London Afternoon Tea
Afternoon tea is London’s most enjoyable food ritual — tiered stands of finger sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream and jam, and little cakes, poured with pots of tea (or a glass of Champagne). Take it grandly in a historic hotel, on a vintage double-decker bus tour of the sights, or on the river. Compare the top-rated afternoon teas below, then read our notes.
Top-rated afternoon teas in London
Formats: classic hotel afternoon teas; afternoon tea bus tours on a vintage double-decker past the landmarks; riverside and Thames cruise teas; themed and Champagne teas; scone-making workshops (see also cooking classes).
What’s served: finger sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream and jam, pastries and cakes, and a choice of teas — often with a glass of Champagne, Prosecco or gin.
The ritual, and how to do it
Afternoon tea is a Victorian invention — a mid-afternoon bridge between lunch and a late dinner — that London turned into an institution. The full version is a three-tier stand: finger sandwiches (cucumber, smoked salmon, egg) on the bottom, warm scones with clotted cream and jam in the middle, and little cakes and pastries on top, all served with a pot of loose-leaf tea. A glass of Champagne makes it a “Champagne tea”. On the great cream-tea debate — jam first (Cornwall) or cream first (Devon) — Londoners cheerfully do both.
Where and how to book
The grand hotel teas are the classic experience and book up well ahead, especially at weekends. For something more fun, an afternoon tea bus tour serves the whole spread on a vintage Routemaster as it loops past Big Ben, the Abbey and the river — tea and sightseeing in one. There are riverside and Thames cruise teas too. Mention dietary needs when booking (vegetarian, gluten-free and vegan teas are widely offered), and dress smart-casual for the hotels.
FAQ about London Afternoon Tea
Frequently asked questions
What is served at a London afternoon tea?
A tiered stand of finger sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream and jam, and cakes and pastries, with a pot of tea — often with a glass of Champagne, Prosecco or gin.
What is an afternoon tea bus tour?
Afternoon tea served on a vintage double-decker (often a Routemaster) as it drives past London's landmarks — Big Ben, Westminster and the river — combining tea and sightseeing in about 90 minutes.
Do you put jam or cream first on a scone?
It's a friendly national argument: Cornwall says jam first then cream, Devon says cream first then jam. In London you'll see both — try it each way.
Should I book afternoon tea in advance?
Yes — the popular hotel and bus-tour teas sell out, especially at weekends, so book ahead and flag any dietary needs.