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.
You may also enjoy these posts:
- The charming Peter Rabbit afternoon tea at The Dilly
- The best street food stalls and restaurants at Borough Market (2022)
- 24 really fun kids’ afternoon teas in London (2022 guide)
- Enjoy the best tasty treats with afternoon tea at St. Ermin’s Hotel
Best afternoon tea in London for families
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 Rabbit Afternoon Tea at The Dilly
The Dilly Hotel hosts the Official Peter Rabbit Afternoon Tea perfect for families. Served in the light-filled terrace, guests the afternoon tea menu includes sandwiches such as the Mr McGregor’s Garden (vegetable garden baguettini with cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, radishes, pea shoots and red pepper hummus) and Hill Top House (ham and cheese on granary bread).
The delicious pastries include the Flower-Pot Hideout, which comes with an edible chocolate pot with chamomile mousse, blackberry, chocolate ‘mud’ and sponge cake.
Where: The Dilly Hotel, 21 Piccadilly, W1J 0BH
When: Monday – Sunday 12.30pm – 5pm
Cost: £39 per child; £49 per adult
For more information, check The Dilly Hotel’s website.
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: Thursday – Sunday, 12.15pm – 4.15pm
Cost: £52.00 per person, £2.00 goes to Great Ormond Street Hospital
For more information, check The Shard’s website
Jungle Book Afternoon Tea at Brown’s Hotel
The Drawing Room at Brown’s Hotel was once a favourite destination or Queens 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: £32.50 per child. Traditional afternoon tea for adults from £65 per person.
For more information, check the Brown’s Hotel 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 £38pp or £43pp with a glass of Lanson Champagne. Children’s afternoon tea £22 per child.
To make a booking, check the St Ermin’s Hotel website.
Grover’s Children’s Tea, Grosvenor House Hotel
The award-winning tea at the Grosvenor House Hotel concentrates on all the good stuff: Victoria sponge cupcakes, fresh fruit skewers, and a mini knickerbocker glory are just some of the sweet treats to expect. A toy ‘Grover’ dog to take home completes the afternoon treat.
The setting is beautiful, although parents will probably appreciate their surroundings more than their offspring will. This is a great place to enjoy traditional afternoon tea for all the family.
Where: Grosvenor House Hotel, Mayfair, 86-90 Park Ln, W1K 7TN
When: Daily, 12.30pm – 5pm.
Cost: Children’s Tea £30 per child (up to 12 years old); Adults Tea from £62.50 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 hotel’s former Ballroom.
And here’s a fun fact, The Ritz London is the only hotel in the UK to have a certified Tea Master who travels the world to tea plantations around the world to source the hotel’s teas.
Where: The Ritz London, 150 Piccadilly, London, W1J 9BR
When: Daily at 11.30am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm, 5.30pm and 7.30pm.
Cost: £40 per child; from £67 for adults
To make a booking, check The Ritz Hotel website.
Brigit’s Bakery 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.
They don’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.
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.
Where: The traditional afternoon tea buses depart regularly between 12pm and 5pm from Victoria Coach Station or Trafalgar Square. 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.
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.
The Original Sweetshop Afternoon Tea at The Chesterfield
The delightful and theatrical 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.
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: £21.50 per child under 12, from £40 per adult
To make a booking, check The Chesterfields Hotel’s website.
Afternoon Tea Cruise on the River Thames
Combine seeing the sights with eating cake on a tour 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 traditional with finger sandwiches, mini pastries and scones with clotted cream and jam.
Where: Tower Pier EC3N 4DT
When: Boarding at 3.15pm for 3.30pm departure.
Cost: £33 per child (2 – 12 years), from £43 per adult. Window tables seat up to two people only.
To make a booking, check the City Cruises Website.
Alice’s Queen of Hearts Afternoon Tea at the Taj 51
Journey down the rabbit hole for a fun afternoon tea at the Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences and the Alice’s Queen of Hearts Afternoon Tea. This tea is designed for all ages (a 50% discount will be applied for children aged 4 – 11 years old) and is packed full of delicious treats.
Enjoy the ‘Off With Their Heads’ banana moelleux or ‘Running Late’ strawberry pocket watch macaron as well as other fun sweet treats and more traditional sandwiches.
The Taj 51 also offer a Jasmine Indian afternoon tea and a Christmas afternoon tea. **Note at the moment that The Taj are running a special Jubilee themed Afternoon Tea**
Where: Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites & Residences, St Jame’s Park near Buckingham Palace
When: Wednesday – Friday seatings at 12pm and 2pm, Saturday and Sunday seatings at 12pm, 2pm, and 4pm.
