Time For Tea: 9 London Spots To Have Afternoon Tea In

You can't say you've been to London⁠—or any place in the UK, for that matter!⁠—if you haven't done afternoon tea. In this country, afternoon tea is more than just tradition. It's a way of life. So much so that some of the most important events in their centuries-old history happened during afternoon tea. Also, you won't find a place in the whole territory that doesn't do it. But London, in particular, has some of the most beautiful places for afternoon tea. These alone make the custom all the more special.

 

Brigit's Bakery

When you're traveling, it's always great to do a 2-in-1. Think drinking wine/champagne by the Eiffel Tower in Paris or eating a hearty plate of pasta while overlooking the Coliseum in Rome. Here in London, a worthy 2-in-1 activity that'll make you feel oh-so-British is riding a double-decker bus while taking afternoon tea. There's actually a special tour that starts at the famous Brigit's Bakery at Covent Garden wherein you hop aboard the city's famous public transport system while you sip warm much on the bakery's sweet pastries. It sounds like a great deal, doesn't it? 

Source: Brigit Bakery

 

Cake Boy

What's better than eating some delicious pastries while you drink afternoon tea? Knowing that no animals were harmed in the making of those delicious pastries! Over at Cake Boy in Battersea, they serve some sweet gluten-free cakes to go with your warm afternoon tea. They pride themselves as one of the very few vegan bakeries in this foodie capital. So much so that they even have their own culinary school where interested visitors get to learn how to make vegan treats for themselves. It's all for the effort of saving the environment. But also, modernizing and upholding one of Great Britain's most beloved traditions. 

Source: Cake Boy

 

Dominique Ansel Bakery

There's something so pleasant about flowers and tea. Flower-flavored tea? Yes, please! But also, perhaps, flower-flavored pastries with your tea too! Here in London, there's only one place where you can get such treats! Dominique Ansel Bakery over at Belgravia boasts a fine afternoon tea menu of floral-formulated cakes. Imagine a sumptuous pastry filled with rose ganache. Or a simple cake made even sweeter with lavender meringues. Who knew that flowers can taste as sweet as they smell? This is the sort of relaxing experience you'll find here. It'll be a welcome change from all of the hustle and bustle of London. 

Source: Dominique Ansel Bakery Facebook Page

 

Hotel Café Royal

In Great Britain, but especially here in London, it's all about the royal experience. It is the home of the world's most famous royal family. Visitors like you shouldn't expect anything less. So when it comes to afternoon tea, the Hotel Café Royal in SoHo will meet all of your expectations. Perhaps even exceed them. This opulent sanctuary of fine food will really make you believe that you've finally landed in London. You'll really find out why the city is known as one of the food capitals in the world. Because during tea time, you'll have an infinite array of sweet cakes, delicious pastries, and smooth tea for all your dining pleasure. It’s a great place to take a client out for afternoon tea! 

Source: Hotel Café Royal

 

Sketch

Paris might have the "looking at life through rose-colored glasses" sentiment, but at the famous Sketch restaurant in London, all you'll see is this rosy pink hue. Not to mention the quirky illustrations that line up some of the pink-hued walls, as if you were in a Wes Anderson film. But then, that's the beauty of the world-famous tea-time hotspot. It offers you an unusually modernized classic take on the tradition. With their many French pastries and British treats ready to tickle your tastebuds, as well as the fine music that they play here, this place takes care of all of your senses! 

Source: Sketh London Facebook Page

 

The Collins Room at The Berkeley

Here at the famous Berkeley hotel in London, their 'Collins Room' combines two of London's most famous favorites: afternoon tea and high fashion. They have what they call "Prêt-à-Portea," wherein they served designer-inspired cakes and pastries while you enjoy an afternoon of sipping haute tea. From Valentino to Burberry and Jimmy Choo, you'll recognize that some names on the menu are definitely familiar labels. It’s almost as if you were in a London designer outlet store or something! But don't worry, this doesn't mean you'll get served with leather-filled cakes or suede-made cronuts. These are just quirky names that include fashion in on the fun. All in all, it's still pretty much a traditional experience here. 

Source: The Berkeley

 

The Foyer at Claridge’s

If you really want a classic afternoon tea experience, look no further than The Foyer at Claridge's. It has everything you'll need for a true London-style afternoon tea: classical music, delicious pastries, and a grand art deco foyer. London is all about offering a luxurious experience, and it doesn't get any more luxurious than this. But perhaps what many people go for here are the finger sandwiches. While some of the places on this list rely on the sweetness factor, The Foyer puts their savory selection upfront. It just goes to show that doing afternoon tea is more than just one flavor! 

Source: Claridge's 

 

The Landmark London

Sunshine on an afternoon tea? Sounds heavenly, doesn't it? Well, this is the sort of five-star experience you'll get when you go to The Landmark London for tea time. It's a high-class experience that will leave you breathless. Step into their glass-encased atrium and dine on sweet pastries, delicious sandwiches, and refreshingly smooth tea. In fact, many have attributed their experience as having similar feels with how the Victorians used to do it over two centuries ago. But, of course, with a more modern twist. Now, try and see if you'll experience this sort of style anywhere else in the world! 

Source: The Landmark London

 

The Savoy

You can never really go wrong with a classic. The Savoy hotel over at Covent Garden houses a beautiful Thames foyer that hosts afternoon tea every single day. And what they offer is as classic as it can get. Beautiful classical music fills up the foyer as the afternoon starts with delectable sandwiches and fine sweet pastries and treats. Their selection of teas, however, are slightly exotic. But they don't take away from the ultimately sophisticated offering that this hotel provides. Just make sure you reserve a table beforehand. The place has become so popular, it'll likely be crowded during tea time. 

Source: The Savoy

 

Doing afternoon tea is part of the London lifestyle. It's a quintessential part of British culture that you have to partake in at least once while you're in the capital. Fortunately, the city houses a ton of great places to have afternoon tea in the best ways possible.