The best afternoon teas in West London

Afternoon tea gets a fluffy upgrade at Java Whiskers in White City, tucked away from the busiest parts of west London. This cute cat café serves up a classic spread of scones with jam and cream, dainty finger sandwiches, and a hot brew or two, all enjoyed in the company of rescue cats. Cosy up in the kitten lounge and share a seat with a sleepy tabby, and if one of the cats steals your heart, there's a chance you could take them home as adoption applications are more than welcome.

Palm Court at The Langham has served afternoon tea since the hotel first opened in 1865. Here, they excel in sweet treats that are thoughtfully presented. If you want, you can opt for a completely bespoke afternoon tea menu or opt for the classic that comes with a glass of champagne or English sparkling wine. If you're veggie, vegan, or gluten-free, there are also menus for you. Plus, there's even a tea sommelier on hand to help you pick the perfect tea blend.

Afternoon Tea at The Petersham Hotel is a memorable one, filled with decadent sweet and savoury treats in a super-stylish interior. The tea offered here is a classic take on the traditional British afternoon tea, featuring a range of finger sandwiches, pastries, and sweets. Wash it all down with loose-leaf teas or upgrade to champagne, which is also available alcohol-free. You can also opt for vegan or vegetarian afternoon tea if you give 24 hours notice.

The afternoon tea served at the prestigious Royal Lancaster London has been designed in partnership with the Natural History Museum and revolves around British flora and fauna, highlighting the important role played in nature by pollinators. The luxurious setting, bespoke tableware, delightfully crafted pastries, and fact-filled menu all combine for one of the best afternoon teas in West London.

The Bar at China Tan ,is a 1930's-styled re-imagination of late owner, Sir David Tang's, living room. It's where you can enjoy a unique Cantonese afternoon tea, delicious drinks and live music. The 'Tea at Tangs' afternoon tea includes sweet and savoury dim sum treats and tasty desserts created by the talented pastry team.

The Wolseley is an iconic Mayfair restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, and weekend brunch.  The afternoon tea here is served every day of the week, and you can choose from traditional Cream Tea, which includes fruit scones, homemade jam, clotted cream and a selection of teas, Classic Afternoon Tea, including the above plus sandwiches and cakes, and Champagne Afternoon Tea with an added glass of Pommery Brut Royal NV.

For a Moroccan take on afternoon tea, try Leila in Ealing Common. This restaurant serves delicious dishes from across the Middle East, including authentic cuisine and fusion options. Although the menu might change, you can expect things like baklava and mezzo spreads with smoky baba ganoush and bowls of creamy hummus served with warm flatbreads.

May Fair Kitchen is a Japanese izakaya and Italian restaurant in Mayfair that's inspired by the izakaya eateries in Japan. Every weekend they host an afternoon tea in collaboration with master chocolatiers Charbonnel et Walker, which is served with either champagne or rosé champagne. You can choose from a selection of homemade finger sandwiches, scones and preserves, pastries, cakes, loose-leaf teas, and coffee.

This French restaurant serves afternoon tea with an impressive selection of tea from around the world. The savoury treats include things like cucumber sandwiches with goat's curd and basil and coronation chicken. The sweet treats are just as tempting; scones with condiments, raspberry pavlova, chocolate olive brownies, and seasonal fruit tarts.

For an elegant afternoon tea in Mayfair, hit up The Beaumont. This sophisticated spread is served in none other than the grand Gatsby Room, a cosy space that is inspired by the 1926 origins of the building. You can expect a selection of finger sandwiches followed by scones, pastries and delicious loose-leaf teas from JING. There are also vegan and gluten-free options available.

The afternoon tea served at The Biltmore is all about highlighting fresh and heritage produce from across the UK. It's served in their dedicated Tea Lounge and comes with a range of sweet and savoury treats, paired with freshly-brewed tea from their tea trolley or champagne.

Afternoon tea at The Chesterfield is more than just your classic afternoon tea; this take on the traditional spread is playful and fun. It's themed around sweetshops and includes things like Coca-Cola slice and smoked salmon sandwiches on beetroot bread paired with an extensive tea list. They also offer a children's menu and vegan and vegetarian menus. There are also seasonal takes on afternoon tea, such as the Winter Wonderland festive one.

