A SoulMap™ London journey by Penna a Spillo
🗺️📍Follow my SoulMap™ and discover London like a local
🫖 Category: London restaurants
🇬🇧 Where to Have Afternoon Tea in London
Afternoon Tea in London is a ritual, an institution, a way of life.
When I’m in Italy, I hardly ever drink tea, but when I’m in London, tea becomes part of my daily routine and habits.
I absorb the culture around me and let myself be pleasantly influenced by it.
There is something deeply British about Afternoon Tea: an elegant, relaxed and timeless ritual that today can be experienced in many different ways across London, from the classic tea served with scones and fine china, to creative reinterpretations in boutique hotels and contemporary tea rooms.
Afternoon tea is essentially the famous “five o’clock tea”, but behind this ritual lies an entire world.
In London, tea is generally drunk with milk (everyone knows the right amount for themselves) and without sugar.
Choosing the tea itself is part of the ritual: in every home, there is a box filled with different teas, to offer guests or simply to choose from day by day; otherwise, part of the pleasure is lost.
Everyone has their favourite tea (mine is Earl Grey), but being able to choose it among ten different varieties is a joy worth preserving.
If you are looking for a special place to experience Afternoon Tea in London for the first time, or you want to discover new spots to try, in this article, you’ll find five carefully selected addresses, each with its own unique atmosphere and unforgettable details.
📍 Editorial note:
The restaurants featured reflect my personal taste and direct experience. They are not “the best”, but places that impressed me for their atmosphere, quality or character.
By editorial choice, I do not accept advertising collaborations or sponsorships: none of the venues mentioned have any commercial relationship with me.
☕ Tea in London: much more than a simple break
Another lovely habit I picked up while living in London is this:
When there’s a problem, big or small, or an unexpected situation to deal with, the British make a cup of tea.
At first this made me smile, but there is actually something deeply meditative about it.
I now do the same myself: perhaps it’s a way of taking time to process what’s happening and react less impulsively.
With this in mind, here are five places in London where I love having tea.
They are very different from one another, but they all share one key characteristic: they are not the usual fake, overly touristy spots, but places where you can enjoy an authentic, truly London atmosphere.
Keep in mind that Afternoon Tea in London is usually very generous, it’s a proper meal.
It includes finger sandwiches, scones served with jam and clotted cream, a selection of cakes and pastries, and, in more elegant venues, champagne.
Prices reflect the experience: it’s generally quite expensive, or at least comparable to the cost of lunch or dinner, rather than a simple snack.
So if you book Afternoon Tea (and remember, (in London you should always book in advance), I recommend not planning a heavy dinner afterwards.
👑 The Orangery at Kensington Palace
Afternoon Tea with a royal view of the palace gardens
The first place I want to tell you about is Afternoon Tea at the Orangery of Kensington Palace.
As Kensington Palace is a royal residence, the Afternoon Tea here reflects that atmosphere.
In spring and summer you can sit outside, overlooking the beautiful gardens.
Afternoon Tea here is elegant and refined: perfectly pressed white tablecloths, fine porcelain decorated with the crown, white tiered cake stands and teapots in classic English style.
The gentle background chatter is part of the experience.
This is truly the most British place you can find for five o’clock tea in London.
📍 Address: Kensington Palace Gardens, London W8 4PX
Orangerie at Kensington Palace – map
🌿 2. Petersham Nurseries (Richmond)
Petersham Nurseries is one of the most charming places for Afternoon Tea in London.
I love it for its blend of creativity, refinement, love for gardening and slow food..
It is located in Richmond, next to the park, inside a real greenhouse.
As you can see from the photos, Afternoon Tea here is beautifully curated in every detail.
The space, filled with mirrors, glassware and floral arrangements, is the shabby chic version of five o’clock tea.
Wrought-iron tables and chairs recreate the greenhouse atmosphere, and the pastries are little masterpieces.
📍 Address: Off Church Lane, Petersham Rd, Richmond
💎 3. Fortnum & Mason (Piccadilly)
The most iconic traditional Afternoon Tea in London
This is the temple of tea everyone knows.
