For me, England has all the time been synonymous with one factor. No, not royalty or sports activities or fish and chips; for me, it is all the time been afternoon tea.
If I’ve discovered something through the years and my (many, many) visits to London, it is that not all afternoon teas are the identical. Positive, the same old trappings (the new tea, the finger sandwiches, the scones, the candy treats) are normal in any good afternoon tea. However London is aware of easy methods to do a very memorable afternoon tea, with a number of boasting actually artistic themes that solely add to the general expertise.
I’ve made it my mission over the previous a number of years to check out as many themed afternoon teas in London as attainable so as to convey you a information to the perfect of them. (It is a onerous job, however somebody has to do it!)
The very best themed afternoon teas in London
I will not deceive you: This listing was VERY troublesome to compile, not least of all as a result of many of those themed teas change regularly (therefore why this submit is up to date fairly regularly!). Largely, although, it is simply robust to choose a favourite as a result of they’re all finished so properly!
Right here, then, are my picks for one of the best themed afternoon teas (which might be nonetheless supplied) in London, in reverse order.
10. B Bakery Afternoon Tea Bus Tour
Central London
It is debatable whether or not this one actually suits into the class of “themed afternoon teas,” however I am together with it just because it is so distinctive. The unique “afternoon tea bus” is placed on at the side of B Bakery (AKA Brigit’s Bakery in Covent Backyard), although there are different firms that now provide an analogous tea bus tour.
All of those teas have you ever using a transformed double decker bus round central London as you sip your tea and eat your scones. You will experience in a giant loop across the metropolis, passing London icons like Large Ben, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Harrods, Oxford Avenue, and Hyde Park.
There is a recording that accompanies your tour so what you are out the bus home windows, and the pastries particularly are actually tasty.
The professionals: It is a enjoyable approach to see a little bit of London, and also you get to go residence with a memento journey mug (because you’re on a shifting bus, your tea is not served in regular tea cups!).
The cons: London visitors will be tough, so there could be plenty of stopping/beginning – so watch out when attempting to unfold the jam in your scones! The buses even have very weak air con, so be ready for it to be heat if you happen to catch London throughout a warmth wave like I did. I additionally discovered it troublesome to listen to the recorded information due to course everybody on the bus was chatting over their tea!
Who this tea is finest for: A pair on a day-date, or a bunch of woman buddies searching for a enjoyable time out. I additionally suppose it is enjoyable for solo vacationers, for the reason that bus tour portion is cool even if you happen to’re by yourself. (Word although that if you happen to’re reserving the B Bus direct, you will have to name to e-book a solo desk.)
Worth: The B Bus begins at £45 per grownup, although I could not discover seats for lower than £56. Seats on the highest deck are dearer, and seats on the “VIP” entrance tables begin round £66 and might go as much as £72 per grownup. (Although I’ll say that sitting on the entrance desk was actually cool!)
Size: 1.5 hours, with a number of tour occasions every day
Good to know: They’ll cater to vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free diets, however can not accommodate nut allergy symptoms. In addition they do a gin bus tour, which is their typical afternoon tea mixed with gin cocktails. You undoubtedly NEED to e-book forward for this one, as they typically promote out – you’ll be able to e-book a seat right here (Viator) or right here (direct).
There’s additionally this afternoon tea bus tour, in case the unique is offered out.
9. Shakespeare-themed tea
Swan at Shakespeare’s Globe, South Financial institution
If it is a lightly-themed tea with an amazing view you are searching for, you’ll be able to’t actually beat the afternoon tea at Swan, the restaurant connected to Shakespeare’s Globe theater. The tea right here is loosely-based on Shakespeare’s work (once I went, it was A Midsummer Nights Dream themed, however presently has a Romeo and Juliet theme), with an illustrated menu and bespoke tableware*.
The meals features a number of savory sandwiches, fruity scones, and a handful of candy treats, and I additionally added on a themed cocktail. (You may also do that as a savory-focused “Gents’s Tea” if you happen to do not love the sweets.)
