If there’s one thing that England does well it’s afternoon tea and cakes, and nowhere more so than in London. The capital is full of fun venues serving afternoon tea from traditional scones to themed experiences filled with sweet and savoury treats.
Best of all, however, there’s also a huge choices of kids afternoon teas in London from the traditional to the fun and quirky.
The tradition of afternoon tea dates back to the year 1840 when the Duchess of Bedford found herself feeling hungry in the time between early luncheon and late dinner. She asked for a tray of tea, bread and butter, and cake to be brought to her room and this mid-afternoon snack quickly became a daily habit. Friends started to join her and before long, afternoon tea became commonplace complete with its own rules and customs.
During the 1880s, high society women would change into long gowns, gloves and hats for their afternoon tea. This was usually served in silver teapots, with starched serviettes and delicate china cups.
Afternoon tea today usually consists of a mug of tea and a biscuit (if you’re lucky!) but fortunately there are lots of places in London where you can enjoy the very British pastime of afternoon tea – even on a double-decker bus!
If you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion or just want to treat someone then here’s our pick of the best afternoon teas for children. Don’t miss our pick of the best places to eat in London with kids or our guide to the best breakfasts in town.
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Best afternoon tea in London for families
Table of Contents
The following are some of the best places for afternoon tea for children in London. Age limits differ by venue (some children’s tea menus are for 12 and under, others for 11 years old and under), so make sure to check when booking.
Most places require a reservation. Some of the places listed add an additional 12.5% gratuity tax to your bill. Look at this website for good afternoon tea deals. Remember that you’ll have to book an accompanying adult’s tea for a child to enjoy afternoon tea.
If you’re visiting over the Christmas period, some of the venues change their afternoon tea menus so that they are more festive.
Peter Pan Afternoon Tea at Aqua at The Shard
Second star on the right and straight on ’til you hit The Shard for this wonderful afternoon tea inspired by J.M Barrie’s legendary novel, Peter Pan. Enjoy Tinker Bell-shaped cookies, crocodile jellies and Hook’s Perish Cake served on a pirate-ship inspired cake stand.
Where: Aqua at The Shard, Level 31, The Shard, 31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9RY
When: Daily 12pm – 2.30pm
Cost: £61.00 per person, £2.00 goes to Great Ormond Street Hospital
For more information, check The Shard’s website
Jurassic Afternoon Tea at the Ampersand Hotel
Have a roarsome time at the Ampersand Hotel courtesy of their Jurassic Afteroon Tea. Journey back in time to when dinosaurs roamed the earth over 200 million years ago and enjoy a Volcanic eruption, a Jurassic mountain and Dinosaur egg baskets….as part of your afternoon tea!
Vegan and gluten-free versions are also available.
For parents there are specially created cocktails including a Dino Sour and a T-Rex Mex as well as their own delicious afternoon tea treats.
Where: 10 Harrington Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 3ER
When: Monday – Sunday 12pm – 5.30pm
Cost: £54.50 for adults, £37.50 for children
For more information, check The Ampersand Hotel’s website
Jungle Book Afternoon Tea at Brown’s Hotel
The Drawing Room at Brown’s Hotel was once a favourite destination for Queen Victoria who used to take her tea here. These days the elegant space is open to us regular folk although their afternoon tea is still very much fit for Royalty!
For children there’s the Jungle Book-inspired afternoon tea, which features a selection of ‘jungleicious’ finger sandwiches, a tropic shake, and some tigeriffic sweet treats.
Guests can also purchase a limited edition version of the Jungle Book that was produced exclusively for Brown’s Hotel (£20).
Where: The Drawing Room, Brown’s Hotel, Albemarle Street, W1S 4BP
When: Daily 12pm – 4.30pm
Cost: £40 per child. Traditional afternoon tea for adults from £75 per person.
For more information, check the Brown’s Hotel website.
Secret Garden Afternoon Tea at Taj 51
The new afternoon tea at Taj 51 Buckingham gate Suites and Residences is inspired but the 1911 novel The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. The experience takes diners on a journey thorough a secret Yorkshire garden with plenty of sweet treats inspired by the story.
