By Briana Seftel
It's no secret: London loves its tea. With hundreds of options, it can be a challenge to pick just one. Check out our vacation idea picks for eight totally unique and beau-tea-ful afternoon teas in London!
Science Afternoon Tea at The Ampersand
10 Harrington Rd, Kensington, London, Tel: +44 20 7589 5895
For an out of this world experience, head to The Ampersand in South Kensington for a science-themed tea inspired by the neighboring Science Museum. The afternoon tea boasts a star menu of sweet and savory dishes like cream cheese planet mousse with spaceman, short bread dinosaurs, and test tubs filled with toppings.
Festival Glam Rock Afternoon Tea at K West Hotel
Richmond Way, London, Tel: +44 20 8008 6600
The K West Hotel in Shepherds Bush has given the traditional afternoon tea a glam-rock makeover with vintage record covers lining the walls, tea-infused cocktails, electric blue and pink teapots and teacups, and "rolling scones." Pay tribute to London's legendary rock scene in a fun and stylish way!
Prêt-à -Portea at The Berkeley
Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, London, Tel: +44 20 7235 6000
The Berkeley’s legendary afternoon tea is inspired by the fashion world and will satisfy any fashionista. The menu of mouth-watering delicacies is transformed every six months to follow the changing seasons in fashion, and many of the intricate desserts are inspired by leading designers like Gucci and Stella McCartney.
Vegan Afternoon Tea at La Suite West
41-51 Inverness Terrace, London, Tel: +44 20 7313 8484
Vegans, fret not. La Suite West hotel near Hyde Park offers a chic - and completely vegan - afternoon tea. Enjoy a delicious array of designer finger sandwiches, home made scones served with coconut cream and fresh strawberries, followed by a delectable selection of home made pastries.
Tale as Old as Time at Town House at The Kensington
109-113 Queen's Gate, London, Tel: +44 20 7589 6300
Inspired by Disney's live-action "Beauty and the Beast" film, Town House at The Kensington is offering a whimsical afternoon tea named Tale as Old as Time. Sip your tea out of charming Mrs. Potts and Chip Potts dishware and enjoy various sweets and savories inspired by the characters and scenes from the film like the chocolate clock tart.
It's All In The Game Afternoon Tea at St. James's Hotel & Club
7-8 Park Pl, St. James's, London, Tel: +44 20 7316 1600
The St. James's Hotel & Club in Mayfair offers an elegant afternoon tea based around original board games like Snakes & Ladders, Backgammon, Chess, Monopoly, Scrabble, Dominoes and Ludo (which are all available to play at the hotel). Called "It's All In the Game," you can enjoy fun treats like chocolate and vanilla shortbread made to look like a chess board.
Art Afternoon Tea at The Rosewood
252 High Holborn, London, Tel: +44 20 7781 8888
Inspired by London’s vibrant art scene, The Rosewood London’s Art Afternoon Tea features mesmerizing pastries representing five iconic modern artists: Yayoi Kusama, Damien Hirst, Alexander Calder, Banksy, and Mark Rothko. Along with the desserts that are almost too pretty to eat, enjoy a selection of mouth-watering finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and loose leaf teas.
B-Bakery Afternoon Tea Bus Tour
8 Northumberland Avenue, London, Tel: +44 20 3026 1188
Take in the sights of Central London while enjoying a traditional afternoon tea! Hop aboard a vintage Routemaster double decker red bus and take a seat at one of the leather-cushioned booths with a table in the middle. Sip your tea and munch on scones as you pass The London Eye, Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and more!
