The Best Places to Have Afternoon Tea in London

Finished article published: http://honeygood.com/blog/the-best-places-to-have-afternoon-tea-in-

london

Originally written & researched by: Christine Chung

Edited & published by: Carolyn Brundage & Honey Good

There is no other group of people that appreciate a nice “cuppa” tea than the English. If you find

yourself in London in the near or distant future, this list will come in handy. After all, did you

really go to England if you didn’t have afternoon (high) tea?

1. Bea’s of Bloomsbury

Just opened in 2009, Bea’s of Bloomsbury has become a popular spot for tourists and locals to

have a more laidback afternoon high tea experience. The cafe has expanded to multiple

locations throughout London because of its popularity and success; but you can only get

afternoon tea at their Bloomsbury and St. Paul locations. Bea’s offers many pastries (cupcakes

and scones, galore!) and a variety of tea for affordable prices. If tea isn’t your thing, the

boutique offers a champagne and afternoon tea package that is definitely worthwhile!

Website: http://www.beas.london/

Image via Bea’s of Bloomsbury website

2. Tea and Tattle

Located right across from the British Museum, Tea and Tattle is the perfect place relax and sip

on some tea after a busy day of touring the city. The tea shop is also connected to the Arthur

Probsthain bookshop which is also worth looking around in. The menu includes a long list of

teas from all over the world, a variety of sandwiches, cakes, and scones to pick from. Don’t just

take my word for it, everyone seems to love Tea and Tattle because it was also given a 4.5 out

of 5 stars from users on Tripadvisor!

Website: http://www.teaandtattle.com/

Image via lillianchan.com

3. Fortnum and Mason

The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon is located inside the F&M department store on Piccadilly. Her

Majesty the Queen opened the salon herself and it has become the classiest and most tasteful

place to have tea in the entire city. The menu has traditional finger sandwiches and English

pastries to go along with the long list of teas you could choose from. The ambiance is stylish

and luxurious, so if you are willing to splurge quite a bit to have the ultimate “royal” afternoon

high tea experience, F&M is the place for you.

Website: https://www.fortnumandmason.com/restaurants/diamond-jubilee-tea-salon

Image via Bookatable.co.uk

4. The BB Afternoon Tea Bus Tour

Get the ultimate London experience by drinking some afternoon tea while driving around the city

in a classic, red double decker bus! The Afternoon Tea Bus Tour is run by BB Bakery, which

offers a lovely selection of cakes and other pastries in store as well. The bus drives through all

the big tourist sites - Big Ben, The London Eye, Notting Hill, Buckingham Palace, and more! The

best part is that you don’t have to move a muscle. Just sit back, sip some tea, and munch on

some delicious scones. Buses not your thing? Don’t worry, they even offer Afternoon Tea Boat

Tours and picnic kits for you to have some tea in your favorite park!

Website: http://www.bbbakery.co.uk/

Image via BB Bakery Website

5. The Ritz

Another classic afternoon tea destination, the Ritz Hotel has been serving traditional afternoon

high tea for years. They only serve high tea during certain hours so I would recommend that you

reserve a table before going. They have 18 different types of loose leaf teas from all over the

world as well as a large selection of finger foods. They also serve the tea in silver teapots and

beautiful chinaware. To add to the fancy experience, there is usually a classic pianist or harpist

that accompanies your afternoon high tea experience.

Website: https://www.theritzlondon.com/dining-drinks/afternoon-tea-reservations/

Image via The Ritz website

6. Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea at the Sanderson Hotel

If you have been to a traditional afternoon tea in London and are looking for something new, the

Sanderson has the perfect solution for you! This Alice in Wonderland themed place will make

you feel like you fell through the rabbit hole. Each little detail goes along with the theme -

specially designed tea cups with a “drink me” sign attached, pastries modeled after characters

from the books, and more! On top of that, there are numerous pastries and teas offered. You

don't want to be late to this afternoon tea!

Website: https://www.morganshotelgroup.com/originals/originals-sanderson-london/eat-

drink/mad-hatters-afternoon-tea

Image via Tripadvisor