Afternoon tea is very much alive and a kicking with new creative themes and venues popping up all the time. The afternoon tea week – 10-16 August is a great time for EAs and PAs to book afternoon tea as a reward for a colleague, or for a whole team even. Here are some of the best places to choose from in London right now, all a offering something different. Take your pick…
Afternoon tea for gin lovers
The Landmark London X Palmaráe | Marylebone
Created in partnership with luxury gin brand Palmaráe, the seasonal special brings a taste of summer to The Landmark London’s iconic Winter Garden with moreish finger sandwiches, botanical-inspired pastries, raspberry and candied lemon drizzle cake and classic rum and raisin, warm scones and a signature ‘Spirit of the Oasis’ cocktail served beneath the hotel’s soaring glass atrium.
⭐️ From £79pp. Available between 2:30pm – 5:00pm Monday – Friday, 1:00pm – 5:00pm on Weekends until 20th September
📍222 Marylebone Road, London, NW1 JQ
www.landmarklondon.co.uk/dining/high-palms-high-tea/
For history lovers
Cutty Sark – one of London’s most iconic venues
Cutty Sark offers a truly unforgettable experience both as a museum attraction and as a spectacular setting for events, receptions and private celebrations. And they serve a great afternoon tea!
Indulge in a special afternoon tea sitting directly beneath Cutty Sark’s iconic copper-clad hull. Choose between a standard or vegan menu and enjoy a selection of teas, sandwiches and sweet treats as you marvel at the historic engineering of the fastest ship of its day.
All table bookings include entry to the ship, so you can explore Cutty Sark at your leisure before or after your meal.
Please note that afternoon teas must be booked at least 72 hours before the start of the session.
This month, Royal Museums Greenwich is giving one lucky winner the chance to receive two tickets to visit Cutty Sark and sample its iconic Afternoon Tea! Enter to discover the fascinating stories behind the world’s only surviving tea clipper HERE.
The PA Life competition closes at midnight on July 31st.
⭐Adults £47, students £41.50, children £16. Members £22.50. Includes admission to Cutty Sark.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday – 12:00-15:00
For an Indian twist
High Chai at Cinnamon Bazaar | Covent Garden & Richmond
Swap the traditional afternoon tea for something a little more adventurous with Cinnamon Bazaar’s High Chai – a vibrant celebration of British tradition infused with the bold flavours of India. Inspired by Chef Vivek Singh’s roots in Kolkata, the experience pairs a pot of Jing Tea with an array of chaats and Indian-inspired bites, including traditional pani puri, masala fish finger sandwiches, spiced paneer rolls and selection of sweets. Complete the experience with a Chai Bellini for an additional £7.50 per person.
⭐️ From £27.50pp. Available daily 12:00pm – 4:00pm.
📍Covent Garden: 28 Maiden Ln, London WC2E 7JS | Richmond: 31 Kew Rd, Richmond TW9 2NQ
For French artistry
Versailles Afternoon Tea at Royal Albert Hall | Kensington
Experience a taste of Versailles at the Royal Albert Hall with the new Fête de Versailles Afternoon Tea. Inspired by the Hall’s lavish 1913 celebrations of French artistry, begin with a citrus palate cleanser before a selection of delicate finger sandwiches, seasonal savouries, exquisite pâtisserie and freshly baked scones, alongside bottomless tea. Celebrate the occasion with a glass of Champagne or opt for a cocktail such as the Petit Désordre Royal.
⭐️ From £68pp. Available daily 12:30pm – 5:00pm
📍Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, London, SW7 2AP
www.royalalberthall.com/tickets/tours-and-exhibitions/afternoon-tea
For timeless tradition
Garden Afternoon Tea at Lanes of London | Mayfair
Discover a garden-inspired twist on a British classic with Lanes of London’s Garden Afternoon Tea. Featuring beautifully crafted savouries, whimsical floral pâtisserie and freshly baked elderflower scones with Cornish clotted cream and homemade strawberry jam. Each element is designed to capture the charm of an English country garden served alongside a selection of JING teas, or upgrade to free-flowing bubbles.
⭐️ From £50pp. Available daily 12:00pm – 4:00pm
📍 140 Park Lane, London, W1K 7AA
Summer Afternoon Tea at RAILS | King’s Cross
Escape the bustle of King’s Cross with RAILS’ Summer Afternoon Tea, featuring a selection of classic finger sandwiches, including roasted beef sirloin with horseradish and smoked salmon with dill and lemon crème fraîche. Sweet treats include chocolate tea biscuit cake, lemon curd cupcakes, apricot Bakewell tarts and strawberries with cream, alongside freshly baked scones. Elevate the experience with a refreshing Ultimate Spritz, made with Ultimate Provence Rosé, St-Germain elderflower and grapefruit, or opt for a glass of fizz.
⭐️ From £42.50pp. Available Thursday – Sunday 1:00pm – 5:00pm
📍 Pancras Rd, London N1C 4TB
For a countryside escape
Sopwell House | Hertfordshire
Head to Sopwell House for a quintessential British afternoon tea in the heart of Hertfordshire. Indulge in Britain’s most treasured tradition with moreish finger sandwiches, carefully crafted patisserie and freshly baked scones. Toast to the occasion with a glass of Champagne or a gin cocktail to make the day even more special.
⭐️ From £39pp. Available daily between 12:30pm – 4:30pm
📍Cottonmill Lane, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 2HQ
