Some of the cakes on offer at Jean-Georges at The Connaught. Courtesy: The Connaught
Introducing Afternoon Tea in Mayfair
It would be hard to conceive of a more quintessentially British experience than afternoon tea in Mayfair. As Henry James put it in Portrait of a Lady: “There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.” From established classics to inventive new twists, discover the nine best spots in Mayfair for this hallowed British ritual.
A Brief History of Afternoon Tea
Though the history of tea stretches all the way back to the third millennium BC, it only arrived on British shores in the 1660s, becoming a staple in the court of King Charles II. It was a whole two centuries later that Ann Russell, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, made hot drink history when she sought a way to combat the “sinking feeling” she felt awaiting the serving of dinner at 8 pm. Or so the story goes. What began as light refreshments delivered to her quarters gained in popularity as she began to invite friends to join her for her innovative afternoon teas. Over the centuries, the ritual has become woven into the very fabric of British identity. Today, the menu traditionally features an array of finger sandwiches, pastries, the customary scone, and often a celebratory glass of Champagne.
The 9 Best Afternoon Teas in Mayfair
The Ritz
The most famous afternoon tea in the world
There’s a reason Irving Berlin coined the phrase “Puttin’ On the Ritz” in 1929. Since its opening in 1906, the hotel has held a reputation for being the epitome of British class. Within that context, afternoon tea at the Ritz sits at the pinnacle of British culture. Set in the opulent Palm Court, guests are surrounded by gilded mirrors and marble pillars while being serenaded by a live pianist. The tea, cakes, warm scones, and delicate sandwiches are second to none. What’s more, they’re unlimited. To quote Vouge, “There’s nothing else quite like it.”
URL: https://www.theritzlondon.com/dine-with-us/afternoon-tea/
Address: The Ritz, 150 Piccadilly, W1J 9BR
Beaumont Mayfair
Great for fans of The Great Gatsby
Served in the glamorous Gatsby Room, afternoon tea at The Beaumont weaves an American theme into a British ritual. With its studded burgundy bookcases and 1920s-inspired accents, the experience begins with a plate of delicate finger sandwiches before a tiered cake stand of warm scones and exquisite patisseries takes centre stage. The hotel itself feels like a portal to the Jazz Age with its extravagant Art Deco design. As The Times describes, “Art deco runs through this hotel like a stick of rock.” Alongside its timeless elegance, The Beaumont boasts a remarkable collection of American and British art from the Twenties and Thirties, joined by works from contemporary artists such as Nancy Cadogan, Luke Edward Hall, and Nigel Hall.
URL: https://thebeaumont.com/dining/afternoon-tea/
Address: 8 Balderton St, Brown Hart Gardens, London, W1K 6TF
The Wolseley
Great for decadent diners with dietary requirements
Renowned for its attentive service, The Wolseley is a Mayfair institution. For those seeking something lighter, the cream tea offers the simple delight of freshly baked scones with cream and jam. Meanwhile, the full afternoon tea presents a handmade assortment of delicate millefeuille, eclairs, macarons, battenberg, and, of course, scones, all crafted daily in-house. What sets The Wolseley apart from the rest of the list is its ability to cater to a variety of dietary requirements, offering vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, dairy-free, nut-free, and gluten-free options with advance notice.
URL: https://www.thewolseley.com/menu/afternoon-tea/
Address: 160 Piccadilly, W1J 9EB; King William Street, London, EC4N 7HR
The Chesterfield Mayfair
For sweet-toothed tea lovers
The Original Sweet Shop Afternoon Tea at The Chesterfield Mayfair is a whimsical treat for all ages. Served in the hotel’s bright and airy conservatory, this experience embodies the joy of being a kid in a candy shop. From smoking pink lemonade to indulging in sweetshop-inspired creations like Coca-Cola cake and chocolate scones, every detail is designed to delight. The tea lounge’s playful decor, featuring jars of traditional sweets and models of beloved candies like Parma Violets and Drumsticks, adds to the magic. Alongside these sugary delights, savoury palates will be able to feast on elegant finger sandwiches, including salmon served on vibrant beetroot bread. Proud recipient of the Award of Excellence at the 2023 Afternoon Tea Awards, this one-of-a-kind afternoon tea is a perfect choice for families and anyone seeking a playful twist on a timeless tradition.