The experience starts with the Chocolate Key, inviting guests to unlock the secrets of the garden. Then there are edible butterflies, a beautiful rose, a zesty citrus tart and much more including tasty savoury bites to balance everything out.
The setting is equally magical and guests are given a special gift at the end to recreate their very own secret garden at home.
Where: Kona, Brown’s Hotel, Albemarle Street, W1S 4BP
When: Thursday to Sunday in Kona, with seating at 12 pm, 2 pm and 4 pm.
Cost: £75 per adult, 50% discount for children aged 4 – 11 years old.
For more information, check the hotel website.
Children’s Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason
Fortnum & Mason have been serving tea since 1926 making it the quintessential place to come for high tea in London. Afternoon tea is served in the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon in the Piccadilly store and there is a dedicated menu for children.
Kids can enjoy finger sandwiches, scones and a selection of cakes. Don’t forget to pick up some London souvenirs while you’re here.
Where: Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly, St. James’s, W1A 1ER
When: Daily between 11.30am / 12pm – 6.30 / 7pm depending on the day.
Cost: £30 per child aged 4 – 10 years old; adults £78 per person.
To make a booking, check the Fortnum and Mason website.
The Buzzy Bees Afternoon Tea St Ermin’s Hotel
The kids afternoon tea menu at St Ermin’s Hotel has been designed specifically for young guests with a Buzzy Bee theme, to celebrate the hotel’s very own bee hotel that’s home to 350,000 bees! You can watch them buzz about on the third floor terrace.
The menu comes with a selection of finger sandwiches filled with honey roast ham, cheddar cheese, and tuna, sweetcorn and mayonnaise. Sweet treats on the children’s menu include a white chocolate and orange mousse, a vanilla cupcake with buttercream icing and a chocolate bee hive with milk chocolate bee and biscuit. Kids also get to enjoy warm scones as part of their tea experience.
Their Kids’ Afternoon Tea changes fairly regularly with themed teas for major holidays.
Where: St. Ermin’s Hotel, 2 Caxton St, London SW1H 0QW.
When: Afternoon Tea is served in the Tea Lounge, library and outdoor terrace (weather permitting), Wednesday – Sunday between 12noon – 5:00pm. Reservations recommended.
Cost: Adult afternoon tea £43pp or £48pp with a glass of Lanson Champagne. Children’s afternoon tea £22 per child.
To make a booking, check the St Ermin’s Hotel website.
The Snowman Tea, Grosvenor House Hotel
Launching on 18 November is The Snowman Afternoon Tea at the Grosvenor House Hotel.
Enjoy savoury snacks and sweet treats based on the much celebrated children’s Christmas tale by Raymond Briggs.
Some of the tea treats to expect include A Friendly Face, which celebrates the Snowman’s tangerine nose; the Snowy Symphony that will leave guests feeling as if they are ‘Walking in the Air’; and The Enchanted Forest commemorating The Snowman and The Boy’s adventures in the forest of the North Pole – all accompanied by a Snowman hot chocolate.
Where: Grosvenor House Hotel, Mayfair, 86-90 Park Ln, W1K 7TN
When: Daily, 1pm – 6pm. The Snowman Afternoon Tea will run from 18 November – 7 January 2024.
Cost: Children’s Tea £35 per child (up to 12 years old); Adults Tea from £65 per person.
To make a booking, check The Grosvenor House Hotel’s website.
Afternoon Tea at The Ritz
For a real treat head to The Ritz, one of London’s most prestigious hotels. This luxury hotel welcomes kids with open arms. Their Children’s Afternoon Tea includes finely cut sandwiches, freshly baked scones and a range of pastries and cakes served in The Palm Court.
And here’s a fun fact, The Ritz London is the only hotel in the UK to have a certified Tea Master who travels to tea plantations around the world to source the hotel’s teas.
Note that The Ritz does have a dress code for afternoon tea; gentlemen are required to wear a jacket and tie (jeans and sportswear are not permitted for either ladies or gentlemen). This does not apply to children under 16.
