The best afternoon teas in London
The top 3 according to 131 votes from people: The Ritz London – Palm Court · The Langham – Palm Court · The Savoy – Thames Foyer. (Updated May 27, 2026.)
From grand hotel tearooms to whimsical themed teas: the London afternoon teas that tea lovers, Time Out and The Infatuation rate highest.
Top 10
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1
The Ritz London – Palm Court
The most formal and iconic afternoon tea in London, with a dress code and pianist.
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2
The Langham – Palm Court
Where afternoon tea was first served in a hotel, back in 1865.
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3
The Savoy – Thames Foyer
Tea under a glass cupola in the Strand's grand hotel.
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4
Sketch – The Gallery
Famous pink dining room in Mayfair with eccentric pastries.
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5
Claridge's – The Foyer & Reading Room
Art Deco Mayfair setting with one of the city's most refined teas.
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6
Fortnum & Mason – The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon
Tea salon on the 4th floor of the 181 Piccadilly store, opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 2012.
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7
Corinthia London – The Crystal Moon Lounge
Tea beneath a huge Baccarat chandelier under the lobby dome.
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8
The Wolseley
Grand café on Piccadilly offering an accessible traditional tea.
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9
The Dorchester – The Promenade
Classic Park Lane tea with live piano.
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10
Peggy Porschen
Belgravia's pink cake parlour, famous for its cupcakes.
Candidates
They don't make it into the top 10… yet. Vote for them to move them up.
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11
The Berkeley – Prêt-à-Portea
Fashion-themed tea with cakes inspired by the catwalk.
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12
The Goring
Family-run Belgravia hotel near Buckingham Palace, with a Royal Warrant and a classic afternoon tea in its lounge.
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13
Brown's Hotel – The English Tea Room
Mayfair hotel serving tea since 1837, in the wood-panelled room where Rudyard Kipling wrote.
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14
The Lanesborough – Céleste
Regency-style hotel at Hyde Park Corner with an elaborate afternoon tea under a glass dome.
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15
One Aldwych – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea
Roald Dahl-themed tea, a favourite with children.
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16
Sanderson – Mad Hatter's Afternoon Tea
Alice in Wonderland-themed afternoon tea at the Sanderson hotel in Fitzrovia.
How is this ranking ordered? By people's votes: each ▲ adds a point and each ▼ takes one away. Anyone can vote and add what is missing.
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Comments (2)
Missing The Goring, Brown's, the Lanesborough and the Mad Hatter's tea at the Sanderson!
The Ritz is the classic, but book months in advance and dress up, there's a dress code.