Cost: From £45 per adult.
To make a booking, check the website of Taj 51 Buckingham Gate.
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: £29.50 per child aged 12 and under. The award-winning afternoon tea for adults is £65 per person.
For more information, check The Langham Hotel’s website.
Tiny Tea at Bluebird Chelsea (half term only)
The Chelsea institution and celebrity favourite, the Bluebird Cafe, offers a Tiny Tea for kids during the school holidays. Designed for children aged 3 to 10 years old, the menu offers a selection of finger sandwiches, mini scones with jam and Nutella-stuffed doughnuts.
Where: The Bluebird Cafe
When: Thursday to Sunday, 3pm – 4:30pm, for kids aged 3 to 10 years old,
Cost: £15 per child aged 3 – 10 years old. Adults afternoon tea £29.50 per person.
For more information, check the Bluebird 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: £34 per child (the tea is suitable for kids aged 10+ years); £39 per adult.
To make a booking, check the official 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 menu dedicated just 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: £35 per child aged 4 – 10 years old; adults £70 per person.
To make a booking, check the Fortnum and Mason website.
Prêt-à-Portea at The Berkeley
This fashion-forward 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 inspired by designers including Oscar de la Renta and Michael Kors. Fashionistas will love the Gucci-inspired bourbon vanilla mousse and Emmanuel sponge as well as the chocolate biscuit shaped like one of Lanvin’s towering floral platform heels.
From Monday 30th May to Sunday 12th June, Prêt-à-Portea will be serving three items to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee.
Where: The Berkeley, Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 7RL
When: Monday – Sunday, 1pm – 5.30pm
Cost: From £79 per person which includes a cocktail or a mocktail.
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.
Where: The Savoy Hotel, The Strand, WC2R 0EZ
When: Wednesday – Thursday, 12pm – 4pm (last seating 2.45pm); Friday – Sunday 12pm – 6pm (last seating 4.45pm)
Cost: £37.50 per child up to 12 years old; £65 per adult.
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
At 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: £24 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 shooting out of the bottom.
Where: The Ampersand Hotel, 10 Harrington Road, SW7 3ER
When: 12pm – 6.30pm Monday – Friday; 12pm – 7.30pm Saturday and Sunday
Cost: £35 per child; from £49.50 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 Sunday, 12pm – 4pm.
Cost: £35 per child under the age of 12; from £52 per adult.
To make a booking, check the One Aldwych website.
Salvador Dali Art Afternoon Tea at Rosewood London
Budding artists will love the Salvador Dali Art Afternoon Tea at Rosewood London. Inspired by artists and art exhibitions, the latest afternoon tea is inspired by the works of Salvador Dali and include pastries such as the Cream Catalana, Lobster Telephone and Queen of Hearts as well as a variety of finger sandwiches and freshly baked scones.
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: Thursday – Sunday 12pm – 6pm
Cost: £35 per child; from £72 per adult
To make a booking, check Rosewood London website.
Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea at The Sanderson (temporarily closed)
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 story it’s based on. Menus are hidden within vintage books, juices are labelled ‘Drink Me’ and teapots are decorated with kings and queens.
The menu features Queen of Hearts Jammy Dodgers, White Rabbit sandwiches, Mad March Hare macaroons and more. For adults there are a range of Alice-inspired tea infusions and / or a glass of champagne.
Where: The Sanderson Hotel, 50 Berners Street, Fitzrovia, W1T 3NG
When: The Mad Hatters Afternoon tea is currently closed. Please check the website for details.
Cost: £35 per child up to age 11, from £48 per adult.
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. 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: £33 per child under 12 years, from £65 per adult.
To make a booking, check The Milestone Hotel’s website.
The Potion Room’s Wizard-Themed Afternoon Tea
Work up an appetite on a Harry Potter walking tour of London and then magic yourself down to the cosy tea room at Cutter & Squidge for a unique afternoon tea experience. This central London tea room hosts regular themed teas.
During the spellbinding two-hour long Potions Class children will be served Galaxy Juice and a Hubble Bubble potion as well as plenty of magical sandwiches and cakes. Be prepared for some surprises, too! Wheat and dairy free menus are available as well as vegan and vegetarian options.
Where: Cutter & Squidge, Soho cafe, 20 Brewer St, Soho, W1F 0SJ
When: There are four sittings Thursday – Sunday at 11.30am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm and 5.30pm.
Cost: £39.50 per child aged 8 – 12, from £49.50 per adult. Children must be aged 8 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; £75 per adult
To make a booking, check The Claridges Hotel website.
Really terrific ideas for tea with grandchildren Have to try but where should I start?
Start from the beginning!!