Tea in a fine china cup, scones with clotted cream and jam, cucumber sandwiches, Victoria sponge, Bakewell tart and a glass or two of bubbly. What isn’t there to like about a proper English afternoon tea? Try these London tea rooms to get your fix.
Orangery
It’s hard to beat the incredible and dramatic Orangery in the middle of Kensington Gardens as a setting for a genteel high tea experience.
Tea time: Flute of champagne, an assortment of finger sandwiches, orange-scented scone with jam and cream, an eclair, and an orange and passionfruit tart. Plus a choice of tea or coffee.
The damage: £20.45 per person. Basic afternoon tea (without champagne) from £12.50 per person.
Verdict: Not a hint of snootiness despite the relatively steep price tag. The special setting makes this an extremely pleasant way to spend an afternoon.
» Kensington Palace, Kensington Gardens, W8 4PX
Tube: High St Kensington
020 3166 6113
hrp.org.uk/kensingtonpalace
Daily from midday until 6pm
The Tea Rooms
Lovely, friendly neighbourhood tea rooms in the London “village” of Stoke Newington.
Tea time: Savoury finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam and three mini cakes. Plus a lovely pot of Earl Grey.
The damage: £12.50 per person.
Verdict: Skip the pub and head here instead – it’s big enough to fit you all in and won’t break the bank.
» 155 Stoke Newington Church St, N16 0UH
Tube: Stoke Newington
020 7923 1870
thetearooms.org
Afternoon tea served on Saturday and Sunday from 2pm-5pm
The Wolseley
From its chandelier-studded roof to its formally-clad waiters, the Wolseley oozes old world charm.
Tea time: Finger sandwiches, fruit scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam and an assortment of delectable pastries.
The damage: £21 or upgrade with a glass of delicious champagne for £29.75.
Verdict: This art deco former motor showroom is a destination restaurant for a reason. The marble pillars and 1930s interior make it the perfect afternoon pit stop, albeit at special occasion prices.
» 160 Piccadilly, W1J 9EB Green Park (020 7499 6996; thewolseley.com). Afternoon tea from 3pm-6.30pm on weekdays; 3.30pm-5.30pm on Saturdays and 3.30pm-6.30pm on Sundays.
Dean Street TownHouse
This hip boutique hotel and restaurant, smack bang in the middle of Soho, is the new kid on the afternoon tea block.
Tea time: Finger sandwiches stuffed with cucumber, egg mayo, and ham and mustard. Scones with jam and clotted cream (of course) and a very impressive plate of fancy cakes (battenberg, lemon and blueberry, chocolate).
The damage: £15.
Verdict: Perfect for a modern Soho afternoon out.
» Dean Street Townhouse, 69-71 Dean St, W1D 3SE
Tube: Piccadilly Circus
0207 434 1775
deanstreettownhouse.com
Daily from 3pm-6pm
Wallace Collection Restaurant
Possibly one of London’s most beautiful and romantic dining rooms, the glass-roofed cafe attached to the incredible Wallace Collection is a simply stunning place to unwind and indulge.
Tea time: Peyton & Byrne run the dining room here so expect the highest quality food. There are three afternoon teas to choose from. Cornish Cream Tea – finger sandwiches and scones; English Afternoon Tea – finger sandwiches, devilled Cromer crab on melba toast, plus scones and fancy cakes; or Parisian Afternoon Tea – foie gras, salmon tartare and goose rillette with melba toast plus a selection of French fancies and pastries.
The damage: Cornish Cream Tea £12.50; English Afternoon Tea £17.50; Parisian Afternoon Tea £24.50.
Verdict: For something different in beautiful surrounds, nothing beats the Wallace’s restaurant.
» Wallace Collection,Manchester Sq, W1U 3BN
Tube: Bond Street
020 7563 9505
thewallacerestaurant.co.uk
Daily from 3pm-4.30pm
Bea’s of Bloomsbury
Glossy cupcakes, oozing chocolate cakes and buttery carrot cake compete for attention the minute you walk inside this small bakery and café in Bloomsbury.
Tea time: Incredibly light scones smothered in jam and cream, berry marshmellow, mini meringue, mini brownies and blondies and magnificent strawberries-and-cream cupcakes.
The damage: £9.90 per person or upgrade to include some savoury baguettes for an extra £3.
Verdict: Bea’s turns out seriously good sweet treats and incredibly good prices. Skip lunch and dinner and come here instead, but maybe walk home afterwards.
» 44 Theobald Rd, WC1X 8NW
Tube: Holborn
0207 242 8330
beasofbloomsbury.com
From 2.30pm on weekdays and from midday at weekends.
Words: Samantha Baden
