Alongside a late night, midweek Morleys on Sydenham Street after one post-work pint too many, or a steadying bone marrow and parsley salad at St John the next day, could there be a more quintessentially London food experience than afternoon tea in Mayfair?
Amidst the grandeur of Georgian townhouses and the high-end boutiques of the most exclusive neighborhood on the Monopoly board, there are, perhaps unsurprisingly, a whole host of 5 star hotels doing some of the most delectable afternoon teas in the business.
This elegant ritual, a delightful interlude between lunch and dinner that doesn’t really need explaining, has been a staple of British culture since the 1840s. That said, a bad rendition of the afternoon tea experience can be a truly traumatic affair – all soggy, sulphuric egg sarnies and cakes so dry no amount of frosting would fix them.
Mayfair, on the other hand, with its sense of both opulence and a kind of dignified privacy for those who can afford it, is the perfect place to indulge in a truly exemplary version of afternoon tea.
With that in mind, here are the best places for a truly 5 star afternoon tea in Mayfair.
The Ritz London
Ideal for uppercrust London’s most iconic hospitality experience…
No discourse on afternoon tea in Mayfair could begin without tipping the hat (you won’t actually have to wear one, according to their dress code) to The Ritz.
The Palm Court at The Ritz, where the afternoon tea goes down, is not just a venue; it’s an institution, synonymous with elegance and the epitome of the afternoon tea experience, a spectacle of mirrored surfaces, gold detailing, and leafy palms, providing a backdrop that is nothing short of breathtaking. With its ornate Louis XVI décor and a pianist softly serenading guests, that sense of this being the ideal is furthered still.
It’s also an invitation to indulge. The tea and tucker better live up to it, then, and live up to it, they do. The Ritz prides itself on a selection of 20 different types of loose-leaf tea, including their exclusive Ritz Royal Blend, which you won’t find anywhere else. Pinkies at the ready; they’re going to be pointing skyward shortly!
This is accompanied by an array of sandwiches that have clearly been cut using a ruler – think smoked salmon with lemon butter on rye bread, and ham with grain mustard mayonnaise on brioche – freshly baked scones with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry preserve (going to get through this whole piece without either the pronunciation or ‘which comes first?’ debate), and a fine assortment of pastries and teacakes.
All of these are served with a precision that matches the military parade at Buckingham Palace (or, you know, the Michelin-starred kitchen here). The Ritz’s dress code maintains its formal reputation, so gentlemen, don your jackets and ties, ladies, your smartest attire, and practice those hushed tones in advance; this one is conducted in an atmosphere of reverence.
To avoid disappointment, booking several months in advance is recommended, especially for the weekend sittings at London’s most famous hotel. Whether it’s a special occasion or simply a desire to treat oneself, afternoon tea at The Ritz is an indulgence that promises to be unforgettable.
Open Monday to Sunday, for several sittings: 11:30am, 1:30pm, 3:30pm, 5:30pm and 7:30pm. Afternoon Tea prices start from £75 for adults and £53 for children.
Website: theritzlondon.com
Address: 150 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1J 9BR
The Beaumont Hotel
Ideal for a refined, 1920s-inspired afternoon tea experience…
Stepping into the grandeur of The Beaumont Hotel is like being transported back to the opulence of the 1920s, and with the state of the world right now, that feels like a rather reassuring place to be…
Located at Brown Hart Gardens, this luxurious establishment is an architectural gem in the heart of Mayfair, London’s most prestigious neighborhood. The Beaumont’s façade, a historical masterpiece, exudes the elegance of a bygone era with its striking Art Deco features and the timeless allure of its Portland stone exterior.
The hotel occupies a prime position amidst the refined streets of Mayfair, surrounded by the exclusive boutiques of Mount Street, the vibrant art galleries, and the polished charm of the area’s Georgian townhouses. It is a stone’s throw from the lush expanses of Hyde Park and the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street, offering guests the perfect balance between serene retreat and city excitement.
Originally constructed in 1926, it served as a garage and car hire depot before its transformation into the distinguished hotel it is today. Upon entering The Beaumont, guests are enveloped in an ambiance that harks back to the sophistication of the early 20th century. The lobby and public spaces are adorned with period furnishings, polished wood, and gleaming brass, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that speaks of understated luxury.
