5 Unique Luxury Afternoon Teas in London
I often joke that one of my favourite meals of the day is afternoon tea (after brunch of course) but it’s such a lovely, indulgent way to spend an afternoon. So in honour of pinky raising, I wanted to chat all about my favourite unique luxury afternoon teas in London.
Let’s be quite frank here. An afternoon tea is pretty set in it’s patterning; a few sandwiches, a couple of scones, a tier of pretty cakes that you may or may not have to share (I don’t like sharing them for the record), a bit of tea poured, maybe some bubbles floating into a glass and a beautiful fanciful place that you can spend a leisurely time with someone meaningful to you.
What varies is the execution of said afternoon tea and often how beautiful the setting is. It’s all about quality – from delicious handmade cream teas baked in a country kitchen, to exquisite 5-star hotels where the pinky raising is accompanied by tiny little stools that hold designer handbags.
Peter Pan Afternoon Tea at Aqua Shard
Running for years now in conjunction with Great Ormond Street hospital, the Peter Pan Afternoon Tea at Aqua Shard – in partnership with Great Ormond Street Hospital – has more than just a pinch of fairy dust – it’s straight up magic.
Madhu’s High Chai at The Dilly Hotel, Mayfair
For an opulent, regal twist on classic British tea culture, Madhu’s High Chai at Mayfair offers an unforgettable culinary experience rooted in over four decades of Punjabi-Kenyan heritage. Inspired by the grandeur of Indian Maharajas during the British Raj, this refined spread replaces standard sandwiches with aromatic spiced delicacies like mini lamb burgers, tandoori salmon, chicken samosas, and toasted Bombay sandwiches layered with tangy mint chutney.
The sweet selection reimagines classic patisserie through an Indian lens, highlighting rose and pistachio milk cake, mango passion cheesecake, and gulab jamun cheesecake – alongside warm scones served with clotted cream and strawberry conserve.
Accompanied by artisan loose-leaf brews from the London Tea Exchange and Madhu’s signature tandoor-smoked Masala Chai, it is an ideal choice for anyone seeking a luxurious, flavor-packed afternoon tea in one of London’s most prestigious neighborhoods.
Dixon Hotel, London Bridge
We loved our afternoon tea at the Dixon Londona Grade II-listed Edwardian building that was formerly a Magistrates’ courthouse and police station, near London Bridge, down Tooley Street, next to Tower Bridge. It’s a real hidden gem close to London Bridge/Tower Bridge. Good enough to be arrested for @provisionersldn (it’s a former Magistrates’ Court. The vegan tea was so good, 3 of my friend’s colleagues have now booked.)
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Science Afternoon Tea at the Ampersand Hotel
Right around the corner from the Natural History and Science Museums in South Kensington, The Ampersand Hotel delivers a playful, multi-sensory experience that turns traditional tea into an interactive laboratory. Guests are invited to mix their own drinks using test tubes and droppers, dust for fossilized chocolate dinosaurs in edible “soil,” and watch dry-ice smoke swirl around rocket-shaped stands.
Beyond the theatrical presentation, the food itself is excellent – featuring molecular gastronomy-inspired pastries, planet-shaped mousse cakes, freeze-dried fruit, and warm scones served with freeze-dried toppings alongside classic clotted cream. It is an ideal recommendation for families, curious minds, or anyone wanting a memorable, high-concept afternoon out.
They also do a cool Jurassic afternoon tea!
Vegan Afternoon Tea at Mallow
For a completely vegan experience that never compromises on indulgence or culinary innovation, Mallow (brought to you by the team behind Mildreds) delivers one of London’s finest plant-based afternoon teas. Set in a bright, modern dining space, Mallow replaces traditional heavy cream and egg fillings with imaginative, globally inspired ingredients.
Highlights include savory creations like pastry wrapped asparagus spears, pickled vegetables, truffle and mushroom brioche rolls or delicate cucumber kimchi crostini, followed by fluffy vegan scones served with coconut clotted cream and house-made berry compote. The pastry tier shines with decadent creations like dark chocolate mousse tarts, berry cream choux, and seasonal fruit tarts. It is highly recommended not just for vegans, but for any food enthusiast seeking fresh, vibrant flavors in a relaxed setting. My carnivorous husband didn’t even miss meat…
Sadly finished (but worth checking for new launches)
- David Bowie Afternoon Tea at the Cafe Royal Hotel
- Cutter and Squidge’s Potion Room tea
- The London afternoon tea at the Dilly (main picture) is still going and they’re added a cute perspex London bus stand
Are you Devon or Cornwall style with your scones (cream or jam first)? 🍓