I additionally ended up successful the seating lottery on this one – my desk regarded out over the Thames and had a view of the dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral!
The professionals: The views are nice, and that is probably the most inexpensive themed afternoon tea on this listing.
The cons: The meals is just lightly-themed, and I did not discover most of it to be notably memorable. In actual fact, I did not even end all of my sandwiches.
Who this tea is finest for: First-time guests to London who wish to go to a day tea whereas exploring one of the crucial well-liked components of the town (the South Financial institution) on the similar time.
Worth: £42.50 for normal tea, and you may add themed cocktails for a further cost.
When: 2-hour seatings, supplied every day between midday and 5 p.m.
Good to know: When you’ve got dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and so forth.), allow them to know at time of reserving, as they might not be capable of accommodate these requests on the day. Reserving forward is really useful, and the tea is served within the restaurant space of the Swan.
8. Charlie and the Chocolate Manufacturing unit tea
Indigo at One Aldwych, Covent Backyard
I went to a Charlie and the Chocolate Manufacturing unit-themed tea final summer season (described within the subsequent part of this submit), however the one at One Aldwych is certainly the must-do. Tea is served within the fashionable Indigo restaurant (you would possibly even get seated on a balcony-like part), and has, in my view, a number of the best-themed afternoon tea meals in London.
The Charlie and the Chocolate Manufacturing unit tea is served in two programs: the savories, adopted by the sweets. In true Willy Wonka trend, a number of the bites are a little bit bizarre (in a great way!), just like the tomato/beef marshmallow and the savory scones served with bacon jam I had on my menu. There’s even a chocolate milkshake that the menu says is “blended by waterfall.”
The tea choice is ingenious, too, together with a chocolate tea made with coco nibs. You may also add a “Fizzy Lifting Drink” to your tea, that are cocktails that are available little glass teapots full with dry ice for a smoking impact.
The professionals: The meals isn’t solely actually imaginative, but in addition actually good! I appreciated all the sandwiches, and particularly cherished the chocolate financiers on the sweets facet. I additionally appreciated that every little thing from the tea picks to the cocktails have been Wonka-themed. And so they supplied free refills on every little thing, too, together with the meals.
The cons: The sweets are all REALLY candy (I imply, it comes with cotton sweet, although, so this should not be a shock). I additionally was a bit bummed that the sweets aren’t introduced out till you end the savories – I prefer to alternate candy and savory at afternoon tea, and the photographer in me was unhappy I could not take images of every little thing collectively!
Who this tea is finest for: {Couples} searching for a enjoyable date, a great spot for a ladies’ outing, and likewise appropriate for households.
Worth: £70, or £85 with champagne or a Fizzy Lifting Drink (cocktail)
When: Seatings are for two hours; bookable solely Wednesday-Sunday.
Good to know: Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free menus can be found, however they ask that you just allow them to learn about dietary necessities 48 hours forward of time.
6. Depraved afternoon tea
The Clermont, Victoria
This Depraved-themed tea is obtainable on the lovely Clermont lodge, which is related to London’s Victoria Station simply steps away from the Apollo Victoria Theatre, the place you’ll be able to see the Depraved musical on stage. The tea takes place within the lodge’s cozy Tea Lounge, which really has pink and inexperienced chairs – it does not get far more on-theme!
The tea itself options the same old tea trappings of sandwiches and scones, alongside Depraved-themed candy treats and added liquid nitrogen for dramatic impact. You may also add on certainly one of two themed cocktails (The Depraved and The Good) for simply £10 – we ordered certainly one of every, and they’re each incredible!
The tea meals right here is pretty common, although the themed drinks are distinctive and actually good.
The professionals: The theme is theme-ing, from the fizzy drinks to the Depraved-themed desserts. And the Tea Lounge is cozy, snug, and actually lovely. It is also one of many extra inexpensive tea choices on this listing, and the fizzy drinks are a stand-out.
The cons: The meals at this tea is nothing spectacular (nevertheless it’s not *dangerous* by any means).
