The Ultimate Guide to London’s Most Unique Themed Afternoon Teas

Afternoon tea is a beloved British tradition, and London offers an exceptional variety of themed afternoon teas that transform this classic experience into something truly unique. From magical settings to playful themes, here’s an extensive guide to some of the most extraordinary themed afternoon teas you can enjoy in London.

Table of Contents

1. Afternoon Tea Bus Tour

Overview: Enjoy afternoon tea while cruising through London’s iconic landmarks on a stylish double-decker bus.

Highlights:

Menu: Truffle oil cheese and mushroom sandwiches, Egg Florentine, Cecina beef, smoked salmon sandwiches, plain and raisin scones, fondue au chocolat, mini Madeleines, macarons, and lemon meringue pie.
Beverages: Luxury hot chocolates, coffees, teas, or Champagne.
Interactive Experience: Digital pen commentary on landmarks.

Pricing: From £60 per person or £35 for children

Location: Bustronome London, 40B Coach Bay, Victoria Embankment, London WC2N 6PB

2. Secret Garden Afternoon Tea

Overview: Inspired by Frances Hodgson Burnett’s classic novel, this whimsical tea takes place at the Taj 51 Suites & Residences.

Highlights:

Themed Decor: Golden crowns, whimsical garden decorations.
Menu: Specialty teas, Secret Garden Gin Distillery cocktail, finger sandwiches, savory items, pastries.
Additional Experience: The Indian Jasmine tea inspired by Indian flavors.

Pricing: From £70 per person

Location: Taj 51 Suites & Residences, 54 Buckingham Gate, Westminster, London SW1E 6AF

3. Art Afternoon Tea

Overview: Located in the Mirror Room at Rosewood London, this tea celebrates Vincent Van Gogh’s artwork.

Highlights:

Menu: Finger sandwiches, scones, desserts inspired by Van Gogh’s paintings like Almond Blossoms, Sunflowers, and The Starry Night.
Children’s Version: Includes an artist’s palette and painter’s tubes.

Pricing: From £72 per person or £35 per child

Location: Rosewood London, 252 High Holborn, Holborn, London WC1V 7EN

4. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea

Overview: A whimsical chocolate-themed tea at One Aldwych, inspired by Roald Dahl’s famous story.

Highlights:

Menu: Loompaland lemon floss, banana and chocolate milkshake, fizzy lifting drinks, chocolate-themed treats.
Fun Elements: Interactive, imaginative treats for children and adults.

Pricing: From £52 per person

Location: 1 Aldwych, London WC2B 4BZ

5. Children’s Afternoon Tea

Overview: The Langham’s tea designed specifically for children, featuring interactive elements and themed treats.

Highlights:

Interactive Treats: Jigsaw sandwiches, seaside-themed desserts.
Historical Note: The Langham was the first hotel to serve afternoon tea.

Pricing: £29.50 per child, with adult teas starting from £70

Location: The Langham, 1C Portland Pl, Marylebone, London W1B 1JA

6. Royal Afternoon Tea

Overview: Held at The Park Tower Knightsbridge, this tea experience is crafted by Executive Chef Gaurav Puri.

Highlights:

Elegant Setting: 18-foot teardrop glass chandelier, hand-painted silk floral wallpaper.
Menu: Savory and sweet treats including chocolate-infused scones and minted dark chocolate ganache.

Pricing: From £39 per person or £49 with Champagne

Location: The Park Tower Knightsbridge, 101 Knightsbridge, Belgravia, London SW1X 7RN

7. Doggy Afternoon Tea

Overview: The Egerton House Hotel offers a special tea for dogs, complete with gourmet treats and a dogtini.

Highlights:

Dog-Friendly Treats: Beef and chicken meatloaf, homemade dog biscuits, dog ice cream, “dogtini.”
Additional Options: Prince and Princess Tea for children, Platinum Jubilee Afternoon Tea for adults.

Pricing: From £25 per pooch, £25 for a dogtini

Location: The Egerton House Hotel, 17-19 Egerton Terrace, Knightsbridge, London SW3 2BX

8. Mr Falstaff’s Afternoon Tea

Overview: Served at The Swan Bar & Restaurant in Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, this tea features a savory selection.

