These are the best afternoon tea spots in London, where the sights are as tasty as the sandwiches and scones.
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The Library Lounge en el Marriott County Hall
Direction
Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PB, UKGet directions
Telephone
+44 20 7902 8000
Web
Visit the website
Between Westminster Bridge and the London Eye, the Marriott County Hall has a stunning location on the south bank of the Thames. Traditional afternoon tea is served in the historic Library Lounge, where windows frame views of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.
The wood-paneled room features an original fireplace and reference books dating back to the 1920s and which once served as a membership library for delegates to the Greater London Council.
Dive into classic finger sandwiches, dainty pastries, and sweet and savory scones. Free-flowing bubble tea is a good option if you’re looking to enjoy a couple of glasses of fizz.
02
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Portrait restaurant at the National Portrait Gallery
Direction
National Portrait Gallery, St. Martin’s Pl , Londres WC2H 0NN , Reino UnidoGet directions
Telephone
+44 20 7312 2490
Web
Visit the website
After a cultural fix at the National Gallery, head three floors to the restaurant for spectacular views across Trafalgar Square towards the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.
Afternoon tea is served daily between 3:30 pm and 4:30 pm, and the traditional variety includes sandwiches filled with cucumber, roast beef, and smoked salmon along with scones with jam and cream and sweets like meringue pie. lemon and chocolate cake.
03
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Ting on the snippet
Direction
31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9QU, United KingdomGet directions
Telephone
+44 20 7234 8108
Web
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On the 35th floor, Ting is the tallest restaurant in the Shard, the tallest building in London. As such, the views are breathtaking, encompassing iconic landmarks such as St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge, and Canary Wharf.
The dining room is decorated as an elegant Chinese living room and the kitchen serves two different teams in the afternoon every day between 12pm.
The Asian-inspired menu combines dim sum, scones and pastries, and the English option includes sandwiches with a luxurious twist on traditional fillings, such as truffle duck egg mayo and Angus beef with onion jam.
04
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Rolling Scones Cafe in God’s Own Junkyard
Direction
Unit 12, Ravenswood Industrial Estate, Shernhall St, London E17 9HQ, UKGet directions
Telephone
+44 20 8521 8066
Web
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For a different kind of view and an alternative to the classic afternoon tea deal, head to God Own Junkyard, a warehouse full of vintage neon signs and artwork near Walthamstow Village.
Many of the pieces have appeared in movies, ad campaigns and fashion photo shoots and sit alongside fairground and circus lighting and salvaged posters from the private collection of artist Chris Bracey. Cream tea (a mini version of afternoon tea made up of tea and scones) is served all weekend in the neon-lit Rolling Scones Cafe.
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Afternoon tea on a river boat
Direction
Westminster Pier, Victoria Embankment, London SW1A 2JH, UKGet directions
Telephone
+44 20 7740 0400
Web
Visit the website
Enjoy classic London sights while indulging in one of London’s favorite pastimes by booking an afternoon tea cruise on the Thames.
Enjoy sandwiches, cakes, scones served with cream and jam and unlimited tea and coffee on board the City Cruises 90-minute afternoon tea tour, departing daily from Tower Pier and passing the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament.
Enjoy the music of a live pianist as part of the afternoon tea package aboard the Bateaux London; The ship has the largest observation deck on the Thames.
The B Bakery boat tour takes place on a vintage motor yacht and the afternoon tea menu includes mini cupcakes, sweet cakes, and macarons.
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Tea and a tour on a vintage Routemaster bus
Direction
8 Northumberland Ave, London WC2N 5BY, United KingdomGet directions
Telephone
+44 20 3026 1188
Web
Visit the website
For an essentially ‘London’ experience, take an afternoon bus tour of the city aboard a vintage Routemaster bus.
The B Bakery experience combines a 90-minute sightseeing tour of central London and delicious afternoon tea with delicate sandwiches, French pastries, scones and tea served in sturdy cups with lids.
Seats are configured for groups of two or four; The most expensive seats are at the front of the upper deck. The route covers Knightsbridge, Hyde Park, Trafalgar Square and the Houses of Parliament.
07
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The Oxo tower restaurant
Direction
Oxo Tower Wharf, Barge House St , Londres SE1 9PH , Reino UnidoGet directions
Telephone
+44 20 7803 3888
Web
Visit the website
For classic riverside views, it’s hard to beat the OXO Tower on the south bank of the Thames. The restaurant is located on top of the OXO Tower Wharf, a landmark building housing creative studios, shops and cafes, with views of St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Tate Modern and the London Eye.
Authentic Afternoon Tea features British dishes like Mini Yorkshire Pudding filled with Braised Beef and Dorset Crab Buns alongside scones and cakes. Or choose the ‘No Afternoon Tea’ option for a modern take on the traditional variety, including cocktails, cookies, and sweets.