URL: https://chesterfieldmayfair.com/dining-and-drinks/afternoon-tea
Address: 35 Charles Street, W1J 5EB, London
Claridge’s
Great for lovers of British tea heritage
Claridge’s dedication to the art of afternoon tea has a rich 150-year legacy. Guests are treated to a classic selection of delicate finger sandwiches, warm, freshly baked scones, and an assortment of exquisite sweet pastries. The tea menu, curated by the rare tea expert Henrietta Lovell, features a remarkable selection of loose-leaf teas sourced from small-scale producers across the globe. Their pastries incorporate 14 varieties of chocolate sourced by French chocolatiers Valrhona. All of this is served in Thierry Despont’s magnificent Foyer.
URL: https://www.claridges.co.uk/restaurants-bars/afternoon-tea/
Address: Claridge’s, Brook Street, Mayfair, London, W1K 4HR
Sketch
Great for those looking for a mix of quintessential and quirky
Set within a historic building that once served as the home of the Royal Institute of British Architects and later Christian Dior’s London Atelier, sketch offers an afternoon tea experience steeped in artistry. Hosted in The Gallery, which was redesigned in 2022 by French designer India Mahdavi and British artist Yinka Shonibare CBE RA, every detail is imbued with creativity. The menu features classic finger sandwiches like coronation chicken and smoked salmon with tarragon cream alongside scones and pastries such as strawberry tartlets and Battenberg cake. To quote the poet Emma Lazarus, who features on sketch’s website, this is the perfect spot to indulge in “the golden hour of afternoon”.
Address: 9 Conduit St, London W1S 2XG
Jean-Georges at The Connaught
Great for anyone looking for a contemporary twist on a classic tea
Surrounded by Louise Bourgeois’s art and stunning stained glass by Jean-Michel Othoniel, Jean-Georges at The Connaught offers a unique and contemporary twist on the traditional afternoon tea. The finger sandwiches are a delightful surprise, blending British classics with bold South East-Asian flavors like turkey and tandoori yoghurt in Mediterranean bread, all handmade daily. Tea enthusiasts can explore a vast array of black, herbal and green teas. Sourced from small plantations in Japan and China their extensive list of greens teas features intriguing options like fuji-yama, jasmine pearls, and the subtly sweet Thé à l’Opéra. Diners will be treated to picture-perfect seasonal cakes, including hazelnut praliné rocher, matcha choux with cherry jam, and a strawberry tart crowned with almond frangipane and vanilla curd. A rich chocolate fondue rounds off this indulgent affair.
URL: https://www.the-connaught.co.uk/restaurants-bars/afternoon-tea/
Address: The Connaught, Carlos Pl, London W1K 2AL
Revery Bar
Great for people who like a cocktail with their cake
Crafted by award-winning pastry chefs Revery Bar’s menu offers a delightful medley of canapés, finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, exquisite patisserie, and the exclusive Revery pic ’n’ mix. Adding to the experience, guests are treated to a mixology showcase, featuring one cocktail and one mocktail prepared right at the table. Savoury aficionados will be delighted by creations such as the Mini Poached Lobster Roll with Marie Rose Sauce and the Devon Handpicked Crab on Sourdough Toast with Citrus Bisque Jelly.
URL: https://www.reverybarparklane.com/
Address: 22 Park Ln, London W1K 1BE
The May Fair Hotel
Great for Art Deco fans
Beneath the sparkle of Baccarat chandeliers, afternoon tea at The May Fair Hotel is an appropriately indulgent experience. Melding a classic selection of loose-leaf teas, freshly baked scones and decadent chocolate treats with signature cocktails and more unexpected items like mortadella with pistachio mascarpone and baby roquette on brioche, and rhubarb and strawberry gâteau roulé. Opened in 1927, the hotel is an interesting combination of Art Deco and Edwardian design that visitors will enjoy exploring.
URL: https://www.themayfairhotel.co.uk/restaurants-bars/afternoon-tea
Address: Stratton Street, W1J 8LT, London
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