If there’s one thing London does exceptionally well, it’s afternoon tea — but when summer rolls around and strawberries, cream and tennis fever sweep the city, it’s about time you did tea with a twist. Enter: the Wimbledon Afternoon Tea at the Great Scotland Yard Hotel — a playful, elegant homage to the capital’s favourite summer pastime.

 Great Scotland Yard Hotel: The Lowdown

Tucked away on a quiet street just off Trafalgar Square, the Great Scotland Yard Hotel is steeped in history — think former Metropolitan Police headquarters turned five-star boutique escape. The Parlour, where tea is served, is everything you want from a fancy hotel lounge: a dash of Victorian grandeur, cosy armchairs you sink into, discreetly attentive staff, and a sense of occasion without feeling stuffy.

 Great Scotland Yard Hotel:The Afternoon Tea

Running from 16th June to 13th July, the Wimbledon Afternoon Tea is exactly what you hope for when you hear “tennis-inspired treats”. Think: a menu peppered with nods to Pimm’s, strawberries and cream, and a centrepiece “tennis ball” that’s almost too pretty to eat (almost).

Savouries include an elevated prawn cocktail roll, truffle egg-mayo brioche, and a broccoli, rocket & lemon quiche that feels wonderfully light for a summer day. The scones arrive warm, fluffy, and begging for clotted cream and a tart raspberry-lemon jam — a neat twist on the classic strawberry pairing.

Then come the sweets: highlights include a Pimm’s & lemon drizzle tea cake, an elderflower and strawberry cheesecake, and the show-stealing mango, yuzu & coconut “tennis ball” that’s both playful and perfectly balanced in flavour.

Tea itself is from the Rare Tea Company — so you’re in good hands if you’re particular about your brew — and there’s the option to upgrade to a glass of Champagne, which we highly recommend. After all, it’s Wimbledon season; when else can you justify bubbles on a Wednesday afternoon?

 Great Scotland Yard Hotel:The Afternoon Tea

One of the best things about The Parlour is that it’s fancy but not fussy. There’s a gentle hum of conversation, the staff genuinely seem excited to talk you through the menu, and there’s a quiet attention to detail everywhere — from the floral plates to the fresh flower arrangements. It’s the sort of place you could take your mum, your best friend, or a visiting cousin who wants to see “London at its most British”.

Brown’s Hotel Review: The Verdict

Is it the cheapest afternoon tea in town? No. (Expect to pay around £65 per person, or £75 with Champagne.) But for a few indulgent hours of summer escapism, it’s worth every penny — and the themed touches mean it’s far from your run-of-the-mill cucumber sandwich affair.

So, if you want to soak up Wimbledon vibes without queuing for Murray Mound, this is your chance. Go hungry, go thirsty for tea (and maybe bubbles), and prepare to spend the rest of the afternoon wondering if you, too, could pull off a feathered fascinator and a tennis racket.

The Wimbledon Afternoon Tea at The Parlour, Great Scotland Yard Hotel runs 16 June–13 July 2025. Bookings recommended.

3-5 Great Scotland Yard, London SW1A 2HN
From £65pp, Champagne upgrade £75pp
More info & reservations: Great Scotland Yard Hotel