Afternoon tea is one of my all-time favorite things when visiting London! Invented by Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, this quintessential English mid-afternoon meal is a delicious and super fun activity with family and friends. In this post, I tried to put together a comprehensive overview of how a proper afternoon tea works as well as our favorite spots to enjoy the best afternoon tea in London.
How afternoon tea works
The tea is usually served from 2pm-5pm but varies greatly depending on what restaurant you choose to visit. The meal will likely include three categories of goodies, arranged on a tri-tiered stand: finger sandwiches, scones with jam and clotted cream (like a better version of butter, if that’s possible), and sweet patisseries. Even though it may sound like a light snack, make no mistake, this will probably replace lunch or dinner. Make sure you come hungry!
Our favorite spot
Our recommendation for an afternoon tea spot in London is Fortnum & Mason. They have several locations, (even one in the Heathrow Airport!) but our favorite is the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon, centrally located near Piccadilly Circus. It was formally opened by Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth, Princess Kate Middleton, and Queen Camilla, so it is a traditional, authentic option. They also have the prettiest blue china and floral decor!
Make sure you make a reservation way in advance, as they tend to fill up.
The tea salon is on the fourth floor of the giant tea-themed department store. We recommend the traditional afternoon tea menu, although they have other varieties. This menu includes delicious items like the coronation chicken finger sandwich (we always ask for more because they are so good!), scones with the best clotted cream, and the lovely rose éclair.
Unlimited scones with clotted cream and jam, sandwiches, and beautiful desserts
Celebration tower at the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon, F&M
Be sure to check out multiple afternoon tea menu options, add a glass of bubbly, or make it all savory
My favorite tea pot plus cup in one set
Foyer statue at Fortnum & Mason
All empty tea cups go to heaven? Or are they angels that bring comfort and joy?
Imagine multiple floors dedicated to shopping for tea parties
I walked away with way too much tea to sample
Melt in your mouth F&M famous scones
Multiple floors of tea-related shopping and tasting
Afternoon tea aesthetic at Fortnum & Mason
In terms of what tea to try, we recommend ordering their Darjeeling first. It is a very versatile blend that you can add milk and sugar to or enjoy plain.
If you are an avid tea-lover like us, be sure to budget time to explore the different items and displays. Fortnum & Mason is truly a magical wonderland. Even if you don’t plan on going to afternoon tea, we recommend stopping by the first floor of the department store. We made the mistake of coming less than 30 minutes before our reservation for the tea salon, and we were overwhelmed by all the beautiful stalls and delicious-looking goodies.
The store is full of beautiful china plates and cups, picnic items, tea biscuits, sweets and candies, make-your-own-tea-blend kiosks, and all sorts of tea blends.
Design your perfect custom tea blend with the help of Fortnum & Mason professionals.
Enjoy beautiful music during your afternoon tea. We asked for a Studio Ghibli favorite and the pianist knew just the tune!
A good idea is to sample different teas during the afternoon tea experience and purchase your favorite one afterward, so you don’t get lost in a sea of tea.
Perfect pairings
We recommend pairing an afternoon tea outing with a trip to explore Piccadilly Circus and the surrounding shopping area. Consider this half-a-day Walking in London self-guided itinerary as a perfect compliment to an early afternoon tea experience.
Other great options for the best afternoon tea experience
If you choose not to go with Fortnum & Mason, there is certainly no shortage of afternoon tea establishments in the city! Here are our other top recommendations. Pick the best for your occasion and have a great time! Cheers!
AFTERNOON TEA AT THE RITZ: An iconic option with stunning decor, a special Ritz royal blend, and options catering to younger children.
- Tip: make sure to double-check the service is being served in the tea room and is not temporarily moved to the casino room.
- Tip: Be sure to make a reservation in advance! It’s available Monday through Sunday via their online booking system.
- Tip: Be sure to make a reservation in advance! You can either call them at 020 7396 9000 or use their online booking system.
- Tip: They do not serve afternoon tea on Sundays.
- Tip: Be sure to make a reservation in advance! They accept reservations via OpenTable.
FAQ
What is the difference between afternoon tea and high tea?
Afternoon tea and high tea differ in how formal and substantial they are.
Afternoon tea, often associated with the English upper class, is a more elegant event featuring delicate finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries served on a tiered stand.
High tea, originally a working-class meal, is a heartier affair with a full meal of meat, potatoes, and vegetables served at a dining table. While both traditions involve tea, afternoon tea is a lighter, social occasion, while high tea is a more substantial meal.
Is afternoon tea considered a snack or is it a full meal?
The short answer:
We’ve never left an afternoon tea table feeling like we’ve just had a light snack. The amount of food is almost always overwhelming.
The long answer:
The original concept of afternoon tea was to have a light meal or a snack. The Duchess of Bedford, Anna Maria Russell, is credited with popularizing afternoon tea in the 19th century. As a young woman, she found the long gap between lunch and dinner left her feeling hungry. To combat this, she began having a small meal of tea and snacks in the afternoon. This practice quickly caught on among her social circle and eventually became a fashionable trend. The Duchess’s innovation helped to elevate afternoon tea to a cultural and social ritual.
Having said that, most afternoon tea venues offer either unlimited or substantial quantities of delicious sandwiches with various types of protein, e.g., coronation chicken, egg cress, etc. You quickly get full before even touching the scones with clotted cream and jam. Now imagine the whole experience being topped off with a plate of gorgeous desserts. In summary, I plan for afternoon tea experiences the same way I get ready for a buffet style meal or a really substantial Sunday brunch.
Should I dress up for afternoon tea?
Yes, it is generally considered appropriate to dress up for afternoon tea. Be sure to check the level of formality expected at the specific tea room you plan to visit. Most venues recommend smart casual or semi-formal attire. Their goal is to help you enjoy a refined and elegant atmosphere, so dressing up shows respect for the occasion.
Very helpful, thanks!