Afternoon Tea in London: The 12 Best, From Classic to Modern

If a classic afternoon tea in London is what you want, head for a grand hotel: Claridge’s, The Langham, The Ritz and The Savoy each serve it in rooms designed for exactly that. For a lighter-hearted take, the Sanderson in Fitzrovia, Sketch in Mayfair and The Berkeley in Knightsbridge do modern and themed teas. Below is our concierge’s choice of the twelve finest spots, plus how to book and the small amount of etiquette you need.

Each of the twelve was serving afternoon tea in 2026. Menus, sittings and prices shift with the seasons, so confirm with the venue before going. As a rough guide, a classic tea at Claridge’s or The Ritz costs roughly £95 a head in 2026, and more if you add champagne.

What is afternoon tea?

It is a light meal taken in the afternoon, traditionally in three courses: finger sandwiches first, scones with clotted cream and jam next, and small cakes and pastries to finish, all served with a pot of whichever tea you like. Champagne is the usual extra. It differs from “high tea”, which in the past was a heartier evening meal. Most hotels allocate a set time slot, and some are glad to refill the sandwiches if you ask.

The grand hotels

The Ritz, Piccadilly

London’s most celebrated afternoon tea takes place in the Palm Court at The Ritz, under chandeliers and to the sound of a pianist. Sittings are fixed throughout the day, and tables go weeks or even months in advance. Men must wear a jacket and tie, and nobody may wear jeans or sportswear.

Claridge’s, Mayfair

Afternoon tea has been on offer at Claridge’s for over 120 years. These days it is served in an Art Deco setting of arches and gentle light, the Foyer and Reading Room, which feels glamorous but never stuffy. Its scones come with jam made by the hotel, and the pastries follow the seasons. Reserve well in advance.

The Savoy, Strand

The Savoy now pours its tea in the Savoy Lounge, opened in late 2024 beneath the glass dome of what used to be the Thames Foyer. You get the complete ritual, tiered stands and pastries baked in the hotel’s own kitchens, a few minutes on foot from the West End theatres.

The Langham, Regent Street

Opened in 1865, The Langham says it is the birthplace of the hotel afternoon tea. Its Palm Court still offers a classic tea, plus seasonal themed menus through the year. It is handy for Great Portland Street, Marylebone and Oxford Circus.

The Dorchester, Park Lane

The Dorchester serves tea in The Promenade, a long and lavish lobby lounge full of deep sofas and potted palms. The hotel says its scone recipe has not changed in over fifty years. It suits anyone staying in Mayfair or near Park Lane.

The Goring, Belgravia

Family-owned and close to Buckingham Palace, The Goring serves one of London’s best-loved afternoon teas. Request the Veranda, which overlooks the hotel’s big private garden; on a bright afternoon you would struggle to find a more English scene.

Brown’s Hotel, Mayfair

Brown’s, on Albemarle Street, is among the oldest hotels in London. Tea is taken in its Drawing Room, with over thirty blends to choose from and cakes wheeled round on a trolley. It is calmer and more intimate than the larger hotels, which makes conversation easy.

Grand cafés and tea salons

Fortnum & Mason, Piccadilly

Upstairs from the renowned food hall is the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon, which Queen Elizabeth II opened in 2012. Fortnum’s has sold tea for centuries, so the tea menu takes centre stage, with savoury and seasonal options next to the classic.

The Wolseley, Piccadilly

Set in a one-time car showroom beside The Ritz, The Wolseley is a grand café that serves afternoon tea from mid-afternoon until early evening, champagne tea included. It is busier and more relaxed than the hotels, and simpler to book at the last minute.

Modern and playful teas

Sketch, Mayfair

Sketch, on Conduit Street, serves afternoon tea in The Gallery, a dining room built around an artist’s installation. Look forward to imaginative pastries, sandwiches and scones, a few surprises along the way, and seasonal themes during the year. It is playful, photogenic and thoroughly Mayfair.

The Berkeley, Knightsbridge

Prêt-à-Portea at The Berkeley, served in the Collins Room since 2005, recreates the season’s runway looks as cakes and biscuits. Because the menu is refreshed every six months in step with the fashion calendar, there is always something new to see.

Sanderson, Fitzrovia

On Berners Street, the Sanderson offers a Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea based on Alice in Wonderland, with whimsical sweets, cheeky sandwiches and the air of a garden party. Of all the teas here it takes itself least seriously, which is precisely the idea.

Classic or modern: how to choose

That comes down to who you are taking and why. For a first date or someone visiting London, a classic hotel tea is a safe and charming option: the room does much of the work and conversation comes easily. The Ritz is both the best known and the most formal; The Langham and Claridge’s feel a little more relaxed; Brown’s and The Goring are calmer and more intimate. If your guest has done it all before, or just enjoys a bit of fun, a modern tea makes the better treat. For style, choose Sketch; for a fashion lover, The Berkeley; for the most fun, the Sanderson. For an impromptu afternoon, the easiest last-minute bookings are usually Fortnum’s and The Wolseley.

Think about timing as well. An early sitting suits a lazy afternoon with a walk afterwards through St James’s Park or Green Park; where a late sitting is available, it can roll straight into a cocktail ahead of dinner.

How to book

• Plan ahead. The Ritz and Claridge’s may be full weeks or months in advance, particularly at weekends and in December.
• Go direct. Book with the hotel itself, by phone or on its own website; that is the most reliable way.
• Know the dress code. Smart casual is normal; at The Ritz men need a jacket and tie.
• Flag dietary requirements at the time of booking. With notice, most hotels can do vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free versions.
• Watch the time slot. Most allocate a fixed window, so be punctual.

Etiquette

It is simple, and no one minds if you slip up. Napkin on your lap. Work upwards from the bottom tier: sandwiches, then scones, then cakes. Split a scone by hand instead of cutting it, and spread jam and cream on each half as you go. Jam first or cream first is a good-natured dispute between Cornwall and Devon, not etiquette. Stir quietly, and keep your little finger down. Most importantly, don’t rush; that is the point of it all.

From tea into the evening

Afternoon tea is a charming way to begin a London day, and you can easily continue into the night with our ideas for a date night, our favourite romantic restaurants or, for a special occasion, the city’s Michelin-starred restaurants. If you are in town alone and would prefer company over dinner tonight, we can arrange a dinner date: three hours, about £800, starting with a meal. Our page on dinner dates and overnights sets out the details, and our booking guide walks through the steps. Many of our ladies live in central and west London, in places like Marylebone and Mayfair; look through our London escorts or get in touch to plan an evening.