NOTHING elevates a city experience quite like a British afternoon tea. Whether you’re a savoury enthusiast or a self-confessed sweet tooth, London’s prime hotels have something to offer just about every taste. To highlight these heavenly delights, Glass has put together a mouth-watering guide to the best afternoon teas in the capital, from tiers of flora-enriched cakes to deliciously crumbly pastries and fruity champagne.
Floral Afternoon Tea at The Park Tower Knightsbridge
Under a gleaming 18-foot teardrop glass chandelier and hand-painted silk canopy of magnolia blossom, guests at The Park Tower Knightsbridge can enjoy a scrumptious Floral Afternoon Tea. Displayed on a tiered stand adorned with silk flowers, the menu incorporates Britain’s most beloved flora, from a garden rose custard to lavender cupcakes. Savour alongside a fresh array of sandwiches and warm scones to enjoy bliss and tranquillity in the heart of the bustling capital.
Floral Afternoon Tea at The Park Tower Knightsbridge
The Floral Afternoon Tea is available daily from 2pm to 6pm and starts from £39 per person, £45 including a Blooming Flower Tea or £49 with a glass of champagne. To book, please visit here
The Library’s Afternoon Tea at London Marriott Hotel County Hall
What better way to experience the London Marriott Hotel County Hall’s ultra-luxurious new renovation than with afternoon tea in The Library? With stunning river views overlooking Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, and the London Eye, The Library is the perfect location to savour a menu of black cherry Bakewell tart, zesty lemon and raspberry meringue pie and a decadent double chocolate delice.
What’s more, The Library has also teamed up with The Tea Makers of London on a exclusive tea sommelier, perfectly complimenting each delicious pastry and sandwich on offer.
The Library’s Afternoon Tea at London Marriott Hotel County Hall
Afternoon Tea at The Library is available on Friday 2pm to 5pm, Saturday and Sunday from 12pm to 5pm. Priced at £41 per person for traditional afternoon tea, £49 with a glass of champagne or £55 with free flowing English sparkling wine. For bookings, please visit here
The London’s Kid Afternoon Tea at Sheraton Grand London Park Lane
Make the most of the school holidays with an indulgent afternoon tea for kids at Sheraton Grand London Park Lane. To be enjoyed in the Art Deco splendour of The Palm Court, little ones will be delighted by a mouth-watering menu: bite-size sandwiches, freshly baked scones, a selection of cakes shaped as London landmarks and a choice of hot chocolate or tea.
What’s more, as the children tuck in, parents can enjoy an award-winning Nineteen Twen-Tea Afternoon Tea with delicate pastries and savoury treats inspired by the 1920s.
The London’s Kid Afternoon Tea at Sheraton Grand London Park Lane
Afternoon Tea is available daily in The Palm Court from 2pm to 6pm from £25 per child and £42 per adult or £55 with a glass of champagne. For more information or bookings, please visit here
Anna’s Afternoon Tea at JW Marriott Grosvenor House London
Glamorously positioned on Park Lane in the heart of Mayfair, with sweeping views over Hyde Park, JW Marriott Grosvenor House London is the ideal locale to savour a quintessentially British afternoon tea.
Served in the elegant Park Room, guests of the hotel can enjoy delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked buttermilk scones with Devonshire clotted cream and British jam, and seasonal cakes and pastries, all topped off with a freshly brewed mug of Newby tea or a glass of champagne.
Anna’s Afternoon Tea at JW Marriott Grosvenor House London
Anna’s Afternoon Tea at The Park Room is available Saturday and Sunday from 12pm to 6pm and starts from £55.50 per person or £64.50 with a glass of champagne. For more information or bookings, please visit here
Botanical Afternoon Tea at London Marriott Hotel Park Lane
Inspired by the lush flora and seasonal ingredients found in traditional British gardens, the Botanical Afternoon Tea at London Marriott Hotel Park Lane makes the most indulgent of post-shopping spree pit stops.
Served at Lanes of London, the nature-inspired offering boasts a delicious selection of signature cakes and Jing floral teas, some containing dried rosebuds, petals and herbal essences.
A crisp rosé champagne cocktail is also on offer for those seeking a much-needed afternoon aperitif.
Botanical Afternoon Tea at London Marriott Hotel Park Lane
The Botanical Afternoon Tea is available daily from 12pm to 5pm and starts at £45 per person with a rosé champagne cocktail. For more information or bookings, please visit here
St. Pancras Afternoon Tea at St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London
To the striking neo-gothic backdrop of the St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel, travellers and locals alike can indulge in a traditional afternoon tea under vaulted ceilings, intricate ironwork and Victorian-style lamp posts. Inspired by Victorian-era indulgence, the delectable offering includes such savoury classics as slow roast beef, truffled hen egg and smoked salmon with citrus herb mayonnaise.
At the same time, Oreo choux, cherry and almond Bakewell tart and irresistible melted milk and white chocolate shed provide the sweetest of delights.
St. Pancras Afternoon Tea at St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London
The St. Pancras Afternoon Tea is available daily from 1pm to 6pm and starts from £38 per person or £50 with a glass of champagne. For more information or bookings, please visit here
by Joshua Hendren