Guide to vegetarian afternoon tea in London

One of the world's most famous afternoon teas takes place at The Thames Foyer at renowned hotel The Savoy. Seated in a glass atrium with attractive river views, guests enjoy a refined experience with over 30 tea blends to choose from. Menus change frequently but there are high teas and afternoon teas for omnivores, veggies, and vegans.

Luxury South Kensington hotel The Ampersand is renowned for its creative afternoon teas inspired by nearby museums. Kids and adults will be delighted with the science or Jurassic-inspired menus. As well as the classic menus, vegetarian and gluten-free selections are available, all with theatrical presentation and lots of fun surprises.

The Foyer and Reading Room offers all-day dining at luxury hotel Claridge's. The venue has an Art Deco style and is enhanced with a striking sculpture by Dale Chihuly. A traditional afternoon tea is served here but the venue caters for a whole range of dietary requirements, including vegetarian selections – just let them know what you need in advance.

Have your afternoon tea in the company of some gorgeous cats at Whiskers & Cream, a cat café in Holloway Road. This comfy and cosy venue offers a selection of afternoon teas to suit various dietary needs, including a veggie selection of sandwiches and treats like macarons, cheesecake, and sorbet.

Afternoon tea comes with impressive city views at Oxo Tower Restaurant, Bar & Brasserie. Indoor and outdoor tables are available here, where you can enjoy a relaxed brasserie menu, fine dining plates, or afternoon tea. The menu includes sandwiches, fresh buttermilk scones, and sweets – a vegetarian menu is available if you order in advance.

The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon is a renowned afternoon tea destination based at Fortnum & Mason. A number of afternoon tea menus are available at this sophisticated venue. This includes a vegetarian-friendly selection that includes dainty finger sandwiches, plain and fruit scones, and tempting cakes and pastries like pineapple cake and a hazelnut and pistachio gateaux.

The Montague on the Gardens is a charming townhouse hotel in Bloomsbury. You can have afternoon tea here in the elegant conservatory that's dripping with timeless style. The hotel offers afternoon tea options to suit a range of dietary requirements and can provide vegetarian sandwiches if notified in advance. A champagne afternoon tea is also available.

Palm Court at The Langham has been serving afternoon tea since 1865, and since then the venue has developed a big reputation for its well-presented sweet treats. The space blends timeless style with icy colours that bring it up to date. As well as the classic menu, there's a vegetarian selection and a tea designed for kids.

The Zetter in Marylebone is a quirky boutique hotel based in a grand Georgian townhouse. It has an on-site lounge that's full of distinctive character and serves cocktails, snacks, and afternoon tea. There's a vegetarian menu as well as the classic option featuring finger sandwiches, plain and spiced raisin scones, and sweet treats.

You'll get an afternoon tea with a difference at Ping Pong. Available at the St Katharine Docks location, this menu is all about dim sum. Diners get an indulgent selection of dim sum and mini desserts, paired with fine tea. You can choose between the original or vegetarian selection. The venue is quirky and fun.

Located in Covent Garden, The Petersham serves organic Italian cuisine in an environment packed with botanicals. As well as the main menus, a variety of afternoon tea choices are available. This includes an option for vegetarians with Italian-inspired nibbles as well as the all-important plain and fruit scones with jam and clotted cream.

Cinnamon Bazaar, a restaurant from acclaimed chef Vivek Singh, is a bold and colourful spot for Indian cooking. You can also get an inspiring take on afternoon tea here, featuring a choice of teas, chaat, sandwiches, and cakes. Vegetarian sandwiches can be provided as an alternative to chicken and fish.

At The St Ermin's Tea Lounge you'll find a stylish space that's dedicated to afternoon tea. The venue is sunny and bright whilst the menus are inclusive. As well as the classic option, there's a vegetarian afternoon tea with savoury bites, scones, and sweet nibbles. Champagne afternoon tea and a tea for children are also available.

