Quirky Afternoon Tea In London

Red buses, bad weather and overpriced pubs, there's few things we Londoners excel at, but one thing is for certain, we know how to knock up a good afternoon tea. The capital has loads of options for midday treats and it's not all scones and Earl Grey, there's a brilliant selection of unusual offerings out there too. If you prefer your drinks a little more Mad Hatter and devilish drag than Queen of England, then look no further as we've rustled up the best quirky afternoon teas in London.

Last edited by Izzah Kazi

Last updated on 11th July 2024




Rhythm Kitchen

For a delicious Caribbean-style afternoon tea in Walthamstow, head to Rhythm Kitchen. They're dishing out mango-glazed chicken wings, handmade spiced scones and more for £40, with a rum cocktail thrown in the mix too.

The Perception at W London

Afternoon Tea with with a glass of Coolhurst English Sparkling Wine - £67.50 and 3 other offers

Tuck into a delicious cosmetics bag full of themed sweet treats. Yep, you heard us right. The Perception is staying true to its wacky nature with the creation of this fabulously quirky afternoon tea. Expect makeup-inspired edible bites such as salted caramel lip gloss and bronzed chocolate pearls.

The Afternoon Tea That Must Not Be Named

@ RAILS Restaurant At Great Northern Hotel on Various dates from Thursday 25th July 2024

We all know that Platform 9¾ at King's Cross is a pretty magical location, but the wizardry extends to the nearby Grade II listed Great Northern Hotel, thanks to its Afternoon Tea That Must Not Be Named. Found in the luxury RAILS brasserie, you can watch the muggles go past while you indulge in a selection of themed sweet and savoury treats - including butterscotch beer panna cotta, the Herbologist's red pepper and cream cheese spinach wrap and the Enchanted tomato arancini.

The Mandrake

This luxurious hotel and restaurant can be found in Fitzrovia, filled with quirky, animal-based decor and lots of greenery. The Mandrake is no stranger to an unusual menus either, as their Seven Chakra afternoon tea is designed to nurture your soul while tantalising your tastebuds, featuring Kate Mos COSMOSS Dusk Tea collection. This is available at the YOPO bar and restaurant every Saturday between 1 and 4pm, with plenty of bite-sized treats on the cards too.

The Orchid Lounge

Evening Afternoon Tea for two, including a bottle of luxurious MV Nyetimber Classic Cuvee English Sparkling Wine, priced at £155

For those of you seeking a quirky afternoon tea event, head along to The Orchid Lounge in the Pan Pacific Hotel on Liverpool Street. Treat yourself to a wonderful range of tasty British sandwiches, choux or bao, before devouring some Asian-inspired puds.

Karma Sanctum Soho

Swap those boring ol' sandwiches and cakes with Karma Sanctum Soho's awesome Japanese afternoon tea events. Think eats including chicken katsu sliders, steamed vegetable gyozas, and sweet treats such as their signature matcha panna cotta along with some delicious cocktails. But that's not all, as there's a gentlemen's version as well complete with whisky and cigars.

The Chesterfield Mayfair Hotel

Complimentary Bottle of Champagne for Groups of 6+ people and 1 other offer

For a quintessentially British afternoon tea experience in London? Head to the Chesterfield Hotel, where delicate finger sandwiches and bone china cups come as standard. If you're after something a little different, try their winter wonderland offering, which includes mini yule logs and gingerbread flavoured cupcakes.

Bustronome

Already one of London's most unique dining experiences, Bustronome now offer an equally tantalising afternoon tea. See the sights of London from the upper-deck with a platter full of minature eggs benedicts, finger sandwiches and tiny sweet treats.

Afternoon Tea at The Chesterfield Mayfair

Complimentary Bottle of Champagne for parties of 6+ people and 3 other offers

If you've got something of a sweet tooth, you'd be mad to miss the afternoon tea on offer at The Chesterfield Hotel. A nostalgic and colourful affair, expect unique treats alongside some of the best sweets in the biz. You can tuck into smoked salmon finger sandwiches, mini bubblegum-flavoured Battenburg, freshly baked scones and much more, all for £75 per person. And while you're there? Their resident artist Shelley Levy will be offering bespoke portraits of you and your friends or family, beginning from £350 for two people.

TAPAS STYLE AFTERNOON TEA

@ Map Maison on Various dates from Monday 22nd July 2024

If you want something a little extra with your afternoon tea, check out Map Maison's tapas-style version. You'll enjoy a complimentary bubbles on arrival, before tucking into Iberico ham and black olive tapenade savoury treats, mini burgers and even cheesecake dessert shots. What's more, you can even upgrade your drinks to bottomless.

Afternoon Tea Cruise

@ Tower Millennium Pier on Wed, 27th Mar 2024 - Mon, 30th Dec 2024

Set apart from your regular afternoon tea is City Cruises' offering: an elegant spread of classic sandwiches, fresh scones accompanied by jam and clotted cream, plus an array of sweet treats, all to be enjoyed afloat on the River Thames. Sail past iconic landmarks like the London Eye and Big Ben while tucking into decadent delights, all from £55 per person.