Located in the heart of London on Piccadilly, I step inside every time I can, just to soak up its unique atmosphere, even if only for a moment.
A useful thing to know: Fortnum & Mason’s classic Afternoon Tea is not only served at the Piccadilly flagship store, but also in other locations around the city.
One particularly fascinating venue is inside the former London Stock Exchange at the Royal Exchange, in the City, next to the Bank of England.
I’ve also dedicated a specific article to Fortnum & Mason (Shopping in London: 2 Stores You Shouldn’t Miss), so here I’ll focus only on the Afternoon Tea experience.
Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason is served on the top floor, in the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon, and it is simply perfect.
Ranking them is almost impossible, but for many people, this is the best Afternoon Tea in London.
If you’re short on time or don’t want to spend too much, remember that on the second floor you’ll find The Parlour, a chocolate bar where you can also order tea and scones in a more relaxed setting.
I recommend taking the stairs to admire the beautiful wooden staircases.
Before leaving, don’t forget to stop by the ground floor, where you’ll find not only tea (look for Fortnum & Mason’s own blends) and jams, but also all the accessories for preparing the perfect cup of tea.
It’s a truly wonderful world.
📍 Address (with map): 181 Piccadilly, London W1A 1ER
🫖 4. Newens – The Original Maids of Honour (Kew)
A countryside-style Afternoon Tea
A magical place that feels like it came straight out of an Agatha Christie novel.
Anyone who follows me, especially on Instagram, knows my love for this place in West London, in the village of Kew, right opposite the entrance to Kew Gardens (the Royal Botanic Gardens).
Newens – The Original Maids of Honour is a historic English tea room.
The experience here is completely different: this is essentially a countryside tea room (even though it’s still London), far from the elegant settings of central hotels, yet just as rich in charm and authenticity.
The display of cakes at the entrance, the wooden round tables, and the blue-and-white porcelain service are unforgettable, not to mention the British bunting and what is probably the widest tea selection I’ve ever seen on a menu.
Sandwiches and scones come as standard, but you’ll be asked to choose your tea and your slice of cake. I highly recommend the house speciality; it’s delicious.
Local tip: given the astronomical prices in central London, this is also an excellent option if you’re looking for a more affordable Afternoon Tea experience.
📍 Address : 288 Kew Rd, Richmond TW9 3DU
🎀 5. Sketch London (Mayfair)
Luxury Afternoon Tea with champagne
Switching to a completely different style, Afternoon Tea at Sketch is a fashionable and elegant event, where you’ll sip champagne and might even spot a celebrity.
Located in the heart of Mayfair on Conduit Street, Sketch is one of London’s trendiest venues, known for its striking interiors, outstanding cuisine and impeccable service.
Sketch features several spaces, each dedicated to a different experience (dining, after-dinner drinks, lounge, etc.). Afternoon Tea is served in the Gallery, shown in the photos above.
Don’t forget to visit the bathrooms, they are part of the experience and a true highlight.
📍 Address (map link ): 9 Conduit St, London W1S 2XG,
☕ A practical guide to Afternoon Tea: everything you need to know
Before sitting down to sip tea and enjoy scones, there are a few (unwritten) rules worth knowing to experience Afternoon Tea like a true local:
- Book in advance
The best places fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Even informal tea rooms often require reservations. - Dress code: smart casual
Avoid overly sporty outfits. A touch of elegance is always appreciated. - Follow the correct order
Start with savoury sandwiches, move on to scones with jam and clotted cream, and finish with sweets. - How long does it last?
Allow at least an hour and a half. Afternoon Tea is a relaxing ritual, not just a meal. - Scone etiquette
Never cut a scone with a knife: break it by hand and spread the toppings separately. Jam first or clotted cream first? It depends on whether you follow the Devon or Cornwall tradition! - A linguistic curiosity
Don’t confuse “Afternoon Tea” with “High Tea”: in the UK, high tea is a light dinner, not a refined afternoon ritual.
🇬🇧 Follow my SoulMap™ and discover London like a local
Welcome to my SoulMap™: every photograph and story comes from experiences I’ve lived first-hand.
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