Located in upmarket Park Lane, Lanes of London is a sophisticated British restaurant that serves food throughout the day. This includes afternoon tea menus of refined sweet and savoury bites. As well as the main menu, a vegetarian option is available upon request. The same goes for vegan and gluten-free versions.

Kona serves an award-winning afternoon tea in a luxurious setting with opulent furnishings. You get a choice of themed teas at this venue – there's one inspired by India and another that channels the classic story of “The Secret Garden.” Vegetarian or vegan versions of each afternoon tea are available if you give at least 48 hours notice.

At The Chesterfield Mayfair there's a whimsical afternoon tea themed on a traditional sweet shop. This unique offering is fun for children and adults, full of surprising treats like a Coca-Cola slice. The veggie menu includes sandwiches, inspiring pastries, and plain and chocolate chip scones. You can have champagne too as an extra treat.

Guests can sample an award-winning afternoon tea at The Palm Court at The Sheraton Grand. This is a grand Art Deco setting where all the food is prepared in-house. You can choose from a broad range of tea blends to enjoy alongside sandwiches, scones, and delicate pastries. A vegetarian option is available in addition to the classic menu.

Popular with both locals and tourists, Dalloway Terrace is an elegant all-day dining spot in Bloomsbury. It's a photogenic space for outdoor dining, styled as an English country garden with numerous botanicals. Guests are welcome for afternoon tea. Most dishes on the standard menu are vegetarian but you can request vegetarian sandwiches in advance. 

Cute and pink bakery and café Brigit's Bakery is a top pick for afternoon tea, either at the Covent Garden venue or on a double-decker bus tour. There are themed tea tours as well. This place does teas suitable for various dietary needs, including vegetarian diets. There's a seasonal menu of savouries and cakes and tarts.

Award-winning hotel The Lanesborough is right next to Hyde Park. There are various dining options at this upmarket establishment, including a well-regarded afternoon tea. The tea here is inspired by the hit series "Bridgerton" and there are several menus to pick from, including a tea for vegetarians and a menu especially for children.

Visit The Rubens at the Palace and you can savour afternoon tea whilst enjoying impressive views of Buckingham Palace. This place is all about refined luxury. The tea offering here is wholly traditional but there are selections to suit various dietary needs. Simply let the hotel know in advance if you want a veggie-friendly tea.

Five-star hotel The Berkeley attracts plenty of guests with its unique Prêt-à-Portea afternoon tea, which reinterprets the season's hottest fashion trends into creative edible treats. As well as the main selection, there's a menu that focuses on savoury nibbles and a selection that's entirely vegetarian. Cocktails and champagne are available to enhance the experience.

A big hit with visitors to London, The English Rose Café and Tea Shop is a quirky tea room in central London. You're promised a taste of tradition here. A small breakfast menu is served but the focus is on afternoon tea. You'll get finger sandwiches, cakes, and scones, and can choose from classic, pescatarian, or vegetarian menus.

A traditional and award-winning afternoon tea is available at The Milestone, a luxurious and timeless hotel close to Kensington Palace. Guests can enjoy finger sandwiches, fresh scones, and freshly-baked cakes and pastries in elegant surroundings. Dietary needs are well taken care of – there's a vegetarian menu as well as gluten-free and vegan selections.

The Doll's House on the Hill is a favourite destination for afternoon tea in Harrow. This quaint tea room has a cute vintage theme and offers indoor and outdoor seats. Breakfast and lunch dishes are served and afternoon tea is available every day. The vegetarian option includes sandwiches with various fillings, plus homemade sultana scones and cakes.

The Egerton House Hotel in South Kensington provides luxurious accommodation in a boutique townhouse setting. It's a popular destination for afternoon tea and even serves a tea menu for dogs so your pooch can join in. A classic afternoon tea is served in timeless surroundings, with a range of dietary needs catered for. This includes a vegetarian tea.

One Aldwych is a hotel that's renowned for its afternoon tea offering. This unique and creative tea is themed on "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory", including inspiring treats and exciting surprises. Kids and adults will be entertained by these nibbles. Vegetarian and vegan selections are also available here so no one is forgotten about.