Happy Afternoon Tea Week! Check out the best afternoon tea in London from Alice in Wonderland themes to champagne high tea
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It's Afternoon Tea Week, aka the perfect excuse to tuck into all of your favourite cakes, scones and finger sandwiches - all while sipping on a classic brew.
And when it comes to afternoon tea with a twist, London never fails to up the ante.
As well as a whole host of classic posh offerings, the capital's restaurants and bars offer a whole host of exciting alternatives too - think Alice in Wonderland themes and secret gardens.
The sheer amount of choice can be somewhat overwhelming, so we decided to give you a helping hand.
We teamed up with DesignMyNight.com to search out the best afternoon tea spots in London, whether you're after something classic or looking to try a tea with a twist.
From a vintage bus tour to champagne high tea, check out our top picks below...
Looking for more afternoon tea inspiration? We've also rounded up the best ones across the UK , and they're surprisingly budget-friendly too.
1. Dalloway Terrace
(Image: Dalloway Terrace)
You can expect heaps of fairy tale-worthy charm in this beautiful hotspot, inspired by Virginia Woolf's 1925 novel.
Think white flowers, festoon lights, pinstripe covers and candlelit tables for two for an afternoon tea experience unlike any other.
The menu is equally as enticing, with the likes of smoked salmon with lemon creme fraiche on beetroot bread, or sweet treats such as yuzu caramel parfait with red berries.
As for drinks? There are plenty of different infusions from the Rare Tea Company - or for something extra special, a glass of fizz.
How much? Prices for the Sparkling Afternoon Tea start from £35. Click here for more information .
2. The Sanderson Hotel
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The Mad Hatter's Afternoon Tea at The Sanderson is as whimsical as they come!
Inspired by Lewis Carroll's iconic novel, you'll feel like you've tumbled down the rabbit hole right with Alice thanks to all the delectable themed treats.
Expect a King of Hearts parmesan croque monsieur stack to Tweedle Dee's lemon curd financier, not to mention Alice's 'Drink Me' potion (cinammon, apple and peach) to sip on after your tea.
How much? Prices start from £48. Click here for more information .
3. Hotel Cafe Royal
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If you’re after a quintessentially British setting to celebrate Afternoon Tea Week, head to the opulent Oscar Wilde bar at Hotel Café Royal.
Expect intricately gold patterned walls, lengthy mirrors and pink plush seats that are ideal for sinking into before tucking into the feast that is the afternoon tea menu.
Expect classics including mouthwatering sandwiches and scones, alongside quirky delicacies such as strawberry mojito macaroons.
How much? Prices start from £42. Click here for more information .
4. Secret Garden Afternoon Tea
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It's easy to forget that you're in the UK's largest city when you escape to the lusciously green retreat that is The Roof Gardens.
Located 100ft above Kensington, the bar boasts four beautiful gardens where you can enjoy al fresco dining amidst colourful flowers and the resident flamingos.
The menu itself is pretty impressive too: there's a wide selection of scones with clotted cream and jam, not to mention a host of savoury and sweet treats which you can team with loose leaf teas, coffee or even a glass of fizz.
How much? Prices start from just £38. Click here for more information .
5. BB Afternoon Tea Bus
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Never been to London before? Well this nifty experience lets you not only indulge in all the sweet treats you'd expect from an afternoon tea, but you get to see all the sights in the process too!
This whirlwind tour offers seats in a vintage double decker bus which drives around the city past all of the major sights from Big Ben to The Royal Albert Hall, for a bus journey unlike any other!
Plus they also offer vegetarian and gluten free options so it's ideal for those with dietary requirements.
How much? Prices start from £45. You can bring your own booze for an extra £5 corkage fee. Click here for more information .
6. The Den
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If you're after something a bit fancier - but without a hefty price tag to match - then The Den on St Martin's Lane might be just the ticket.
The setting? A luxurious and cosy lounge with oak panelling, plush armchairs and board games on offer including backgammon.
As for the menu? Expect honey roast ham and Somerset cheddar baked brioche, alongside éclairs with chocolate and hazelnut mousse.
As for the accompanying tipple? There are plenty of teas on offer but for those wanting something a bit punchier, you can opt for a glass of fizz or one of their famous G&Ts.
How much? Prices start at £29.50. Click here for more information .
7. Millie's Lounge at The Ned
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London's hottest new hotel and private members club The Ned also offers a pretty restaurant that makes for the ideal afternoon tea setting.
Millie’s Lounge is a beautifully decorated space with a vintage feel; think pink cushioned booths and armchairs alongside a grand oak and marble bar.
The tea includes sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and cakes. If you’re feeling fancy, why not enjoy it with a glass of Perrier-Jouët champagne for just £32.
How much? Prices from £22. Click here for more information .
8. Little Nan's
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If you're after an afternoon tea with quirky flair, Little Nan's is the perfect place to head.
Modelled on all thing kitsch, you can expect wacky decor that pays homage to Eastenders star Pat Butcher and nods to the Royal family, alongside plenty of retro whimsy and vintage trinkets.
Experience wise, they offer a traditional selection of finger sandwiches, along with your classic Victoria sponge and mini pastries.
Team it with tea, or go boozy with teapot cocktails for just £25.
How much? Prices from £20. Click here for more information .
9. Afternoon Tea Moët & Chandon
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If there’s a time when you’re allowed to be indulgent, it’s at afternoon tea - and the Moët & Chandon Ice imperial pop-up at the Hampshire Lounge bar is about as indulgent as they come.
Book in for one of their high teas and expect a champagne-infused affair, all set alongside sumptuous treats like almond macaroons with raspberry and a Moët and Chandon Ice Impérial ganache.
How much? Prices from £38. Click here for more information .
10. Betty Blythe
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Betty Blythe is a 1920’s-themed tearoom in West London that specialises in vintage afternoon teas. You can take your pick from an Elegant, Victorian, After Wonderland, or great Gatsby tea, each sporting its own inspired menu.
Expect vintage themed accessories so you can play dress up, and a corkage fee of just £3.20 so you can bring your own bubbles.
How much? Prices from £22.50. Click here for more information .