My fellow Americans, you need to start drinking tea.
Afternoon tea in London is far from the paper cup of Earl Grey you get at the quick-stop. It’s the difference between having a burnt cup of java at a diner and an artisanal brew made with love from a barista at your favorite coffee shop.
And afternoon tea is an event, not on occasion.
High tea means multiple courses of finger sandwiches, scones, and sweets that will make you wonder why the heck the boys in Boston sent this lovely cultural hallmark to the depths of the harbor and American society.
Trust us: the best places for afternoon tea in London will make even a discerning drinker like Ted Lasso change their tune.
Raise a cuppa to the best afternoon tea in London
One does not simply sip tea and skedaddle.
Nay, you need to sit down and thoroughly enjoy yourself as any self-respecting Brit would. Ritz London afternoon tea is a great gateway experience, especially if you’re shacking up there for the night. Along with a live pianist and a special children’s tea experience, these folks end afternoon tea with a champagne celebration so you really can’t go wrong.
Take the Jubilee, Victoria, or Piccadilly lines to Green Park’s station right outside The Ritz.
The Savoy London afternoon tea experience is world famous, thanks to its setting in a glass-domed atrium. It’s traditional yet with the times: vegan and vegetarian afternoon tea sessions are also on the schedule.
You’ll find The Savoy right off of The Strand, accessible via the Embankment and Temple Underground stations.
Image credits, The Savoy.
Trainline’s picks for the best afternoon tea in London
Not staying at The Savoy or prefer something a little less ritzier than The Ritz? Here are a few other spots in London serving up the best afternoon tea for first-time visitors and longtime Londoners alike.
Sketch London Afternoon Tea
Closest station: Oxford Circus
Sketch is bold: they rolled into the UK’s capital and attempted to reimagine the best afternoon tea in London — with French flair, nonetheless! And we’d be lying if we said they did a bad job. Sketch’s tea service is its own tradition: the petit gâteau are delectable, the scones are scrumptious, and every pot is prepared perfectly.
Image credits, Sketch London.
Afternoon Tea at TOZI Grand Cafe
Closest station: Battersea Power Station
We’ve got a list of reasons to bum around Battersea Power Station for the day, starting with afternoon tea at TOZI Grand Cafe. With the opulent vibes of mainland Europe’s grand cafes, such timeless style and traditional afternoon tea service are given TOZI’s hallmark Italian touch. We’re talking about a proper cuppa featuring cannolis, maritozzi, and a ciabatta pane carasau with mozzarella and prosciutto that’ll make you think you were in Campania.
The Langham Afternoon Tea
Closest stations: Regent’s Park | Oxford Circus
Listen, we’re not saying The Langham invented afternoon tea, but as the first joint outside of an aristocratic estate to have it on the menu, they can certainly lay claim to being the OG. Tuck in your shirt and mind your manners when you step into Palm Court. Classic British biscuits (not the southern kind) and tarts (not the “pop” kind) adorn a menu that also includes indulgent finger sandwiches and exquisite pastries.
Afternoon Tea at Eltham Lodge
Closest station: Mottingham
If you want a tee time with your tea time, do we have the spot for you. Eltham Lodge is the clubhouse of the Royal Black Heath Golf Club, overlooking a stunning 110-acre golf course in Greenwich. Visitors are welcome to play 18 then enjoy an alternative 19th hole with a sumptuous cream tea session.
Train times for tea times
Let us help you make your tea time. Download the Trainline app where you can buy and digitally store your London Underground tickets so you’ll never be late for the best afternoon tea in London.
Image credits, Sketch London.