London's Top 10 Lists: Afternoon Tea

London’s Top 10 Lists: Afternoon Tea

Description: The epitome of classic London afternoon tea. Set in the opulent Palm Court with marble pillars and gilded ceilings, the experience includes a vast tea selection overseen by a certified Tea Master. A strict dress code applies, adding to the formal, special occasion feel.
Nearest Tube Station: Green Park
Nearest Bus Stop & Numbers: Old Bond Street / Royal Academy (Stop K). Buses: 8, 9, 22, 23, N22
Entry Fee: Approx. £70-£80 per person
Best Time to Visit: Weekday afternoons are generally quieter than weekends.
Visit Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours
Google Maps: The Ritz London

Description: A truly historic venue with over 300 years of heritage. Known for its elegant service and high-quality teas, it offers both traditional and unique options like a “Savoury Afternoon Tea” which replaces sweets with delicacies.
Nearest Tube Station: Green Park or Piccadilly Circus
Nearest Bus Stop & Numbers: Piccadilly (Stop J). Buses: 9, 14, 19, 22, 38, N19, N22, N38
Entry Fee: Approx. £70-£85 per person
Best Time to Visit: Mid-afternoon on a weekday for a more relaxed pace.
Visit Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours
Google Maps: Fortnum & Mason

Description: Synonymous with Art Deco luxury. Every detail is carefully planned, from the bespoke bone china to the tea selection curated by renowned connoisseur Henrietta Lovell. It’s a faithful, elevated take on the tradition.
Nearest Tube Station: Bond Street
Nearest Bus Stop & Numbers: Selfridges / Bond Street Station (Stop RQ). Buses: 7, 10, 73, 94, 98, 390, N7, N73
Entry Fee: Approx. £75-£90 per person
Best Time to Visit: A special treat any day of the week; book well in advance.
Visit Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours
Google Maps: Claridge’s

Description: A favourite of the Royal Family, this tea is served on The Veranda overlooking a manicured lawn, offering a sense of quiet sophistication. It has won the UK Tea Guild’s award for Top Afternoon Tea.
Nearest Tube Station: Victoria
Nearest Bus Stop & Numbers: Grosvenor Gardens (Stop C). Buses: 2, 13, 36, 38, 52, 73, 148, 170, N2, N13, N36, N38, N73
Entry Fee: Approx. £65-£80 per person
Best Time to Visit: A sunny afternoon to fully appreciate the view of the garden.
Visit Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours
Google Maps: The Goring

Description: For a modern twist with a view, TĪNG on the 35th floor offers a seasonally changing afternoon tea. You can enjoy classic finger sandwiches and pastries while taking in breathtaking panoramic views of London’s skyline.
Nearest Tube Station: London Bridge
Nearest Bus Stop & Numbers: London Bridge Station (Stop M). Buses: 43, 48, 141, 149, 521, N21, N199
Entry Fee: Approx. £70-£85 per person
Best Time to Visit: Book just before sunset to see the city transition from day to night.
Visit Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours
Google Maps: Shangri-La The Shard

St Ermin’s Hotel (The Tea Lounge)

Claridge’s

Fortnum & Mason (The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon)

Description: This is a playful and chic option, pioneered by celebrity pastry chef Cédric Grolet. “Goûtea” combines the British tradition with French patisserie flair, featuring his famous trompe l’oeil fruit creations that look like real fruit but are intricate desserts.
Nearest Tube Station: Knightsbridge
Nearest Bus Stop & Numbers: Knightsbridge Station (Stop R). Buses: 9, 10, 14, 19, 22, 52, 74, 137, 414, N9, N19, N22, N74, N137
Entry Fee: Approx. £70-£85 per person
Best Time to Visit: A fun choice for a stylish lunch or mid-afternoon treat.
Visit Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours
Google Maps: The Berkeley

Description: A beautiful and highly-rated “hidden gem” near St. James’s Park. Reviewers consistently praise the warm, welcoming ambiance, impeccable service, and delicious food, often noting it feels less crowded than some other famous venues.
Nearest Tube Station: St. James’s Park
Nearest Bus Stop & Numbers: Westminster City Hall (Stop E). Buses: 3, 11, 24, 87, 88, 148, 159, N3, N11, N24, N87, N88, N155, N381
Entry Fee: Mid-range (approx. £50-£65 per person)
Best Time to Visit: A quiet weekday afternoon for a soothing experience.
Visit Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours
Google Maps: St Ermin’s Hotel

Description: Located in a distinguished 5-star hotel with views of Hyde Park, this afternoon tea is highly recommended by travelers. The experience is enhanced by a live pianist, creating a calm and elegant atmosphere with attentive service.
Nearest Tube Station: Marble Arch
Nearest Bus Stop & Numbers: Marble Arch Station (Stop 9). Buses: 2, 6, 7, 13, 16, 23, 36, 74, 137, 148, 390, N2, N7, N13, N16, N36, N74, N137
Entry Fee: Approx. £60-£75 per person
Best Time to Visit: Afternoon between 2 pm and 6 pm.
Visit Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours
Google Maps: Grosvenor House

Description: A wonderfully imaginative and fun experience inspired by the Roald Dahl classic. With playful names like “snozzberry jam” and a caramel chocolate milkshake, it’s a fantastic treat for children and the young at heart.
Nearest Tube Station: Temple or Covent Garden
Nearest Bus Stop & Numbers: Aldwych / Drury Lane (Stop E). Multiple buses including 1, 9, 13, 15, 23, 26, 59, 68, 76, 87, 91, 168, 188, 243, 341, and night routes
Entry Fee: Approx. £55-£70 per person
Best Time to Visit: Perfect for a birthday celebration or a family day out.
Visit Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours
Google Maps: One Aldwych

Description: A fantastic choice for chocolate lovers, this afternoon tea is a collaboration with Love Cocoa. Served in a stunning tea room, it combines traditional charm with a modern, chocolatey twist.
Nearest Tube Station: Charing Cross or Covent Garden
Nearest Bus Stop & Numbers: Trafalgar Square (Stop A). Extensive bus connections including 3, 6, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15, 23, 24, 29, 53, 87, 88, 91, 139, 159, 176, 453, and numerous night routes
Entry Fee: Approx. £45 per person (£49 with Prosecco)
Best Time to Visit: A quiet Monday afternoon for a relaxing and indulgent treat.
Visit Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours
Google Maps: Strand Palace Hotel

Enjoy your afternoon tea experience in London!

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