The Quirkiest Afternoon Tea Spots in London
So we all know of the Ritz, Aqua Shard, Fortnum & Mason and Brown’s… but what about the cultural spots that London is best known for? We’ve rounded up just a handful of cute, colourful and quirky afternoon tea spots to spend your Sunday reunions, forewarning, bring the food pants.
Science Afternoon tea – The Ampersand Hotel
Price: £37.50 per person | £49 with a glass of champagne
Times: Mon-Fri 2:30pm-5:30pm | Sat-Sun 12:30pm-5:30pm
Vibes: Inspired by the neighbourhood of South Kensington and the Science Museum, afternoon tea at luxury hotel ‘The Ampersand’ is far from normal! Still being served in the traditional 3 tier crockery, expect nothing less than brightly coloured galaxies for your tea. Keep an eye out for the ‘planet mousse’ which arrives with clouds of dry ice and chocolate dinosaur fossils earthed onto Oreo crumb cakes. Don’t fret too much though, the traditional perfectly toasted scones still satisfy the craving for classic British tea, plus unlimited refills of everything except the champagne make it probably one of the most educational tea visits one could imagine having.
Afternoon Tea Bus Tour @ B Bakery
Price: £45 per person
Times: From Victoria – 12pm Noon, 2:30pm or 5pm | From Northumberland Avenue – 12:30pm or 3pm
Vibes: If you’re down in London for the day and looking for the most food-filling-touristy-beneficial way of doing so, hit up the tea bus tour via B Bakery. Taking your place on board a vintage double decker at Victoria or Northumberland Avenue, take down a platter of finger sandwiches and profiteroles with cupcakes whilst having your very own food-fun-filled voiceover tour of historic London. They also have a vegan afternoon tea option. Gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, halal and kosher dietary requirements can be accommodated but notice must be given on booking.
Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea Party @ The Sanderson
Price: £48 per person | £35 per child (4-11 years old)
Times: Mon-Sat 12:30pm-4pm | Sun 1pm-5pm
Vibes: Wander down the rabbit hole into Alice’s Wonderland and join the Mad Hatter for tea at his afternoon tea party hosted at the Sanderson. Discover your range of tea choices within vintage books and admire the crockery which is actually available to purchase via lunaandcurious.com. Covering a mix of savoury and sweet treats, think smoked salmon quail eggs, Queen of Hearts Jammy Dodgers, pocket watch macaroons and even Alice’s “Drink Me” potion! The traditional is never missed out of course, so scones and clotted cream are still served up with Alice-inspired teas which are also available to purchase to take away! And if afternoon tea doesn’t work out for you, there’s also an after party – the Mad Hatter’s Tipsy Evening Tea from 7pm-9pm daily!
Afternoon Tea @ Sketch
Price: £58 per person | £72 per person Champagne tea | £35 per child
Times: Mon-Sun 11:30am-4pm
Vibes: Pink backdrops and a backdrop of David Shrigley’s gallery works, it’s like having an afternoon tea delight in a marshmallow! Ok maybe that didn’t sound too convincing, but we agree the food is amazing! With caviar and quail egg, pastries, macaroons and even a cake trolley, the option for alcoholic or non-alcoholic accompaniments, sketch makes it a wonderful afternoon tea out! Nut, dairy and gluten allergies have a menu catered for as well as vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian and gelatine dietary requirements!
Plant-Based High Tea @ Farmacy
Price: £35 per person for a minimum of 2 guests
Times: Fri-Sun 3:30pm-5pm | Available from Mon 14th Aug 3:30pm-5pm for National Afternoon Tea Week
Vibes: No dairy, no refined sugars, additives or chemicals – we think this could actually be the ‘cleanest’ afternoon tea out there! Filled with just really naturally great sweet and savoury treats including spinach cream and pickled fig quiche to jackfruit and pickled chilli tacos with apple compote, wash it all down with hemp tea and tea-infused cocktails and you’re thoroughly detoxed for the afternoon!
Tipsy Tea @ Mr Fogg’s Residence
Price: £40 per person incl. 1 pot of gin or champagne ‘tea’ | £62 for bottomless ‘spirited’ tea | £72 for bottomless Champagne tea
Times: Saturday 2pm-6:45pm | Sunday 4pm-5pm
Vibes: The original drinking residence of Mr Fogg’s establishments decked out in a classy gentleman club style with mahogany tables and banquettes. But don’t take this for your traditional afternoon tea! Well maybe the food – with 3 tiers of hearty sandwiches including tandoori chicken naans and bloomers, fresh cream slices and truffles with scones and cream cheese. But it still gets better – you get BOTTOMLESS GIN TEA! Allergy specific menus are also available on request – so what do you know, Mr Fogg’s (clearly labelled for the reason of bottomless gin tea), serves for all! Make it one for the bucket list with gran this summer and thank us later!
Indian High Chai @ The Gallery, The Lalit
Price: £47 per person
Times: 12:30pm – 5pm daily
Vibes: Arts, culture, high ceilings furnished with hand-crafted cobalt chandeliers, all to be enjoyed with milky Indian chai alongside samosas, bhel puri, clotted cream scones and traditional Indian sweets. Becoming one to savour with all of the family with aromatic spices and exotic flavours – all dietary requirements can be accommodated for with 24hrs notice recommended but not mandatory.
If you’re visiting any of these places over summer – be sure to tag us into your pictures on social media! We know where we’re now visiting for the next few Sunday’s!
