If you’ve been following me on Instagram for a while, you probably already know that afternoon tea is one of my favourite outings in London. 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 cute cakes, all washed down with a steaming pot of tea, is a cherished tradition and a must-try treat if you’re visiting London for the first time. However, you don’t have to empty your pockets to enjoy this delightful treat. If you’re looking for great venues and ways to try it out on your next trip, I’ve curated a list of affordable afternoon teas in London and tours that offer great value without compromising on quality.
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!
Affordable Afternoon Tea Tours and Experiences in London
If you’re seeking delightful options to elevate your afternoon tea by combining it with another London experience and wish to secure your booking in advance, check out these fantastic choices below, all priced under £ 50 per person:
Afternoon Tea at the British Museum
Enjoy a lovely afternoon tea at the Great Court Restaurant in the British Museum. You can choose from a selection of organic teas, along with finger sandwiches, pastries, and scones, all served in a stylish setting. Remember, this is one of the most sought-after affordable afternoon teas in London, so it’s highly advisable to check availability below and book in advance.
National Gallery Guided Tour and Afternoon Tea
Take a guided tour of the famous art collection at the National Gallery with a special add-on to explore its stunning masterpieces and end your visit with a traditional English afternoon tea at the Ochre restaurant.
Cutty Sark Entrance Ticket & Afternoon Tea
Enjoy a traditional English Afternoon Tea aboard the Cutty Sark. Explore this iconic ship, renowned for her record-breaking voyages around the world.
Afternoon Tea Bus with a Glass of Prosecco
Enjoy a unique afternoon tea on a classic double-decker bus tour of London’s best sights. Take in the amazing views while indulging in sweet and savory treats, accompanied by a glass of Prosecco.
Pedicab Bike Tour with Afternoon Tea
Relax and explore the streets of London on a charming pedicab tour. Sip on tea or coffee while enjoying a delightful selection of cakes, sandwiches, and pastries.
Best Affordable Afternoon Teas in London
The Wallace Restaurant
This place has to be one of the top options on this list of affordable afternoon teas in London for the experience it offers! First, you get the chance to immerse yourself in fine arts at the Wallace Collection in Manchester Square, a stunning museum in Marylebone that often doesn’t get the attention it deserves. Then, relax with an afternoon tea experience in The Wallace Restaurant. Priced from £22.50 per person, this experience offers a selection of sandwiches, scones, cakes, and a wide range of specialist teas. Adding a glass of Jean Paul Deville rosé champagne brings the price to £33.50 per person. As one of the best affordable afternoon teas in London, you’ll quickly see that they certainly don’t compromise on ambiance once you step into their beautiful courtyard!
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Location: Hertford House, Manchester Square, London W1U 3BN
Browns Brasserie & Bar
Browns offers a traditional and affordable afternoon tea experience in Covent Garden. Priced from £27 per person, guests can savor delicious Victoria Sponge cake, delectable savories, warm scones with seasonal jams, and irresistible mini cakes and puddings. Try their selection of Good Earth teas, enjoy a chilled glass of Champagne, or indulge in one of their fabulously decadent seasonal cocktails. They also proudly offer a bespoke Gluten-Free Afternoon Tea, accredited by Coeliac UK.
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Location: Ground Floor, 33 Albemarle St, London W1S 4BP
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 Ivy Chelsea Garden
The Ivy Collection is renowned for its all-day dining options. While you can enjoy their delightful afternoon tea at any of their restaurants across London and the UK, this particular location stands out for its breathtaking beauty. The main restaurant is adorned with lush green foliage, enhancing its stunning ambiance. Additionally, they have a charming outdoor garden and an orangery. At the Ivy Chelsea Garden, indulge in a delightful array of delicate finger sandwiches, warm scones with cream and jam, and an assortment of sweet pastries, all accompanied by a delicious hot chocolate. Prices start at £34.95, with seasonal changes to their selection of sweets to enhance your experience throughout the year.
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Location: 197 King’s Rd, London SW3 5EQ
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
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)
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 £19.50 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.
