Last updated: May 14, 2025
London’s Afternoon Tea scene is constantly evolving, with exciting new offerings that build on the tradition of British Afternoon Tea with added creativity! From themed experiences inspired by hit musicals Like WICKED and beloved TV shows like White Lotus, to luxurious menus celebrating seasonal ingredients and international flavours, the capital’s latest afternoon teas promise indulgence with a twist. Whether you’re seeking a decadent escape in a five-star hotel like Shangri-La the Shard, a playful take on classic treats, or a unique collaboration with renowned brands, these must-try experiences redefine the art of Afternoon Tea. Here are 7 of the best new Afternoon Tea offerings in London – perfect for a stylish day out or a special celebration.
Pan Pacific London – Nature Inspired Afternoon Tea
Pan Pacific London has unveiled a nature-inspired afternoon tea, offering a tranquil retreat in the lush Maxwell Room. Designed as a celebration of seasonal flavours and botanical surroundings, guests embark on a Tea Discovery Experience, sampling ten botanical infusions while learning about each from the tasting notes. Each visitor receives a beautifully illustrated map of the Square Mile’s hidden gardens and a seed packet to take home, extending the experience beyond the tea table.
The sweet menu highlights locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, including honey pomegranate mousse made with London honey; passion fruit orange tart bursting with citrus vibrancy, and chocolate hazelnut layer cake – a rich indulgence of toasted hazelnuts and dark chocolate. Signature scones feature candied ginger, known for its warming properties.
Savoury selections range from Isle of Mull cheddar tart to Grant’s smoked salmon on rye, alongside classics like Wiltshire ham and mustard and cucumber and cream cheese. A roasted butternut squash soup amuse-bouche kicks off the experience, while gluten-free and vegan options are available.
Want to treat the kids? A playful Children’s Afternoon Tea (£29) includes hands-on fun, where kids can decorate their own biscuits with icing and sprinkles, alongside treats like a jungle-themed rice crispy and flower cake pop.
Priced at £68 per person, with champagne upgrades available, this afternoon tea blends tradition with an innovative, nature-focused twist. For more details or to book, visit Pan Pacific London.
Royal Lancaster London Blooming British Afternoon Tea
Royal Lancaster London welcomes the arrival of spring with its Blooming British Afternoon Tea, a floral-inspired collaboration with the Natural History Museum. Honouring British flora, fauna, and pollinators, this seasonal experience highlights locally sourced ingredients while supporting conservation efforts.
Set in the elegant Hyde Café, the menu takes inspiration from nature, with exquisite sweets such as The Snowdrop, a buttermilk cake with white chocolate whip ganache, and The Ladybird, a light vanilla mousse with scrumptious caramelised apple. Guests can also indulge in The Beehive, a honey cake with crème fraîche, and Rose Chafer, a mascarpone whip with pear and blackberry compôte.
With a fully vegan version of the afternoon tea available, along with a specially crafted Children’s Blooming British Afternoon Tea, guests are encouraged to take a scenic stroll through Hyde Park using a bespoke walking map, making the experience a true celebration of the natural world.
Royal Lancaster London has a long-standing commitment to sustainability, having been the first hotel in London to install rooftop beehives in 2009. Their dedicated beekeeping team continues to care for thousands of honey bees, reinforcing their dedication to urban biodiversity.
Priced at £49 Monday to Friday and £55 on weekends (£30 for children’s tea), the Blooming British Afternoon Tea is a delightful way to welcome the new season. Find out more here.
Shangri-La The Shard – Love Is In The Air Collab with Jo Loves
Shangri-La The Shard, London, is celebrating romance with its Love is in the Air afternoon tea, created in collaboration with Jo Loves. Inspired by the launch of the Rose Layered Candle, this exquisite experience captures the essence of love through delicate floral flavours and artistic desserts.
The rose pastry is a true showpiece, sculpted like a freshly picked bloom and infused with sticky toffee, zesty lemon, and fragrant rose. A white tart pairs luscious raspberry compote with lychee for a perfectly balanced bite while the grand finale is the signature Shard dessert, elegantly presented on billowing clouds, blending warm carrot and orange with indulgent Valrhona Dulce chocolate, finished with a romantic rose print.
Priced from £78 per person, Love is in the Air afternoon tea is available until May 31st. Book via this link.
