Best Afternoon Tea in London: Classic, Luxury and Unusual
These London afternoon teas turn cake into an occasion
September weekends are prime season for afternoon tea in London, when celebrating visitors pile into the iconic rooms and first-timers compete for tables at places they've seen in films. The distinction between truly memorable and forgettably expensive comes down to three things: how far ahead you need to book, what you're actually getting for the money, and whether the setting has a pulse.
This list is ordered by how reliably you can walk in—or at least secure a booking without booking three months earlier—and by value. The legendary grand hotels demand the longest reservations and the highest prices, but they're worth the planning if you have the calendar space. For weekends in September, book Claridge's and The Ritz at least 1–3 weeks ahead; The Wolseley and Anya Café take far shorter notice. Most offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options with advance warning. All venues listed here actively accommodate dietary requirements.
Weekends in September also mean celebration bookings—anniversaries, hen parties, delayed birthdays—so venues often have themed add-ons available. Book directly with venues when possible, as they offer better flexibility and special occasion notes than aggregator sites.
The Wolseley
160 Piccadilly, St James's · Brasserie, afternoon tea · £46.50 per person, £59.90 with Champagne, weekdays and weekends
The Wolseley at 160 Piccadilly is a rather unique setting (a former car showroom, but a fancy one), which explains why its afternoon tea feels less formal than the grand hotels a few streets away. It consists of the usual finger sandwiches, cakes and scones (with the obligatory jam and cream) and a choice of tea, which includes chocolate tea. This is the best entry point for anyone nervous about the ritual or worried about the bill—it's the best value option among London's afternoon teas. Walk-ins are sometimes possible at off-peak times, though a phone call ahead is sensible.
Anya Café
Pont Street, Kensington and Chelsea · Designer café, quirky afternoon tea · £- (daily 2pm–5pm, booking essential)
Set on the corner of Pont Street in Kensington and Chelsea, this café from designer Anya Hindmarch has always been fun, but now it's launched a quirky afternoon tea. Chubby Hearts, Mini Smile Cakes and Frosted Caterpillar Tarts are just some of the delicious treats made from the finest ingredients, but designed to make you smile. Afternoon Tea at Anya Cafe is served daily 2pm to 5pm, booking essential. This is for anyone who wants afternoon tea to feel like play, not protocol.
The Savoy
100 Strand, Covent Garden · Historic hotel, traditional afternoon tea · From £80 per person, served daily except Twilight Tea 6pm–9.30pm
The Savoy's world-famous Afternoon Tea brings a century of tradition to The Gallery — warm scones and over 30 exceptional teas. A fixture at The Savoy since it opened in 1889, tea is taken in the Thames Foyer and offers a panoramic view of the river below. For The Savoy, 1–3 weeks is a sensible minimum for booking. The hotel also offers Twilight Tea, served daily from 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm, transforming teatime into a chic night-time ritual, perfect for post-work mingling or late-evening indulging, with elegant bites, British flair, and a Berry Royale Cocktail, all served under the soft glow of Gallery's stained glass dome.
Fortnum & Mason, Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon
181 Piccadilly, St James's · Historic tea rooms, classic afternoon tea · From £84 per person (Classic), £85 (Savoury), £86 (High Tea), excluding service charge, Mon–Thu 11:30am–8pm, Fri–Sat 11am–8pm,
The Georgian-style tea salon was opened by Queen Elizabeth II and members of the Royal Family in 2012. The afternoon tea features a choice of finger sandwiches with fillings including coronation chicken and egg mayonnaise; warm scones with clotted cream, strawberry preserve and clotted cream; and a selection of freshly baked cakes, including a slice of Battenberg, which Fortnum's have been serving since 1926. Fortnum & Mason offer vegetarian and vegan afternoon teas, as well as gluten-free and dairy-free options. Book ahead for weekends, but this venue often has availability faster than the grand hotels.
