The Best High Tea in London

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Inspired by the Duchess of Bedford’s guilty pleasure of enjoying tea and delicious delights just hours before dinner and setting a trend which has evidently become a national tradition, below is a list of the best high tea in London.

The Landmark is a 2019 award winning high tea restaurant located in Marylebone. The main vocal point of this magnificent grand two listed building is the stunning atrium and the amazing Victorian winter garden which are an experience not to be missed. In the atrium, ornate high palm tree takes centre stage, standing tall and proud whilst the atmosphere is calm, warm and relaxed, with the sound of a soft subtle piano playing in the background.

Whilst you relax and indulge yourself in an assortment of delicately arranged finger sandwiches or hand-crafted delicious desserts, you can peacefully sip your tea in a tranquil space or go simply go to town by choosing one of ‘the Landmarks’ finest selection of champagnes on offer. Traditional high tea has been served for over a century here and this is why this is one that shouldn’t be missed.

Opening in 2016 and distinctively known for its unique biodynamic plant-based and vegan food is Farmacy in Notting hill. It’s abundant and deliciously nutritious menu is full of locally sourced, fresh and seasonal ingredients making it additive free, chemical free, as well as having no refined sugars or added dairy. Behind the scenes, a team of highly trained professionals work together emphasising natural power and clean eating. Adding to this empowering dynamic, the beautiful light airy space, natural wooden décor and scenic plantation helps guests bring the outdoors in.

Complimenting the environmentally friendly interior, the presentation of the the three-tiered exotic plates of cakes, pastries and sandwiches, all decorated with pretty glossy foliage intertwined on its handles, really enhance the concept of natural and organic. Despite serving an unusual but unique high tea menu, Farmacy is also known for its legal Cannabidiol infused truffles, all of which are served with a sprit of hemp loose leaf tea or a faramaceutical tea of your choice. We believe Farmacy offers some of the best high tea in London.

Housed on the fourth floor of one of London’s most exclusive and famous shopping malls in Knights Bridge, is Harrods Tea Room. Behind the scenes of this delightful setting is a team of expertly trained chefs, producing a range of exceptional dishes on a daily basis. High tea at Harrods can be served seven days a week in the lush once called ‘Georgian room’. Set with its highly decorative cornice ceilings and impressive handcrafted skylight, the room brings the outdoors in with a lot of natural lighting which spotlights down on the beautiful centre piece, oozing with colour to show off the velvet red upholstery, all of which compliments the shiny silver cutlery and exquisite placement settings.

The high-class table on the other hand, is filled with many scrumptious sweet and savoury delights and desserts from; exceptionally filled finger sandwiches, indulgent and rich chocolate sponge cake, creamy custard tarts and a variety of teas from around the world. The experience at this venue included in the best high tea in London can be a one-off choice or a little treat suitable for any occasion.

Voted as the best contemporary afternoon tea in the UK in both 2017 and 2018, is The Mirror Room, located in Holborn. Hidden within the Rosewood Hotel and taking inspiration from the world-famous artist Picasso, this traditional afternoon tea setting continues to push creativeness and artistic elements making it an ‘high-end tea experience’ to remember. Using primary colours and exaggerating mirrored walls and ceiling, not forgetting the unconventional wacky furniture and dimmed lighting, this lounged styled setting really sets the scene for the modern colourful menu of what is yet to come.

Led by executive pastry chef Mark Perkins and incorporating his love for Picasso’s finest artworks throughout his cooking, Perkins has incredibly put together a quirky menu, recreating artwork in an edible form. Taking centre stage on the menu, are three artistic and smartly crafted representation of; ‘Oh those Guitars’ consisting of an almond meringue sponge, orange blossom honey ganache and Turron whipped chocolate cream, ‘The Dream,’ consisting of Valrhona Fivara chocolate mousse, orange almond genoise, with a passionfruit and mango jelly, and finally, ‘Head of a Woman’ which is a pistachio crumble with citrus vanilla cheesecake, inserted with wild strawberry. Impressive or what! All of the above can be served with a rare brew of your choice or even better a glass of the finest ‘Dom Perignon Vintage.

The next in our list of the best high tea in London is this venue, once known as St. James’s restaurant, this sophisticated tearoom was opened in 2012 by her majesty in formal honour of her visit. Set in Piccadilly, on the fourth floor of the upmarket famous department store is ‘Afternoon Tea at Fortnum and Mason’. No matter what the occasion, this chic and elegant tearoom is a truly sensational hotspot for traditional afternoon tea. Based in the ‘Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon’ customers are greeted by smartly dressed waiters, Camellia China tea-ware and pretty glistening chandeliers.

Adding to the high-end interior, the menu offers a selection of exquisite sweet and savoury sandwiches, cakes, pastries and scones, some of which are out of this world. Using both the finest ingredients and unique combinations high tea here, is fit for a queen. One famously known sandwich version in particular, with its original recipe dating back to 1953 is the ‘Coronation Chicken Sandwich’ which entails, sweet mango chutney, plump raisins and fresh fragrant coriander. In addition to these luxuries, you can choose from many rare teas or have a pot of Fortnum’s famous tea which it is renown for. However, if you are feeling a little bit extra special, guest can choose from one of Fortnum’s Grand champagnes or organic sparkling wines.

