There is no more quintessential British experience than afternoon tea. Think of it now–the world’s best hot beverage (sorry, coffee, you’re #2) alongside a host of delicious treats in an equally sumptuous locale. If there’s a better way to immerse yourself in the culture, we can’t think of it.
On your next trip to the UK, whether in London town, or across England, Wales, or Scotland, you absolutely need to try one of these quirky and unique afternoon tea experiences–each capturing the key elements of the tradition while making it their own.
Or better yet, why not cross each one off your bucket list as you tour around this Spring or Summer? Just imagining it, we’re starting to crave a cuppa ourselves…
Romeo & Juliet Afternoon Tea, The Swan, London
The modern riverside bar and restaurant Swan adds a theatrical twist to the traditional experience. The menu is inspired by the great romantic tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. For the ones with a savoury tooth, Swan serves Mr Falstaff’s Afternoon Tea which includes special treats such as cheese scones and a Welsh rarebit. The venue offers amazing views of the city and guests can gaze at St Paul’s Cathedral while enjoying the delicious delights.
www.swanlondon.co.uk/afternoon-tea/
Peter Pan Afternoon Tea at the Aqua Shard, London
The restaurant Aqua Shard serves a Peter Pan-themed afternoon tea which brings the magic of the classic fairy tale to life with themed teas, cocktails, savouries and sweet treats. Magnificent views of the London skyline through their floor-to-ceiling glass can be enjoyed from the 31st floor of Europe’s tallest building.
www.aquashard.co.uk/experience
Alice at The Franklin, London
The Franklin, a boutique hotel, offers an Alice in Wonderland-themed experience in the heart of Knightsbridge. The experience is an imaginative twist on what a modern-day Alice would want from afternoon tea after she has taken a journey through Wonderland.
Science Afternoon Tea, London
Physics, chemistry and gastronomy are combined into one experience at the Science Afternoon Tea at the Ampersand Hotel. Inspired by the Science Museum close by, the hotel’s experienced chefs created an exciting and interactive menu. The chocolate spacemen and dinosaur biscuits make it clearly a one-of-a-kind experience.
www.ampersandhotel.com/eat-drink/the-drawing-rooms/science-afternoon-tea/
Afternoon Tea Bus Tour, London
These vintage London buses travel past some of the city’s most famous landmarks, whilst ‘Brigit’s Afternoon Tea’ is served – allowing those on board to enjoy a high tea accompanied by an array of tasty sandwiches and delicious cakes and pastries. The London Eye, Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, St James’s Park, Hyde Park, The Royal Albert Hall, Marble Arch, Nelson’s Column, and Downing Street are just a few of the iconic sights to be enjoyed on this tour.
80 Days Around the World Afternoon Tea, London
This quirky, luxurious themed afternoon tea takes its inspiration from Jules Verne’s headstrong hero, Phileas Fogg. Travel the globe from the sumptuous comfort of The Kensington to savour the world’s cuisine. The elements take in the sights and savour the flavours from Britain to far-flung climes, starting in London, then on to Paris, Rome and Cairo. Discover a stunning selection of amazing amuse-bouches, sensational sandwiches and delicious desserts – tastes to truly transport the visitor.
www.doylecollection.com/hotels/the-kensington-hotel/dining/afternoon-tea
Afternoon Tea and Icing Workshop, Biscuiteers, London
Run by the fun team at Biscuiteers, visitors can enjoy an indulgent experience and an icing workshop to create themed biscuit designs. The signature tea features a luxurious selection of delicate finger sandwiches, exquisite pâtisserie, freshly baked scones and their iconic hand-iced biscuits. Served with a bespoke blend of Tregothnan tea, and for those special occasions a glass of Biscuiteers fizz. Themes include Valentines, Birthday, Royal and Coronation.
www.biscuiteers.com/london-afternoon-tea
Sketch Afternoon Tea, London
Quirky décor with a series of rooms including the gallery which has pink walls, pink velvet seating, contemporary art and live music. Sumptuous and picture perfect teas are served up by uniformed staff for a unique experience in London.
Royal and Valentines Afternoon Teas, Theatre Royal, London
Created by London-based baker, the famous Lily Vanilli this is a celebratory tea in magnificently opulent surroundings. Hosted in the Grand Saloon which has dazzling chandeliers, ornate ceilings, beautiful furnishings and fine art adorning the walls. Teas include beautifully decorated delectable cakes, scones & savoury bites served with Taittinger champagne and Rare Tea Company teas.
www.thelane.co.uk/eat-and-drink-venues/grand-saloon-afternoon-tea
The Pump Room Grand Afternoon Tea, Bath
The Georgian Pump Room has been the social heart of Bath for new visitors wanting the perfect snack and snap with previous guests including the likes of Jane Austen and Charles Dickens. The place to see and be seen. The picturesque Georgian restaurant attached to the Roman Baths offers the ultimate afternoon tea in this UNESCO spa city.
