Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just fancy a special treat for tired little feet sightseeing in London, a family friendly afternoon tea in the capital is just the ticket.
Sherlock Holmes Afternoon Tea at St. James’ Court A Taj Hotel
54 Buckingham Gate, Westminster, London SW1E
There’s something deliciously under-cover about darting off London’s Buckingham Gate in through the black wrought iron gates, past the clandestine courtyard at St. James’ Court A Taj Hotel, to find its impressive Kona restaurant. Could we be spies, detectives, or even better, Sherlock Holmes himself? As part of Taj’s series of English Classics Reinvented campaign, the new Sherlock Holmes afternoon tea is sure to engage wannabe sleuths. It’s a sure hit for a day out, or a special occasion, especially if your kids are fans of the TV series with Benedict Cumberbatch or the Robert Downey Jr films. Or heavens above, they might even have read Sir Arthur Conan Doyle books!
Mini detectives arrive to a table laid with Baker Street signage, magnifying glass, and handcuffs. First task is to choose one of 22 teas – we opted for the Taj Earl Grey Blue Blossom, which seemed to unlock the key to ‘The Sign of the Flour’, a framed picture of a fingerprint laden with sandwiches. Among them the Hound of the Baskerville, a fine roast beef bun with English mustard and the cutest Baker Street chicken pie. Next up is a fine array of cakes and pastries including the Watson’s Moustache Stout cupcake and Mrs. Hudson’s sticky date pudding. Finished off with an array fine scones, clotted cream and jam, this afternoon tea solves the mystery of any rumbly tummy.
Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea at Sanderson
50 Berners Street, London W1T 3NG
It’s 150 years since Lewis Carroll wrote Alice in Wonderland, yet it remains one of the best loved tales ever. Fans will love Sanderson’s whimsical Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea with mocha chessboard gateau, chocolate and pistachio blue caterpillar, Alice’s cinnamon and apple and peach ‘Drink Me’ potion.
Served within the hotel’s restaurant and courtyard garden, families will discover menus hidden inside vintage books, teapots adorned with kinds and queens and sandwich plates decorated with zebras, bird cages and ticking clocks; upon which rest delectable delights such as a stack of King of Hearts parmesan croquet-monsieur, mouth-watering scones and decadent smoked salmon Scotch quails eggs with caviar and cream cheese.
A range of tailor-made-teas inspired by the characters of the beloved story accompanies the sweet and savoury treats, including an “Alice” China black tea, infused with hints of blackcurrant, vanilla, caramel, citrus, bergamot, blue cornflowers and blue mallow flowers.
Jungle Book Afternoon Tea at Le Meridien Piccadilly
21 Piccadilly, London W1J 0BH
Kids will adore this Jungle Book themed afternoon tea inspired by Rudyard Kipling’s classic tale. Treats include tiger bread sandwiches in the spirit of baddie Shere Khan and rainbow fruit skewers that Baloo the bear would never be able to resist. A highlight is when kids get to decorate their own Kaa snake éclair with mini piping bag stuffed with cream, jellybeans and sprinkles.
Pret-A-Portea Collection Afternoon Tea at The Berkeley
Wilton Place, Belgravia, London SW1X 7RL
Fashion mad girls and boys, not to mention mums and dads will adore this Pret-A-Portea afternoon tea celebrating the latest catwalk trends. Biscuits, fancies and mousses are all set for the annual couture makeover in the style of the world’s top fashion designers such as Charlotte Olympia, Gucci and Balenciaga.
Think Gucci’s pink candyfloss summer berry sable Breton jumper with rhubarb mousse accentuated with a golden sugar box. Or a Ralph & Russo Pain de Gene dress cake with velvet lavender cremeux and Beriolette jelly romantically topped with showstopper sugar frill! Best of all is the brilliantly British chocolate and vanilla Battenburg cake inspired by Stella McCartney’s checkered summer pumps!
Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason
181 Piccadilly, London W1A 1ER
For the most English of afternoon teas, head to the elegant Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon, situated in the heart of Fortnum’s Piccadilly. The Salon, was opened by HM The Queen in 2012 no less, and families can choose from a vast selection of tea blends, all expertly chosen to accompany finger sandwiches, buttery scones and exquisite patisserie and Afternoon Tea’s crowning glory – a special carriage laden with cake, from which guests can enjoy a bottomless helping.
