Guide to the best afternoon tea in Central London

The Ritz is a world-famous five-star hotel synonymous with luxury, lavish accommodation, and all the finer things in life. It's no different when it comes to afternoon tea, with this quintessentially British tradition served in an opulent space with crisp tablecloths, massive chandeliers, and plenty of gold trim. The Ritz is the only hotel in the country with its own certified Tea Master, tasked with travelling around the world to source the finest teas. The whole experience is complemented by a resident pianist.

Afternoon tea at the luxurious five-star Stafford hotel is served at The Game Bird, a contemporary British restaurant run by a Michelin-starred chef. The exquisite treat is served table-side from a trolley and includes dainty finger sandwiches, seasonal cakes and pastries, and fine teas or wine. The afternoon tea menu is available daily here, and you can also book a drawing room to enjoy it in privacy.

Inspired by Roald Dahl's beloved “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”, the afternoon tea at the lavish One Aldwych hotel in the heart of Covent Garden is an imaginative take on a British tradition. Enjoy wondrous cakes, fizzy lifting champagne, scrumptious savouries, and other enchanting treats served in a magical, colourful space. Children's, vegetarian, and vegan menus are available too.

Boulevard Brasserie has been a bastion of French gastronomy in the West End since all the way back in 1991. In addition to a menu of sophisticated French classics, the restaurant serves an afternoon tea with French inflections such as macarons or a salt beef & dijonaise sandwich. The chic space is inspired by 1960s Paris Theatreland.

Considered one of the finest café-restaurants in London, The Wolseley is a magnificent eatery in the style of European grand cafés, serving British and European classics all day long. This includes a renowned take on traditional afternoon tea. It's available every day and includes sandwiches, cakes, scones, and fine teas, with an optional champagne upgrade offered as well.

Situated close to Buckingham Palace, The English Rose Café and Tea Shop offers an authentic English experience, complete with charming quirks. It's a perfect option for London visitors seeking a traditional tea room atmosphere, with a small breakfast menu and a popular afternoon tea service. They don't take bookings, so just stop by when you need a break from the sightseeing.

Served in the Park Corner Brasserie at the London Hilton, the traditional afternoon tea at this five-star hotel in the heart of the city features six delicious courses, including warm scones, dainty sandwiches, pretty pastries, and more. The afternoon tea is also distinguished by its tea – the loose-leaf blend comes from Cornwall and is the only tea grown in England.

The UK flagship store of the renowned French tea brand Mariage Frères doubles as a classy tea salon with an elegant look. You can also order afternoon tea here, choosing between a traditional British menu or a lighter Parisian version. Both include Mariage Frères' high-end teas, with the assorted treats infused with them as well.

Browns is a classic British brasserie found at multiple locations around the country, including several in London. You can enjoy a traditional afternoon tea inspired by the group's half a century of operation here, with treats such as raspberry marble birthday cake, warm scones with seasonal jams, mini cakes, and more. A bespoke gluten-free version is available as well.

Cakes & Bubbles at the five-star Hotel Café Royal is a luxury patisserie by globally renowned pastry chef Albert Adrià. It's all about the sweetness and the bubbles here, with meticulously crafted treats paired with fine wines and champagne. This extends to the afternoon tea menu, which shuns savouries in favour of going all-in on desserts and champagne.

Tea and Tattle, located within the famous Arthur Probsthain bookshop in Central London, is a classic tea room adorned with intricate Chinese wallpaper. Guests can drop by for a sandwich, indulge in scones or cakes paired with hot beverages or smoothies, or opt for the afternoon tea experience. It's affordable and includes homemade lemonade.

Kona is a lavish and tranquil destination at the Taj 51 Suites and Residences, where you can enjoy an acclaimed afternoon tea experience. Within the Victorian townhouse hotel, Kona exudes elegance with its opulent furnishings and modern design. You can try different themed afternoon teas in this Central London venue, including an India-inspired menu with jasmine tea, or a magical one inspired by the classic tale “The Secret Garden.”

Like the literary character it's named after, Gatsby's Room is elegant and adorned with Art Deco elements paying homage to its transatlantic legacy. The restaurant at The Beaumont hotel offers an afternoon tea menu with American accents. For the ultimate indulgence, you can pair it with a trip to the hotel's luxurious spa.

Palm Court at The Langham in Central London, renowned for serving afternoon tea since 1865, offers an Instagram-worthy experience with exquisite, beautifully-presented sweet treats in a stylishly modern yet classic setting. The venue creates a luxurious atmosphere with dramatic lighting, comfortable seats, and mirrored walls. The Langham Afternoon Tea menu is overseen by none other than Michel Roux Jr, one of the best chefs in the world.

Just off of Trafalgar Square, you can visit the Central London branch of contemporary Indian restaurant Colonel Saab. The charming, cosy restaurant, inspired by the travels of its owner's parents, serves an Indian take on afternoon tea. Bites such as dhokla sandwiches, samosas, and mini cakes are paired with a selection of fine teas, including spiced chai.

Right next to Hyde Park you can find the headquarters of visionary pâtissier Cédric Grolet. Found at The Berkeley, the award-winning pastry chef is renowned for his exquisite trompe-l'œil fruits and flowers. He's also behind Goûtea, a fusion of British afternoon tea and the French tradition of sweet snacking that showcases Grolet's beautiful seasonal savouries and pastries.

Biscuiteers is a biscuit company known for beautifully iced and perfectly packaged biscuits that make for an exceptionally great gift. It's also behind this biscuit boutique in Belgravia, where you can relax with a hot drink and a treat. Their afternoon tea highlights the iconic handmade biscuits and other treats. You can upgrade with a glass of their signature fizz or add on a DIY icing class to master the intricacies of decorating the biscuits yourself.

At the five-star Corinthia London, a traditional afternoon tea is served in the grand hotel's timeless Crystal Moon Lounge, an elegant space lit by the soft glow of 1,001 Baccarat crystals. Available every day, the afternoon tea at the Central London hotel pairs delicious sweet and savoury treats with an assortment of fine tea blends. You can also indulge in high-end upgrades such as champagne or a caviar course.

The Park Room offers a luxurious afternoon tea experience characterised by elegant decor, splendid views of Hyde Park, and a refined atmosphere. Beneath a mirrored ceiling and striking light fixtures, you can treat yourself to award-winning afternoon tea, complete with finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free versions make sure no one is left behind, and there's even a tea sommelier on hand to help you with your selection.

Located within The Wallace Collection in Marylebone, The Wallace Restaurant offers a spacious and relaxed dining atmosphere. Bathed in natural light and adorned with greenery and sculptures, the restaurant serves a traditional afternoon tea menu with freshly-prepared finger sandwiches, freshly-baked scones, mini cakes and pastries, and a pot of fine tea. Ideal for a pick-me-up after exploring the museum.