Mandarin Oriental, The Rosebery Lounge
66 Knightsbridge · Luxury hotel, Asian-inspired afternoon tea · From £89pp, book in advance
For a slightly more contemporary take on afternoon tea, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park delivers sophistication in spades. Their afternoon tea is located in The Rosebery, a really beautiful room that feels super special, and the tea itself is beautifully presented with a modern twist on classic flavours. This venue offers the best Asian-inspired afternoon tea in the city. The room is intimate and draws fewer crowds than its rivals on Piccadilly, so booking 2–3 weeks ahead is usually enough.
OXO Tower Restaurant
Barge House Street, Southbank · Rooftop restaurant, city views · Currently available only until the end of September 2026; from £40
Located on the eighth floor of the South Bank structure, Oxo Tower Restaurant serves a traditional British afternoon tea, its glass windows offering views of the City skyline. The Oxo Tower's famous rooftop restaurant serves up a chic high tea experience with all the trimmings. Book ahead during peak season, but this rooftop often has better availability than central Mayfair venues. September is the last month for the current menu, so don't delay.
Claridge's
49 Brook Street, Mayfair · Art Deco hotel, quintessential British afternoon tea · From approximately £110 per person, served 2:45pm–5:30pm daily, book 1–3 weeks ahead
Claridge's has long been considered the jewel of Mayfair, and its Afternoon Tea is among the most coveted reservations in London. Served in the hotel's iconic Foyer & Reading Room - a stunning Art Deco space of sweeping arches, marble floors, and soft glamour, this is the place for any special occasion. You will be presented with tasty finger sandwiches, scones served warm with jam and clotted cream, and freshly-baked sweet pastries, accompanied by your choice of 24 teas, sourced from small producers all over the world. Demand is high year-round and reservations are strongly recommended well in advance.
Mad Hatter's Afternoon Tea at Sanderson
50 Berners Street, Fitzrovia · Boutique hotel, Alice in Wonderland-themed · £- (vegan options available), book in advance
There's something timeless about sitting down for the Mad Hatter's vegan afternoon tea at Sanderson, one of London's most whimsical settings. Alice in Wonderland–themed teapots and china set the tone, alongside a water-inspired backdrop, flamingo statues and even a dress-up rail for children. The atmosphere feels playful yet polished and the vegan menu matches the sophistication of the traditional option. The finger sandwiches – including smoked aubergine, beetroot hummus and mushroom – are well balanced and full of flavour. This is the choice for anyone who wants the ritual to feel like an adventure, not a museum piece.
The Ritz
Piccadilly, St James's · Iconic luxury hotel, formal afternoon tea · From £95 for adults, served 11:30am–7:30pm daily, book 2–3 months ahead
The Ritz's Palm Court is one of the most beautiful afternoon tea rooms in the world — gilded mirrors, marble columns, a live harpist. These rooms have been serving tea for over a century and the choreography is honed to within an inch of its life. Men are required to wear a jacket and tie for afternoon tea in The Palm Court. Due to high demand, booking months in advance is advised, especially for weekends. This is the most famous afternoon tea in London, and September demand is fierce—get your name in now if you're serious.
Brigit's Bakery, Vegan Afternoon Tea Bus Tour
Covent Garden and central London routes · Double-decker bus tour, vegan afternoon tea with landmarks · Usually £49pp, now only £36.75pp available Monday–Friday from 2nd February–30th September 2026; b
Vegan afternoon tea combined with iconic London sightseeing, enjoying vegan sandwiches, vegan cakes, and loose leaf tea while touring past Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and the London Eye. It's a plant based afternoon tea combined with unforgettable London views - something you won't find anywhere else. The pastry chefs prepare every item fresh using plant-based ingredients, focusing on balance, detail and seasonal flavour inspiration. The vegan afternoon tea menu changes throughout the year to reflect seasonal produce and keep each visit different. This is the pick for anyone who wants views, value, and sightseeing built in.
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