Best Luxury Afternoon Teas in London 2026
Afternoon tea sits at the heart of British culture. More than simply tea and sandwiches, it is a ritual steeped in history, elegance and hospitality. Originating in the 19th century thanks to Queen Victoria’s lifelong friend, Anna Maria Russell, Duchess of Bedford, afternoon tea was created to bridge the long gap between lunch and supper, and quickly became a fashionable social affair.
Today, what was once a pastime of the upper class has now evolved into a beloved tradition enjoyed by all. Across London, luxury five-star hotels and iconic department stores have elevated afternoon tea into a truly immersive experience. While the foundation remains – delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam and exceptional teas – each venue brings its own sense of theatre, craftsmanship and refinement.
Whether you are a lifelong Brit, a devoted afternoon tea connoisseur or discovering the tradition for the first time, these are the best luxury afternoon teas in London to enjoy in 2026 – each offering something truly special.
1) Afternoon Tea at Dolly’s Café at Selfridges
After a long day of shopping, Dolly’s Café offers the perfect moment to unwind. Located at the heart of Selfridges, this art deco-inspired cafe channels the glamour of the Roaring Twenties, paying homage to the infamous Dolly Sisters – glamorous twins who captivated 1920s society and shared a close connection with Selfridges founder Harry Gordon Selfridge.
What sets Dolly’s apart is its decadent atmosphere and vintage charm. Plush interiors and a sense of playful extravagance create a stylish escape from Oxford Street’s bustle. The afternoon tea itself reflects this indulgent spirit, featuring freshly baked scones served with Cornish clotted cream and fruit preserve, artisan patisserie, delicate finger sandwiches and a pot of Selfridges’ own tea selection.
Afternoon Tea is priced from £49.95 per person and is available daily from 11:30am.
Location: Selfridges 400 Oxford St, London W1A 1AB
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2) Afternoon Tea at The Promenade at The Dorchester
Set within one of Mayfair’s most beautiful rooms, The Promenade is the epitome of classic luxury. Located inside The Dorchester, the space blends grand hotel glamour with a warm, welcoming atmosphere, adorned with rich florals, elegant furnishings and timeless decor.
What makes The Promenade remarkable is its celebration of craftsmanship and flavour. The menu reinvents tradition through award-winning pastry creations, pairing bold seasonal flavours with meticulous technique. Guest can enjoy finely crafted finger sandwiches on artisan bread, warm plain and raisin scones from the hotel bakery served with clotted cream (or coconut cream for the vegan menu), and exquisite pastries such as the Vanilla Saint-Honore with Tahitian vanilla gel and caramel Chantilly.
Live piano music accompanies the experience, adding to the sense of occasion. Traditional and Vegan Afternoon Tea is available from £95 per person, with a dedicated children’s menu priced at £65.
Location: The Dorchester, 53 Park Lane, London W1K 1QA
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3) Afternoon Tea at The Palm Court at The Ritz
Few experiences embody British afternoon tea quite like The Ritz. Renowned for its timeless elegance, the hotel offers an experience rooted in heritage and precision. The Ritz is the only hotel in the UK to have a certified Tea Master, Giandomenico Scanu, who travels the world sourcing exceptional teas directly from plantations.
The afternoon tea menu is replenished generously and features finely cut finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry preserve, and an impressive selection of beautifully presented pastries and teacakes. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free menus are also available, ensuring every guest can enjoy the experience.
Served to the sound of live music from the resident pianist, Afternoon Tea at The Ritz is both refined and celebratory. Prices start from £95 per person, with children’s afternoon tea priced at £73.
Location: 150 Piccadilly, London, W1J 9BR
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4) Mother Supper Afternoon Tea Hamper
Luxury afternoon tea doesn’t always require a hotel reservation. Mother Supper brings the experience directly to your home, offering a beautifully curated alternative that feels both indulgent and intimate. Perfect for celebrations, quiet gatherings or special moments, it delivers the charm of afternoon tea without the formality.
