If there’s one custom I like in London, it’s afternoon tea. The truffles, the scones, the sandwiches, and the surroundings are the stuff of British fairy tales. A few of them are even designed to resemble fairy tales. The UK capital has a spread of themed afternoon teas which can be value making an attempt, and right this moment I wish to let you know in regards to the ones that stand out above the remaining. From whimsical teas to indulgent numbers, they’re stuffed with candy treats. Learn on for my high picks. I’ve included a map, too.
Themed Afternoon Teas in London
When you’re not acquainted with the historical past, the custom of afternoon tea dates again to the nineteenth century. Anna, seventh Duchess of Bedford, started gathering her buddies collectively for tea and cake. Her concept sparked a pattern that ultimately turned an establishment.
At present lodges, eating places, cafes, and even buses vie for coveted awards for the perfect afternoon tea in London (sure, there’s a Taylor Swift-themed afternoon tea bus tour you may go on). They go to nice lengths to differentiate their choices and stand out above the remaining.
A variety of effort goes into creating quintessential tea experiences. Much more work goes into growing non-traditional choices. These are those I wish to spotlight right this moment.
There are such a lot of afternoon teas in London that a spot actually has to tug off a feat to face out. Many obtain this by making a themed tea expertise that enables visitors to really feel like they’ve been transported into one other world.
Whether or not it’s an enchanted afternoon tea based mostly on a Shakespeare play, a chocolate afternoon tea, or an providing based mostly on a well-known kids’s guide character like Paddington Bear, they make their mark by doing one thing out of the abnormal.
Some themed afternoon teas in London are everlasting fixtures, whereas others are seasonal or out there for a restricted time. Whether or not you’re after a tea that’s excellent for youths, one which’s excellent for channeling your internal little one, or one which’s enjoyable for individuals of all ages, there are lots to select from at any given second.
1. The Sanderson
Within the coronary heart of Fitzrovia, one in all London’s most beloved themed teas is the Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea on the Sanderson lodge. It’s been going sturdy for years, and it’s an area establishment.
The Courtyard Backyard setting right here is straight out of Alice in Wonderland. Menus are tucked away in classic books, teapots and plates are Mad Hatter-themed, and the expertise is so properly thought by means of that you possibly can truly consider you’ve fallen down the rabbit gap.
Once I got here right here for tea I liked the holistic nature of the providing. Each element was fastidiously deliberate, and the meals and repair had been each wonderful. When you’re in search of a traditional themed tea expertise in London, this can be a good one.
2. Kona
In Westminster, Kona on the Taj 51 Buckingham Gate lodge gives the magical A Midsummer Night time’s Dream Afternoon Tea. This much-accoladed service whisks visitors off on a journey for the senses. From cocktails to artistic delicacies and crockery to match, it’s a particular one.
Upon arrival, visitors step into an otherworldly expertise at Kona. Impressed by Shakespeare’s well-known comedy, the five-act afternoon tea gives a whimsical journey by means of taste, romance, and fantasy.
Assume poetic savories, magical sweets, and a signature tea mix brewed with fairy mud, and also you’ll get the concept.
I had an additional particular expertise after I indulged in afternoon tea right here. I received to get pleasure from A Midsummer Night time’s Dream Afternoon Tea at Christmas. The service had a festive twist, making it much more magical than common.
3. Afternoon Tea at Raffles
One other of my favourite themed afternoon teas is the one at Raffles London at The OWO. Centrally situated in Whitehall, this elegant lodge serves a spy-themed tea in The Drawing Room.
Afternoon tea at Raffles is all about custom, nevertheless it additionally offers a nod to the lodge’s former identification because the office of British spies. The menu is stamped “labeled”, and the pastries are named after feminine spies who as soon as labored within the constructing.
From candy and savory delicacies to loose-leaf tea from everywhere in the world, the Secrets and techniques & Spies Afternoon Tea providing covers all of the classics with a twist.
When you’re in search of a themed tea that sticks nearer to the standard format than among the others, this one is simply the ticket.
4. One Aldwych
Proper in Covent Backyard, the Charlie & the Chocolate Manufacturing facility Afternoon Tea at One Aldwych is a long-standing favourite. This lodge within the West Finish is a well-liked place for afternoon tea in London with kids.
The Charlie & the Chocolate Manufacturing facility tea service delights youngsters of all ages with its enjoyable, whimsical menu. It consists of gadgets like chocolate “swudge” milkshakes, fizzy lifting drinks, “snozzberry” jam, and different treats that tantalize the style buds.
When you love Roald Dahl and also you wish to indulge your internal Willy Wonka, that is simply the (golden) ticket. Kids of all ages will adore it.
5. Haymarket Lodge
When you love London as a lot as I do, beat a path to afternoon tea on the Haymarket Lodge. Positioned close to Trafalgar Sq., Leicester Sq., and Piccadilly Circus, this place has a landmark-themed tea service referred to as London Calling.
The providing highlights sights inside a 30-minute stroll of the lodge’s entrance door. It’s an excellent nod to each the property’s central location and London’s abundance of eye-catching landmarks.
Visitors can benefit from the tea providing within the lodge’s restaurant, Brumus. It’s adorned in vibrant colours and daring patterns, and it’s an excellent place to get pleasure from a London-themed afternoon tea.
Every pastry is hand made to resemble one of many metropolis’s well-known icons, from a chocolate Huge Ben to a cinnamon London Eye and an lovable macaron dressed up like a Buckingham Palace guard.
The London Calling Afternoon Tea is ideal for those who’re passionate in regards to the UK capital and also you wish to get pleasure from an expertise proper in the midst of most of the metropolis’s most well-known squares.
As a bonus, after tea you may go on a self-guided strolling tour of the native space designed in collaboration with a Blue Badge Information. You’ll have the ability to observe a digital map and see the sights you simply tasted.
Map of Afternoon Teas in London
Talking of maps, I’ve created an interactive Google map of all of the locations I wrote about on this weblog put up. You possibly can see it right here. It offers you an concept of the place they’re in relation to 1 one other so you may select the correct one for you.
Greatest Themed Afternoon Tea in London
I hope you’ve loved my record of the perfect themed afternoon teas in London, and that it’s impressed you to strive a number of of them. There are many others on the market, from Harry Potter-themed afternoon teas to ones modeled after fashionable TV exhibits and films like Bridgerton and Depraved.
If you’d like extra concepts, you may try my tea itinerary and my free self-guided London meals tour, which incorporates afternoon tea. I’ve additionally written a information to the perfect gluten-free afternoon teas in London.
If you wish to dig deeper, you may check out my weblog posts about conventional English dishes, traditional English desserts, and well-known English drinks.
And if you wish to do all of it the right method, my information to afternoon tea etiquette and my put up in regards to the British tea tradition are must-reads.
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