The Best Places To Take Afternoon Tea in 2024
In celebration of Afternoon Tea Week, our culture editors have been tasting and testing the best of what the south of England has to offer.
From sparking flutes of champagne and delicate pastries enjoyed overlooking the sights of London to a traditional Monarchy-themed tea in the heart of the city, these are the best spots to enjoy a leisurely afternoon treat.
Words by the Société team
Fairmont Windsor Park
Bishopsgate Rd, Windsor
Located beside the 4,800 acres of Windsor’s Great Park, Fairmont Windsor Park is the newest luxury addition to the regal market town. Set within the verdant grounds is the Orchid Team Room whose afternoon teas feature the finest produce the country has to offer.
Dine on bespoke crockery inspired by the delicate beauty of Orchids with sweeping views of the surrounding lush open grounds, the tranquil lake and nearby forests.
Served daily between 12:30pm and 3:30pm.
www.fairmont-windsorpark.com
11 Cadogan Gardens: culinary Ode to Chelsea Gardens
Chelsea, London
Afternoon tea at Relais & Châteaux’s 11 Cadogan Gardens is a magical affair; from the rose macaron to the rhubarb roulade, each intricate pastry, sweet treat and homemade savoury on 11 Cadogan Gardens’ afternoon tea menu has been created to evoke the flavours and aromas of Chelsea’s beautiful gardens.
Fluffy light scones, plush strawberry jam, sharp but sweet lemon curd, clotted cream and of course a refreshing glass of Laurent-Perrier Champagne are also included in the experience.
Served daily between 2pm and 6pm.
www.11cadogangardens.com
TING Lounge: Over the Rainbow
Shangri-La The Shard, London
Beneath a ceiling of clouds the new Over The Rainbow Afternoon Tea is served to all those who dare to venture to such heights to experience the culinary delight.
With London’s spectacular cityscape below, we sampled a collection of petite sandwiches and a hibiscus flower and brioche burger with ratatouille and green pesto whose arrival on a stand decorated with delicate wildflower vines gave this tea the je nais se quois other don’t have.
Our favourite treat? The hummingbird-topped tart with cloud-like pineapple compote and coconut mousse alongside the botanical version of TĪNG’s signature miniature Shard building filled with indulgent hazelnut praline, lemon jelly and Valrhona Dulcey mousse.
Served daily between 12pm - 4pm until the end of September 2023.
www.ting-shangri-la.com
Carlton Tower Jumeirah: A Tribute to Nature
The Carlton Tower Jumeirah, London
A recent winner of the ‘Best Contemporary Afternoon Tea’ award at the Afternoon Tea Awards 2023, Carlton Tower Jumeirah’s newest offering, ‘A Tribute to Nature’, takes us on a journey across the British countryside.
Inspired by the flora of British gardens, the exquisite tea is designed by leading pastry Chef Jessica Preálpato. Jessica works with seasonal, locally sourced produce to celebrate the best ingredients available in England.
The afternoon tea menu features dishes such as the savoury truffle croissants filled with duck egg and black truffle, dried grape scones served with patisseries including the finger chocolate hazelnut dessert to a pear and kumquat tart.
Served daily between 12pm - 6pm.
www.jumeirah.com
The Royal Afternoon Tea
Covent Garden Hotel, London
Covent Garden Hotel’s coronation afternoon tea is one of the best ways to get ahead, or continue, the historic celebrations in the capital this summer.
So tuck into coronation chicken sandwiches, strawberry tarts, lemon crémeux, and coat warm scones in classic condiments.
Bar manager Flavio Carvalho has devised a cocktail fit for the occasion; inspired by the King’s love of whisky and Darjeeling, the spirit is mixed with Cointreau, lemon and English sparkling wine.
Served daily between 2pm and 5pm until August 31st.