Visitors to the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon can enjoy a tableside Tearista experience, during which the Salon’s brewing experts will make a selection of teas based on the personal taste of each guest. For those without a sweet-tooth, Fortnum’s executive chefs have also devised a savoury menu; Stilton Scones with Port Jelly, Savoury Choux with Smoked Salmon Tartare and Quail Egg and Pea Panna Cotta and Cheese Straws make up the delicious offering, while a High Tea including Eggs Royale, Benedict and Florentine; Lobster Omelette Victoria and Fortnum’s famous Welsh Rarebit caters to those feeling extra peckish. Vegetarian and gluten-free options ensure every dietary requirement is met – and always in delicious fashion.
Chocolate Afternoon Tea at The Landmark
22 Marylebone Road, Marylebone, London NW1 6JQ
This grand dame hotel from the romantic era of train travel remains a true Landmark in London’s coveted Marylebone neighbourhood. And who could resist Chocolate Afternoon Tea in the Winter Garden? After a selection of yummy sandwiches, families can get down to business with warm freshly baked chocolate chip and fruit peel scones with Cornish clotted cream, followed by a host of chocolate delights including coconut and chocolate macaroon, banana, pecan nut and milk chocolate cake, blood orange and white chocolate mousse and pistachio and chocolate opera gateau.
Classic Afternoon Tea at The Lanesborough
Hyde Park Corner, Belgravia, London SW1X 7TA
The stunning Lanesborough hotel is the perfect place to head with the kids for afternoon tea after you’ve tired them out in Hyde Park! This hotel sets itself apart by offering a special kids afternoon tea on Saturdays and Sundays which will have little ones in raptures.
After a selection of finger sandwiches they can move onto a waffle with a choice of Nutella, sugar, strawberry jam or Chantilly, vanilla, strawberry or chocolate ice cream, accompanied by fresh fruit juice or hot chocolate with marshmallows.
Adults are treated to a classic selection of finger sandwiches, French pastries, homemade scones and a wide choice of tea.
Afternoon Tea at The Ritz
150 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1J 9BR
Families coming for Afternoon Tea at The Ritz London will experience a quintessentially British tradition in the iconic surroundings of The Palm Court. Think finely cut sandwiches, freshly baked scones with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry preserve and a mouth-watering range of exquisitely presented pastries and teacakes. They can choose their tea from our 18 different types of loose-leaf tea, sourced from all around the world by our certified Tea Master.
Tea-Tox Afternoon Tea at Brown’s Hotel
Albermarle Street, Mayfair, London W1S 4BP
If afternoon teas are just too sugar and carb loaded for your liking, hotfoot it to Browns where nutritional health coach, yoga teacher and best selling author of ‘Get the Glow’ Madeleine Shaw has created the Tea-Tox, a fabulous adaptation of a classic afternoon tea.
Browns dates back to 1837 and its beautiful English Tea Room is a gorgeous setting for these savoury and sweet guilt-free creations to go alongside a choice of teas including Spinach Bread with Miso Glazed Salmon and Radish, Beetroot Crepe with Hummus and Rocket and Avocado followed by raw White Chocolate and Raspberry Cheesecakes and gluten free raspberry and pistachio brownies.
If your kids turn their noses up at the healthy option, there’s always the traditional afternoon tea to hand or plain sandwiches can be created with little notice. For children Browns offers the same tea but at half the price, and are always able to create plain sandwiches for kids with little notice.
Classic English Afternoon Tea at The Goring
15 Beeston Place, Westminster, London SW1W 0JW
The Goring is quintessentially English, tucked discreetly away between Victoria Station and Buckingham Palace. It was the place Kate chose to get ready before her wedding to Prince William and has a secret garden perfect for summer alfresco afternoon teas. Or in winter you can head indoors and sit in front of a roaring open fire. Named winner of The Top London Afternoon Tea Award by the Tea Guild, it has been offering this traditional treat since 1910. Teas are tasted weekly by The Goring’s very own Tea Master, Jeremy Goring himself!
British Heritage Afternoon Tea at The Dorchester
53 Park Lane, Mayfair, London W1K 1QA
On iconic Park Lane with views of Hyde Park, The Dorchester is another classic venue for Great British afternoon teas in the best spirit of the Great British Bakeoff. From seasonal specialities to charming teas created with little ones in mind, each selection celebrates the best in British heritage.
The hotel’s executive chefs have developed a selection of finger sandwiches, scones and sweet pastries, which are served fresh every day. Set in the heart of The Dorchester at The Promenade, families enjoy an opulent setting with elegant, welcoming service.