Ultimate Guide to: Afternoon Tea Week in London 2021By Angelica Malin
Afternoon Tea Week is happening on the 9th-15th August 2021 – and we’ve got just the guide for you. A right British way to spend a week, here’s our round-up of the best places for afternoon tea in the capital and beyond to enjoy the special celebration:
LONDON
For a Summer Escape: Dalloway Terrace x MALFY Gin
Great Russell Street, https://dallowayterrace.com
Enjoy an idyllic Italian summer escape at Dalloway Terrace with their new citrus-infused Afternoon Tea and seasonal cocktail selection in partnership with MALFY Gin. The terrace has been transformed into a stunning Italian retreat reminiscent of the beautiful Amalfi Coast, realised by Master Florists McQueens, transporting guests to Italy’s sun-baked lemon groves through its aromatic Italian foliage, summer flowers and vibrant lemons. The Afternoon Tea menu offers a selection of sweet treats infused with fresh citrus and expertly paired with a range of Malfy’s Signature Gins including Pink Grapefruit Tart with Star Anise Meringue, paired with Malfy Rosa, Lemon velvet parfait, paired with Malfy Limone and Orange profiterole paired with Malfy Arancia.
Afternoon Tea is priced at £35 per person, available from 1pm – 4pm.
For Parisian Afternoon Tea: Mariage Frères
Covent Garden, www.mariagefreres.com
Enjoy a delicate tea-infused afternoon in the stunning Salon de Thé at luxury French tea emporium, Mariage Frères. Select from over 1,000 aromatic varieties and dive into a Parisian Afternoon Tea, complete with scones, smoked salmon sandwiches infused with Paris Marais tea and perfect pastries: or the Covent Garden Afternoon Tea with a delicate black olive soufflé, and ginger and lemongrass chicken ballotine with polenta.
Parisian Tea priced at £33 per person, Covent Garden Tea at £39
For a Boozy Tea: Drake & Morgan x Sipsmith Afternoon Tea
Drake & Morgan at King’s Cross, The Folly, The Sipping Room, The Refinery Bankside, The Happenstance, The Anthologist & Devonshire Terrace. www.drakeandmorgan.co.uk
It’s time for a G & Tea! Leading cocktail bar group Drake & Morgan has partnered with Sipsmith Gin for the ultimate Afternoon Tea experience. Start with cocktails including a Gin Hot Chocolate, before tucking into sweet and savoury treats like mini fish & chips, Brick Lane salt beef bagels, hot chocolate brownie and strawberries and cream.
£49.95 for two
For an Indian Afternoon Tea: The High Chai Menu at Cinnamon Bazaar
Covent Garden, www.cinnamon-bazaar.com
Acclaimed chef, Vivek Singh, has created a modern, Indian-inspired take on the classic afternoon tea. Inspired by Vivek’s roots in Kolkata, The High Chai menu at Cinnamon Bazaar brings fire and spice to the traditional tea-time spread. Finger sandwiches are replaced by fragrant treats likes the Kadhai spiced paneer roll and inventive Chaat bites, followed by sweet delights such as Shrikhand cheesecake.
£25 per person
For a Staycation Afternoon Tea: St Pancras Champagne Bar by Searcys
St Pancras, www.stpancrasbysearcys.co.uk
Start your staycation with an afternoon tea in a suitcase! Available at Europe’s longest Champagne bar, the Staycation Afternoon Tea includes a selection of savouries, freshly baked scones, and decadent sweet treats, to be enjoyed with a glass of Veuve Clicquot or upgrade to a limitless pour.
From £39 per person
For Afternoon Tea with a View: Searcys at The Gherkin
City, www.searcysatthegherkin.co.uk
Putting the ‘high’ in high tea with its stunning 360-degree views across the City of London; enjoy a selection of mini savouries and sweet treats at Searcys at The Gherkin. Tuck into indulgent pastries overlooking the London skyline, all paired with limitless Moët & Chandon.
From £49 per person
OUTSIDE OF LONDON
For Fancy Tea: Churchill Afternoon Tea at Blenheim Palace
Oxford, www.blenheimpalace.com/visitus/cafes-restaurants/orangery
To celebrate the British Bulldog himself, The Orangery at Blenheim Palace has a dedicated Churchill afternoon tea to accompany its Winston Churchill exhibition. Beginning with his favourite champagne – Pol Roger Brut Réserve, the tea features savouries, homemade Buttermilk scones, alongside cakes and pastries, including one inspired by Churchill’s personal cook.
From £29.75 per person
For a Fun Tea: Tea & Tipples at Lost & Found
Birmingham, Bristol, Knutsford, Leeds, Sheffield, www.the-lostandfound.co.uk
Enjoy a leisurely afternoon at Victorian hideaway, The Lost & Found, for Tea & Tipples. Indulge in a selection of sandwiches and savouries, scones with lashings of jam and cream, and mini treats of brownies, Lemon posset and Victoria sponge cake, paired with a tipple from the inventive cocktail menu, or share with a bottle of prosecco.
From £18.95 per person
For a Picnic Afternoon Tea: Horwood House
Buckinghamshire, www.horwoodhouse.co.uk
Stunning Grade II listed country house hotel, Horwood House is offering an al fresco picnic afternoon tea! Traditional sandwiches, delightfully buttery scones and decadent seasonal cakes are packaged up to enjoy within the hotel’s picturesque grounds, available seven days a week for bookings only.
£24.95 per person
For Champagne Afternoon Tea: The Pump Room
Bath, www.thepumproombath.co.uk
The iconic Pump Room is serving a new Champagne afternoon tea, complete with live classical music by England’s oldest professional trio. Tuck into savouries such as crayfish rolls and salt beef and gruyere cheese toasties, alongside a selection of scones and pastries, including signature Bath buns (naturally).
From £36.50 per person
