…and a fabulous afternoon tea in London on a bus while sightseeing.
High Tea vs Afternoon Tea — are they actually the same thing? Not quite! If you’re visiting London, enjoying a proper afternoon tea is one of those lovely experiences that feels made for a leisurely afternoon. Think delicate sandwiches, freshly baked scones, little cakes and, of course, plenty of tea. But there is a difference between high tea and afternoon tea, and knowing what to look for can help you choose the perfect place to enjoy it in London.
Because high luxury hotels around the world frequently use “high tea” as a marketing term for upscale tiered tea services, the historical distinction has become blurred in popular culture.
| Afternoon Tea | High Tea |
|---|---|
| Usually served in the afternoon | Traditionally served later in the day |
| Light meal | More substantial meal |
| Finger sandwiches, scones and cakes | Heartier foods |
| Elegant tea rooms and hotels | Originally associated with working households |
| The experience most tourists are looking for in London | Not the typical luxury Londo |
Most Londoners would agree that, for the ultimate afternoon tea experience, Claridge’s is hard to beat.
This legendary Mayfair hotel has been serving afternoon tea for decades, and the setting is every bit as special as the food. Settle into the elegant Foyer & Reading Room and enjoy beautifully presented sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream and jam, delicate pastries and a carefully selected tea.
It is a classic London experience, and if you are going to splurge on just one afternoon tea, Claridge’s is a wonderful choice.
This stunning boutique-style hotel overlooks Buckingham Palace and its charming Royal Mews, offering exceptional comfort and wonderfully personal service.
It is the kind of place where no request feels too large and no detail is too small.
Why not make your afternoon tea even more special by staying at this beautiful 5-Star hotel?
After a day of exploring London, you can return to this elegant retreat and enjoy the feeling of being right in the heart of the city, just steps from Buckingham Palace.
A fabulous experience, especially if you like your afternoon tea with a little imagination!
At One Aldwych in Covent Garden, you can indulge your inner child and step into the magical, mouth-watering world of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with their themed afternoon tea. Served at the time of publication, this is a wonderfully creative take on the traditional experience, with delicious treats inspired by the famous story.
And even when the theme changes, One Aldwych is known for creating an exceptional afternoon tea worth seeking out.
Our Favourite Afternoon Tea Experiences in London
Best for first-timers: Claridge’s
Best for luxury: The Ritz
Best for families: Brigit’s Bakery Bus
Best for something fun: One Aldwych
Best for Buckingham Palace: The Rubens at the Palace
Best for a special occasion: The Connaught (or Claridge’s for pure timeless celebration)
As soon as you tell someone you are going to afternoon tea, the lists of do’s and don’ts seem to appear from everywhere! Which fork should you use? How do you hold your teacup? Are you really supposed to eat the scone in a certain way?
Relax! We found that if you stick to these 7 simple golden rules, you’ll be more than okay. You can enjoy the lovely setting, delicious treats and a good cup of tea without worrying about getting every little detail right. After all, afternoon tea is meant to be enjoyed — and you’ll still be a perfectly good guest. 😊
The first time I went for afternoon tea, I felt like I was doing everything wrong! I was suddenly conscious of every move — which spoon to use, how to hold the cup, and even how to eat that little scone sitting in front of me. 😂
The company you’re with makes a big difference too. Let’s be honest, in today’s day and age, we can’t afford to be too stringent about every tiny rule. You are there to enjoy the day, the company and the experience — without worrying about a disapproving glare from across the table!
So learn the basics, relax and enjoy yourself. These seven simple golden rules will help you feel comfortable, but they certainly shouldn’t stop you from having a wonderful afternoon.
When served on a traditional three-tiered afternoon tea stand, the food is usually enjoyed in three courses. So where do you start to eat?
1 – Start at the bottom: Savoury sandwiches and finger sandwiches will normally be on the bottom tier.
2 – Move to the middle: The middle tier is usually reserved for the scones, served with delicious clotted cream and jam.
3 – Finish at the top: And then you end with the top tier — the sweet treats, cakes and pastries.
THE EASY RULE TO REMEMBER: Start with the savouries, move on to the scones, and finish with the sweet treats.
NICE TO KNOW: You can use your fingers to eat the scones and sandwiches. Whenever something is too big for 1 or 2 bites, you can simply break it in half with your fingers. It is not considered bad manners.
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Afternoon Teas and/or High Teas are always a special experience. A truly mouthwatering selection of crustless sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, sweet cakes, and pastries. Experience the best. Book somewhere stylish and dress for the occasion. After all, this is something you must experience at least once in your life. We really recommend it. It’s great fun, especially if you share the experience with someone special.
This is a great idea for friends traveling together, a family celebration, a girlfriend’s day out or just as a very special experience where you can have tea in London while doing some sightseeing.
These tours offer a wonderfully fun way to combine afternoon tea with London sightseeing.
Climb aboard a beautifully restored vintage double-decker bus and settle in for sandwiches, freshly baked scones, cakes and tea while London unfolds outside your window.
Check these five things before making your reservation:
1. Check the dress code: Luxury hotels may have a smarter dress requirement.
2. Check the menu: Some places specialize in traditional afternoon tea, while others have themed menus. Also check the price as some places might be very expensive and put extra strain on your budget.
3. Check dietary options: Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available at many venues, but usually need to be requested in advance.
4. Check the duration: Allow enough time so you’re not rushing off to your next London attraction. (Check if there are two seating times – choose the 2nd.)
5. Book ahead: The most famous London afternoon tea venues can be very popular, especially on weekends and during busy travel periods.
Dress codes across London venues vary considerably. Traditional luxury hotels expect smart or smart-casual clothing (for instance, The Ritz strictly requires men to wear a jacket and tie, while forbidding jeans and sportswear), whereas themed dining options like a sightseeing bus experience offer a much more relaxed environment.
The safest baseline for any afternoon tea or high tea venue is Smart Casual to Daytime Elegant. Aim for the kind of polished outfit you would wear to a nice daytime celebration or upscale lunch.
For Women / Feminine Styling:
The Outfit: A floral midi dress, a simple day dress, a jumpsuit, or a midi skirt paired with a soft knit/blouse.
Footwear: Ballet flats, dressy loafers, or low block heels. Avoid open-toe flip-flops.
Layering: Bring a tailored blazer, cardigan, or light trench coat.
For Men / Masculine Styling:
The Outfit: Tailored chinos or dress trousers paired with a collared shirt (an Oxford button-down or smart polo).
Layering: A light blazer or a fine-knit merino jumper/sweater.
Footwear: Leather dress shoes, brogues, or clean leather loafers (worn with socks or neat invisible socks).
Unless you are on an informal sightseeing tour bus or at a casual beachside café, standard hotel tea rooms will turn away guests wearing:
Sportswear & Athleisure: Leggings, tracksuits, hoodies, gym tops.
Athletic Footwear: Running shoes, scuffed trainers, or rubber flip-flops.
Overly Casual Denim: Ripped, distressed, or baggy jeans.
Beachwear: Cargo shorts, swim trunks, or bare-shoulder tank tops.
Suggested Recipe to try at home: How to make an easy Pavlova >>>