Strand Palace Hotel – MAMMA MIA! Afternoon Tea
Strand Palace hotel is bringing the magic of MAMMA MIA! to tea time with a brand-new afternoon tea experience. Inspired by the smash-hit musical, this playful menu transforms classic afternoon tea into a feel-good celebration of ABBA’s iconic songs and beloved characters.
Sweet treats take centre stage, including Donna’s Dynamo Ball, a shimmering coconut macaroon with citrus curd; Sophie’s Dream Lemon Drizzle Gateau, topped with a candy floss cloud; and Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! dark chocolate midnight cake with hazelnut praline. Traditional fruit scones, aptly named The Winner Takes The Scone, are served with clotted cream and raspberry jam. Guests can sip on champagne, prosecco, cocktails, or mocktails for an extra touch of indulgence.
Served daily in The Palace Tea Parlour, the setting is adorned with charming artwork that nods to the musical’s idyllic Greek island backdrop. Available until November 2025, the experience is priced at £43 per person, with a children’s menu for £25. For special occasions, private events can be booked with free-flowing bubbles packages starting at £70 per person.
With MAMMA MIA! continuing its run at the nearby Novello Theatre, just a three-minute walk away, this themed afternoon tea is the perfect way to extend the magic of the show. Whether you’re an ABBA fan or simply looking for a unique afternoon treat, the MAMMA MIA! Afternoon Tea at Strand Palace is a must-visit for a fun-filled escape in central London.
Wicked Wizard of the Franklin Afternoon Tea
The Franklin London – Starhotels Collezione is casting a spell over tea time with its Wicked Wizard of The Franklin afternoon tea, inspired by the movie adaptation of the beloved musical. The immersive experience transports guests to Emerald City through enchanting decor and a menu that brings the magic of the story to life beginning with a three course savoury selection. No Place Like Home offers chargrilled chicken with crisp gem lettuce and sweetcorn dressing, while Over The Rainbow presents a tomato sandwich filled with creamy avocado and roasted vegetables. Yellow Brick Road is a luxurious treat featuring homemade pan-brioche, eggs, and fresh winter black truffles.
The adventure continues with a selection of whimsical sweet treats. Guests can draw courage from The Lion, a tangy lemon meringue tart; find heart in The Tin Man, a classic tiramisu; and embrace wisdom with The Scarecrow, a velvety chocolate mousse ice cream. To enhance the experience, a selection of Ferrari Maximum wines is available.
Blending luxury hospitality with theatrical charm, this afternoon tea reimagines Emerald City in the heart of Knightsbridge. Priced at £49 per person, The Wicked Wizard of The Franklin afternoon tea is available now, book here.
The White Lotus Themed Afternoon Tea at The Four Seasons
Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane is celebrating the latest series of The White Lotus with an opulent afternoon tea set in Thailand. Running from 20th February to 16th May in the elegant Pavyllon Lounge, this indulgent experience pays homage to the show’s signature decadence with a menu crafted by the hotel’s Michelin-starred pastry team.
Guests will be transported into The White Lotus world with a bespoke lotus-inspired tea stand, curated menus, and music that echoes the series’ unmistakable soundtrack. The menu captures the bold flavours of Thailand, beginning with exquisite savouries such as a delicate chicken dumpling with langoustine extraction, a crispy crab and green papaya tartlet with lotus cream, a duck spring roll with Thai basil, and a curried tiger prawn sando with pickled mango and lime.
Sweet treats embrace exotic Thai influences, offering a black sesame and hazelnut teacake, a tea-infused croustillant caramel with sweetcorn mousse, honey cheesecake with fresh pomelo, a mango, Thai basil, and lime éclair, and a slow-roasted pineapple and pandan brioche cake.
Available for £85 per person, the White Lotus Afternoon Tea at Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane promises an experience as luxurious and captivating as the series itself. Check out all the details here.
RAILS Afternoon Tea at The Great Northern Hotel
Brand new for the Spring and Summer season, you can embark on a delicious culinary journey with an afternoon tea inspired by the iconic railways of the UK. Departing from King’s Cross St Pancras, this delectable experience celebrates regional delights from across the country, with treats including Yorkshire Rhubarb & White Chocolate Cheesecake, Dorset Apple Choux Bun and Smoked Argyll Trout Gougère. Freshly-baked scones are accompanied with lashings of jam and Cornish clotted cream, all served alongside a pot of your chosen brew or a crisp glass of Nyetimber Sparkling Wine. Priced at £41.50 per person with an additional charge for Prosecco or Champagne, RAILS’ Afternoon Tea is available Thursday to Sunday from 1-5pm, you can book here.
