Lavish champagne afternoon tea and cake stand and at The Ritz London

Sipping afternoon tea at London hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions is as traditional a local custom as riding a double-decker bus or gossiping about the royals. Everyone does it. Some teas are lush and memorable. Others might disappoint.

When the experts weigh in, you know you’re getting the best. Travel agents, tour operators and tea authorities have gathered an eclectic list of the best teas in London, featuring color and commentary from connoisseurs.

The Gallery at Sketch London

The delightfully fun afternoon tea in The Gallery at Sketch London

A space washed in blush pink with cheeky teacups bearing messages on the bottom of the cup, like “forget about it” underscore the brilliant afternoon tea at The Gallery at Sketch London.

“The Gallery at Sketch London is a very elegant place because of the pink interior. There are incredible artworks that are very colorful by the artist David Shrigley. The service that you get here is very good and there is great background music at the Gallery at Sketch London,” says Dymphe Mensink, travel expert and publisher of the travel website Dymabroad. “The Gallery at Sketch London is a great place to visit with families as well. That's because there's a special afternoon tea menu for children with fruit juices and a special selection of sandwiches and other treats.”

The cost: From £80.

The Orangery in Kensington Garden

The Orangery, located in the Kensington Palace gardens, is a superb stop for lunch or afternoon tea. A favorite of New England-based writer Keri Baugh, who runs the popular family travel blog Bon Voyage With Kids, notes that among the many teas she recommends, The Orangery in the Kensington Palace Gardens has nailed the experience for both kids and adults.

“This tea is located right at Kensington Palace, so if you want a traditional afternoon tea in the most royal of locations, this would be it. It's a lovely experience on beautiful china, but it is actually kid friendly! And little ones and adults alike will feel like princes and princesses on the grounds that are home to members of the Royal Family,” says Baugh. “A selection of beautiful sandwiches, scones and clotted cream, delectable delights, and of course your favorite tea and/or beverage. There is even a specific children's tea, and afterward, families can enjoy the beautiful Palace grounds, and stretch their legs in Kensington Garden, and kids will love the incredible Princess Diana Memorial Playground (and its Peter Pan-themed activities) just a mere footsteps away. I enjoyed this experience with my own kids on several occasions.”

The cost: From £46.

Rocco Forte Brown’s Hotel

Afternoon tea at Brown's Hotel London

Michael Halsall, an advisor with the international luxury travel agency Global Travel Collection, finds his favorite tea in London at Rocco Forte Brown’s Hotel.

“I visited Rocco Forte Browns for our daughter’s 10th birthday in November 2022 and it didn’t disappoint. Browns is the quintessential British hotel, named after Lord Byron’s butler, no less, and where apparently Queen Victoria inspired the Victoria Sponge Cake, which of course features in the menu. Her lady in waiting, The Duchess of Bedford, started the trend by taking a pot of tea and light meal and then her friends started to join her with a cup of tea and walk,” said Halsall. “We enjoyed afternoon tea in their Drawing Room with a kids menu and coloring book. With its wood-paneled walls, Browns feels extremely traditional and intimate and is as British as a bulldog and bowler hat!”

The cost: From £75. Halsall notes, “There’s even a Jungle Book gift (for £20) as Rudyard Kipling wrote the book whilst staying at the hotel.”

The Dorchester

The elegant tea service at The Dorchester hotel in London

A grand dame of London’s iconic luxury hotels, it’s hard to beat The Dorchester in any category. Here’s a resounding endorsement from Vanessa Gordon, publisher of East End Taste magazine.

“The best afternoon tea service I have had in London is The Dorchester,” says Gordon. “Their approach to afternoon tea is timeless and respectful of tradition whilst adding in their own sophisticated flair that is approachable for adults and children alike. During the Christmas season, for example, there will be an intimate choir singing alongside a live pianist. The tea is served at the perfect temperature and the tea selection is above par, the menu is described in detail without being overwhelming, there are options across the board in terms of dietary restrictions and allergies, and they even have a dedicated children's presentation and mocktails. Lastly, their interior was recently updated and provides a softer ambiance with a gentle touch of modernism. Lastly, I never felt rushed. I remember my daughter and two friends were all together (four of us) and we enjoyed our afternoon tea over the course of three hours.”