The hotel’s Gatsby-esque charm is the perfect setting for an afternoon tea that combines tradition with the intimate feel of a bygone era. The Beaumont’s afternoon tea is served in the refined surroundings of The Gatsby Room, where soothing jazz melodies transport you back to the Roaring Twenties. The tea selection is carefully curated, featuring classic blends and exclusive teas that are sourced with the discerning tea drinker in mind. The Beaumont’s own blend, a rich and aromatic combination of Assam and Kenyan leaves, is a particular highlight and pairs wonderfully with the array of savouries and sweets on offer. Generously, they serve two different types of tea.
The culinary offerings at The Beaumont are a nod to the classics, with a selection of impeccably presented finger sandwiches, including the quintessential cucumber with cream cheese and chives on caraway seed bread. Even better, the classic New Yorker sandwich, the Reuben, is refined into finger sandwich form here, and loses none of its heft and vitality in the process. The scones are superb, too, served warm with homemade jams and clotted cream, their egg wash providing a sheen you could do your already perfect hair in.
The sweets section, crafted daily by the pastry team, are closer to beautifully conceived mini Michelin-star desserts than pastries, are a visual delight, using seasonal ingredients that reflect the best of British produce. That meant a recent visit in late winter led to a caramelised English apple sphere with a perfect rocher of creme fraiche, and a rhubarb and almond tart that was as intricate as it was generous. A choux bun of William’s pear and white chocolate only ramped up that sense of seasonal indulgence.
Afternoon Tea is served between 12:30pm and 5:30pm Monday to Sunday, with prices starting at £66 per person.
Website: thebeaumont.com
Address: 8 Balderton St, Brown Hart Gardens, London W1K 6TF
Claridge’s
Ideal for a modern-leaning yet traditional afternoon tea…
Claridge’s is where modern sophistication meets traditional charm, which is kind of what you want from your afternoon tea experience, don’t you think?
Here, things go down in The Foyer & Reading Room, a tranquil space boasting a Thierry Despont designed, art deco-inspired backdrop (we’re seeing a theme developing) and a modern twist on the classic afternoon tea.
The tea connoisseurs at Claridge’s have crafted a menu that includes a range of teas from around the world, including a rare Japanese Sencha and the Claridge’s Blend, a combination of Indian and Chinese teas with a hint of jasmine.
The service is impeccable, with a tea sommelier on hand to guide you through the extensive menu. The sandwiches are replenished on request, ensuring you can savour every bite at your leisure. The expertly proved scones, served warm of course, are the perfect canvas for generous dollops of the signature Marco Polo gelée – a jelly infused with the Mariage Frères tea – and Cornish clotted cream. Claridge’s vegan and vegetarian options are also noteworthy, catering to all with the same level of culinary excellence that the group is renowned for.
Claridge’s also offers a dedicated children’s tea menu, making it an excellent choice for families.
From £90 per person, served every day 3pm to 5.30pm
Website: claridges.co.uk
Address: Brook St, London W1K 4HR
The Connaught
Ideal for an afternoon tea with unexpected twists…
The Connaught, in keeping with the current trend of the best afternoon tea spots in Mayfair, offers a take on the cherished British tradition that is both classic and contemporary.
The playful menu offers bold and unexpected twists on your tradition afternoon tea. Instead of using chicken in their coronation sandwich, they use bronze turkey, which boasts depth and dignity in its flavour profile, and is arguably the highlight of the procession. Egg sandwiches are elevated with black truffle mayonnaise and a beef brisket sandwich takes on the low, slow and complex flavours from being roasted for hours. A highlight of the scone section is the pineapple jam which is elevated by the addition of the wonderfully numbing citrus flavours of the timut (Sichuan-adjacent) peppercorns.
Served in the Jean-Georges at The Connaught, overlooking fashionable Mount Street, the setting is chic and vibrant, the flavours on the stand and in the cup equally vital. The hotel’s commitment to art is evident, with curated pieces adorning the walls. The tea menu is carefully selected, featuring exclusive blends such as the Connaught’s own Afternoon Blend, a robust Assam mixed with Kenyan and Ceylon leaves. The staff here ensure your teapot is never empty and your palate is always pleased.
This one starts at £85 per person, running from 2:30pm to 6:30 pm.
Website: the-connaught.co.uk
Address: The Connaught, 16 Carlos Pl, London W1K 2AL
The Dorchester
Ideal for a ‘blooming’ marvellous afternoon tea…
Next up, The Promenade at The Dorchester is a picture of timeless elegance, with its sumptuous décor and plush seating. The afternoon tea here is a grand affair, with a harpist often providing a serene soundtrack to the experience.
