Summary
These are London’s best afternoon tea venues where the views are as tasty as the sandwiches and scones.
The Library Lounge at Marriott County Hall
Address: Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7PB, UK
Phone: +44 20 7902 5535
Located between Westminster Bridge and the London Eye, the Marriott County Hall features a prime location on the south bank of the Thames. Traditional afternoon tea is served in the historic Library Lounge, where you can enjoy views of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.
The wood-paneled room retains its original fireplace and boasts reference books dating back to the 1920s, once serving as a members’ library for the Greater London Council delegates.
Indulge in classic finger sandwiches, dainty pastries, and both sweet and savory scones. The ‘free-flowing bubbles’ tea offers great value for those wanting to enjoy a few glasses of fizz.
Portrait Restaurant at the National Portrait Gallery
After immersing yourself in culture at the National Gallery, head three floors up to the restaurant for breathtaking views over Trafalgar Square towards the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.
Afternoon tea is served daily between 3:30 pm and 4:30 pm, featuring sandwiches with cucumber, roast beef, and smoked salmon, alongside scones with jam and cream, as well as sweet delights including lemon meringue pie and chocolate cake.
Ting at the Shard
Address: Level 35, 31 Saint Thomas Street, London SE1 9QU, UK
Phone: +44 20 7234 8108
Situated on the 35th floor, Ting is the highest restaurant in the Shard, providing stunning views that include iconic landmarks such as St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge, and Canary Wharf.
The dining room is stylistically designed to resemble a posh Chinese living room, and the kitchen offers two different afternoon tea experiences daily between 12 pm and 4 pm.
The Asian-inspired menu combines dim sum with scones and pastries, while the English option features luxurious interpretations of traditional sandwiches, including duck egg mayonnaise with truffle and Angus beef with onion jam.
Rolling Scones Cafe at God’s Own Junkyard
Address: Unit 12, Ravenswood Industrial Estate, Shernhall Street, London E17 9HQ, UK
Phone: +44 20 8521 8066
For a unique experience and a twist on traditional afternoon tea, visit God’s Own Junkyard, a vibrant warehouse filled with vintage neon signs and art, located near Walthamstow Village.
Many pieces on display have appeared in films, advertisement campaigns, and fashion shoots, nestled among fairground and circus lighting as well as salvaged signs from artist Chris Bracey’s private collection. The neon-lit Rolling Scones Cafe serves cream tea all weekend.
Afternoon Tea on a Riverboat
Address: Westminster Pier, London SW1A 2JH, UK
Phone: +44 20 7740 0400
Savor classic London views while enjoying one of the city’s beloved pastimes by embarking on an afternoon tea cruise on the Thames.
Feast on a selection of sandwiches, cakes, scones served with cream and jam, accompanied by unlimited tea and coffee onboard City Cruises‘ 90-minute afternoon tea tour, which sets sail daily from Tower Pier, passing by the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament.
Enjoy live music from a pianist as part of the afternoon tea package aboard Bateaux London; the boat features the largest observation deck on the Thames.
The B Bakery boat tour takes place on a vintage motor yacht with an afternoon tea menu that includes mini cupcakes, sweet pastries, and macarons.
Tea and a Tour on a Vintage Routemaster Bus
Address: 8 Northumberland Avenue, London WC2N 5BY, UK
Phone: +44 20 3026 1188
Experience a quintessentially ‘London’ outing with an afternoon tea bus tour of the city aboard a vintage Routemaster bus.
This unique experience from B Bakery includes a 90-minute sightseeing journey through central London alongside a delightful afternoon tea featuring dainty sandwiches, delicious French pastries, scones, and tea served in sturdy cups with lids.
Seating accommodates parties of two or four, with premium seats located at the front of the top deck. The route showcases prominent sights such as Knightsbridge, Hyde Park, Trafalgar Square, and the Houses of Parliament.
The Oxo Tower Restaurant
Address: Barge House Street, London SE1 9PH, UK
Phone: +44 20 7803 3888
For stunning riverside views, you can’t go wrong with the OXO Tower on the south bank of the Thames. This iconic venue overlooks landmarks such as St Paul’s Cathedral, Tate Modern, and the London Eye.
The authentic afternoon tea features quintessential British dishes, including mini Yorkshire puddings filled with braised beef and Dorset crab choux buns, along with scones and pastries. Alternatively, opt for the ‘Not Afternoon Tea’ option for a contemporary take that features cocktails, cookies, and sweet treats.
