Top 5 Afternoon Teas in London

If you’ve been following my Insta, you will of occasionally spotted a tower of treats, followed by my delight.

Afternoon tea is a British institution; it’s the ultimate indulgence. A few people have asked for recommendations on where to take friends & family in the big smoke.

If they enjoy the sandwich, tea & cake combo as much as I do, then here is my guide. Welcome to my top five Afternoon Teas in London.

Sketch (quirky)

Sketch is magical. The domed hall is passionately pastel pink with a confection of David Shrigley’s artwork on the walls. If you like tea with elegance & slightly eccentric decor, I’d recommend this place. Highlights: mini cheese toastie, cute ceramics with witty messages and the funky bathroom.

Tea Rating: 8/10

Sandwich Rating: 8/10

Scone Rating: 8/10 (warm & fluffy; bonus points for homemade jam) Cake Rating: 8/10 (mini spiced apple tart was my fave)

Recommendation: go with the girls.

Sanderson (quirky)

The Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea Party at Sanderson is a childhood dream come true. There are lots of quirks; I think I said ‘ooh’ fifty times that day. The menu is inside an old book, the sugar is in a jewellery box, and the flowers are edible. The Courtyard Garden has a laid back and chilled vibe. Highlights: different flavours of bread, pocket watch macaron, drinkable dessert and passionfruit ice cream.

Tea Rating: 8/10

Sandwich Rating: 8/10 (sandwiches are great, but I wanted more because I like carbs)

Scone Rating: 7/10

Cake Rating: 8/10 (mini spiced apple tart was my fave)

Recommendation: go in the summer to lounge in the courtyard. Go if you have the dietary requirement as they cater to those.

Browns (classic)

If you’re looking for a side-serving of grandeur and sophistication with your tea, then book a table at Browns. Classy and traditional, Queen Victoria used to have her tea here. I was impressed by the range of infusions. BTW: tea, sandwiches & cakes are unlimited. Step to it. Highlights: Coronation chicken sandwich (I asked for more of those bad boys), spiced pumpkin and ginger eclairs.

Tea Rating: 9/10

Sandwich Rating: 9/10 (bagels & sandwiches are served)

Scone Rating: 8/10

Cake Rating: 7/10

Recommendation: take your parents to this one.

The Goring (classic)

If a Belgravia-based hotel were a person; it’d probably be a smart and a well-dressed gentleman that knows how to charm your pants off. Welcome to The Goring. Kate Middleton’s favourite hotel. It has a more boutique feel compared to the bigger hotels like The Ritz. It’s quintessentially British. Highlights: giant macaron and a blood-orange-mousse dome. You’re offered refills of tea without having to ask.

Tea Rating: 9/10

Sandwich Rating: 8/10 (you get bagels & sandwiches)

Scone Rating: 8/10

Cake Rating: 7/10

Recommendation: Order the Bollinger Tea (Goring’s own special loose leaf tea blend).

Mayfair Kitchen (bit of both)

Set in the sophisticated yet unassuming Mayfair Hotel — it’s the most contemporary of the bunch, and surprisingly best value for money. If you’re not looking for traditional then this is your best bet, it’s afternoon tea with a Mediterranean twist. Highlights: bruschetta, Amaretto or Sicilian lemon scones with vanilla mascarpone. I’m currently craving the white peach and oregano pannacotta as I write this.

Tea Rating: 7/10

Sandwich Rating: 8/10 (you get bagels & sandwiches)

Scone Rating: 7/10

Cake Rating: 8/10 Recommendation: go with your mates for catch ups as it’s got a brunch-y vibe.

The runners up are The Waldorf & The Dorchester. Overhyped: Aqua Shard (the view was breathtaking, but I didn’t like the food). Places I’m planning to go to next: Ritz, Claridges, Fortum & Mason, Savoy and The London Edition.

I hope my post has helped you organise your next gathering filled with scones, clotted cream, finger sandwiches and cakes. If it has, I’d love to hear from you: we can be friends on Twitter here, Instagram here and Facebook here.

Bon Appétit!

Location: London