The Dorchester’s commitment to the finest ingredients is evident in every bite, from the delicate yet surprisingly hearty finger sandwiches, which include a mini beef Wellington and a truffle chicken toastie, all the way to the exquisite pastries. The Battenberg cake, reimagined with apricot and pistachio, in particular, is a proper knockout, but even more refined is the coconut choux bun. Filled with a piquant, gently boozy pineapple compote, it’s a refreshing change from a sometimes familiar roll call of sweet treats. Considering there’s a 3 Michelin-starred restaurant out back, this level of refinement and invention shouldn’t come as a massive surprise.
The selection of teas includes the signature Dorchester Blend, Earl Grey, Assam, and Darjeeling, among others, ensuring that there is a perfect cup for all tastes.
Perhaps the most interesting thing happening here isn’t to do with the fine tea you’re sipping or the snacks you’re enjoying. Rather, it’s in the flower arrangements in the Promenade. Because after seven years of meticulous cultivation, The Dorchester has proudly unveiled a new bloom exclusive to the hotel, The Dorchester Rose. This exquisite variety, a masterpiece from the renowned Meijer Roses in Holland, now graces the hotel’s elegant Promenade, thanks to the artistry of Philip Hammond, The Dorchester’s own floral designer.
The journey to perfection led Meijer’s research and development team to experiment with a series of their esteemed Avalanche roses. The result is a rose of extraordinary beauty, with a full, lush appearance and a delicate blush hue that deepens into a subtle pink as the petals unfurl.
The Dorchester Rose is more than just a flower; it’s a symbol of the hotel’s commitment to luxury and elegance, integral to the ambiance of the establishment. It’s even on the crockery that you enjoy your afternoon tea of – it’s all in the details.
The Dorchester Afternoon Tea starts at £95 per person, and runs daily from midday to 4:30pm.
Website: dorchestercollection.com
Address: 53 Park Ln, London W1K 1QA
Sketch
Ideal for a wild and wonderful afternoon tea with a difference…
Sketch is the wildcard of Mayfair’s afternoon tea scene. Here, it’s afternoon tea with a twist, a place where art and dining intersect, offering a contemporary and Instagram-worthy experience. The Gallery, designed by India Mahdavi, is instantly recognisable for its pink hues and artwork by David Shrigley.
The afternoon tea menu is as creative as the surroundings, with French flourishes from the renowned chef Pierre Gagnaire, who oversees the menu. A tiny croque monsieur filled with cheese comes wrapped in package with a pink bow – it’s rich and oozy and you’ll want to eat at least three (yes, you can order more should you wish).
The petits gateaux section is celebration of culinary artistry and are almost too pretty to eat. On a recent visit, a decadent pineapple éclair burst with tropical flavours and a blackcurrant macaron delivered a perfect blend of tart and sweet, with a delicate, crisp shell yielding to a luscious filling.
Because we’re greedy, we’ll keep going; the blueberry and chestnut cake was a masterpiece of flavour-balance, with the earthy richness of chestnuts complementing the fresh zing of blueberries. The top tier features a playful twist on the iconic marshmallow flump – it’s the ‘twist’ in more ways than one.
Sketch’s tea selection includes rare finds like the Yellow Gold Tea Buds, which are literally, liberally coated in 24-carat gold. It’s an afternoon tea experience that’s as much about the visual spectacle as it is about the culinary journey. Even the champagne is long poured, cascading into the coup with effervescent drama.
The Winter MMmm… Afternoon Tea is priced from £80 per person, running from 11am to 4:30pm daily. If you can’t get to the restaurant, Sketch offer a ‘Sketch at Home’ experience where you can get afternoon tea delivered to your door in a pink jewellery case.
Website: sketch.london
Address: 9 Conduit St, London W1S 2XG
The Bottom Line
Mayfair’s afternoon tea scene is as diverse – within the very narrow confines of afternoon tea – as it is exquisite. Whether you are in search of the traditional or the contemporary, the serene or the sensational, there is a 5-star experience waiting for you. Each establishment offers its own unique take on this cherished British tradition, ensuring that your afternoon tea in Mayfair will be an affair to remember. So, when in London, do as the, erm, tourists do: pause, sip, savour, and soak in the splendour of a 5-star afternoon tea.