THE RITZ W1
One of the finest British traditions, afternoon tea has become synonymous with The Ritz since it fi rst opened its doors in 1906. Taking things seriously, the Ritz London is the only hotel in the UK to have a certified Tea Sommelier who travels around the world to various tea plantations to source wonderful teas.
150 Piccadilly, W1J 9BR, theritzlondon.com
Image above: The Ritz
THE CONNAUGHT W1
Afternoon tea at The Connaught begins with a seasonal amuse-bouche and a glass of Champagne, moves on to homemade finger sandwiches with a hint of South East-Asian flavours and ends with a cake stand full of brightly coloured decorated pâtisseries, accompanied by English scones served warm from the oven.
Carlos Place, W1K 2AL, the-connaught.co.uk
FORTNUM & MASON W1
A Fortnum's tradition for centuries, there's no experience quite like afternoon tea here. Every morning, in preparation for the countless afternoon teas they serve each day in the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon, Fortnum’s make thousands of their famous scones - plain, fruit and savoury too.
181 Piccadilly, W1A 1ER, fortnumandmason.com
CLARIDGE’S W1
Prepared and served fresh each day, Claridge’s afternoon tea menu faithfully follows the traditional combination of sweet and savoury. The ingredients include British specialities, such as poached Scottish salmon, and their pastries change to reflect the fruits of the season.
Brook Street, W1K 4HR, claridges.co.uk
THE SANDERSON W1
With menus hidden inside vintage books and teapots adorned with kings and queens, The Sanderson’s Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea is full of sweet treats and savoury delights, from vanilla macaroons to smoked salmon Scotch quail eggs.
50 Berners Street, W1T 3NG, morganshotelgroup.com
Image above: The Sanderson
SKETCH W1
Instagram famous thanks to its curious décor, colourful dishes and unusual bathrooms, Sketch is a favourite among food bloggers. Caviar and quail egg sandwiches are on the menu and there’s even an allergen free patisserie menu which is suitable for nut, dairy, and gluten allergies.
9 Conduit Street, W1S 2XG, sketch.london
BEA’S OF BLOOMSBURY WC1
Bea’s is home to a casual afternoon tea, founded on the idea that taking tea is an opportunity to sit down and have a cuppa, enjoy the company of good friends and be tempted by amazing cakes. The open-air pastry kitchen adds to the relaxed vibe.
44 Theobalds Road, WC1X 8NW, beas.london
THE DORCHESTER W1
Home to a selection of afternoon teas, including seasonal options as well as The Spatisserie, which has been described as ‘dining on a cloud’. This elegant and tranquil room reflects the calming influence of the spa around it. An intimate, relaxing space to enjoy indulgent treats in peace.
Park Lane, W1K 1QA, dorchestercollection.com
Image above: The Dorchester
BALTHAZAR WC2
Collaborating with flower delivery service Flowerbx, Balthazar’s Head Pastry Chef Régis Beauregard has curated a selection of cakes that represent exquisite flowers. With a traditional menu and floral sweet treats in the shape of seasonal blooms, this afternoon tea is as much a feast for the eyes as it is the taste buds.
4 Russell Street, WC2B 5HZ, balthazarlondon.com
THE SAVOY WC2
The Savoy’s renowned afternoon tea can be enjoyed in the Thames Foyer, the heart of the hotel. A stunning glass dome floods the place with natural light whilst a pianist serenades guests from a winter garden gazebo.
Strand, WC2R 0EZ, fairmont.com
THE LANGHAM W9
Serving elegant afternoon tea to the cream of London society since 1865, The Langham’s dazzling Palm Court continues to delight guests with a bespoke version of the afternoon tea tradition in the heart of the West End.
Portland Place, Regent Street, W1B 1JA, langhamhotels.com
SHANGRI-LA HOTEL E14
Served in theatrical elegance, afternoon tea at the Shangri-La at the Shard celebrates the best of British, with lemon lavender tarts and cherry blossom roulade as well as a fine selection of sandwiches. There is an exclusive selection of over 30 teas, all complemented by the best views across London.
31 Thomas Street, SE1 9QU, ting-shangri-la.com
Image above: Shangri-La Hotel
