress as you would for a smart lunch. You’ll feel more comfortable and more in keeping with the room.

How much does afternoon tea cost in London?

Prices at top hotels range from around £45pp at Ham Yard Hotel to £95pp at The Ritz, The Dorchester, Claridge’s and Raffles at the OWO. Champagne upgrades typically add £20–£35pp on top. For a classic hotel tea in 2026, budget around £85–£95pp. That said, lower-key spots like Dalloway Terrace (from £55pp) offer excellent value without sacrificing quality.

Do you need to book afternoon tea in London in advance?

Yes — always. Indeed, most venues in this guide book up weeks ahead, especially at weekends. The Ritz and Claridge’s fill 8–12 weeks in advance for popular sittings. Even mid-week bookings at Sketch and The Langham need at least 2–3 weeks’ notice. Don’t turn up on the day expecting a table.

What is the best afternoon tea in London for vegetarians or vegans?

First and foremost, most top venues offer vegetarian menus as standard. Additionally, many now provide dedicated vegan menus. TĪNG at Shangri-La The Shard has one of the strongest vegan teas in the city. The kitchen reimagines the full spread from scratch rather than simply removing items. Similarly, Ham Yard Hotel offers both vegan and gluten-free menus. Always flag dietary requirements at the time of booking.

What is the best value afternoon tea in London?

Ham Yard Hotel (from £45pp) offers exceptional value for a creative, well-executed tea in a beautiful space. Dalloway Terrace (from £55pp) is another strong pick for central London. Furthermore, the Design Museum runs a Wes Anderson-themed afternoon tea from £38.95pp through summer 2026. It’s excellent value for a themed experience.

Is afternoon tea good for children?

Many venues offer children’s menus at reduced prices. Specifically, The Ritz, Claridge’s and TĪNG at Shangri-La all cater particularly well for younger guests. The Ritz children’s tea features the same finger sandwiches and scones alongside specially blended decaffeinated tea. Before booking, however, always check the venue’s dress code policy for children — most relax formal requirements for under-16s.

Prices correct as of June 2026 and subject to change. Always confirm directly with venues before booking. Some links in this article are affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you.