Afternoon tea in the City of London

The dainty sandwiches, the trickle of Earl Grey, the delicate spreading of jam and cream (now is not the place for the ‘which goes first?’ argument) – is there a more elegant way to spend a few hours than with an English afternoon tea?

If you’re seeking an extra special spot for your tea and scones, the City of London will have you spoilt for choice. From tea with a view to fusion menus, here are some of the most luxurious afternoon tea locations in the City.

Searcys at The Gherkin

Putting the ‘high’ in high tea, this delicious afternoon tea is served with a 360-degree helping of City view. Alongside classics such as cucumber sandwiches and fruit scones, the mouth-watering menu includes gin-cured salmon, devilled eggs, vanilla and matcha battenberg, and lemon posset choux. You can also upgrade your afternoon tea with sparkling wine or even limitless Champagne (for 90 minutes anyway).

Find out more - Searcys at the Gherkin

Afternoon Tea Spots in the City of London - Searcys at The Gherkin - 3 cocktails short green, fizzy peach and a long clear

Fortnum’s Bar & Restaurant at The Royal Exchange

Tell us a grander, more historic and quintessentially English afternoon tea than that served by Fortnum & Mason at The Royal Exchange – we’ll wait. Because when two names of such distinct heritage and prestige meet, you have one unmissable treat. Serving classic afternoon teas in the majestic central courtyard, this is a picture perfect occasion.

Find out more - Fortnum's Bar & Restaurant at the Royal Exchange

Afternoon Tea Spots in the City of London - Fortnum’s Bar at The Royal Exchange - grand covered courtyard with soft seating and decorative bar

Afternoon Tea at Pan Pacific London

Indulge in our new Afternoon Tea set, served amidst the botanical surroundings of the Maxwell Room. This enchanting experience brings together patisserie creations inspired by seasonal ingredients and the natural beauty of the Square Mile’s hidden gardens, blending nature's elements with culinary artistry for a delightful tea experience, that lingers long after the last cup of tea has been sipped.

Children can unleash their creativity as they decorate their own cupcakes and biscuits, choosing from a rainbow of icing, sprinkles, and toppings to make each treat uniquely theirs!

Find out more - Straits Kitchen at Pan Pacific

Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge

Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge launched a new Aperi-tea concept London By Lily Vanilli in March 2025. A world away from tiny cakes and crustless sandwiches, The Rotunda Bar and Lounge’s new afternoon tea will feature some of London’s most on-trend dishes, reinvented in Lily’s unique style. The accompanying playful drinks menu will feature mini-cocktails to entice guests with an Aperitivo-style service and a distinctive night-time energy.

Find out more - Ten Trinity Square, Four Seasons Hotel

A group of people dining at a table covered with various dishes, reaching towards the center with one person raising a red glass.

Four Season, Afternoon Tea, promo image Credit to Lily Vanilli

Millie’s Lounge at The Ned

Within the 3,000 square metre banking hall of The Ned, the former headquarters of Midland Bank, sits Millie’s Lounge serving afternoon teas with a hint of 1920s glamour. Choose from a simple cream tea, a classic afternoon tea, or plough your own path with a high tea of Jersey Rock oysters and Champagne. Then sit back and ponder how much money may have changed hands over those Grade I listed bank counters fixed around the hall.

Find out more - Millie's Lounge

Afternoon Tea Spots in the City of London - Millie’s Lounge at The Ned - high ceiling soft booth seating with mood lighting

Vintry & Mercer

Step into a world of enchantment with Vintry & Mercer's magical afternoon tea, where every bite tells a story.

Inspired by legendary tales, their menu features whimsical treats such as white chocolate and blueberry owls, Excalibur’s Sword cheesecake, and the Book of Spells Opera cake. Savour delicious sandwiches, including truffled egg brioche, smoked salmon with horseradish, and a Sunday roast twist with beef and Yorkshire pudding.

Find out more - Vintry & Mercer

An elegant dining setup featuring a three-tiered serving tray filled with assorted desserts and sandwiches, surrounded by a mist of dry ice. The tray is on a table set with fine china and silverware, illuminated by candlelight, against a backdrop of a red tufted booth.

Promo image for The Magic of Afternoon Tea

Engel and Jang

Afternoon Tea at Engel and Jang has launched at The Royal Exchange, blending elegance and whimsy with silver stork service, exquisite bites by Lorena Tommasi, and exceptional value from £35. Served on a silver stork and set on the mezzanine overlooking this Grade I-listed landmark, it’s an experience of elegance and whimsy where you can expect delicate savoury bites like smoked salmon with trout mousse, roast beef with celeriac remoulade, and vibrant beetroot with hummus followed by a sweet finale of apple choux, sachertorte, seasonal tartlets, and the standout: a nostalgic Three O’Clock Coffee Cake.

Find out more - Engel and Jang