One of Britain’s most famous past-times, afternoon tea has seen a resurgence in recent years, and restaurants and luxury hotels across the country are making the most of its popularity by creating fascinating takes on the classic afternoon tea. We round-up our top twelve afternoon teas in London with a unique twist!
Art Afternoon Tea at Rosewood London
Rosewood London has to win the award for the most impressive afternoon tea creation, with their culture-based ‘Art’ afternoon tea. An exceptional concept, the latest collection of Art Afternoon Tea by Executive Pastry Chef Mark Perkins is inspired by surrealist painter Salvador Dali’s infamous works and designed with the ‘Surrealism Beyond Borders’ exhibition at the Tate Modern in mind. The contemporary afternoon tea now explores virtual reality with its own NFTea experience
Pret-A-Portea at The Berkeley
Changing theme ever six months to mirror the changing seasons of the fashion world, we’ve previously reviewed the Jimmy Choo edition of the Pret-A-Portea tea. For A/W 2022 the theme is ‘Couture Cakewalk’ and celebrates designers from Dolce & Gabbana to Jean Paul Gaultier. A capsule collection for fashionistas with a sweet tooth, it serves a bold, colourful take on afternoon tea. The afternoon tea also includes elegant canapés and sandwiches, with a selection of loose-leaf teas from an extensive collection.
Royal Afternoon Tea at Taj 51 Buckingham Gate
Take a journey through Queen Elizabeth’s sensational reign with The Royal Afternoon Tea at Taj 51 Buckingham Gate. This Afternoon Tea features intrinsically designed pastries and scrumptious savoury treats, all inspired by 70 years of service. From miniature royal carriages encasing delicate pastries, to beautiful handmade table dressings in the rich royal colour of purple laying down the carpet for this tea, this beautiful and delicious afternoon tea is fit for royalty.
Alternatively, try Taj 51’s Indian Afternoon Tea.
80 Days Around The World at Kensington Hotel
Kensington Hotel’s 80 Days Around the World Afternoon Tea takes its inspiration from Jules Verne’s headstrong hero, Phileas Fogg, and his bid to win a wager by circumnavigating the globe in 80 days. Take in the sights and savour the flavours as we travel from Blighty to fantastic, far-flung climes, starting in London, then on to Paris, Rome and Cairo. Discover a stunning selection of amazing amuse-bouches, sensational sandwiches and delicious desserts – tastes to truly transport you.
Peter Pan Afternoon Tea at Aqua Shard
Inspired by the adventures of Peter Pan on the island of Neverland, aqua shard have created the Peter Pan Afternoon Tea. Drawing on popular motifs from J.M Barrie’s much loved novel, the afternoon tea is a fitting tribute to the author and his fictional characters. Innovative treats are served on a custom-made tea stand inspired by Captain James Hook’s Pirate Ship, the Jolly Roger, which symbolised pirate ships in the 18th Century. The ship-shaped tea stand has plates attached to the masts to act like the sails and planks, while treats include a Tinker Bell Cookie and Tick-Tock The Crocodile.
Bridgerton Tea at The Lanesborough Hotel
On good authority from Lady Whistledown, a social event not to be missed is coming to the ton this season…Served until 10th November 2022, the Bridgerton afternoon tea at The Lanesborough Hotel takes you back to regency times with its whimsical tea offering. The limited-edition menu pays homage to the Regency era. Carefully crafted by our pastry team, the menu pays tribute to the key families in Bridgerton and is composed of a selection of finger sandwiches and brioche sliders, delectable scones, cream and jam, and five signature sweet treats.
Peter Rabbit afternoon tea at The Dilly
The Dilly’s cute Peter Rabbit tea serves a delightful selection of tasty themed treats and teas for children and adults alike. The Official Peter Rabbit™ Afternoon Tea brings to life the classic story by London author Beatrix Potter. Served in the light-filled Terrace at The Dilly, indulge in a quaint British tradition with views across Piccadilly. There’s even a vegetarian menu available, and a fully vegan afternoon-tea when requested in advance.
