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Afternoon Tea in London

Tea in a pot, scones with cream and jam, finger sandwiches and dainty cakes... nothing could be more British than afternoon tea in London.

At these top London restaurants, advance booking is often essential and smart dress codes may apply.

The Ritz

Tea at The Ritz is nothing less than an institution. It has become so popular that there are now five sittings every day at 11.30am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm, 5.30pm and 7.30pm. Booking at least four weeks in advance is essential. Afternoon tea is served in the elegant Palm Court with music by a pianist or a harpist.

Fortnum & Mason

In Fortnum & Mason's St James's restaurant you can enjoy a range of teas from around the world, all specially selected by Fortnum's tea taster. The afternoon tea menu includes sandwiches, scones and pastries. There's also a Champagne Afternoon Tea; a Birthday Afternoon Tea; and a range of afternoon teas for special dietary requirements, including vegetarian, gluten free and diabetic.

The Berkeley

If you're a fan of fashion, head to the Berkeley's Caramel Room for the Prêt-à-Portea tea. The éclairs, cakes and fancies are all inspired by the latest fashion collections, and are served in miniature mouthfuls for the figure-conscious. Madonna, Gwynneth Paltrow and the Beckhams have all been spotted here.

The Lanesborough

The award-winning afternoon tea at The Lanesborough includes freshly baked scones, thick clotted cream and homemade fruit preserves. If you have trouble choosing from the wide range of teas on offer, you can call on The Lanesborough's Tea Sommelier – the first in England – who will be happy to advise you.

The Connaught

One of the loveliest afternoon teas in London can be enjoyed at the Connaught hotel’s Espelette restaurant overlooking Mayfair. The tea menu is extensive; the sandwiches, scones, cakes and pastries are sublime and the service exactly is what you would expect at one of London’s premier hotels – discreet and knowledgeable.

The Dorchester

Afternoon tea is served at 2.30pm and 4.45pm in The Dorchester's famous marble and gilt Promenade. Treat yourself to the Laurent Perrier Rosé Champagne Tea, or enjoy the classic Dorchester Afternoon Tea. For something more substantial, opt for the Dorchester High Tea, which is served until 8pm and is the perfect pre-theatre meal.

The Waldorf Hilton

Traditional afternoon tea at the Waldorf Hilton is served daily in Homage Patisserie between 2.30pm and 5.30pm. Expect a selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, homemade tartlets and other Homage specialties. There's also a champagne option.

Swissôtel The Howard

You can eat your way around London at Swissôtel The Howard. Their TLSee (tea-london-sightseeing) menu features teatime treats in the shape of London attractions like Tower Bridge and the London Eye, plus finger sandwiches and home-baked scones with clotted cream.

The Metropolitan

Afternoon De-light Tea (Metropolitan Hotel)

The Metropolitan has reinvented afternoon tea with a touch of waist-friendly chic. Their guilt-free Afternoon Delight tea is served in the exclusive Met Bar. The menu has a hearts and flowers theme and includes cakes, cupcakes, macaroons and breadless sandwiches, plus a selection of fruit teas and Eco-tini cocktails.

The Orangery at Kensington Palace

Queen Anne built the idyllic Orangery in the grounds of Kensington Palace in 1705. Fresh strawberries and double cream are a seasonal speciality. Or try the Tregothnan English Tea, which comes with a glass of English Pinot Noir. Tea is served between 2.30pm and 5pm. Booking is not necessary.