Guide to the best afternoon tea in Covent Garden

The Savoy's Gallery is renowned worldwide as the location for an exquisite afternoon tea experience. The magnificent glass-domed atrium, which boasts breath-taking views of the River Thames, offers a sophisticated and refined atmosphere in which to indulge. The menu is updated regularly and features a selection of over 30 teas, as well as sandwiches, scones, and pastries.

For over 30 years, Boulevard Brasserie has upheld its reputation as a stronghold of French gastronomy in London's West End. In addition to the authentic French culinary experience offered on the menu, the restaurant also serves a traditional afternoon tea. The French-inspired menu includes your choice of teas and herbal infusions, savouries, freshly baked raisin and plain scones, and homemade cakes and tarts. You can also add bottomless prosecco.

Brigit's Bakery in Covent Garden is a popular destination for a girly afternoon tea experience, offering plenty of floral and pink decor and an array of sweet treats. The café menu also includes an all-day brunch and a lunch menu with salads, sandwiches, and quiche. In addition to their café offerings, Brigit's Bakery offers a unique afternoon tea experience aboard a converted double-decker bus, with classic, gin cocktail, and Peppa Pig-themed options available, and can even deliver afternoon tea for parties and corporate events.

The Covent Garden outpost of the esteemed Cinnamon Collection, led by renowned chef Vivek Singh, draws inspiration from India's famous spice bazaars to deliver a dynamic fusion of traditional and modern flavours. Inspired by Singh's roots, the bespoke Bazzar High Chai menu brings fire and spice to the traditional spread, including freshly brewed masala chai, chaats, sandwiches and rolls, and sweets such as a saffron macaron or shrikhand cheesecake. Add a chai bellini for a bit of an extra kick.

Browns is a chain of British brasseries located across the UK, serving a varied menu around the clock. The afternoon tea at their Covent Garden branch is an indulgent affair, complementing the traditional savouries, warm scones, mini cakes and puddings with a glass of Moët & Chandon Impérial champagne. You can also get a gin & tonic or an Aperol Spritz to go with it.

Founded more than 150 years ago in Paris, Ladurée is a brand synonymous with macarons, the dainty, pretty treats available in a variety of flavours. At its tea salon next to Covent Garden's Apple Market, Ladurée offers all-day dining, as well as a traditional afternoon tea featuring its signature colourful delights. In addition to the macarons, the afternoon tea includes mini patisseries, scones, finger sandwiches, and a choice of teas and champagnes.

Mariage Frères, the renowned luxury tea brand from Paris, showcases its vast collection of premium teas at its flagship salon in Covent Garden, organized on the world's largest tea wall. The boutique also encompasses a dining area on the upper floor, where you can sample various tea-infused French specialities, as well as afternoon tea where all the items, from the savouries to the patisserie, are infused with Mariage Frères teas.

Brasserie Max, located within the Covent Garden Hotel, offers a luxurious dining experience throughout the day, complete with opulent patterned fabrics and captivating art adorning its walls. The afternoon tea here includes classic favourites like delicate finger sandwiches, sweet treats, and scones with clotted cream and preserves.

Located within the stylish St Martin's Lane Hotel, The Den exudes a calming atmosphere with its mid-century style and tasteful wood panelling. Guests can unwind on plush leather sofas while being surrounded by playful art and indulging in delectable food and drinks all day long. You can treat yourself to a contemporary take on traditional afternoon tea with bespoke tea blends, including a croque monsieur resembling their famous revolving doors and an elderflower and gold dust tea, symbolising the entrance to their hidden speakeasy.

One Aldwych is a refined and opulent hotel that pays homage to the best of British design trends. In addition to the exquisite rooms and the various dining options available, the Covent Garden establishment is also home to the whimsical Charlie & the Chocolate Factory afternoon tea, which promises a delightful and imaginative experience for all, not just fans of Roald Dahl's famed work.

In addition to hosting some of the most spectacular and acclaimed theatrical performances over the past century, Theatre Royal Drury Lane features a stunning Grand Saloon with chandeliers, ornate ceilings, and fine art. Here, you can indulge in afternoon tea by Lily Vanilli, the celebrated London baker also known as the Queen of Cupcakes. The seasonally changing menu is served on custom fine bone china.

The luxurious Waldorf Hilton, an icon among Covent Garden accommodation options, features a grand dining room where you can indulge in sumptuous themed afternoon tea. The grand-café-style setting ensures a memorable experience whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself. While you're enjoying the freshly cut sandwiches, warm scones, delectable treats and speciality teas, the resident pianist and harpist will provide an elegant soundtrack.

Violas' afternoon teas have become a beloved favourite among loyal guests, offering a little oasis of elegance to enjoy a refined take on this classic tradition. At Violas, guests can enjoy their crustless sandwiches and beautifully baked light cakes in a charming and intimate setting. Just a two-minute walk from the bustle of Covent Garden, Violas' floral façade opens to a space that blends period charm with contemporary style. And, of course, the scones—an essential part of any English afternoon tea—are available for an additional fee, with the only decision left being whether to add jam or cream first.