Who this tea is finest for: {Couples} (perhaps pre-Depraved present?), or buddies searching for a pleasant time out.
Worth: £40 per individual, plus a further £10 for one of many particular fizzy drinks
When: The tea is obtainable every day, with seatings from 12:30-4:30 p.m. on weekdays, and 1:30-4:30 p.m. on weekends.
Good to know: The Depraved theme is just scheduled to final till mid-December 2025!
5. Botanical afternoon tea
Lanes of London at London Marriott Lodge Park Lane
The Lanes of London Botanical Afternoon Tea was a brand new discover for me, and it is a pleasant lightly-themed choice that features every little thing you want for a memorable tea. This tea is impressed by Hyde Park, and is exclusive in that it consists of three completely different tea pairings to go along with the completely different “programs” of the tea (savories, scones, and sweets).
I booked this tea when Wimbledon was on in London, so a number of the candy treats have been additionally Wimbledon-themed – two themes in a single!
The professionals: The meals and presentation of this tea was completely top-notch. All the pieces was lovely, and tasted simply nearly as good because it regarded – which is usually uncommon with afternoon teas! I additionally cherished the tea pairings (although you might go for completely different teas than those really useful).
The cons: Whereas Lanes is inside a luxurious lodge, there’s probably not something particular in regards to the area the place they serve afternoon tea. Service was additionally very, very sluggish on the day we went; we waited at the very least half an hour after we arrived to even obtain our first pots of tea.
Who this tea is finest for: It is undoubtedly nice for a girlfriends time out!
Worth: Begins at £50 per individual, which features a glass of bubbly (wonderful value, actually!)
Size: That is supplied every day from noon-4 p.m.
Good to know: They’ll do a vegan model of this tea, however you do have to e-book it prematurely. Additionally, the rose and hibiscus scones could be one of the best scones I’ve ever had!
4. Bridgerton tea
The Lanesborough lodge, Knightsbridge
In relation to Regency vibes, it is onerous to beat eating beneath the glass dome hung with glittering chandeliers contained in the beautiful Lanesborough lodge. Which might be why this lodge teamed up with Netflix to placed on a Bridgerton-themed afternoon tea match for Girl Whistledown herself.
Whereas Bridgerton followers particularly will respect the themed candy treats, even somebody with no Bridgerton data in any respect can benefit from the opulent setting and really scrumptious bites. (My husband Elliot can attest to this; he hasn’t seen a single episode of Bridgerton, however nonetheless loved this tea!)
Word: The images right here have been from the 2022 Bridgerton-themed tea, however they’ve up to date the tea for each season of the present. So the desserts would possibly look a bit completely different now, however are nonetheless Bridgerton-themed!
The professionals: The setting inside The Lanesborough is purpose sufficient to come back right here, however the Bridgerton theme is completed so properly, from the gorgeous themed pastries right down to the menu full with a word from Girl Whistledown. In addition they have a particular tea mix, in addition to a enjoyable themed gin cocktail you’ll be able to order.
The cons: The one con I can consider is that this one is on the pricier finish of the teas I am that includes right here.
Who this tea is finest for: The Diamond of the season, in fact! Plus, any Bridgerton followers. Although, like I mentioned, it is a ok afternoon tea in such a fantastic area that I believe anybody might take pleasure in it. This one is not actually geared in the direction of youngsters, although.
Worth: £89 per individual (£99 with the themed cocktail)
When: Every day, although hours fluctuate based mostly on day of the week.
Good to know: They’ll accommodate dietary necessities if you happen to allow them to know prematurely. That is additionally one you HAVE to e-book prematurely, because it does regularly promote out.
3. Science Tea
The Drawing Rooms at The Ampersand, South Kensington
You do not have to be a science geek to take pleasure in this themed afternoon tea – nevertheless it definitely does not harm! Full with an “experiment” to create your individual lemonade, space-themed sweets, and a small field the place you’ll be able to “dig” for a dinosaur deal with, this science-themed tea is simply FUN.
