“There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.” – Henry James

Even royal courts get ‘Hangry’. When Anna Russell, the seventh Duchess of Bedford found herself desperately peckish in the afternoons, she requested pots of hot tea and sweet-filled breads to stave off the pangs before late suppers. As a lady-in-waiting for Queen Victoria in the mid 1800’s, Duchess Anna easily convinced her upper class friends to join her in what would become a fashionable society ritual and evolve into London’s signature dining experience.

Today, London’s afternoon tea options are boundless, from traditional tiers at Michelin starred restaurants to avant garde presentations in lofty skyscrapers. And while there are loads of ‘Best of’ lists, the most luxurious services are at London’s posh hotels. Menus are often seasonally inspired and dietary restrictions can be accommodated with advance notice.

Best for following in the footsteps of royalty

The Drawing Room at Brown’s Hotel, a Rocco Forte Hotel

@browns_hotel

It is believed that Queen Victoria took tea here at London’s oldest hotel. Since then, The Drawing Room has hosted Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles, Princess Diana and respects this royal heritage with its traditional decor of warm woods, cozy club chairs and impeccably delicate bone china serviceware.  The “Writers Corner” was an inspiring spot for some of Britian’s most celebrated authors, including Rudyard Kipling and Agatha Christie.

Traditional Afternoon Tea starting from £75 per person 

Peak season nightly rates starting at £1400 per night. Clients of Quisenberry Travel receive exclusive preferred partner Sir Rocco Forte amenities and VIP status.

Best for contemporary, Asian chic

The Rosebery Coronation Afternoon Tea at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park

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The generous tea menu is curated by and sustainably sourced by a Tea Sommelier and brewed in traditional Eastern fashion. While Champagne is customarily served with Afternoon Tea, The Rosebery offers fine Sakes to perfectly marry with British flavors:

Akitabare “Shunsetsu” Honjozo (Spring Snow) | served with sandwiches 

Dewazakura “Oka” Ginjo (Cherry Bouquet) | served with scones 

Ume No Yado – Aragoshi Umeshu | served with pastries

Afternoon Tea starting from £75 per person

Peak season nightly rates at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park starting at £1,300  per night. Clients of Quisenberry Travel receive exclusive preferred partner Fan Club amenities and VIP status

Best for dramatic city views

Ting at Shangri-La The Shard

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Enjoy a sky high tea experience at TĪNG (derived from the Chinese word for ‘living room’), another nod to Asian influences and asthetics on the 35th floor of Shangri-La The Shard. 

Afternoon Tea starting from £75 per person

Peak season nightly rates at Shangra-La The Shard starting at £1,200 per night. Clients of Quisenberry Travel receive exclusive preferred partner Shangri-La Luxury Circle amenities and VIP status

Best for the Fashionable Set 

Prêt-à-Portea at The Berkeley

@the_berkeley

Fashion never tasted so good! Prêt-à-Portea offers a whimsically stylish afternoon tea inspired by the world’s most famous designers from Victoria Beckham to Versace. You won’t believe these creative couture cakes and playful catwalk-worthy creations. 

Afternoon Tea starting from £80 per person

Peak season nightly rates at The Berkeley, London starting at £1,350 per night. Clients of Quisenberry Travel receive exclusive Virtuoso amenities and VIP status.

Best for a British twist on Southeast Asian Flavors

Jean-Georges at The Connaught

@theconnaught

Explore the world of artisan green teas or fine quality black tea blends at Jean-Georges at The Connaught. The melding of British and Southeast Asian flavors elevates classic sandwiches such as cucumber sandwiches with a touch of mint and turkey with tandoori yoghurt on Mediterranean breads, baked daily. 

Afternoon Tea starting from £95 per person

Peak season nightly rates at The Connaught starting at £1,350 per night. Clients of Quisenberry Travel receive exclusive Virtuoso amenities and VIP status.

Best for Royal Warrant Service

Coronation Afternoon Tea at The Goring

@thegoring

Walk in the steps of British royalty at The Goring who has refined the art of Afternoon Tea for over a century. Honored with several distinguished awards, Afternoon Tea at The Goring is steeped in tradition and classic service.  

*Royal Warrants of Appointment are a mark of recognition to those who supply goods or services to  the Royal Households of The Monarch or His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales. 

Traditional Afternoon Tea starting from £65 per person

Peak season nightly rates at The Goring starting at £960 per night. Clients of Quisenberry Travel receive exclusive Virtuoso amenities and VIP status.

Best for Contemporary Art Enthusiasts

Art Afternoon Tea at Rosewood London

@rosewoodlondon

Savor these artful creations that look almost too good to eat (but go ahead…indulge!). Menus take inspiration from British artists such as David Hockney and Banksy. 

Art Afternoon Tea starting from £75 per person

Peak season nightly rates at Rosewood London starting at £975 per night. Clients of Quisenberry Travel receive exclusive preferred partner Rosewood Elite amenities and VIP status.

Best for Bridgerton Fans

Queen Charlotte Afternoon Tea at The Lanesborough 

@the_lanesborough

An ultra traditional menu fit for even Queen Charlotte will transport you to the Regency era. Don’t miss the specialty blended teas and signature cocktails. 

Queen Charlotte, A Bridgerton Story Afternoon Tea starting from £75 per person

Peak season nightly rates at The Lanesborough starting at £1,500 per night. Clients of Quisenberry Travel receive exclusive preferred partner Oetker Collection Pearl amenities and VIP status.