London afternoon tea guide: My favourite experiences

Looking for the best afternoon tea in London? I’ve been exploring afternoon teas across London, from elegant hotel experiences to more affordable options. Here’s my guide to the afternoon teas I’ve tried, including what to expect, what I thought of them and which ones I’d recommend.

🍰 Afternoon Tea at Ladurée, Covent Garden

Best for: French elegance, beautiful surroundings and macarons

There’s no other afternoon tea spot in London that can transport you to French living quite like Ladurée.

Read the full review → Ladurée, Covent Garden

🍰 Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea at the Sanderson Hotel

Best for: A themed afternoon tea and Alice in Wonderland fans

Read the full review→ Mad Hatters afternoon tea

More Afternoon tea experiences

I have also enjoyed afternoon tea outside London, including experiences at Betty’s in York and Ridgmont Station Tea Rooms.

If you’re travelling beyond London, these are worth exploring too.

[Read about afternoon tea at Betty’s →] Afternoon tea at Betty’s

[Read about afternoon tea at Ridgmont Station Tea Rooms →] Ridgmont Station tea rooms

I also have a recipe for homemade scones, because no afternoon tea is complete without them.

[Try my afternoon tea scone recipe →] Simply scrumptious scones

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does afternoon tea in London cost?

The cost of afternoon tea in London varies wildly depending on the level of luxury, ranging from £15 to £105+ per person. 

How long does afternoon tea usually last?

Afternoon tea typically lasts between 90 minutes and 2 hours. 

What should I wear?

Wear whatever makes you feel cool, comfortable and stylish. In London, the dress code ranges from smart casual to semi-formal, depending on the venue. But regardless of where you’re heading, it’s always a good idea to dress smartly. 

Don’t wear a tie or jacket. Smart-casual should look effortless. If you want to wear a shirt- go ahead! You can’t go wrong with a crisp button-down. 

Do London afternoon teas cater for dietary requirements?

Most afternoon teas in London cater to dietary requirements like vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut allergies. However, most venues require you to state your needs 24 to 48 hours before your booking.

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