The Langham, London
Best for: Luxury settings and heritage
It would be easy for The Langham to rely on its enduring reputation as one of London’s most revered luxury destinations, but this time-honoured establishment never rests on its laurels. Afternoon tea - served in the resplendent Palm Court - retains all the charm of the classics, with imaginative, modern flair brought to life by Chef Michel Roux Jr. and Executive Pastry Chef Andrew Gravett.
Afternoon Tea for Two at the Famous 5* Langham London
Treat yourselves to one of the UK's finest afternoon teas, and take your seats amidst 5* splendour at The Langham's Palm Court. Offering a modern yet luxurious spin on this quintessential tradition, Chef Michel Roux Jr. and Executive Pastry Chef Andrew Gravett have reimagined the classics, with a menu inspired by the nation's favourite biscuits and baked tarts. The two of you can tuck into sweet and savoury delights, and pair your treats with an extensive selection of JING teas.
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Did you know?
The Langham was the first hotel to showcase afternoon tea on its menu, making it widely known as the birthplace of afternoon tea.
The Lowry, Manchester
Best for: Traditional meets modern at Manchester’s most stylish hotel
It’s safe to say there’s nothing unassuming about Manchester’s first 5* hotel. Its enormous, sweeping glass-fronted exterior makes it an integral part of the city skyline, and inside it’s no less impressive. The Lowry’s afternoon tea, served in the flagship River Restaurant, has been recognised with an Excellence Award by the British Tea Guild, so you can be sure that there’s more to this behemoth than appearances.
The Ritz, London
Best for: Lashings of luxury and glamour
It would be near blasphemy to omit The Ritz from any afternoon tea guide, especially one dedicated to luxury. There’s a reason it reigns supreme across the UK’s tea scene; classics are classics for a reason. 18 types of loose-leaf teas, a veritable feast of dainty, traditional treats, and live music from the resident harpist and pianist set the scene for a truly unmissable afternoon.
The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, Bath
Best for: Outdoor dining and Neoclassical elegance
Much like The Ritz, this Grade I listed landmark is a tourist attraction in its own right - wander through Bath and you’ll inevitably see people making their way there for photo opportunities. Everything about the Royal Crescent exudes splendour, and afternoon tea, served in the hotel’s Dower House Restaurant or in the secluded gardens, is no exception.
Afternoon Tea for Two at The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, Bath
Enjoy some quality time in spectacular style, with afternoon tea for two at the Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa, Bath. A tourist attraction in its own right, the hotel is a Grade 1 listed building and features antique décor along with the modern comforts you’d expect from a 5* hotel. You’ll be seated in The Dower House Restaurant or, if the sun is shining, outside in the glorious gardens.
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Pro tip
Book for the sunnier months and take tea outdoors in the Royal Crescent’s quintessentially English gardens.
Fortnum & Mason Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon
Best for: Regal ambience and British heritage
For more than 300 years, taking tea has been an integral part of life at Fortnum & Mason. The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon, opened by no other than Her Majesty The Queen, is a celebration of British tradition and heritage; and this year is a great time to visit, with dashes of Platinum Jubilee celebration continuing throughout the summer.
Fortnum & Mason Champagne Afternoon Tea for Two in The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon
Since 1707, Fortnum & Mason has grown from an exceptional grocer in the heart of London to one of the world’s preeminent destination stores. Over the past 300 years, the tradition of taking tea has formed an integral part of life at Fortnum & Mason, and now you and a lucky guest can experience this iconic British treat by taking Afternoon Tea in Fortnum’s elegant Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon.
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20 Stories Rooftop Restaurant, Manchester
Best for: Sky-high dining and sleek, contemporary style
With only the skies above you and the sprawling streets of Manchester below, 20 Stories is the place to go if you’re after a slice of the high life. Really, it’s the views that set this one apart: floor-to-ceiling windows offer an unrivalled panorama, whilst the decor, cool and contemporary, make 20 Stories feel like an oasis in the heart of the city. That being said, the food here’s nothing to be sniffed at - freshly-baked scones with gooseberry jam, delicate finger sandwiches, and homemade sweet treats come served alongside a generous selection of teas and coffees (and Champagne, if you’re so inclined).
Bovey Castle, Dartmoor
Best for: Delicious dining with bucolic views
Afternoon tea, castle… it’s something of a match made in heaven, and Bovey Castle has run with the idea to spectacular effect. Nestled in the heart of Dartmoor National Park, this is a world away from the urban glitz and glamour of The Ritz and The Langham, but no less splendid. In summer, you can tuck into traditional sweet and savoury treats out in the grounds, or in winter, warm yourselves by the roaring fire.
Afternoon Tea for Two at Bovey Castle
Enjoy a traditional English outing with this splendid Afternoon Tea for Two at Bovey Castle in Devon. Located in the beautiful Dartmoor National Park, Bovey Castle is a fantastic destination to visit at any time of the year. The stunning country mansion, surrounded by beautiful land and unrivalled scenery, provides the perfect escape to forget about the world for the afternoon.<br /> <br /> Warm yourself by a roaring fire in winter, or head onto the sun terrace for magnificent views of the hotel’s gardens in warmer months. You and a lucky friend will enjoy a delicious selection of warm scones with clotted cream and jam, delicate finger sandwiches with a variety of fillings and a sumptuous array of homemade pastries and cakes. All of these mouth-watering treats will be served with your choice of fine tea in china cups. A little bit of luxury that will make for a memorable occasion.
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The Northern Belle
Best for: Occasions that call for something unique
A luxury excursion on Britain’s most elegant steam train: save this one for a milestone celebration, because it promises to mark any occasion in style. It’s a day spent gliding through unspoilt countryside, enjoying the golden age of rail travel and dining in style. There’s entertainment provided in the form of strolling musicians and a table magician, and afternoon tea comes with silver service (as you’d expect), plus Champagne.
The Shangri-La, London
Best for: Sweeping London views and 5* elegance
Views this resplendent deserve food to match. Luckily, The Shard’s 5* Shangri-La pulls out all the stops when it comes to afternoon tea. Served in the hotel’s elegant, Chinoiserie TING restaurant, guests here can expect delicate, hand-crafted treats, chilled Champagne and impeccable service against the iconic backdrop of the capital.
Harrods, London
Best for: A luxury pit-stop at a bucket list shopping destination
Home to more than 5,000 luxury brands, you’d need days to explore everything on offer at Harrods; but if you’re short on time, we recommend heading straight to the Tea Rooms on the 4th floor. Art deco opulence, meticulous attention to detail and picture-perfect patisserie all exemplify the refinement that Harrods is renowned for. The menu changes with the seasons, and they also offer one of London’s finest vegan afternoon teas, with no compromise on the decadence we’ve come to expect.
Afternoon Tea for Two at The Harrods Tea Rooms
To enjoy afternoon tea at Harrods is to experience an unforgettable level of luxury and attention to detail. A treat that channels the glamour of 1920’s and 1930’s high society to spectacular effect, it’s no coincidence that Harrods continues to reign supreme amongst London’s afternoon tea scene.
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Crafthouse, Leeds
Best for: Insta-worthy rooftop dining in the heart of Leeds
With industrial decor that pays homage to the city’s heritage, an enormous wrap-around rooftop terrace, and views across Leeds, it comes as no surprise that Crafthouse is a city favourite. Afternoon tea fits in perfectly with the restaurant’s thoroughly Instagrammable vibes: colourful, delicate morsels are served up on a traditional three-tiered stand, while 90 minutes of free-flowing fizz tops things off nicely.
Can't decide? Check out our full collection of Luxury Afternoon Teas.