What makes Mother Supper special is its emphasis on freshness and generosity. Hampers feature homemade focaccia, ciabatta, buns, finger sandwiches, cakes and freshly baked scones served with clotted cream and jam. With classic, vegan and vegetarian options available, each box is designed to feel thoughtful, celebratory and premium.
Prices start from £45, with options to serve, two, three to four, or five to six people.
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5) Afternoon Tea at The Foyer & Reading Room at Claridge’s
Served in the hotel’s stunning Foyer & Reading Room, Afternoon Tea at Claridge’s is a masterclass in understated glamour. Beneath Thierry Despont’s Art Deco interiors, guests enjoy a refined yet relaxed setting accompanied by live piano or harp music.
Claridge’s faithfully honours tradition, serving a perfectly balanced selection of savoury and sweet offerings on bespoke bone china and silverware. Highlights include smoked Scottish salmon sandwiches, warm scones, and seasonally inspired pastries that change throughout the year. Tea is at the heart of the experience, with blends curated by renowned tea expert Henrietta Lovell, sourced from small producers across the globe to complement each course.
Traditional Afternoon Tea is served daily from 2:45pm to 5:30pm, priced at £95 per person.
Location: Claridge’s, Brook Street, Mayfair, London W1K 4HR
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6) Winter Afternoon Tea at The Gallery at sketch
Afternoon tea at sketch is as much a visual experience as it is a culinary one. Set within The Gallery – an iconic pink-hued room designed by India Mahdavi – this is one of London’s most photographed dining spaces, where art, design and dining collide.
The menu balances British tradition with creative flair. Guests can expect classic finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, alongside inventive patisserie such as eclairs and the signature Battenberg cake. With the core elements remaining, seasonal fruits are used to refresh pastries throughout the year.
Served alongside live classical music, Sketch’s afternoon tea feels playful, theatrical and immersive. Prices are from £79 per person.
Location: 9 Conduit St, London W1S 2XG
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7) Afternoon Tea at The Georgian at Harrods
Located on the fourth floor of Harrods, The Georgian offers a refined yet lively afternoon tea experience inspired by the glamour of the Roaring Twenties. The reimagined dining room blends heritage with modern luxury, creating an atmosphere that feels both historic and contemporary.
The menu showcases beautifully crafted savouries and sweets, including coronation chicken terrine sandwiches, warm scones and standout desserts such as apricot and thyme babas. Live piano music fills the space with tea sommeliers guiding guests through exclusive loose-leaf blends chosen to complement each course.
Prices are from £82 per person, with children’s and dietary-specific menus also available.
Location: The Georgian, Fourth Floor, Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Road, London SW1X 7XL
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8) Afternoon Tea at the Gallery at The Savoy
The Savoy’s Afternoon Tea is a celebration of tradition with a theatrical twist. Served in The Gallery – a vibrant, centrally located space within the hotel – guests enjoy an extensive selection of over 30 teas alongside refined interpretations of classic favourites.
The menu includes delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones served with clotted cream, jam and lemon curd, and visually striking pastries inspired by the hotel’s rich culinary heritage. Vegan and vegetarian afternoon tea menus are also available, ensuring inclusivity without compromising elegance.
Prices are £90 per person.
Location: The Savoy, Strand, London WC2R 0EY
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9) Afternoon Tea at The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum & Mason
Located on the fourth floor of Fortnum & Mason, The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon offers a truly iconic afternoon tea experience. Opened by the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2012, the space carries a sense of royal heritage and deep-rooted British tradition.
Guests can expect Forthum’s famous teas, warm scones, exceptional sandwiches and beautifully crafted patisserie. Optional additions include a glass of Fortnum’s Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Champagne or their signature sparkling tea. Live piano music enhances the relaxed yet elegant atmosphere, making it ideal for both special occasions and leisurely afternoons.
Afternoon Tea is priced from £84 per person.
Location: Fourth Floor – Fortnum & Mason 181 Piccadilly St. James’s, London W1A 1ER
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