Afternoon Tea, one of Britian’s most quintessential traditions, is still enjoyed daily in the UK, with many restaurants and hotels offering unique and exquisite afternoon tea menus going far beyond just tea and scones. In celebration of Afternoon Tea Week, we’ve rounded up the best and most unique afternoon teas in the UK.
From wellness teas at COMO The Halkin and special children’s afternoon tea at The Royal Crescent, to traditional favourites at Fairmont Windsor Park and Whatley Manor, there is an afternoon tea for everyone.
London
Shambhala Summer Afternoon Tea, COMO The Halkin – Best for wellness
COMO Hotel’s flagship property, COMO The Halkin, is thrilled to have launched a new, exclusive afternoon tea, inspired by the hotel groups signature cuisine, COMO Shambala Kitchen, from its properties located around the world. Served at the classic Halkin Bar, Chef Melchor Baltasar has meticulously curated a guilt-free menu comprising a delightful blend of savoury and sweet delicacies, accompanied by refreshing COMO Shambhala juices, shots, and hot or cold teas, bringing a wellness-focused summer twist to this cherished British tradition.
The Halkin Afternoon Tea starts from £55 per person and 2 hours booking notice is required
Byredo x Nobu Afternoon Tea, Nobu Portman Square – Best for Bubbles
Experience a one-of-a-kind afternoon tea experience at Nobu Portman Square with the hotel’s exclusive collaboration with luxury beauty brand Byredo in ‘The Lounge’. Executive Chef Michael Pail and his team have crafted a bespoke menu inspired by Byredo’s iconic Mojave Ghost fragrance. The menu features an incredible selection of teas and herbal infusions designed to be paired with the exclusive and memorable Japanese-inspired afternoon tea menu. To celebrate Afternoon Tea Week, all bookings made in August will receive a complimentary glass of Gusbourne Brut Reserve per person.
The Byredo x Nobu Afternoon Tea starts from £70 per person or £63 for the vegan option per person
Indian Inspired Afternoon Tea, InterContinental London – The O2 – Best for flavour
For a unique afternoon tea experience, InterContinental London – The O2 has launched a brand new Indian Inspired Afternoon Tea, Chai By The Shore. Designed by this year’s Bake Off: The Professionals winners, this afternoon tea combines traditional Western techniques with the rich, aromatic flavours of Indian cuisine, for an afternoon tea experience like no other. The exclusive afternoon tea is on offer at the hotel’s in-house restaurant, Kinaara, which offers breath-taking views of the River Thames and Canary Wharf.
Cai By The Shore Afternoon Tea starts from £55 and £70 for a Champagne Afternoon Tea
Outside of London
Family Friendly Tea, The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, Bath – Best for little ones
Set within Bath’s most exclusive address, The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa serves a dedicated children’s menu alongside the full afternoon tea experience. The kids’ menu includes a simple sandwich selection alongside sweet treats such as a fruit ice cream lolly, watermelon pizza and lemon pizza, and of course, homemade scones. Parents can enjoy the full afternoon tea menu with an extensive menu of quality hand-blended teas from Brighton-based brand Hoogly Tea. Open to hotel guests or drop-ins, the menus can be served inside the stylish, recently opened Montagu’s Mews restaurant, or outside on the picturesque outdoor terrace amidst the property’s vast English gardens.
Afternoon Tea at The Royal Crescent starts from £22 per Children’s Tea and £42 per Afternoon Tea for adults
Floral Forest, Fairmont Windsor Park, Berkshire – Best for quintessentially British
The grand and indulgent English countryside hotel, Fairmont Windsor Park is located on the edge of Windsor Great Park, surrounded by 40 acres of open gardens and a tranquil lake, just on the outskirts of London, the perfect backdrop for a quintessentially British afternoon tea. Served in the Orchid Tea Room, a calming yet opulent lounge especially curated to serve afternoon teas, the new Flora Forest afternoon tea, served on bespoke floral crockery, invites guests to savour handmade creations from the expert Pâtisserie and Chocolatier team, alongside a world-class tea selection and fine Champagne, varied selection of sandwiches from Scottish smoked salmon to St Ewe egg, a range of sweet treats and a selection of scones that no afternoon tea can be complete.
Afternoon Tea at Fairmont Windsor Park starts from £55 and £70 for a Champagne Afternoon Tea
An English Afternoon Tea, Whatley Manor, Cotswolds – Best for Tradition
Set in 12 acres of gardens, Whatley Manor is a gorgeous getaway in the heart of the Cotswolds, comprising just 23 unique and characterful rooms. Whatley Manor’s afternoon tea is served every day of the week and can be enjoyed inside in the extremely bright and open The Garden Room, offering views out onto the property’s gardens and direct access onto the south facing fountain terrace for pre-dinner drinks, or in the warm space of The Drawing Room with oak wood panelling and cosy seating – perfect for an autumn or winter’s afternoon. The traditional menu includes a selection of delicious savouries, classic finger sandwiches, scones and an elegant selection of cakes and sweet treats.
Whatley Manor’s Afternoon Tea starts from £39.50 per person, or £55.50 per person to add a glass of Gusbourne Sparkling Wine
