| Afternoon Tea, one of Britain’s most favoured traditions, is still enjoyed daily in the UK, with many restaurants and hotels offering unique and exquisite afternoon tea menus going beyond the ordinary. In celebration of Afternoon Tea Week from 11-17 August, we’ve rounded up the best and most unique afternoon teas. From traditional teas at The Savoy London to wellness teas at COMO The Halkin and beachside teas at JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort, there is an afternoon tea for everyone – wherever they find themselves in the world. |
Brown’s Hotel, London – Best for Special Occasions
Tucked moments away from Bond Street, Regent Street, and London’s most famed landmarks, Brown’s Hotel is a luxury hideaway in the heart of Mayfair serving a summer afternoon as elegant and refined as the hotel itself. Served in The Drawing Room, the summer menu includes a selection of classic finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, decadent strawberries and cream as well as an elegant selection of pastries and sweet treats. Guests are invited to try an extensive tea offering, curated in partnership with the Rare Tea Company, served by expert tea sommeliers, providing personalised guidance finding the perfect blend to complement each course. For those wanting to elevate the experience further, tea can be replaced with a chilled glass of Moët & Chandon champagne. The Drawing Room also caters to all with dedicated plant-based and children’s afternoon tea menus, ensuring every guest enjoys a refined and memorable experience.
Afternoon tea is served daily from 12pm to 6.30pm in The Drawing Room.
Gallery at The Savoy, London – Best for Celebrations
Afternoon Tea at The Savoy is one of London’s most treasured traditions. Now served in Gallery, the hotel’s new dining destination set beneath the stunning glass dome, interiors feature dramatic murals of dancing silhouettes, comfortable leather seating and striking chandeliers. Guests can enjoy beloved sandwich combinations crafted with British ingredients, such as Hertfordshire honey roast ham and mustard, and Somerset oak smoked cheddar and chutney, whilst pastries designed by head pastry chef, Nicholas Houchet, include chocolate and buckwheat petit gâteau, apple pie with cinnamon Chantilly, and perfectly pillowy scones. Each creation is a feast for the senses, presented with impeccable style and paired with a choice of over 30 fine teas. For those celebrating, a glass of Laurent-Perrier Champagne or Nyetimber sparkling wine adds an extra touch of indulgence to an afternoon treat.
Scoff, The Savoy’s new dedicated scone boutique serves elaborately prepared twists on the classic baked good, with flavours such as salted caramel popcorn and tiramisu available to take home. Diners can opt to elevate their afternoon tea by swapping out a traditional scone for a Scoff creation, at an additional charge.
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 afternoon tea menu includes the signature sausage roll, made using locally sourced pork and encased in buttery, flaky puff pastry, alongside classic finger sandwiches, buttermilk scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam, and a selection of seasonally changing treats ranging from blueberry Eton mess to a rich chocolate brownie. Whatley also offers separate vegetarian, vegan and gluten free menus.
Afternoon tea is served 12:30-4pm, Monday to Saturday and 2-4pm on Sunday.
Skyview Lounge at Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, Dubai – Best for Incredible Views
Located on the 27th floor of the hotel, Burj Al Arab Jumeirah’s Skyview Lounge has launched a new afternoon tea experience, serving delectable savouries and sweet treats with unbeatable views across the Arabian Gulf. The menu, created by Chefs Tom Cull and Saverio Sbaragli, includes Cheese Canalés and King Crab Tartelette alongside a Mango Flower Roll and Hazlenut Lemon Swirl. Served daily from 1pm to 5.30pm, guests can enjoy the menu paired with a glass of Champagne from the unique vantage point, 200m above sea level.
Afternoon tea is served daily from 1pm to 5:30pm in the Skyview Lounge
The Orchid Tea Room, Fairmont Windsor Park – Best for Regality
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 without.
By Donna Richardson. Donna Richardson is a Travel writer who loves food and drink.
