12 indulgent afternoon teas
12 indulgent afternoon teas
Fancy yourself a royal afternoon? Here’s our pick of the most tantalising afternoon teas in London and Surrey, from classics to molecular experiments…
Top picture: Bokan
1
St Ermin’s Hotel, St. James’s
Afternoon tea at St Ermin’s is available in veggie, vegan and gluten-free options to cater to every taste and preference. Relax and enjoy in stylish interiors featuring ornate original rococo plasterwork. They are hosting a special Mother’s Day afternoon tea for just £45pp (£25 for children), featuring indulgently sweet treats of hazelnut & praline choux and caramelised apple plus delightful bite-sized sandwiches of beef pastrami, sauerkraut & Butler’s Secret Cheddar cheese and much more. All inspired by seasonal ingredients from the hotel’s very own rooftop kitchen garden.
2
Ginza St. James’s
Fancy something less traditional? Opt for Japanese afternoon tea at Ginza St. James’s! Relax in their stylish settings whilst their amazing staff takes you to the Land of Rising Sun. The selection includes a variety of unique Japanese teas (bancha, sencha, genmaicha anyone?) as well as maki rolls, tsukemono, teriyaki beef, mochi and wagyu burgers served on a chic and modern tiered stand.
3
Mariage Frères, Covent Garden
Mariage Frères’ stunning Salon De Thé is a must visit for tea lovers and the perfect pit-stop post shop. Select from over 1,000 aromatic varieties of tea – including the new delicate blue tea Ume Cha 2024 and the iconic Marco Polo black tea – before indulging in a luxury Parisian Afternoon Tea complete with tea-infused scones, sandwiches and perfect patisserie made fresh each day. Available daily from 12pm until 6pm.
4
Ampersand Hotel, South Kensington
Afternoon tea at the Ampersand Hotel isn’t your usual afternoon tea. Oh no. It’s a science afternoon tea! Inspired by the neighbouring Science Museum, Ampersand Hotel serves a mix of exciting and curious, from jams in petri dishes to chocolate spacemen and dinosaur biscuits. Plus tea, coffee or champagne. Gluten-free and vegan options are available.
5
BOKAN, Canary Wharf
You can take your afternoon tea with a side of skyline at Bokan – a roof terrace restaurant overlooking the stunning views of the city landscape. Highlight bites includes a range of sandwiches with classic fillings, such as smoked salmon and cream cheese, roast beef and horseradish cream, egg mayo with a mustard cress and cucumber; mini burgers with a ginger glaze and smoked mayo; mini banana cake and scones with Isigny cream, berries and jam.
6
Woodlands Park Hotel, Cobham
Served in either the Grand Hall, Oak Room Restaurant, Benson’s Restaurant, or on the lovely terrace, afternoon tea at Woodlands Park Hotel is as traditional as it gets. Scones with cream and preserves, savoury scones with onion jam and cream cheese, cakes and sandwiches – if that’s your cup of tea (wink), head to Cobham and you won’t be disappointed.
7
Café Rouge, Reigate
Francophiles, listen up! Three enticing tiers of the most sumptuous sweet treats, alongside a generous plate of French-inspired savouries will tempt just about everyone. Baguettes? Crème brulee? Éclairs? We say yes to all.
8
Petersham Nurseries, Richmond
The perfect place for a short escape from the hustle and bustle of London, Petershamserves its famous afternoon tea on a gorgeous hand-blown Florentine cake stand crowned with fresh seasonal flowers. The menu changes seasonally and consists of quintessentially English classics combined with Indonesian-inspired flavours.
9
11 Cadogan Gardens, Chelsea
Indulge in homemade savouries and pastries and (of course) fluffy scones – and if you fancy a bit of tipple, compliment your afternoon tea with a glass of Laurent-Perrier Champagne.
10
The Tea House at Bread Ahead, Chelsea
You can enjoy a delightful afternoon tea over at the newly opened Tea House by Bread Ahead Bakery in Chelsea. Alongside changing seasonal sweets you can expect traditional cakes like Black Forest and Battenberg and warm fresh scones with homemade jam, lemon curd and clotted cream.
11
Tasha’s Tearoom, Cheam
12
Willow Bough, Wimbledon
Willow Bough has afternoon tea choices galore: select between the traditional offering, inspired by nature William Morris afternoon tea, Rose Lamartine Yates afternoon tea in the colours of Women’s Social & Political Union, a Chocoholics afternoon tea, a vegetarian George Bernard Shaw afternoon tea and Little Darlings afternoon tea for your – well, little darlings. How awesome is that?
