5 of London’s Most Luxurious Afternoon Tea Spots

Afternoon tea – one of the most quintessentially British things to do with loved ones in London, but which is the most luxurious? From quirky themes to traditional scones & jam, you’ll want to visit all five of these incredible delights in London for a real treat. I even share one of the hidden treasures for a luxurious afternoon tea that I booked for my birthday in October 2021 that is a must for classic movie fans.

Kona at Taj 51 Buckingham Gate, St James’s Park

I was recently at the Alice in Wonderland exhibit at the V&A museum, so if you are a big fan, then why not make a day of it? You can go see the Curiouser and Curiouser exhibition and then head over to tea at Taj hotel at 51 Buckingham Gate where they are offering a themed afternoon tea inspired by the childhood classic. 

You’ve got your standard classic finger sandwiches and scones and then you can move on to the gorgeous pastries.  Some favourites include:

• “No White Roses” – a Victorian red velvet cupcake with chocolate ganache
• “Running Late” – a strawberry pocket watch macaron, and
• “Tea Party at 6” – a dark chocolate top hat, all served on a glass checkerboard.

This really is a fun and quirky afternoon tea to enjoy in London, and comes highly recommended.

From £45 per person, taj51buckinghamgate.co.uk

The Dorchester, Hyde Park 

It doesn’t get more luxurious than afternoon tea at The Dorchester Hotel.  Located on Park Lane on the edge of Hyde Park in Mayfair, everything about this hotel is refined elegance.  Here it’s about as traditional as it gets as the hotel is steeped in history.   Afternoon tea is served in The Promenade with a pianist setting the mood while Laurent Perrier Champagne is poured. Gorgeous pastries, finger sandwiches and warm scones are presented on beautiful classic china.

Over course you will have an incredible selection of teas, including The Dorchester’s unique house blend. If you want true pampering, then afternoon tea at The Dorchester will exceed your expectations.

I was there before the pandemic started and it is as classic and special as they say.

From £70 per person, dorchestercollection.com

The Ritz, St James’s

Keeping with the classic theme, where elegance is a must, then The Ritz should definitely be on your list.  They have been serving afternoon tea at their iconic Mayfair location since it opened in 1906.  You will experience your tea in the glorious Palm Court with its grand design of glittering chandeliers and elegant mirrors, which add a light and stylish flourish to the room.  A music ensemble is performed by the resident pianist and harpist to really create the mood!

Here you can not only indulge in finely cut sandwiches and special pastries, but it is the only place to enjoy their exclusive Ritz Royal Blend Tea.  The Ritz London is also the only hotel in the UK to have a certified Tea Master, Giandomenico Scanu, who travels around the world to various tea plantations to source their wonderful teas.

I was fortunate to have afternoon tea there with friends a couple of years ago and it is truly a magical experience.

From £60 per person, https://www.theritzlondon.com/dine-with-us/afternoon-tea/

The Lanesborough, Hyde Park Corner

If you want quirky, then you will want to check out afternoon tea at the Lanesborough. Celebrated London baker Peggy Porschen who launched her baking career as pastry chef at the Lanesborough 20 years ago has returned with a very special afternoon tea for the autumn. 

Over half a million Instagram followers know her for her fantastically pink storefront in Belgravia, Peggy is bringing all the charms of her colourful aesthetic back to the Lanesborough Hotel. 

There will be layered cakes served on a specially designed cake trolley that will complement the Lanesborough’s classic tea menu; all served in the domed-glass ceiling Céleste dining room which is Instagram-worthy in its own right. 

From £53 per person, https://www.oetkercollection.com/hotels/the-lanesborough/restaurants-bars/afternoon-tea/peggy-porschen-afternoon-tea/

Tiffany Blue Box Café, Harrods Knightsbridge

If you are a fan of Audrey Hepburn and Breakfast at Tiffany’s, then this incredible afternoon tea will be perfect for you at The Tiffany Blue Box Café at Harrods, in Knightsbridge. Secretly tucked away on the lower ground floor at the iconic store, this little jewel box mirrors the Blue Box Cafe in the Tiffany flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York City.

You will be surrounded by the Tiffany blue décor and the walls even feature Tiffany jewels, amazonite stone features and hand-painted Tiffany motifs.

Inspired by Tiffany heritage, Tiffany Tea is served on exquisite Tiffany blue plates and cups and includes freshly baked scones, finger sandwiches with a twist and a wonderful selection of patisserie.

This year I got to celebrate my birthday with afternoon tea at Tiffany’s so I can definitely recommend it. 

If you really want to have breakfast at Tiffany’s well that can happen too. In the morning they serve all-butter croissants that come with a choice of eggs Florentine, Cornish crab muffins, Faroe-Islands smoked salmon, as well as other mouthwatering options.

Coffee, croissants and carats, the height of luxury!

From £69 per person, https://www.tiffany.co.uk/blue-box-cafe/harrods/

Which of these will be on your must-visit list for London? I’d love to hear any local recommendations for your favourite treats in your area!