Where: The Ritz London, 150 Piccadilly, London, W1J 9BR
When: Daily at 11.30am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm, 5.30pm and 7.30pm
Cost: £50 per child; from £72 for adults
To make a booking, check The Ritz Hotel website.
Brigit’s Bakery Classic Afternoon Tea Bus Tour
One of the more original venues for afternoon tea is on board Brigit’s Bakery’s 1960s Routemaster bus. Enjoy tea and cakes as you tour London’s highlights including Buckingham Palace, The Royal Albert Hall, the Houses of Parliament, Downing Street and more.
The classic afternoon tea bus doesn’t have a dedicated children’s afternoon tea but kids are still welcome and will be charged less; children aged 5 to 11 cost £35 compared to £45 for over 12s and adults. What you really want too book, however, are the themed afternoon tea bus tours that kids will absolutely love (see below.
Where: The traditional afternoon tea buses depart regularly between 12pm and 5pm from Victoria Coach Station or Trafalgar Square.
When: Daily for the traditional afternoon tea bus tours; Thursdays to Sundays for the Peppa-themed tours.
Cost: Children £35 each; Adults £45 per person
To make a booking, check the B’s Bakery website.
Peppa Pig Afternoon Tea Bus Tour
B’s Bakery also run a themed Peppa Pig Afternoon Tea Bus Tour, which is perfect for younger children (recommended age 2+yrs). The Peppa Pig themed afternoon tea menu includes Daddy Pig’s Pizza mini Margherita, Granny Pig’s Mini Scone with jam and clotted cream and Rebecca Rabbit’s Carrot Cupcake.
Each table also come sixth an inbuilt tablet so guests can follow along the Peppa Pig guided animation of the London tour – complete with sing-a-long songs – as they tour the city streets.
When: The Peppa Pig tour departs Thursdays to Sundays at 12.15pm and 2.45pm (and occasionally at 5.30pm, check the website for details) from Somerset House.
Cost: Children £38 each; Adults £48 per person
To make a booking, check the B’s Bakery website
Paddington Bear Afternoon Tea Bus Tour
Celebrate Peru’s most famous bear on board Brigit Bakery’s Paddington Afternoon Tea Bus Tour – marmalade sandwiches naturally included!
Enjoy seeing some of Paddington’s favourite landmarks on board a rosy red double-decker Routemaster bus including Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Downing Street, Piccadilly Circus and much more.
Each table comes with a special built-in screen providing guests with a Paddington-guided animation of the tour of London. Mrs Bird will be on hand as well to tell you all about some of London’s most famous sights.
When: The Paddington Afternoon Tea tour departs Wednesdays to Sundays at 1.45pm and 5.30pm from Trafalgar Square.
Cost: Children £35 each; Adults £45 per person
To make a booking, check the B’s Bakery website
The Original Sweetshop Afternoon Tea at The Chesterfield
The delightful, theatrical and award-winning afternoon tea party at The Chesterfield hotel in Mayfair is inspired by Hardy’s Original Sweetshop. In addition to the ubiquitous finger sandwiches and homemade scones, The Original Sweetshop Afternoon Tea at The Chesterfield serves up whimsical smoking pink lemonade and sweetshop-themed cakes.
Vegan, vegetarian and halal menus are also available.
During the Christmas period, guests can enjoy the Winter Wonderland Afternoon Tea – enquiries are now open for the experience which opens on November 21, 2022.
Where: 35 Charles St, W1J 5EB
When: Monday – Friday, 12.30pm – 4pm; Saturday & Sunday 12.30pm – 5.30pm.
Cost: £35per child under 12, from £65 per adult
To make a booking, check The Chesterfields Hotel’s website.
Afternoon Tea Cruise on the River Thames
Combine seeing the some of London’s best sights with the traditional British tradition of afternoon tea with a trip along the River Thames with City Cruises.
City Cruises offers a daily afternoon tea experience along the River Thames departing from and returning to Tower Pier. The exact route of the 90-minute cruise is tide dependent but you’ll spot some of London’s greatest hits including Tower Bridge, Westminster, The Shard, the London Eye and St. Paul’s. Some City Cruises routes also take in the Cutty Sark.