The Dorchester is the place to be for a quintessential British afternoon tea. They offer a traditional afternoon tea or a champagne afternoon tea, which both come with a selection of finger sandwiches, scones, freshly-baked cakes that change depending on the season, and a selection of tea and coffee. If you opt for the champagne, you'll get to enjoy yours with a glass of bubbly.

For tiers of freshly baked scones, dainty finger sandwiches and sweet cakes, The Drawing Room in Mayfair is an excellent choice. Word on the street is that Queen Victoria enjoyed her afternoon tea in the elegant Brown's Drawing Room and you can too. Snack on pretty pastries and freshly-pressed coffee in a quintessentially English setting, with original wood panelling and modern artwork. You'll also get to enjoy little sandwiches and fluffy scones filled with fresh cream and sweet jam. It's a tea fit for royalty.

Claridges is another one of the iconic institutions in Mayfair that hosts an elegant afternoon tea. You'll get to dine surrounded by opulent decor, including an eye-catching Chihuly sculpture and walls adorned with original Art Deco mirrors. There will also be the melody of a grand piano in the background as you nibble on sandwiches, cakes and scones.

The afternoon tea at The Lanesborough is created by their talented pastry team and served daily in The Lanesborough Grill, even with a live pianist at the weekends. There are a few varieties, including seasonal options.

Enjoy a selection of rare Japanese and international whiskies alongside various homegrown sakes and signature cocktails. It combines elements of British and Japanese fare to create a memorable afternoon tea experience. They can even make it vegan for you if you give enough notice.

This Knightsbridge-based hotel and afternoon tea sanctuary makes for the dreamiest setting for an award-winning English Afternoon Tea. The pastry team here have added a modern twist to this classic British tradition. You'll get to enjoy a choice of 36 loose-leaf teas alongside finger sandwiches, scones, cakes and more.

The Wallace Restaurant, located inside the grand Wallace Collection gallery, is the perfect place to indulge in afternoon tea in magnificent surroundings. The tea is served with freshly-made sandwiches, pillowy scones with thick clotted cream and preserves, and tasty cakes with the option to add bubbles.

Turmeric Kitchen is adding an Indian twist to the afternoon tea tradition at Park Grand London in Kensington. Their take includes a tasty variety of fresh finger sandwiches, scones, and a choice of tea - either from their diverse selection or the option of chai, a refreshing and milky spin on the classic cuppa.

Located in a restored Georgian townhouse, the Bingham Riverhouse is an elegant escape in the heart of Richmond-upon-Thames, offering picturesque river views. On Sundays, guests can enjoy afternoon tea in either the Library, offering scenic River Thames views, or the sunlit Drawing Room with its floor-to-ceiling windows. The Traditional Afternoon Tea menu boasts a selection of savoury and sweet delights, featuring freshly-baked scones, finger sandwiches, cakes, and a selection of teas.

Candella Tea Room is a cute and quaint tea room on Kensington Church Street that is stocked with old-fashioned and vintage tableware and crockery. The afternoon tea menu here boasts a pot of loose-leaf tea, which you can choose from their extensive list, alongside a selection of British tea finger sandwiches. Of course, there are also homemade scones with clotted cream or raisins and an assortment of handmade patisseries.

The signature tea at Biscuiteers includes delicate finger sandwiches, beautifully presented patisserie, freshly-baked scones, and the iconic hand-iced biscuits, all crafted by the patisserie team. Accompanied by the bespoke blend of Tregothnan tea, guests can elevate their experience by opting for a glass of Biscuiteers fizz for special occasions or simply to add a touch of indulgence. For a twist, guests can now also reserve a spot to take part in the DIY icing session alongside their afternoon tea.

Bread Ahead Bakery is a renowned London bakery, famed for its pastries as much as its breads. In addition to a bright ground-floor café, the Chelsea branch features an elegant upstairs tea salon, The Tea House, where they serve afternoon tea. Expect a seasonal feast of savoury and sweet bakes, including traditional treats like Battenberg cake, accompanied by premium Fortnum & Mason teas. You can even take a masterclass to learn how to bake and prepare afternoon tea.

Experience dining fit for royalty in Queen Anne's former greenhouse at Kensington Palace. The Orangery, restored from its original 1704 construction, features a magnificent terrace overlooking the palace. Indulge in a classic afternoon tea, complete with the renowned Victoria sponge favoured by Queen Victoria, or savour a two-course lunch featuring dishes with royal inspiration, like the Palace Pie.