Guide to afternoon tea with a view in London

Indulge in afternoon tea inspired by Asian cultures at Tíng restaurant, located on level 35 of The Shard. This sky-high restaurant is the ideal choice for anyone who wants sweeping views of the city and beyond. It's served every day of the week and is made using high-quality ingredients sourced from small organic producers. They host seasonal teas and more.

Level up your afternoon tea experience at Searcys at the Gherkin, where you can soak up 360-degree views of London whilst feasting on a traditional afternoon tea spread. Expect sweet and savoury treats, like scones with Cornish clotted cream and fruit preserves, followed by pastries and desserts.

The British Afternoon Tea experience at Oxo Tower Restaurant comes with dreamy views of St Paul's and the Thames. The menu is chock-full of the nation's favourite snacks, like a selection of dainty sandwiches and freshly-baked buttermilk scones slathered with clotted cream and jam. You'll get an amazing selection of loose-leaf teas or coffee to accompany the food.

The British tradition of afternoon tea is enjoyed at The Library in Southbank, once the members' library of London County Council. The inside is decked out with original oak shelves with windows overlooking the Thames and some of London's most beloved landmarks.

The Anchor Bar & Terrace at The Chelsea Harbour Hotel not only feels like you're dining on a yacht but also offers a window to watch the yachts outside in the marina. Sip on a cup of tea and feast on classic afternoon tea treats, like sandwiches, scones and cakes, whilst enjoying the boat-filled views just moments away.

High up on level 31 of The Shard, the UK's tallest building, stands Aqua Shard. They serve a contemporary British menu paired with delicious cocktails with incredible skyline views. They change their afternoon teas every so often, but their most recent take is inspired by the adventures of Peter Pan on the island of Neverland. Treats are served on a tea stand modelled on Captain Hook's ship and are stacked with sweet and savoury treats, including finger sandwiches and warm scones inside a treasure chest. It's the perfect afternoon tea to pretend you're Peter Pan or Tinkerbell soaring between the city skyscrapers.

This late-night Asian restaurant and bar boasts stunning views of the world-famous St Paul's Cathedral. Their afternoon tea has an Asian twist, including things like crispy duck spring rolls, dumplings, and spicy avocado maki. There's also a range of sweets, such as passionfruit and coconut doughnuts and a variety of macaroons. 

The rooftop restaurant and bar at the Vintry & Mercer is the perfect place for afternoon tea with views of London's skyline. You can choose from an assortment of teas, including more out-there options such as phoenix honey orchid and jasmine silver needle. As for food, expect the classic sweet and savoury bites. They also host themed afternoon teas, like the Crown, which was a celebration of the Coronation.

For afternoon tea paired with stunning river views, head to Skylon in Waterloo. This modern restaurant has floor-to-ceiling windows boasting views of the river as well as a stylish interior inspired by the 1950s. Sip on loose-leaf teas and munch on a variety of sandwiches and sweet treats whilst watching boats cruise by on the neighbouring Thames.

Oblix is another one of The Shard's sleek and contemporary restaurants where you can enjoy afternoon tea with awesome city views. The menu is filled with classics with a twist, including things like Severn & Wye smoked salmon, mini prawn and lobster rolls and warm scones served with whipped clotted cream. Sip on free-flowing cocktails, tea, and coffee with views of London's skyline while savouring Oblix's tasty afternoon tea treats.

The Globe is not just a world-renowned theatre and cultural landmark; it also houses a contemporary riverside bar and restaurant where you can enjoy themed afternoon teas with views of St Paul's Cathedral, Bankside, and the River Thames. Although they change their afternoon teas regularly, one version is the Macbeth-inspired tea, an ode to Shakespeare's timeless tragedy.

This laid-back restaurant has a stunning riverside location, so you can enjoy lush views of the water and Tower Bridge while you dine on Modern European fare. Their afternoon tea is quintessentially British, featuring the classics like scones with Cornish clotted cream and jam, fruit macaroons, and finger sandwiches.