High Tea in the Clouds, Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth
From the stunning Clouds café at the Spinnaker Tower, visitors can choose to start the day with a brunch tea of breakfast treats or an afternoon tea. At 105 metres above ground the views are stunning overlooking Portsmouth and the Solent beyond. The teas are packed with flavoursome treats served with optional champagne and prosecco for that extra fizz.
www.spinnakertower.co.uk/high-tea/
Dr Arnott’s Sampling Sensation, The Real Mary King’s Close, Edinburgh
A new interactive and immersive experience where guests get to learn about 17th-century medicine and experiment with Dr Arnott’s method to diagnose patients: smelling and tasting urine (actually tea of course!). Visitors also create their own herbal “remedies” at the end of the workshop following Dr Arnott’s recipe.
www.realmarykingsclose.com/event/dr-arnott-sampling-sensation/
Red Bus Bistro, Glasgow
Explore Glasgow in comfort on board a vintage Routemaster with a nice cuppa. The delicious traditional afternoon tea comes with unlimited tea and coffee and a complimentary glass of Prosecco. For all the gin lovers, a specific Gin Tour can be booked with a signature gin Pot-tail as the highlight. A great opportunity to tour around Glasgow in style.
www.redbusbistro.co.uk/glasgow-tours/afternoon-tea-gin
Trike Cocktail Afternoon Tour, Edinburgh
For an alternative afternoon tea experience take a trike ride in style between historic sights and stop off at scenic viewpoints. Try the Afternoon Cocktail tour with fun and engaging guides who will select the best scenic viewpoint and make a signature cocktail in situ.
www.triketoursscotland.co.uk/tours
Haggis Tea, Lodge on Loch Lomond, Scotland
Afternoon teas are served up with splendid views over the Loch, local delicacies including Haggis Bon Bons, local sweet treats accompanied by a selection of teas and optional fizz. The Lodge also offers the option of a Ben Lomond Gin tea which is served with a local gin flavoured with a delicate twist of berries and Franklin & Sons Light Tonic and of course a delicious pot of tea.
www.loch-lomond.co.uk/dining/afternoon-tea/
Tea and Spa, You me and Tea, Cliff Hotel, Wales
Combine a spa break and afternoon tea at the Cliff Hotel located on the West Wales Coast with stunning sea views. Packages include use of the spa, treatments, massage and the tea experience for an all over treat.
www.cliffhotel.com/spa/spa-packages
Oh me oh my, Liverpool
Oh me oh my have themed afternoon teas throughout the year including Twinkling Tea and seasonal teas. The venue is a perfect spot for people watching through the grand windows and in the tea room in a fairy lit beautiful space in the heart of Liverpool a UNESCO city of Music, which will be the home of Eurovision this year.
www.ohmeohmyliverpool.co.uk/afternoon-tea
Vintage Tea, Ashwell & Co, Bristol
In the heart of the street art capital of Britain, Ashwell and Co offer a combination of afternoon tea served up in a boutique surrounded by a treasure trove of vintage clothes and accessories along with fun workshops for groups or individuals. Sustainability, slow fashion and individuality at the heart of what they do and they choose beautiful pieces carefully to be selected by the discerning visitor.
www.ashwellandco.com/tea-parties/
Afternoon Cheese, Norwich
A cheesey, savoury version of a classic afternoon tea in the splendid setting of the Assembly House in Norwich. Packed full of local produce for cheese lovers looking for a quirky alternative to tea. The Assembly House is the city’s most beautiful building, a Georgian gem with vaulted ceilings and chandeliers a plenty. They also have an Alice and Wonderland-themed tea and a cookery school.
www.assemblyhousenorwich.co.uk/afternoon-tea/menus
Mad Dogs and Englishmen, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex
A series of themed afternoon teas are on offer throughout the year with staff dressed to theme, floral interiors and imaginative savoury and sweet treats. A botanical tea is served up by in-house botanists using seasonal ingredients set amongst a beautiful floral backdrop and an Aladdin-themed tea is inspired by Middle Eastern flavours.
www.maddogsandenglishmeninteriors.co.uk/genie-us-afternoon-tea