London’s best tearooms

Prêt-à-Portea at The Berkeley is one of London’s most desirable and sartorial afternoon teas, so it’s only fitting that it’s presented in a devastatingly chic tearoom. The Collins Room is named after the late designer David Collins who worked closely with the hotel and features custom hand-painted De Gourney wallpaper as well as a glass pavilion.

The space is beautifully bright, and its copious natural light enhances the cool silvery palate and Dior grey that Collins is synonymous with. Just like fashion, the afternoon tea menu changes with the seasons: the current ‘cakewalk’ features a Vivienne Westwoof iced biscuit and a chocolatey reimagining of Loewe’s iconic Anthurium dress.

Behind a stretch of red brick townhouses in Chelsea, you’ll find the sumptuous yet snug surrounds of historic boutique hotel 11 Cadogan Gardens. The Chelsea Garden Afternoon tea offers a delightful escape into an oasis of refined elegance, and invites diners to indulge in delicate sandwiches and pastries while surrounded by lush flora.

When the weather isn’t so pleasant though, this elegant tea is served in the cosy drawing room, where high back armchairs and shelves of books encourage diners to really take their time with this decadent ritual. With traditional yet elevated sandwich fillings such as coronation chicken choux buns with parmesan, 11 Cadogan Gardens ticks all the boxes, but without the pomp and crowds that might be found at more well-known venues.

Fortnum’s is perhaps London’s most quintessentially British department store, and so it’s only fitting that it is home to its very own tea salon—and a special one at that. Opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 2012, the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon is decorated in traditional Edwardian style, featuring elegant chandeliers, plush carpets, pristine white tablecloths and velvet upholstery.

The tables are set with fine china in the store’s signature duck egg blue and the tea is served in Fortnum and Mason’s own silver teapots. In keeping with the proudly British institution, the menu features traditional sandwich fillings, such as cucumber, smoked salmon, and egg mayonnaise as well as classic sweet treats, including a delightfully light Victoria sponge and a decadently squidgy carrot cake.

Kensington’s charming Candella Tea Room makes for an afternoon tea on the more whimsical end of the spectrum. The space is decorated in a vintage style with floral wallpaper, ornamental ceiling features and antique furniture, while the afternoon tea itself is served in all manner of crockery, which can be found piled up on shelves and hanging on hooks all around the cafe—you’ll even find afternoon tea stands arranged on the top of a grand piano!

In addition to the traditional afternoon tea lineup of bite size sandwiches and pretty pastries, you can also opt for a cream tea which is simply homemade scones with jam and cream with a pot of tea of your choice.

The Kensington Palace Pavilion Tea Room overlooks the vibrant sunken garden in the stunning grounds of the royal residence; a secluded and tranquil sanctuary with an ornamental pond, striking flora and a statue of Princess Diana, who was particularly fond of this pocket of the palace.

The pavilion itself is decorated in a contemporary style, with light wood furniture and floor-to-ceiling windows, and the food is fit for royalty too… The current afternoon tea menu is inspired by the palace’s Crown to Couture exhibit, and fraturesa strawberry choux craquelin, a vanilla and passionfruit cheesecake dress and a mocha latte dome with a chocolate button.

Brigit’s is a very popular Covent Garden establishment. It’s ideal for families thanks to its wonderful assortment of cupcakes, macaroons, afternoon tea with scones, sandwiches and beyond. A relaxed environment whilst in the middle of London, we love settling in here with an Earl Grey tea and Pistachio Macaroon! You can genuinely notice how quiet and relaxed the space is as soon as you sit down. An ideal rainy day spot. It’s worth noting that Brigit’s also offers Afternoon Tea Bus Tours on the classic red London bus! Taking a total of 90 minutes, you can enjoy a tour of the city as well as a champagne afternoon tea – perfect if you are visiting the city on a girls weekend!

This one’s definitely found on the upper end of an afternoon tea budget, but guarantees an absolutely stunning experience in the beautiful setting of The Langham’s Palm Court. An award-winning service that focuses on British classics, this is definitely a special occasion venue, perhaps for a hen party or big birthday! We recommend going the whole way here and having the Champagne Afternoon Tea. The Langham also offers a gorgeous children’s afternoon tea menu featuring apple hibiscus tea and strawberry jam jigsaw sandwiches.

Coach House Kitchen offers a gorgeous country vibe on the outskirts of London. Here you will find a warm and friendly team serving a delicious seasonal afternoon tea. You can relax and enjoy fantastic food here in a wholesome environment, ideal for those who love the countryside or less of a city vibe. Bookings are available Tuesday – Sunday.

One Aldwych is an absolutely gorgeous 5 star London hotel in the heart of Covent Garden that’s perfect for a pre-theatre afternoon tea. Available Wednesday to Sunday, the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea at One Aldwych is stunning! An absolutely creative high tea masterpiece! The colours, flavours, setting and service is spot on, making it the most magical treat. With cocktails created especially for the afternoon tea menu, lemon sherbert or chocolate tea, this really is a flavour adventure that words can’t quite do justice.

Ladurée is a French patisserie serving exquisite afternoon tea overlooking Covent Garden square. With inside as well as outside seating (with heaters and blankets just in case), this is a classic venue in winter and summer. You can also dine in the downstairs courtyard area, which is perfect if you want to admire the street performers and people watch – just be careful of the pigeons! The hot chocolate here is to die for, as are the Parisian desserts and macaroons. A really gorgeous venue offering the most delicate French patisseries, as well as champagne afternoon tea where you can choose your macaron flavour from a specialist, extensive menu!