5 Afternoon Tea Experiences To Book in London in 2024

Last year, I kept my promise to have less Afternoon Teas so I could experience other things, hence I am only sharing 5 Afternoon Tea experiences on this blog this time. Less is more as they say.

London is your place for the most amazing Afternoon Teas, and there are plenty of hotels and restaurants that offer this luxurious experience. To those who are new here, I have been writing about my Afternoon Tea experiences in London since 2013- that goes to show how much I love this classic English tradition and you should, too. So, here are five of the many places in London where you can enjoy finger sandwiches, scones, little cakes and a variety of teas in 2024.

1. The Regency Afternoon Tea at Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Afternoon Tea at the Theatre Royal is served in the Grand Saloon on the first floor. Enjoy the pleasure of walking up the grand staircase and into dazzling chandeliers and beautiful tall green pillars inside the Grand Saloon, giving that Bridgerton vibe. Sandwiches are not served in this afternoon tea, however the three selection of savoury pastries are equally delightful. Then there's the indulgent bakes by none other than the baker to the stars, Lily Vanilli. My favourite amongst the three desserts was the mini sticky toffee pudding. Not forgetting of course the Lily Vanilli signature scones, served with clotted cream and jam. Indeed, a worthy extravagant Afternoon Tea.

Catherine St, London WC2B 5JF  |  from £59 pp

2.  Traditional Afternoon Tea at The Savoy -Thames Foyer

One Afternoon Tea experience will never be enough at The Savoy. Whatever the occasion, whether you are mending a broken heart (in my case previously) or there for a celebration, The Savoy is a sublime destination. The Thames Foyer, where their Afternoon Tea is served is always glamorous in every way- beautifully lit by natural light coming from the glass-domed atrium. The food, from finger sandwiches to fruit and plain scones to the selection of pastries, was superb. The selection of tea is extensive, so plenty to choose from. This wonderful experience was completed by heartfelt music from their pianist, amidst a meaningful conversation with a very good friend. Make sure to book at least three months in advance if you're planning to go.

Strand, London WC2R 0EY |  from £80 pp

3. Traditional Afternoon Tea in the Drawing Room at Raffles

- The Raffles hotel in Whitehall only opened in September last year and as expected from a luxury hotel, an Afternoon Tea was on offer. The Raffles gives an impressive first impression, with friendly and warm greetings from the concierge, and their elaborate staircase. We were then escorted to the stunning Drawing Room overlooking Whitehall, where we had our Traditional Afternoon Tea. They have limited tea selection and appears expensive to have on their own, but tea of your choice is of course included in the Afternoon Tea. Their teas are from Camellia's Tea House and the tea leaves were served in small tins to our table, then poured into the teapot. A tea timer was provided to ensure our tea was perfectly brewed to our liking.  Then came the food. My favourite amongst the sandwiches was the wagyu beef pastrami. The pastries were seemingly tiny but definitely filling. The toffee macaron was truly a treat. After that, there was a slice of cake to finish .

57 Whitehall, London SW1A 2BX | £75 pp

4. Lovestruck Afternoon Tea at Peggy Porschen in Chelsea

If you are thinking of having an Afternoon Tea for Valentine's Day, perhaps you should consider Peggy Porschen in Chelsea. Not only you will be fascinated by their very instagrammable arches which changes every season, but you will also be treated to a tier of savoury sandwiches, beautiful cakes and freshly baked scones. You can choose endless pots of tea from their signature and luxury blends. I was personally impressed by the service here as I didn't have a good experience in their Belgravia branch, so I would recommend you to come here instead. Besides, they have more space and cakes to choose from. They require at least 24 hours notice for Afternoon Tea.

219 King's Road, London SW3 5EJ | from £52 pp

5. Afternoon Tea for One at Fait Maison Salon de Thé in Gloucester Road

No doubt one of the most instagrammable restaurants in London, but Fait Maison is not all that. In fact, to me, Fait Maison has got it all- food, service and "instagrammability". This is the reason why when my friend asked me to find an Afternoon Tea place for her baby shower, I chose Fait Maison.  I have been to their branch in Gloucester Road a few times, and each time was a very good experience. Their Afternoon Tea is served in individual tiers and is so generous. For one, you are treated to simple, but tasty sandwiches and at least six elegant desserts. Make sure you savour each one and leave room for the imperfectly shaped but delicious scones. Their tea selection is basic but should be enough to complete this light and wholesome experience. If you're lucky, you might experience some dancing and singing from the happy staff, including the ever accommodating Om Waleed.

144 Gloucester Road, South Kensington SW7 4SZ | £32.95 pp

I understand Afternoon Tea is not for everyone. In fact, I have friends who are not as keen on the British tradition because they don't think the food is satisfying enough. Besides, they are too expensive for "finger foods" apparently. I agree, most Afternoon Teas are pricey, however you are really paying for the quality of the overall experience. I have been to a few more affordable Afternoon Teas in London but honestly, the quality of food and service were not the same (hence, I don't write about them). Afternoon Tea, in my opinion, is a real treat. Personally, I go to an Afternoon Tea when I want to feel special, when I want to experience luxury food with a good friend and when I am feelling down and want to pick myself up. 

I am actually lucky that I have friends who are always willing to experience one of my favourite things with me, but I am planning to do something different this year. So, I hope to see you here again next year?

Tin x