A crisp white tablecloth smothers the table. Fine china teacups filled with steaming tea clinks against the dainty saucer. And a towering display of intricate sweets satisfy your sweet tooth for days to come. A dining experience such as this is easily within reach at afternoon tea in London, England.

London is a large city with a wide array of afternoon tea options. Dotted all throughout this historical city are tucked away tea rooms or stand out venues. But one thing is for certain, this city is no stranger to tea or fine dining hospitality.

Afternoon tea has been a staple in England for almost 200 years. Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford founded this meal back in 1840, due to the unsatisfactory wait time between lunch and dinner. Today, many tea rooms in London uphold the same traditional values of afternoon tea, while placing their own modern twist on the dish.

Candella Tea Room 

The Candella Tea Room opened in 2012. Their extensive tea services provide a wide array of assortments to contribute to a proper tearoom environment. During tea service, guests are served a pot of loose-leaf tea blends. Royal, black, green, herbal and fruit teas are all offered. Assortments of British finger sandwiches, homemade clotted cream or raisin scones, along with a selection of jams and handcrafted pastries give the senses a sweet touch.

Besides their afternoon tea menu, the Candella Tea Room also provides brunch. The filling, yet light options are plated with a carefully curated appearance. Free range scrambled eggs, croque monsieur, or avocado and feta tartines are sure to appeal to any guest. Whether one is relaxing among afternoon tea or starting the day off with a hearty brunch, the Candella Tea Room presents a whimsical twist on tea rooms.

Claridge’s 

Hosted in the Claridge’s hotel grand foyer, guests will dine among a 1930s art deco inspired setting. The menu follows traditional British specialties with a combination of sweet and savory flavors. Pastries such as a rhubarb crumble tart and grapefruit macaron change to reflect the fruit of each season. Vast tea selections inducing white, herbal infusions, and oolong teas will be served alongside bone china and silverware. Claridge’s also provides children’s afternoon tea and champagne afternoon tea menus, so guests can experience a different selection for each visit.

 The BloomsBury 

The BloomsBury afternoon tea menu was inspired by traditional classics. Afternoon tea is served on the Dalloway Terrace, with the name derived from Virginia Woolf’s novel, Mrs. Dalloway. The terrace radiates a Parisian feel, as floral arrangements wind up along the red brick walls.

Head pastry chef, Chris Dodd, will cater to any lover of sweets. From the carrot sponge cake to the dark chocolate and cherry mousse, these dainty desserts enhance the dining experience. And along with a classic selection of teas such as china green leaf tea and jasmine silver tip, The BloomsBury also offers champagne options including Telmont Réserve Brut and Telmont Réserve Rosé.

The Drawing Room

Once a favorite of Queen Victoria, The Drawing Room is a quintessential spot for afternoon tea. The historical dining space is made up of original wood paneling and contemporary artwork. One stand out aspect of this spot are their plant-based options. Smoked aubergine served with semi-dried tomato, or the roast beetroot are just a few selections. As for dessert, mouthwatering dishes like lemon drizzle cake and passion fruit coconut mousse can be found on the menu. The Drawing Room is also home to many stand out tea selections. Dragon well green tea or lemongrass and ginger teas are a few of the many options.

The Berkeley: Prêt-à-Portea

Mourad Khiat is the head pastry chef at The Berkeley. He utilizes seasonal flavors with an ever-changing menu. For the 2021-2022 season, the current collection of couture cakes was inspired by designers such as Ganni and Gucci. These creations are practically an edible fashion show, with each ensemble also including sandwiches and loose-leaf teas.

The Berkeley takes a contemporary twist on afternoon tea. Their scientific approach to carefully crafted tea is unlike any other. Whether it be oolong, Pu Erh, or Tisane, all teas are sourced from historical origins.

Along with traditional afternoon tea experience, guests may also opt for another type of menu. The Jungle Book Afternoon Tea is perfect for young children, as adults can appreciate Jungle Book inspired teas and selections. The Time Travel Through Tea experience guides guests along a story-telling adventure through the art of tea. Flavors inspired by The Great Gatsby and Roaring 20s, or sweets of the swinging 60s bring the menu to life.

Spirited Tea at Layness

Layness at Sea Containers presents the perfect opportunity to relax and unwind. Their playful yet comforting approach to afternoon tea is a refreshing experience. This tearoom is a tranquil setting, with plush, deep blue furniture and rich gold accents donning the space. Guests can dine alongside the beautiful backdrop of the River Thames and City of London.

Spirited Tea at Layness hosts a rare tea house, with options such as chocolate tea and hojicha tea. And with classic scones or sweets like the caramelized banana and chocolate eclair, there is an endless array for pairing options. Guests may also select a cocktail or sparkling wine to be served alongside their afternoon tea.

The Stafford 

Served in the Game Bird Restaurant and interconnecting drawing rooms of The Stafford hotel, afternoon tea comprises 30 different types of teas supplied by Camellia’s Tea House. Along with traditional options, guests can select from Stafford’s Signature Blends which include St. James’s Blend (a smoky black fusion tea) or the Queen’s Stafford Blend (keemun tea with citrus and floral undertones). This elegant tearoom is a perfect way to experience traditional British afternoon tea.

While afternoon tea might not be a staple in everyone’s daily routine, it is often nice to escape everyday life and switch up our dining routines. London is home to a variety of tea rooms and afternoon tea experiences for any type of guests. From the flakey scones to piping hot tea, afternoon tea will always be an English tradition.