So the story goes that in the 1840’s, Anna Russell, the Duchess of Bedford, got a bit peckish one afternoon and decided to have a light snack of tea and cakes to hold her over until dinnertime (a woman after our own heart!). She enjoyed it so much that she started inviting all her friends around each afternoon – because sharing is caring people – and just like that an English tradition was born! Afternoon Tea is one of those quintessentially British things that you really must do when visiting London, but in a city with so many options, how do you choose? Here is a list of some of our favorites, ranging from the traditional to the outrageous! So grab a friend and get those pinkys ready!
If this tea were a person it would be your bougie friend who you love, but refuse to shop with because you know your wallet and your psyche just can’t handle it. But when you are a little flush and want to feel a cut above the normal afternoon tea, this is the place for you. Their deep couches will keep you comfortable long past your pants’ scone limit. We are talking classy AF – think damask pillows and a piano player in the corner.
Low Tea in The Luggage Room at Grosvenor Square
A speakeasy twist on tea, this joint is the cat’s meow! Set in a 1920’s style speakeasy bar, it features yummy snacks and vintage cocktails. This is also a great tea if you are dragging inviting your boyfriend. It has a very cool hipster vibe and he will be able to keep his man card.
Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea at Sanderson
In a city full of tea you have to stand out – enter the themed tea. Some are better than others and the Mad Hatter Tea is one of the best. If you are a fan of this classic children’s story, you’ll want to go down the rabbit hole on this one! Hehe! It’s full of adorably themed cakes, pastries, sandwiches and lots of special touches. Bring your Pinterest obsessed friend who actually makes the ish she pins, she will be in heaven and you will get to live out a childhood fantasy!
Wyld Tea in Dandelyan at Mondrian
This betch. This betch right here is basically why you feel hungover 73% of the time and are afraid to watch last night’s Snapchat. It starts out innocently enough – just a little day drinking and cake eating right?! Set in a vintage 1970’s inspired salon this “tea” actually uses infused tea and other botanicals to concoct unique cocktails. The snacks are also botanically inspired and feature interesting flavors like elderflower, blackcurrant and verbena.
It’s All In the Game Tea at St. James’s
This is a delicious tea with a board game theme – think edible dice, mini chess pieces and even the top hat from Monopoly! This tea is perfect for everyone who loves a family game night. Even if those Monopoly showdowns got a little awkward for everyone. I mean what sort of evil genius puts a hotel on Park Place, no one can afford that! NO ONE!
Green & Black’s Chocola-Tea at The Montagu Restaurant
This is the tea for your “organic everything” friend who forces you to be more mindful and more adventurous! It is a chocolate themed tea, but that’s just the beginning of the story. All the food and drinks are inspired by, and feature, Green & Black’s Chocolate in their recipes – even chocolate infused bread for the sandwiches! G&B Chocolate is an organic line of interesting chocolates made with responsibly sourced cacao so she will be happy and you will be chocolate wasted.
This restaurant became one of the most Instagrammed places in 2016, thanks to the soft pink hue of the tea room – dubbed “Millennial Pink”. This tea is your IG star friend who will take pictures of literally everything in there, like ev – re – effing- thing. Go for the photo opps, but stay for the wonderful selection of teas and cakes and a refined, if quirky atmosphere. And DO NOT miss the restrooms, we promise you have never seen anything like the futuristic bathroom pods!
Have you been to any of these tea rooms? Want to tell us what we left out? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! Come on – you know you want to!
