Afternoon tea, anyone? If there’s one thing London is famous for, it’s sipping a warm cup of English Breakfast tea, paired with finger sandwiches and delicate cakes. It’s the quintessential British pastime, much like how we picture the Spanish enjoying their afternoon siesta (you get the idea, right?). While the 19th-century ritual of “high tea” is no longer something most Brits indulge in daily, it’s still very much alive across the pond as an activity for American tourists like you and me to indulge in.
So, if you want to pretend you’re a proper Brit for a moment, read on for the five best spots to experience the charm of this time-honored tradition. And in true HAP fashion, these reservations are at ultra-posh boutique hotels.
Goûtea by Cedric Grolet at The Berkeley
It’s only fitting that French pastry chef, Cedric Grolet, chose The Berkeley in Knightsbridge to open his first patisserie outside Paris. Here, guests can indulge in Grolet’s unique take on afternoon tea, called Goûtea, at The Berkeley Café, where the artistic tea experience spotlights his signature “fruits and flowers” illusion cakes—a true celebration of edible artistry. Enjoy a creative array of sandwiches, scones, and a beautiful tower filled with sculpted fruits, cookies, and flowers, all paired with exquisite teas like rose-infused blends. Top treats include the vegan lemon trompe l’oeil, pistachio cookies, and decadent chocolate-coconut biscuits.
Afternoon Tea at The Goring
The Goring is as British as it gets, offering afternoon tea daily at The Veranda. With options ranging from the classic “Traditional Afternoon Tea” to the indulgent Bollinger Afternoon Tea, which includes a glass of Bollinger Champagne, there’s something for every taste. Honored with The British Tea Guild Council’s Top London Afternoon Tea Award and the Award of Excellence, this seasonally rotating afternoon tea offers a quintessentially British experience. Expect freshly baked warm homemade scones, served with Devonshire clotted cream and jam, and signature dishes like the Oakchurch strawberry and violet cheesecakes.
Claridge’s Afternoon Tea
The 19th-century Duchess of Bedford, Anna Russell, who is credited with inventing the art of afternoon tea, would undoubtedly give Claridge’s her royal stamp of approval. Continuing this tradition for high society in style, the fashionable London hotel welcomes guests in The Foyer & Reading Room, a space dripping with Art Deco grandeur. The menu balances sweet and savory British specialties, including smoked Scottish salmon. Everything is served on specially designed fine bone china, and tea pairings are curated by Henrietta Lovell. Top Tea Tips are listed on the menu alongside Claridge’s signature scone recipes (plain and raisin), served with Rodda’s Cornish clotted cream.
Jean-Georges Afternoon Tea at The Connaught
Tucked away on the top end of Mayfair’s chic Mount Street, UK Editor Luke Abrahams has declared The Connaught to be London’s best stay—and its afternoon tea at Jean-Georges certainly lives up to the hype. Surrounded by curated art from Louise Bourgeois and stained-glass accents by Jean-Michel Othoniel, you’ll sip hand-picked teas sourced from around the globe while overlooking the bustling Mayfair streets. Will you indulge in fragrant Earl Grey, artisan green teas like Fuji-Yama and Jasmine Pearls, or the subtle vanilla notes of Thé à l’Opéra? Fresh mint, chamomile, and mild rooibos red are also available—the brew is your oyster here.
Afternoon Tea at The Ritz
For a classic high tea experience, The Ritz delivers precisely what you’d expect—timeless, elegant, and flawless. In the opulent Palm Court, enjoy over 20 perfectly brewed teas, delicate finger sandwiches (like cucumber with cream cheese, dill, and mint on housemade granary bread), and warm, fluffy scones with strawberry jam. This is British heritage at its finest, served with impeccable style—no frills, just indulgence. Plus, The Ritz is the only hotel in the UK with a certified Tea Master, Giandomenico Scanu, who sources teas from around the world. To finish, you enjoy two generous slices of cake from the guéridon trolley.
