The Best Afternoon Tea in London
London takes afternoon tea seriously. From hotel dining rooms in Mayfair to a converted double-decker touring Westminster while you eat scones, the format has been reinvented in every direction. We've ranked the main options by format, value, and what occasion they suit best — because afternoon tea on a bus and afternoon tea at The Ritz are both excellent, but for very different reasons.
Our top pick
Top pick London's #1 Afternoon Tea Bus Tour
Consistently rated London's best afternoon tea experience. A double-decker bus (redesigned as a tea salon) tours the major landmarks while you work through three tiers of finger sandwiches, scones, and cakes. About 90 minutes.
Book Afternoon Tea Bus Tour →The full list
Great British Afternoon Tea Bus
A close competitor to the #1 pick — same concept (afternoon tea on a moving bus), different operator. Slightly smaller menu, slightly lower price. Good option if the top pick is full.
Book Great British Afternoon Tea Bus →
Afternoon Tea River Cruise
Afternoon tea served on a glass-topped boat floating past the Shard and Tower Bridge. Best option for anniversaries, birthdays, and hen parties. About 90 minutes on the water.
Book Afternoon Tea River Cruise →
Riverside Afternoon Tea with Champagne
A seated afternoon tea experience at a riverside venue with Thames views, with an option to upgrade to champagne or gin & tonic. Less hectic than the bus — better if you want to linger over the food rather than sightsee.
Book Riverside Afternoon Tea →Book 1–2 weeks ahead — especially at weekends
The afternoon tea bus and cruise experiences have limited capacity and fill up fast. Don't leave this until you arrive.
Afternoon Tea in London: Frequently Asked Questions
Traditional afternoon tea comprises three courses: finger sandwiches (typically cucumber, smoked salmon, egg mayonnaise), plain and fruit scones with clotted cream and jam, and a selection of pastries and cakes. Tea is served throughout — usually a choice of five to ten varieties. Champagne upgrades are usually available.
Afternoon tea on a bus or cruise typically runs £45–60 per person. Seated hotel afternoon teas at premium venues (The Ritz, Claridge's) cost £65–100 per person. The riverside seated option is the best value if you want to sit and linger rather than tour while you eat.
Yes — especially for the bus and cruise experiences. The afternoon tea bus tours often sell out 1–2 weeks ahead, particularly on weekends and in summer. Book as soon as you have a date confirmed.
Smart casual is appropriate for bus and cruise options. Hotel afternoon teas (The Ritz, Fortnum & Mason) require smart dress — jacket for men, no sportswear.