The cost: From £95.

JW Marriott Grosvenor House

The luxurious afternoon tea at JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London

Eileen Donaghey, the Afternoon Tea Expert, has a dedicated passion for tea. If there’s something Donaghey knows, it’s tea in London. Here’s what she has to say about her favorite tea in London.

“I love the tea service at JW Marriott Grosvenor House and have been many times,” Donaghey says. “The last time was January. It is the perfect combination of good quality tea, excellent food and impeccable service. It’s great for all the family and they even have a special children’s afternoon tea. I quite like it there because it has a relaxed atmosphere which still feels luxurious. They always have a pianist who is just behind the huge cake and floral display in the middle of the room.”

The cost: Starting at £62.50.

The Grill Room At Hotel Cafe Royal

Afternoon tea in The Grill at Hotel Cafe Royal

Previously referred to as the Oscar Wilde room, as it was frequented by Oscar Wilde and his contemporaries, The Grill Room inside Hotel Cafe Royal is a gilded jewelry box of a room and a favorite of Justin Albertynas, CEO of the popular travel rate comparison site RatePunk.

“Afternoon tea here is known to be a supremely relaxing and luxurious experience,” Albertynas says. “Named after the famous playwright and poet, the Oscar Wilde lounge offers a luxurious and opulent setting inspired by the Art Deco period. It features beautiful décor, including ornate gilded ceilings, mirrored walls, and plush velvet seating. Even more charm adds the fact that The Hotel Café Royal has a rich history and has been a prominent gathering place for intellectuals, artists, and celebrities for over a century. The afternoon tea at the Oscar Wilde Lounge is known for its exquisite presentation and a wide selection of teas. The menu includes an assortment of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and preserves, and an array of delectable pastries and cakes.”

The cost: From £70.

Fortnum and Mason

Afternoon tea at Fortnum and Mason London

Camilla Davidson, Head of Destination Management – UK, France & Ireland, at Red Savannah, a luxury travel company specializing in tailor-made trips around the world, is a fan of the iconic tea at London’s legendary department store Fortnum and Mason.

“For me, the ultimate afternoon tea is at Fortnum and Mason in London. As the original tea blenders who made tea drinking fashionable, it is literally the OG of afternoon tea – William Mason started blending tea for Queen Anne in 1707,” Davidson says. “Today, afternoon tea is served in the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon, which was reopened by Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2012, joined by the Duchess of Cornwall and the Duchess of Cambridge [now Queen Camilla and the Princess of Wales respectively] – a light, airy space with lovely views across Piccadilly. There is generally a pianist playing live in the room. Whilst they offer a very traditional afternoon tea, they can cater for any number of dietary requirements, whether medical or cultural – and they are very happy to welcome adults and families. Its great appeal is that it is not themed or gimmicky, simply a wonderful celebration of a quintessentially British tradition, featuring the very best locally sourced ingredients, and a vastly ranging menu of teas, befitting a Royal Warrant Holder as Tea Merchants since 1910. The long held royal links speak to the heritage, legacy and strength of Fortnum and Mason as a Great British brand, with an ongoing place in British society.

The cost: From £78.00. Davidson adds “Whilst not cheap, this does include unlimited refills of scones and sandwiches, so I often suggest this for clients as either a late lunch or the perfect pre-theatre dinner.” The current tea is their Coronation afternoon tea, being served until September.

The Ritz London

Champagne afternoon tea and cake stand, The Ritz London

Hans Mast, a travel expert with Golden Rule Travel puts The Ritz London at the top of his list, citing a family atmosphere that brings backyard tea time to life.

“The afternoon tea service at The Ritz in London is my absolute favorite. It's an iconic location that blends timeless elegance and quality in an exceptional way. The reason why it stands out is primarily the remarkable assortment of delicacies ― from fresh scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam to a range of finely crafted sandwiches and pastries,” Mast says. “They even have a 'Children’s Afternoon Tea' menu designed for younger guests, making it a delightful experience for everyone. The ambiance is like stepping back in time with a beautiful Palm Court featuring stunning chandeliers, gilded interiors, and elegant music provided by a harpist or pianist, depending on the day.”

The cost: From £72 and £50 per child.