The tea menu is a traditional one with finger sandwiches (smoked salmon, egg and cress, ploughman’s etc), mini pastries and scones with clotted cream and jam.
Where: Tower Pier EC3N 4DT
When: Boarding at 3.15pm for 3.30pm departure.
Cost: Prices start from £38 per child aged 2-12 and from £49 per adult while infants under 2 board free.
To make a booking, check the City Cruises Website.
Children’s Afternoon Tea at The Langham
The Langham is a lovely option for afternoon tea. Served in the Palm Court there are delicious sandwiches, lots of lovely pastries and fun drinks.
Where: The Langham, 1C Portland Pl, London W1B 1JA
When: Thursday – Sunday, 12:30 – 17:00
Cost: £35 per child aged 12 and under. The award-winning afternoon tea for adults is £75 per person.
For more information, check The Langham Hotel’s website.
London Afternoon Tea at The Dilly
The new afternoon tea at The Dilly hotel celebrates everything that we love about London. Head Pastry Chef, Geness Tross, has taken inspiration from classic London icons including Big Ben, black taxis and the London Underground to create a London themed afternoon tea.
Enjoy a Mind the Gap macaron, a London Calling lemon and poppy seed cake fashioned into a red telephone box and a chocolate biscuit in the shape of a London taxi. The children’s afternoon tea is similar and includes London Lemonade on the drinks menu.
Where: The Dilly Hotel, 21 Piccadilly, W1J 0BH
When: Sunday to Tuesday, 12.30pm – 3pm and Wednesday to Saturday, 12.30pm – 5pm.
Cost: £39 per child; £49 per adult
For more information and for bookings check The Dilly Hotel’s website.
Sherlock Inspired Afternoon Tea the Mind Palace
Fans of Sherlock Holmes will love this themed afternoon tea. Not only do you get to indulge in delicious sweet and savoury snacks (think cream cheese salmon pretzels, hazelnut choux buns and Black Forest cupcakes) but you’ll get to solve a mini-mystery quiz as well!
Where: The Mind Palace, Ground Floor, West 12 Shopping Centre, Shepherd’s Bush, London, W12 8PP
When: Saturdays and Sundays only
Cost: £39 per person (the tea is suitable for kids aged 10+ years)
To make a booking, check the official website.
Prêt-à-Portea at The Berkeley
This Couture Cakewalk afternoon tea at The Berkeley hotel is the perfect treat for tweens and teens in London.
This really is one of the most unique afternoon teas in London with carefully crafted couture cakes by Head Pastry Chef, Cédric Grolet, inspired by different designers each season.
The Autumn/Winter 2023 Prêt-à-Portea collection from The Berkeley Hotel is a playful and stylish collection of couture cakes inspired by designers from Victoria Beckham to Nina Ricci.
Enjoy a Versace gown made from vanilla mousse, Emmanuel sponge, a fig and plum compote, and a fashionable fruit tulle skirt; Missoni’s legendary zigzag is replicated using mousse, sponge and chocolate zigzags; and Prada’s must-have handbag has been created with a cinnamon blondie, sandwiched with Ivories chocolate and glazed with white icing.
These incredible creations truly are (almost) too pretty to eat.
And, of course, the experience includes contemporary canapés and sandwiches, with a selection of loose-leaf teas
Where: The Berkeley, Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 7RL
When: Monday – Sunday, 1pm – 5.30pm
Cost: From £80 per person.
To make a booking, check the The Berkeley Hotel website.
Afternoon Tea at The Savoy
Guests have been enjoying tea and cakes in the Thames Foyer of The Savoy hotel since 1889. This hotel, one of the most famous in London, has seen many a celebrity one through its doors including Ian Fleming, author of the James Bond stories, and actor Cary Grant.
The Afternoon Tea menu includes a selection of sandwiches, freshly baked scones and pastries. Children can enjoy teddy marshmallow cookies, a jam roly poly Swiss roll, chocolate brownie bites and other yummy treats.
Note that the dress code is ‘smart casual’.
Where: The Savoy Hotel, The Strand, WC2R 0EZ
When: Monday 12.30pm – 5pm (last seating 3.15pm); Tuesday to Sunday 12.30pm – 7pm (last seating 5.15pm)
Cost: Adults from £80, Children £40 (up to 12 years).