Highlights:

Savory Selection: Pulled Irish beef burger, heritage beetroot crisps, sausage roll, mini fish and chips, Welsh rarebit, Stilton cheese scone.
Desserts: Earl Grey macaron filled with tea-infused chocolate ganache.

Pricing: From £34.50 per person

Location: Swan Bar & Restaurant, 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, London SE1 9DT

9. Festive Afternoon Tea

Overview: The Great Scotland Yard Hotel offers a festive tea experience with seasonal treats and a holiday atmosphere.

Highlights:

Seasonal Treats: Christmas pudding pastry, snowmen pastries.
Ambiance: Opulent décor, Floris London Santal scent.

Pricing: From £59, £70 with Champagne, £89 for infinite Champagne

Location: 3-5 Great Scotland Yard, London SW1A 2HN

10. High Fashion High Tea

Overview: Town House in The Kensington presents a tea that celebrates the latest fashion trends.

Highlights:

Fashion-Inspired Treats: Tea from Rare Tea Company, fashion-themed sweets and savories.
Customization: Vegetarian and gluten-free options, pairing with English sparkling wine or Champagne.

Pricing: From £45 per person

Location: The Kensington Hotel, 109 – 113 Queen’s Gate, South Kensington, London SW7 5LP

11. Palm Court Afternoon Tea

Overview: The Palm Court at the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane offers a classic afternoon tea in an elegant Art Deco setting.

Highlights:

Classic Offerings: Finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, variety of sweet pastries.
Decor: Art Deco design elements, grand chandelier.

Pricing: From £60 per person

Location: Sheraton Grand London Park Lane, Piccadilly, London W1J 7BX

12. The Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea

Overview: The Sanderson Hotel’s whimsical afternoon tea is inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

Highlights:

Themed Treats: Mad Hatter’s cakes, Queen of Hearts jam tarts, and a selection of playful delights.
Decor: Eccentric and fantastical décor inspired by the Wonderland theme.

Pricing: From £58 per person

Location: 50 Berners Street, Fitzrovia, London W1T 3NG

13. The Tale of Peter Rabbit Afternoon Tea

Overview: At The Chesterfield Mayfair, enjoy a charming afternoon tea themed around Beatrix Potter’s beloved characters.

Highlights:

Menu: Sandwiches, scones, and desserts inspired by Peter Rabbit and friends.
Decor: Themed décor and presentation reflecting the whimsical world of Beatrix Potter.

Pricing: From £49 per person

Location: 35 Charles Street, Mayfair, London W1J 5EB

14. Willy Wonka Afternoon Tea

Overview: Located at The Berkeley, this tea brings the magic of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory to life.

Highlights:

Chocolate Wonderland: A selection of imaginative and whimsical chocolate treats, including chocolate popcorn, candy floss, and a variety of sweets.
Decor: Inspired by Roald Dahl’s enchanting world of Willy Wonka.

Pricing: From £75 per person

Location: Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7RL

15. The London Afternoon Tea

Overview: At The Langham, this tea celebrates London’s iconic landmarks with a classic afternoon tea.

Highlights:

Landmark-Inspired Treats: Desserts and savories inspired by famous London landmarks.
Classic Elegance: Traditional tea offerings with a nod to London’s rich history.

Pricing: From £69 per person

Location: 1C Portland Place, Marylebone, London W1B 1JA

16. The Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea

Overview: The Tea Room at The Soho Hotel offers a playful take on afternoon tea with a Mad Hatter theme.

Highlights:

Themed Treats: Imaginative treats such as “Drink Me” potions and “Eat Me” cakes.
Decor: Wonderland-themed décor adds to the whimsical experience.

Pricing: From £57 per person

Location: 4 Richmond Mews, London W1D 3DH

17. The Queen’s Afternoon Tea

Overview: Enjoy a regal afternoon tea at The Royal Lancaster London, inspired by the elegance of British royalty.

Highlights:

Royal Treats: A selection of sandwiches, scones, and pastries inspired by British royal traditions.
Setting: Elegant and sophisticated atmosphere.

Pricing: From £50 per person

Location: Lancaster Terrace, London W2 2TY

Booking Tips:

Reserve Early: Popular themed teas can book up quickly, so make reservations in advance.
Dietary Requirements: Check with the venue in advance if you have dietary restrictions or preferences.
Dress Code: Some venues may have a dress code or specific etiquette; make sure to check and dress appropriately.

