Creativity in London’s Finest Afternoon Teas

ne of London’s unique draws is its wildly creative and luxurious afternoon teas. Very particular to the British sensibility and loved by the many tourists that visit, the afternoon tea is one of those iconic past times to be enjoyed in the UK hospitality sector. As you can imagine with London’s plentiful luxury hotels and restaurants there are many to choose from, and in anticipation for when we are finally able to enjoy them again, here is our selection of the most extraordinary, exciting and delicious!

The Connaught - Carlos Place, Mayfair.

Society spot of the moment Jean-Georges at The Connaught not only now boasts a glorious Mount Street-facing terrace - but it also has the most delectable, summer-inspired tea on its menu. Think ice cream-shaped shortbreads made for dipping in melted chocolate, and every type of cake imaginable created by Pastry Chef Nicolas Rouzaud.

Maison Assoulin - 196A Piccadilly, St. James's.

Nestled in the former Hauser & Wirth’s art space is Maison Assouline’s glamorous Swans Bar, the perfect place to rest your weary legs after some serious browsing of their coffee table books. The ‘Parisian’ tea comes on art-deco-inspired plates dressed with foie gras and delightful little cakes, all served with a pot of Earl Grey and a glass of champagne.

Rosewood London - 252 High Holborn, Holborn.

One of London's most hyper-stylish hotels now does one of London's most sought-after afternoon teas, served in the magnificent Mirror Room. Executive pastry chef Mark Perkins has designed edible installations inspired by artists Banksy and Hirst that you'd want to display, if only they weren't so tasty.

Brown's Hote - Albemarle Street, Mayfair.

Mayo-free chicken and guacamole sandwiches, smoked fish with quail's egg and flourless chocolate cake are among the treats on offer at Tea-Tox at Brown's. All the chocolate is sugar-free and the tea itself - including oolong white and homegrown Cornish with Assam - is exquisitely made. If tea-toxing is not your thing, then their traditional afternoon tea with a glass of Ruinart may suit you more.

The Fortnum's Bar & Restaurant - The Courtyard, The Royal Exchange, Bank.

The surroundings may be a world away from its home in Piccadilly but the afternoon tea as we know and love it remains the same. All the favourites are here – the memorable glass of Fortnum’s Brut Rosé to start, Smoked Salmon with Lemon Butter and Coronation Chicken finger sandwiches. New to the tea menu is a flavoursome Assam tea specially blended for the amazing new Royal Exchange venue.

Kaia at The Ned - 27 Poultry, Bank.

A Japanese-themed afternoon tea in the heart of London’s financial centre, is not to be missed. Especially when it’s set in the grand, marble-clad atrium of a former bank, and involves raspberry and lychee choux buns, temari sushi, and matcha-infused ‘green’ forest gateaux. Naturally, there’s a comprehensive tea selection here – but if you’re feeling decadent have some sake or shiso palomas to go with it.

Claridge’s - Brook Street, Mayfair.

Claridge’s is icon for a reason – and that reason is a century-tested menu with luxury takes on the classic finger sandwiches, cakes and scones. Their tea selection has been specially curated with the help of a tea sommelier; and the cutlery is all classic glamour, designed to mimic the opulent art deco setting.

Written by Stephen @ Studio 104