There’s nothing quite as quintessentially British as indulging in a leisurely afternoon tea. The combination of delicate sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and an array of delectable cakes, all washed down with a steaming pot of tea, is a cherished tradition. However, you don’t have to empty your pockets to enjoy this delightful experience in London. If you’re looking for great venues to try it out on your next trip, I’ve curated a list of affordable afternoon teas in London that offer great value without compromising on taste or ambiance.
Afternoon Tea vs. Cream Tea
As you embark on your journey through these delightful options of affordable afternoon teas in London, it’s essential to understand the subtle yet significant differences between two popular options: afternoon tea and cream tea. Afternoon tea, originating in the 19th century, is a lavish affair served between 3:30 pm and 5 pm, featuring sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and an assortment of cakes and pastries, accompanied by a pot of tea for leisurely socializing. In contrast, cream tea, rooted in the West Country, offers a simpler experience. It revolves around scones, clotted cream, and jam, providing a lighter, more casual tea-time snack, perfect for a quick indulgence without the full spread of afternoon tea. The key distinction lies in the offerings: afternoon tea is a comprehensive dining experience, while cream tea focuses on scones and toppings, providing a more modest yet equally enjoyable tea-time treat. Choose according to your appetite and the occasion to savor the best of British tea traditions!
Best Affordable Afternoon Teas in London
The Wallace Restaurant
Immerse yourself in fine arts at the Wallace Collection in Manchester Square, then relax with an affordable afternoon tea at The Wallace Restaurant. Priced from £24.95 per person, this experience offers a selection of sandwiches, scones, cakes, and a wide range of specialist teas. Being one of the best affordable afternoon teas in London, you’ll quickly see they don’t compromise on ambiance once you step into their courtyard!
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Location: Hertford House, Manchester Square, London W1U 3BN
Mr White’s by Marco Pierre White
Nestled in the heart of lively Leicester Square, Mr White’s by Marco Pierre White offers a delectable afternoon tea experience in a warm and inviting setting. For just £25 per person, you can enjoy a selection of tempting sweet and savoury treats. The restaurant’s charming atmosphere provides the perfect backdrop for a delightful afternoon.
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Location: 20-21 Leicester Square, London WC2H 7LE
Café Rouge
Café Rouge puts a French twist on the traditional afternoon tea, offering a unique and affordable experience starting from just £15 per person. Indulge in French-inspired savouries like onion sausage rolls and mini meringue tortes. With locations across London, this is an accessible option for those seeking a budget-friendly tea.
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Locations: St. Paul’s (5-14 St. Paul’s Churchyard, London EC4M 8BX)
St. Katherine Docks (Tower Bridge House, 4 St. Katharine’s Way, London E1W 1BA)
Greenwich (Greenwich, 30 Stockwell St, London SE10 9JN)
Boulevard Brasserie Covent Garden
Located in the heart of London’s vibrant theatre district, Boulevard Brasserie offers a traditional afternoon tea experience that won’t break the bank. Priced at just £24.95 per person, you can enjoy a selection of fine teas and coffees accompanied by savouries, classic scones, and an assortment of cakes and tarts.
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Location: 40 Wellington St London, WC2E 7BD
The Drawing Room at Brown’s
For a truly regal experience, head to The Drawing Room at Brown’s. Priced from £30 per person, this award-winning afternoon tea pays homage to Queen Victoria’s love for this cherished tradition. Indulge in a selection of meticulously prepared sweet and savoury delights in the elegant surroundings of this historic hotel.
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Location: Ground Floor, 33 Albemarle St, London W1S 4BP
Cinnamon Bazaar
For an Indian-inspired twist on afternoon tea, head to Cinnamon Bazaar in Covent Garden. The Bazaar High Chai experience offers spiced sandwiches, rolls, chaats, and Indian-influenced treats for £27.50 per person. It’s a unique and affordable way to enjoy this beloved British tradition with an exotic flair.
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Location: 28 Maiden Lane, London, WC2E 7JS
Lilly’s Cafe
Lilly’s Cafe offers a romantic and wellness-infused afternoon tea experience in the heart of Covent Garden. Starting from just £20 per person, you can indulge in bottomless cake, along with a cup of tea or a glass of bubbles. The beautiful conservatory provides a serene setting for a delightful tea.
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Location: 3 Henrietta Street, London WC2E 8LU
The Great Court Restaurant at The British Museum
This is the only place where you can have a tea experience overlooking the stunning courtyard of The British Museum, and it’s also one of the best affordable afternoon teas in London! Offering a delightful selection of sandwiches, scones, cakes, and a variety of specialist teas, all starting from an accessible price, it’s the perfect stop during your museum visit.
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Location: Great Russell St, Bloomsbury, London WC1B 3DG
The Wolseley
Experience the grandeur of The Wolseley on Piccadilly with a cream tea starting from £16.75 per person. While it doesn’t include sandwiches, it’s a perfect option for those looking for an indulgent tea-time pick-me-up. For those with heartier appetites, you can opt for the full afternoon tea experience.
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Location: 160 Piccadilly, London W1J 9EB
Dean Street Townhouse
Nestled in the heart of Soho, Dean Street Townhouse offers a charming afternoon tea experience in a historic Georgian townhouse. For £29 per person, you can enjoy a selection of delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and an array of delectable cakes and pastries. The elegant setting and attentive service make this an excellent choice for a traditional afternoon tea.
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Location: 69-71 Dean St, Soho, London W1D 3SE
Ladurée Covent Garden
Step into the enchanting world of Ladurée in Covent Garden, where you can experience a touch of Parisian elegance in the heart of London. Their afternoon tea, priced from £32 per person, features a delectable assortment of sandwiches, scones, and Ladurée’s renowned macarons. With its charming decor and exquisite pastries, Ladurée provides a truly indulgent tea-time experience.
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Location: 1 The Market, Covent Garden, London WC2E 8RA
The Tea Terrace
Located in the heart of London, The Tea Terrace offers a delightful afternoon tea experience with a view. Starting from just £19.95 per person, you can enjoy a selection of sandwiches, scones, and cakes while overlooking some of London’s most iconic landmarks. The Tea Terrace provides a unique and budget-friendly way to enjoy afternoon tea with a scenic backdrop.
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Location: 5th Floor, House of Fraser, 318 Oxford Street, London W1C 1HF
Arthur’s Café at Liberty
Arthur’s Café, situated within the iconic Liberty department store, offers a cozy and intimate setting for afternoon tea enthusiasts. Priced from £30 per person, you can indulge in a selection of freshly made sandwiches, warm scones, and an assortment of delectable pastries. The historic surroundings and attentive service make this a truly special tea-time experience.
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Location: Regent St, Carnaby, London W1B 5AH
Indulging in a delightful afternoon tea experience doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. With these options of affordable afternoon teas in London, you can enjoy the quintessentially British experience without breaking the bank. So, gather your friends or loved ones, and treat yourselves to a memorable afternoon of scrumptious treats and delightful conversation.