8. The Harry Potter Afternoon Tea

Overview: Experience the magic of the wizarding world with a themed afternoon tea at The Library in the Georgian House Hotel.

Highlights:

Themed Treats: Butterbeer, chocolate frog cakes, and Golden Snitch scones.
Decor: Magical elements inspired by the Harry Potter universe, including Gryffindor and Slytherin-themed decorations.

Pricing: From £60 per person

Location: 35-39 St George’s Drive, Pimlico, London SW1V 4DG

19. The Churchill Afternoon Tea

Overview: Held at the Hyatt Regency Churchill, this tea celebrates Winston Churchill’s legacy with a sophisticated and historic touch.

Highlights:

Menu: Finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and pastries inspired by Churchill’s favorite foods.
Ambiance: Elegant décor reflecting Churchill’s era and British history.

Pricing: From £55 per person

Location: 30 Portman Square, Marylebone, London W1H 7BH

20. The Fortnum & Mason Afternoon Tea

Overview: Fortnum & Mason’s renowned afternoon tea offers a traditional experience with a touch of luxury at their Piccadilly store.

Highlights:

Menu: A classic selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and a variety of delicate pastries.
Setting: Elegant surroundings and impeccable service, with a choice of fine teas from their extensive collection.

Pricing: From £65 per person

Location: 181 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1A 1ER

21. The Sherlock Holmes Afternoon Tea

Overview: Step into the world of Sherlock Holmes with a themed afternoon tea at The Sherlock Holmes Hotel, where detective fiction meets fine dining.

Highlights:

Themed Treats: Finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries inspired by the famous detective stories.
Setting: Decor that reflects Victorian London and the world of Sherlock Holmes.

Pricing: From £49 per person

Location: 108 Baker Street, Marylebone, London NW1 6TL

22. The James Bond Afternoon Tea

Overview: At The Lounge at The Dorchester, enjoy a sophisticated tea inspired by the world of James Bond.

Highlights:

Menu: Elegant selection of sandwiches, scones, and cakes, with Bond-themed touches such as martini-infused treats and luxury ingredients.
Ambiance: Glamorous setting that reflects the sophistication of the Bond universe.

Pricing: From £75 per person

Location: Park Lane, London W1K 1QA

23. The Marvel Afternoon Tea

Overview: Celebrate your favorite superheroes with the Marvel Afternoon Tea at the Grosvenor House Hotel. This tea experience is perfect for comic book fans and those looking to indulge in a bit of superhero magic.

Highlights:

Themed Treats: Enjoy creatively crafted desserts inspired by Marvel characters, such as Spider-Man’s webbed cupcakes, Thor’s hammer-shaped scones, and Iron Man-themed éclairs.
Setting: The décor features Marvel-themed artwork and memorabilia, creating an immersive experience for fans.

Pricing: From £65 per person

Location: 86-90 Park Lane, Mayfair, London W1K 7TN

24. The Jane Austen Afternoon Tea

Overview: Step back in time with the Jane Austen Afternoon Tea at The Regency Hotel. This tea is a tribute to the beloved author and her timeless novels.

Highlights:

Themed Treats: Traditional finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and elegant pastries inspired by Austen’s novels and Regency-era delicacies.
Setting: Period décor and a serene ambiance that evokes the charm of Austen’s world, with classical music enhancing the experience.

Pricing: From £55 per person

Location: 100 Prince of Wales Terrace, Kensington, London W8 5PQ

25. The Alice in Wonderland Afternoon Tea

Overview: Delight in a whimsical adventure with the Alice in Wonderland Afternoon Tea at the The Chesterfield Mayfair. This enchanting tea experience brings the magic of Lewis Carroll’s classic tale to life.

Highlights:

Themed Treats: Enjoy imaginative treats such as “Eat Me” cakes, “Drink Me” concoctions, and whimsical pastries inspired by characters from the story like the Cheshire Cat and Mad Hatter.
Setting: A fantastical setting with vibrant decorations and playful elements that capture the essence of Wonderland.

Pricing: From £60 per person

Location: 35 Charles Street, Mayfair, London W1J 5EB

London’s themed afternoon teas offer an opportunity to indulge in a beloved tradition with a delightful twist. Whether you’re exploring a literary world, enjoying a fashion-forward experience, or cruising through the city, there’s an afternoon tea to suit every taste.