Afternoon Tea Week 2022: best places for afternoon tea in London, according to Tripadvisor reviews

Afternoon tea is loved by many in and around the capital, where many places host the quintessential British pastime.

A staple of Britain, its roots go back as far as the 1700s, when Anna Russell, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, would often fill in the long gap between lunch and dinner with tea and snacks to stave off her hunger.

This week marks Afternoon Tea Week 2022, and is a perfect way for you and friends and/or loved ones to have that catch up that you keep promising.

Here’s ten of the best places in London to have afternoon tea.

The Milestone Hotel

Situated in Kensington, this award winning hotel has been consistently recognized for its high standards of tea service.

The Milestone sits opposite Kensington Palace and the Gardens, giving you the opportunity to not only have great views whilst indulging, you can also visit the gardens after, or prior.

Find out more and book a table via Tripadvisor.

1-3 Kensington Ct, London W8 5DL, milestonehotel.com

The Ritz

One of the most iconic hotels in the world, with locations in Paris and New York as well as London, you can have your afternoon tea here for £58 per person.

This includes sandwiches, tea, scones and other pastries in a fine-dining environment.

Address: 150 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1J 9BR - TheRitz

Find out more and book a table via Tripadvisor.

Claridge’s

For the last 150 years, Claridge’s has been keeping this delightful tradition and perfecting the balance of sweet and savoury. The menu features finger sandwiches made with the finest ingredients, warm scones with Rodda’s Cornish clotted cream and seasonal pastries.

At Claridge’s, the menu features finger sandwiches made with the finest ingredients, warm scones with Rodda’s Cornish clotted cream and seasonal pastries.

Claridge’s, Brook St, London W1K 4HR, www.claridges.co.uk/restaurants-bars/afternoon-tea/

Find out more and book a table via Tripadvisor.

Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon

Diamond Jubilee goes the distance for their customers, as they can cater to different preferences and dietary requirements.

A wide range of tea is available too, with unlimited free refills of food, which you can ask to be packed for you if you can’t finish.

It’s a sweet ending too, with an extensive range of cakes for you to try.

Find out more and book a table via Tripadvisor.

Kensington Palace

Located in the royal grounds of Kensington Palace, the Kensington Palace Pavilion offers a sought after location for afternoon tea.

You can choose to sit on the alfresco terrace surrounded by greenery if the weather allows you to.

On the afternoon tea side, it’s served on a three-tiered dish, with sandwiches occupying on the bottom row scones on the second tier with cakes sitting pretty on top.

If you’re not in the mood for tea, that’s not a worry as you can have Pimms to accompany your meal.

Kensington Gardens, London W8 4PX, kensingtonpalacepavilion.co.uk

Find out more and book a table via Tripadvisor.

The Rubens at the Palace Hotel

Featuring fairly high on the list, The Rubens has a reputation of one of London’s best, with all the food top tier and their extensive menu influenced by Royal events.

You can also take the little ones too, as there is also a Little Prince and Princess Tea for those under 12.

This comes with bite-sized sandwiches, scones, selected pastries, and a choice of milkshake, hot chocolate, tea, or soft drink.

39 Buckingham Palace Rd, London SW1W 0PS, https://rubenshotel.com/

Find out more and book a table via Tripadvisor.

Bridgit’s Bakery

Wish you could ever see the sights London has to offer and have afternoon tea at the same time?

If so, Brigit’s Bakery has you sorted.

For £45 per person, you can enjoy a 90-minute bus tour around the city, whilst seeing some of the most iconic parts of London.

Sandwiches, drinks, mini tarts and other pastries are available.

6-7 Chandos Pl, London WC2N 4HU, bakery.com/london/bus-tours/

Find out more and book a table via Tripadvisor.

Kona

Something a bit different, and definitely not traditional, Kona’s afternoon tea  offers treats inspired by the foul-tempered monarch from Alice in Wonderland.

Kona offers not just one, but three different types of scone. These are: plain, chocolate chip, and sultana, served with classic Cornish clotted cream and jam.

51 Buckingham Gate, London SW1E 6AF, www.tajhotels.com

Find out more and book a table via Tripadvisor.

Scoff and Banter Tea Rooms

With a 4.5 star rating for over 500 reviews,Scoff and Banter is the place to go for afternoon tea, with it on the more affordable side.

A more intimate setting due to its size, it can be found Tucked away just off Oxford Street, one of London’s busiest corners.

350 Oxford St, London WC1 1BY, www.scoffandbanter.com

Find out more and book a table via Tripadvisor.

The Drawing Room

Located in the Drawing Room at the Brown’s Hotel, it is rumoured that Queen Victoria had afternoon tea here.

A traditional afternoon tea will set you back £65, but as it has served royalty in the past, it seems a good, fair price.

With plant-based options too, it’s inclusive for everyone.

Address: Ground Floor, 33 Albemarle St, London W1S 4BP - drawingroom.org.uk

Find out more and book a table via Tripadvisor.