To make a booking, check The Savoy Hotel’s website.
Peggy Porschen Afternoon Tea
Another fun afternoon tea option for teens is at Peggy Porschen, the pretty-in-pink cafes that serves what Vanity Fair called “the best cupcakes in the world”.
There are two options for a Peggy Porschen tea. The first is at The Lanesborough Hotel, although these are seasonal so not available year-round. At all other times you can head to her parlours in Belgravia and Chelsea. Afternoon tea is themed according to the season with pretty sandwiches, good-looking cakes, and delicious sweet treats.
Where: Belgravia Parlour 116 Ebury Street, Belgravia, SW1W 9QQ; Chelsea Parlour 219 King’s Road, Chelsea, SW3 5EJ
When: Daily between 1pm and 4.30pm
Cost: £25 for children 12 years and under; £55 per person for adults.
To make a booking, check the Peggy Porschen website.
Kids’ Sci-Fi Afternoon Tea at The Ampersand Hotel
One of the best children’s afternoon tea in London is at The Ampersand Hotel. Inspired by the neighbouring Science Museum, this award-winning afternoon tea experience is truly out of this world. Feast on delicious dinosaur biscuits, rocket cheese straws and chocolate spacemen as well as jellies served in petri dishes.
Food is served on a rocket-shaped stand complete with dry ice swirling out from the bottom.
Where: The Ampersand Hotel, 10 Harrington Road, SW7 3ER
When: Monday to Friday, 12pm – 6.30pm; Saturday and Sunday, 12pm – 7.30pm
Cost: £35 per child; from £54.50 per adult.
To make a booking, check The Ampersand Hotel’s website.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea, One Aldwych
Afternoon tea at One Aldwych hotel is the closest you’ll get to stepping into Willy Wonka’s Factory itself. Head to this luxury hotel for their Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea experience, inspired by Roald Dahl’s classic story. Enjoy Caramel chocolate milkshake, fabulously fluffy floss and Blue as Blueberry cake pop…and more!
For parents there’s fizzy lifting Champagne, although whether or not you will float to the ceiling remains to be seen.
Where: One Aldwych, 1 Aldwych, WC2B 4BZ
When: Wednesday to Friday, 12pm – 3pm; Saturday and Sunday (plus school and bank holidays) until 4pm
Cost: £50 per child under the age of 12; from £70 per adult.
To make a booking, check the One Aldwych website.
Artful Tea at Rosewood London
Budding artists will love the art inspired tea at The Rosewood. This season, the hotel has partnered with the legacy British jeweller, Garrard for a sparkling afternoon tea. Adults and children can enjoy sweet treats inspired by the works of the iconic British jewellery including delicately crafted desserts decorated with baubles and wings.
The hotel’s Mirror Room has been transformed into a jewel box of sparkling treats, perfect for celebrating the festive season.
Tea at Rosewood London has been noted as the best contemporary afternoon tea in the UK.
Where: Rosewood London, 252 High Holborn, WC1V 7EN
When: Daily 12pm – 5.45pm
Cost: £40 per child; from £75 per adult
To make a booking, check Rosewood London website.
Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea at The Sanderson
One of the most unusual afternoon teas in London can be found at The Sanderson Hotel. Their Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea is as magical as the Lewis Carroll tale that it’s based upon. Menus are hidden within vintage books, juices are labelled ‘Drink Me’ and teapots are decorated with kings and queens.
For sweet treats The Sanderson offers the White Rabbit Carrot & Plant Pot, the Grow Me, Shrink Me, Bring Me Back fruit-based potions, and the Blueberry & Hazelnut Caterpillar Eclair.
A range of bespoke tea flavours are on offer including the White Rabbit: china white silver needle tea infused with white grapefruit, vanilla & almond white chrysanthemums, the Mad Hatter, green tea infused with passionfruit, guava & mango and the Queen of Hearts, red rose congu tea infused with red rose petals, hints of vanilla & chocolate.
A vegan afternoon tea is also available.