Whereas the meals at this tea is not actually themed flavor-wise, so many different components are that this is among the extra charming themed teas you’ll be able to e-book. There are themed plates, dry ice surrounding a one of many planet-shaped chocolate bombs when your tea stand comes out, a “petri dish” of jelly, check tubes stuffed with enjoyable toppings on your scones, and extra.
The meals at this tea is fairly good (I notably appreciated the rooster and basil bun and the darkish chocolate and fervour fruit planet mousse), and The Drawing Rooms are vibrant and delightful, even if you happen to go to on a wet day like I did.
Execs: The theme is such a enjoyable one, and is executed very well. The service was good, you will get refills on any of your favorites (and take leftovers residence with you), and I cherished that they provide a youngsters’ model that is available in a rocket-shaped tea stand! I additionally cherished the “experiment” they offer you (making lemonade) to move the time when you wait on your meals to come back out. Plus, this one is obtainable nearly all day lengthy!
Cons: I might discover few faults right here. I might have appreciated extra natural tea selections on the menu, however that is about it.
Who this tea is finest for: That is my prime choose for a kid-friendly tea (I imply, there are check tubes and issues to squirt into your meals!), although in fact anybody can take pleasure in it.
Worth: £59.50 for the Science Afternoon Tea; £39.50 for Children’ Sci-Fi Tea
When: 2-hour seatings; tea served every day from noon-7 p.m. Monday-Friday, and 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. on weekends.
Good to know: Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free menus can be found. Reserving forward is extremely really useful.
Word: They’ve launched a second themed tea in 2023, referred to as the Jurassic Tea! It is just like the Science Tea, however leans extra closely in the direction of the dinosaur theme. I would like to do that one subsequent time!
2. Peter Pan tea
Aqua Shard inside The Shard, Southwark
Trying to get swept away right into a world of caprice excessive above the rooftops of London? Then you definitely’ll wish to try the Peter Pan-themed tea supplied at Aqua Shard, a restaurant on the thirty first flooring of The Shard.
This tea is nice for a number of causes. First, the meals is themed and fairly good (they even have particular tea blends that match the Peter Pan theme). Second, the restaurant has floor-to-ceiling home windows providing wonderful views of London’s highlights; if you happen to have been planning to go to The Shard anyway, simply e-book tea right here as a substitute!
And third, the presentation of this tea is among the most original. The tea stand they bring about the sweets out on is formed like a pirate ship, and comes full with dry ice billowing out of it as you attempt to escape into the clouds from Captain Hook, and scones served inside a treasure chest.
The professionals: The meals is themed and fairly good, and the presentation actually is particular, proper right down to the menu that appears like a treasure map. You can also’t beat these views!
The cons: The savories are served earlier than the sweets, which I discover typically makes it troublesome to tempo your self.
Who this tea is finest for: A pair who desires to splurge a bit and luxuriate in beautiful Shard views together with their tea. (Technically this tea is kid-friendly, although Aqua Shard undoubtedly feels a bit fancy and I personally did not see any youngsters there.)
Worth: £70 per individual (or £88 if including a Fairy Mud cocktail)
When: Every day from noon-3:15 p.m.
Good to know: In addition they have a non-alcoholic blended drink you’ll be able to add referred to as the By no means Develop Up punch. They provide vegetarian and vegan menus, however not a gluten-free choice.
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1. Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea
Sanderson Lodge, Fitzrovia
So are you stunned that the Peter Pan tea did not take the #1 spot? I sort of was, too, to be sincere! However, when it comes right down to it, one other of London’s well-known themed teas barely nudged it out: the Alice in Wonderland-themed Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea on the Sanderson.
Why did this beat out the others on this listing? Nicely, as a result of I believe it melds a incredible theme with good meals at a extra cheap value level one of the best.
The Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea was the primary themed tea I attempted in London, and I used to be instantly enchanted. From the on-theme dishware to the themed tea blends to the gorgeous plate of meals that got here out, I used to be tremendous impressed with every little thing about this tea.