Yinka Ilori X Bulgari Hotel London Afternoon Tea
The Bulgari Hotel London has collaborated with London-based British-Nigerian multidisciplinary artist and designer Yinka Ilori to redefine the afternoon tea stand as a sculptural work of art, in celebration of their tenth anniversary. The designer has joined forces with award-winning Italian pastry chef and chocolatier-in-residence, Gianluca Fusto, whose carefully considered creations, sweet and savoury, are a delight to the palate as well as the eye. Gianluca Fusto has also introduced autumnal combinations of Italian dried fruit with almond, pistachio, hazelnut and peanut, designed in form to complement the bold geometry and contemporary colors of Ilori’s sculptural tea stands.
Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea at The Sanderson
This is one of the most famous quirky afternoon teas in London and highly recommended if you enjoy all things Alice in Wonderland. The Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea at The Sanderson hotel includes a menu hidden inside a vintage book. Kings and queens adorn the teapots at Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea which is full of sweet treats and savoury delights to tantalise your taste buds – including Grow Me, Shrink Me, Bring Me Back glittery potions, Tweedle Brothers Choux Pastry, Red Knight Army Shortbread Cookies, and yes of course…Homemade Sultana Scones & Plain Scones with strawberry preserve and clotted cream.
Science Tea at The Ampersand
A fun and educational choice for the whole family, the Science Tea at The Ampersand hotel features planets, dinosaurs, and chemistry concoctions fit for any school project, where physics, chemistry and gastronomy meet in a curious alchemy to create an out-of-this-world dining experience. Expect a mix of exciting and curious dishes, from jams served in petri dishes, to chocolate spacemen and dinosaur biscuits. This one-of-a-kind experience, unique to The Ampersand, won Best Themed Afternoon Tea at the Afternoon Tea Awards 2018. Each treat is expertly prepared by our chefs in unique and unusual ways. Your food is served with tea, coffee and — if you like — Champagne.
Charlie and The Chocolate Factory at One Aldwych
A playful take on Roald Dahl’s famous tale, indulge your inner child at the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory tea at luxury hotel One Aldwych is a sugar explosion sure to ensure you leave on a (legal) high. Fizzy lifting champagne, snozzberry jam, chocolate swudge milkshake mixed by waterfall. Feast on scrumptious savouries such as the not-quite-as-it-seems salmon and beetroot macaron and juicy roast beef and horseradish, then journey on to fabulously fluffy floss and a box stacked high with wondrous cakes, sweets, mallows and creams – all washed down with chocolate or lemon sherbet tea, juicing room mix or water pistol punch cocktails. Spot on for spectacular special occasions or simply an indulgent afternoon immersed in one of the tastiest tales ever told.
Pink & Skyline afternoon teas at Shangri-La at The Shard
Offered each year from October-November to raise awareness of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, TĪNG at Shangri-La at The Shard’s delicious Pink Afternoon Tea is the perfect way to celebrate whilst enjoying views of London. Freshly made savoury delights and baked scones alongside delicate pastries, including ‘The Pink Shard’ to share. Even outside of October-November, TĪNG at Shangri-La at The Shard offers the ‘Skyline’ afternoon tea, featuring freshly made savoury delights and baked scones served alongside delicate pastries, including ‘a piece of architecture’ to share: TĪNG’s Chocolate & Raspberry Shard.
Related Content:
BEST AFTERNOON TEAS IN EDINBURGH SCOTLAND
LONDON LANDMARKS AFTERNOON TEA AT THE KENSINGTON HOTEL
AFTERNOON TEA AT MANDARIN ORIENTAL HYDE PARK
Louise Walker is AGLAIA’s Editor in charge of all content creation and management. She splits her time between London and Miami, and can always be found at a swanky hotel bar sipping on a Negroni. Contact her for any questions or if you would like to become an AGLAIA Contributor: hello@aglaiamagazine.com
Find me on: Twitter