Where: The Sanderson Hotel, 50 Berners Street, Fitzrovia, W1T 3NG
When: Monday – Thursday 12pm – 5pm; Friday – Sunday 12pm – 7pm
Cost: £48 per person; £58 with a glass of champagne
To make a booking, check The Sanderson Hotel’s website.
Little Prince and Princess Tea at The Milestone Hotel
Enjoy high tea fit for a prince or princess at the regal Milestone Hotel overlooking Kensington Palace and Gardens. The Little Prince and Princess Tea menu includes delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and a selection of right royal cakes and pastries all served with a delicious hot chocolate or milkshake.
Don’t miss the signature cheesecake, mini cupcakes and white chocolate and raspberry blondies of the hotel group’s President & Founder, Mrs Bea Tollman.
Nearby is Princess Diana’s Memorial Playground, perfect for running off some of that sugar high afterwards
Where: The Milestone Hotel and Residences 1, 3 Kensington Ct, W8 5DL
When: There are three sittings Monday to Sunday at 1pm – 3pm, 3pm – 5pm and 5pm – 7pm
Cost: From £33 per child under 12 years, from £80 per adult.
To make a booking, check The Milestone Hotel’s website.
The Common Room – Wizarding Afternoon Tea
Cutter & Squidge have waved their magic wands and come up with a new afternoon tea experience in the heart of Soho called The Common Room.
After the success of the Potion Room Wizard-Themed Afternoon Tea, the sisters have transformed their tea room into a magical Common Room where witches and wizards of all ages can enjoy a fun afternoon tea.
Sandwiches and sweet treats are served in ‘books from the library’ along with homework riddles, there’s a place to park your broomstick and, along with delicious food, there are mystical drinks to enjoy including Pond Water and Love Potion.
For half term, every young witch and wizard will received their very own potion making kit, with all the ingredients to create their very own magical non-alcoholic concoction.
The Common Room Afternoon Tea Experience is served in the basement of the fashionable Cutter & Squidge bakery, tucked away in the alleyways of London’s Soho. Prices start from £44.99 for adults and £34 for children. The Cutter & Squidge team also offer VIP tickets.
Where: Cutter & Squidge, Soho cafe, 20 Brewer St, Soho, W1F 0SJ
When: There are four sittings Thursday – Sunday at 11.45am, 1.45pm, 3.45pm and 5.30pm.
Cost: £34 per child aged 8 – 12, from £44.99 per adult. Children must be aged 5 and above.
To make a booking, check the Cutter and Squidge website.
Children’s Afternoon Tea at Claridges Hotel
Family friendly afternoon tea at Claridges Hotel is served in The Foyer & Reading Room and includes traditional finger sandwiches with smoked salmon, chicken, ham and egg mayonnaise; warm scones and hand-made pastries.
The Children’s Afternoon Tea includes a selection of traditional sandwiches, delicious scones and pastries guaranteed to make kids happy include chocolate brownies, raspberry tarts and a strawberry ice cream cone accompanied by hot chocolate. The children’s menu doubles as a colouring book.
Where: Claridges Hotel, Brook Street, Mayfair, W1K 4HR
When: Daily between 2.45pm – 5.30pm
Cost: £45 per child; £85 per adult
To make a booking, check The Claridges Hotel website.
The Wizard Afternoon Tea
Wands at the ready for this spellbinding afternoon tea experience where you use your best magic to brew interactive teas and taste fanatical treats.
Tea times take place throughout the day in two enchanting rooms decorated with a mishmash of books, picture frames, peacock feathers, candles and more, plus a few interactive spots to wave your wand.
Tea arrives in a magic chest and you need to tap out a sequence in order to create your own fruit and herbal brew followed by “sand-witches”, savouries, cakes, scones and other sweet treats.
Mocktails and cocktails (some served in a mini cauldron) are offered as well.
Where: Wands & Wizard Exploratorium, 26 Greek Street, W1D 5DE
When: Tea times take place daily, check the website for last orders
Cost: £32 per child (under 12); £42 per adult
To make a booking, check the Wizard Afternoon Tea website.
Really terrific ideas for tea with grandchildren Have to try but where should I start?
Start from the beginning!!