With numerous awards and included in the awards for best high tea in London by Timeout Magazine in 2020, British Vogue in 2021 and also holding 3 Michelin stars is Sketch. Set in Mayfair, this traditional townhouse in fulfilled with beautifully coloured, vibrant walls, flooring and furniture, one being its bubble gum pink-oyster velvet seats that truly entice you. The mix and match array of unusual features, quirky artwork, shapes and colours make you feel as though you are in a scene of the magical ‘Alice and Wonderland.’ The centre dome complimented by the soft lighting around the perimeter, nicely comes together adding to the high level perfectly executed, fine art scrumptious creations.

For example, the delicious range of hand-crafted finger sandwiches, whether it be Coronation Corn Fed Chicken, Black Truffle Croque Monsieur or even Free-range egg, all nicely accompanied by many exotic teas, high-end bubbly or even alcohol-free alternatives. In addition to this, the aromas of other home-made treats such as; cakes and pastries are all equally as inviting, not forgetting the signature gateaux and cheesecake which are to die for. This tearoom is a unique and out of the ordinary setting, undoubtedly worth exploring. Trust us, you won’t be sorry!

Known as one of the most charming afternoon teas in Mayfair, is The Ritz, located in Palm Court. With its elegant and sophisticated interior, golden antique chandeliers, Victorian high walls and marble pillars, not forgetting it’s impressive stylistic flourishes, it is as to no wonder why this setting is famously known for being one of the best ‘high tearooms’ in London. ‘The Ritz London,’ is also renown for having the only certified, expertly trainer tea Sommelier, Giandomenico Scanu, who travels all around the world to find only the best brews to bring back to the glamorous London Location. The music ensemble (a pianist and harpist) also adds to the ambience making it a simply unique and unforgettable experience.

As well as having a selection of over 18 types of loose-lease teas to indulge yourself in, highly trained chefs pride themselves to producing top-notch quality of classic sandwiches, a delicate selection of afternoon cakes and also the traditional freshly bakes scones. If you’d like to go all out, we’d recommend the ‘Champagne Afternoon Tea,’ fulfilled with traditional elements with the addition of adding a glass of sparkle to your day. This is certainly among the best high tea in London.

Dating all the way back to the 1840’s, the iconic The Savoy is world famous for its traditional English afternoon Teas. This 2019 award winning, glass domed tearoom is located in the Thames Foyer in the heart of The Savoy hotel itself. The menu has been mastered and put together by top pastry chef Daniel Pearse and his amazing team, consisting of an assortment of freshly baked lavish cakes, pastries and scones, all of which are complimented by teas with beautiful aromas. How can one resist?

One particular favourite and worthy of a try is the selection of the finest herbal and flower based ‘Jing’ teas. Serving sweet indulgence from the offset, this high tea experience can also be enjoyed by vegans, vegetarians and Halal on request. The masterminds behind the menu have inventively created traditional alternatives suitable for all. A glass of ‘Louis Roederer Brut Premier or the deluxe ‘Deutz Rose’ can also be added making your afternoon experience even more extra special.

Located in Mayfair, close to two major underground stations and within walking distance for commute is The Wolseley. Once inside this Michelin star award winning restaurant, guests are blown away by the interior which boasts its antique high ceiling and pillars. The Wolseley itself is renounced for its spectacular interior, immaculate furnishing as well as its amazing service.

The classic afternoon tea exacerbates many English traditions, one being the homemade luxurious fruit scones, filled with velvet red jam and topped with fresh clotted cream – To die for or what! This delight is also accompanied by many popular teas of your choice.

If you are looking to impress a loved one for a particular special occasion or just want to indulge yourself in this fine experience, we recommend the “Champagne Afternoon Tea,’ consisting of all the above with a glass of crisp ‘Pommery Brut Royal Champagne.’ Furthermore, it also has an extensive list of freshly made sweet and savoury treats such as; tasty Macaroons, Eclairs and Battenberg which are well known classics.

In walking distance from Piccadilly Circus and located in the heart of London’s theatre land is Taiwanese inspired Teahouse and restaurant XU. Situated over two floors, the ground floor being the tearoom and first floor being the dining room, this uniquely reminiscent of Taiwanese culture and cuisine offers interiors of glamour and elegance, by incorporating warm and rich wooden features complimented by an emerald and marble bar.

Unlike the traditional high tea, we all know, at ‘XU teahouse ‘and particularly taking inspiration from Asian culture, both sweet and savoury dishes are served with an authentic twist. Firstly, unlike English traditions, a majority of the seasonal brews are presented cold, which is said to cleans and refresh your palate before tucking into XU extensive collection of flavoursome foods. The selection of Taiwanese sweet pastries is to die for, some of which including; ‘Fried Cinnamon Mochi,’ ‘Set Almond Milk, ‘Steamed Red Bean Buns’ and Hei Tang Cake.’ Although, if you do not have a sweet tooth, you can opt for a savoury option including; ‘Sweet potato Taro Dumplings, ‘Char Sui Girolles Puff,’ or even ‘Roasted Turnip and Chive Oil Steamed Egg.’ Yes, we know what you’re thinking…this is an experience beyond compare and definitely one of the best high tea in London.