The professionals: Just about every little thing – the theme is carried out completely all through the entire tea, and the meals is all excellent. They’re going to additionally field up any extras so that you can take with you (as will many of the different teas on this listing). I additionally like that this one is served from noon-7 p.m. on daily basis!
The cons: The one slight draw back is that the tea is served in each the Sanderson’s restaurant and courtyard backyard, however you will not know the place you will be sitting till you get there. The courtyard could be very fairly, however if you happen to’re in London throughout a warmth wave like I used to be, it might be a little bit heat!
Who this tea is finest for: Just about anybody who desires to take pleasure in a enjoyable themed afternoon tea! This is able to most likely be my choose if you happen to needed to take youngsters to a themed tea, as they’ve a devoted “Little Hatters Tea” too.
Worth: £65 per individual (£86 with champagne), £45 per little one
When: 2 hours; served every day from noon-7 p.m.
Good to know: They’ll accommodate wants for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets.
Themed London teas now not supplied
Many lodges rotate by way of afternoon tea themes, that means some that I cherished are now not supplied in the way in which that I skilled them. Listed here are just a few extra others that I loved, together with data on what has since changed them.
1. Sherlock Holmes afternoon tea
Kona on the Taj, Westminster
If you happen to’re searching for a fantastic (and engaging!) themed tea in London, you’ll be able to’t actually go unsuitable with any of the choices at Kona, one of many eating places on the 5-star Taj 51 Buckingham Gate lodge. Their Sherlock Holmes-themed tea was certainly one of my favorites EVER, because it was simply so detailed and delightful.
Take a look at all their afternoon tea choices right here. (Their Jasmine Indian Afternoon Tea within the one which’s normally all the time supplied.)
2. Potions Room tea
Cutter & Squidge, Soho
Cutter & Squidge is a captivating bakery in Soho that used to supply an epic Harry Potter-inspired afternoon tea. Their basement was arrange like a Potions classroom, and also you’d don a cloak and choose up a wand earlier than sitting right down to concoct “potions” (teas and cocktails), eat Hagrid’s rock truffles (scones), and luxuriate in different treats.
This tea was SO enjoyable, however they do not provide something prefer it any extra.
3. Charlie and the Chesterfield
Chesterfield Mayfair lodge, Mayfair
The charming Chesterfield Mayfair lodge used to supply a Charlie and the Chocolate Manufacturing unit-themed tea of their light-filled conservatory. Their tea choice was distinctive, and the tea included Wonka-inspired candy treats like chocolate scones, an Oompa-Loompa cupcake, and a bubblegum eclair.
This tea was changed with a sweetshop-themed tea, which actually remains to be related in that it nonetheless facilities round sweet.
4. Journey-themed tea
St Pancras Brasserie and Champagne Bar
Searcys is a cool champagne bar inside St. Pancras Station related to a restaurant referred to as the St Pancras Brasserie and Champagne Bar. They used to supply a travel-themed afternoon tea served in a cute little suitcase!
They do not seem to supply any kind of afternoon tea any longer.
The place to remain for afternoon tea in London
Listed here are some lodges to take a look at which might be handy to those afternoon teas:
Science Tea
- The Ampersand Lodge – The lodge that hosts this themed tea can also be extremely rated, and it is one of many Small Luxurious Resorts of the World. (I’ve stayed right here, and it is an amazing lodge close to a few of London’s finest museums.)
Charlie and the Chocolate Manufacturing unit tea
- One Aldwych – The tea is obtainable at this lodge, and it is also a 5-star magnificence within the coronary heart of London.
Teas at Kona
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Have you ever ever been to a themed afternoon tea? Which of those are you going to e-book subsequent time you are in London?
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Amanda Williams is the award-winning blogger behind A Harmful Enterprise Journey Weblog. She has traveled to greater than 60 nations on 6 continents from her residence base in Ohio, specializing in experiential and considerate journey by way of the US, Europe, and remainder of the world. Amanda solely shares ideas based mostly on her private experiences and locations she’s really traveled!