Ultimate Guide: Affordable Afternoon Tea In London to Book Now (2024) 

Afternoon tea is a lovely tradition in the UK that you should definitely try if you’ve visiting London. But it can cost a pretty pence! 

Here I’ve compiled every single affordable afternoon tea in London that I could find, so you can work with your budget. 

You don’t have to spend a few hundred pounds for a fancy tea – these are all great budget options that are fabulous (and a whole lot more affordable). 

Charming header image with 'AFFORDABLE Afternoon Tea in London' text, accented by a stack of vintage teacups, a classic red double-decker bus, and an elegant teapot, all set against a pink background with gold confetti. The image captures the essence of a quintessential, cost-effective London afternoon tea experience.

What Is Considered Affordable Afternoon Tea In London?

Illustration showcasing the cost tiers of afternoon tea in London with a playful 'HOW MUCH?' banner. The image features a three-tiered serving stand with classic British scones, jam, and finger sandwiches, and a side of assorted colorful macarons beside a steaming cup of tea and a white teapot, highlighting options ranging from 'High End: £60-£100pp' to 'Cheapest: £20-£40', for those searching for budget-friendly afternoon tea experiences in London.

There’s such a huge variety of prices for afternoon tea in London. So what is considered  “affordable”? 

At the high end, afternoon tea can cost about £90 per person. This is at posh venues like Claridge’s, The Ritz, etc. 

At the low end, you can find small cafes that do a lovely afternoon tea from about £20 per person. You’ll still get that tall tower of treats, but the venue just won’t be as posh and pretty. The service will likely be more basic.

In the mid-range – from about £30-£60 – there are lovely venues with all the perks of a high-end hotel, but without the posh hotel tea price tag. 

In this post I’m going to go over all the options for afternoon tea on a budget in London, and I’ll cover both the low end price points and the mid-range price points. 

Alternatives: Get The Absolute Cheapest Afternoon Tea in London 

This whimsical graphic compares 'Afternoon Tea' and 'Cream Tea' under a 'TEA TERMS' banner. On the left, 'Afternoon Tea' is represented by a three-tier serving stand filled with scones, sandwiches, and macarons next to a floral teapot set. On the right, 'Cream Tea' features a simpler setting with a similar teapot alongside a plate of scones with clotted cream and jam, conveying a simpler, potentially more affordable tea option in London.

If spending over £20 per person isn’t in your budget, consider booking a “cream tea” instead. 

A cream tea is a tray of scones with clotted cream and jam, served with a bottomless pot of tea. These can be much cheaper – from about £10-£20 per person. 

Some very posh venues serve cream tea, so if you want that luxury venue without the luxury price, a cream tea is your best bet. 

Cream tea is a more simple service, and you won’t get that 3-tiered tower of sandwiches and sweets. But if you want the experience of an afternoon tea, it’s a great affordable option.

Afternoon Tea on A Budget in London: Things to Know

Informative illustration outlining key points for enjoying budget afternoon tea in London, titled 'THINGS TO KNOW'. It highlights that tipping is not required, advises calling ahead for allergens and dietary requirements, notes that posh places may have a dress code, and mentions that alcohol and substitutions are generally not included in the price, all against a soft pink background.

Just because a tea is less expensive doesn’t mean that it’s casual!

Here are the most important things to know, from the cheapest afternoon tea in London to the most expensive.

Dress Codes 👠

Some posh places on this list have a dress code. These are usually places that are inside hotels. Check their website to avoid embarrassment on arrival.

Allergies & Dietary Requirements 🥜

Many places do not cater to allergies or food intolerances. Most items on afternoon tea menus – like cakes, tarts and other sweets – are prepared ahead of time. Substitutions, likewise, are mostly not allowed without an extra fee.

Tipping 💷

Tipping in the UK is not required or expected, and this applies to even the poshest of afternoon teas. Though it’s always appreciated, it’s never a necessity.

Other Beverages 🥤

Included in your afternoon tea is…tea. Other beverages usually cost an additional fee, though some will allow you to substitute coffee.

Budget Afternoon Tea in London: What Do You Get?

Delightful illustration titled 'MENUS - What do you get?' for budget afternoon tea in London, featuring labeled arrows pointing to a tiered serving stand with 'Sweets' on the top, 'Scones' in the middle, and 'Savories' at the bottom. Beside the stand is a charming 'Tea' setup with a floral teapot and cups, presenting a full array of treats included in a cost-effective afternoon tea experience
The basic menu for afternoon tea. “High Tea” – which you may hear from time to time – is more of an evening savory meal and is not the same as afternoon tea.

The basic menu for afternoon tea includes sweets, scones (with clotted cream and jam), savories (usually finger sandwiches), and bottomless tea.

No matter how posh the venue, the menu will – almost always – include these items.

The differences between expensive afternoon tea in London and affordable afternoon tea in London comes down to the opulence of the venue, the creativity of the patisserie, and the level of service.

It’s important to note that “High Tea,” which you may hear on television shows and in films, is not the same as afternoon tea. High Tea is more of an evening meal and is not the same as afternoon tea.

High Tea is only usually found in the poshest of places, and not something that is easy to find on a budget.

£40pp – £50pp Budget Afternoon Tea In London 

Here are the options for afternoon tea on a budget in London from £40 to £50 per person. The best locations and deals are marked with a star.

In this price range you can still expect a pretty venue, a good level of service, and nice presentation.

An exquisite afternoon tea set within the £40-£50 range, featuring a traditional red and white patterned teapot and cups. A selection of elegant desserts, including fruit tarts and cheesecakes, complements the warm tea, with the setup suggesting a slightly more upscale yet still budget-conscious tea experience in London.

Don’t know your way around London, or struggling to comprehend where everything is? See my full guide to which London attractions are close together here.

Lanes of London, Marble Arch 

Near Hyde Park is this inventive British restaurant that does a unique afternoon tea menu that’s botanical-inspired.

  • Afternoon Tea: £50pp
  • Cream Tea: none
  • Served from:  Friday to Sunday from 12pm – 4pm
  • Dress Code: None but smart dress is appropriate. 
  • Nearby: Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, Oxford Street Shopping, Baker Street (Madame Tussauds) 

⭐️ St Ermin’s Hotel, St James’s Park 

A Lovely location and a lovely traditional afternoon tea awaits you at the Tea Lounge at St Ermin’s. Great if you’re touring nearby Buckingham Palace. They cater to all dietary requirements (when booked ahead), which most places can’t. 

  • Afternoon Tea: £45pp
  • Cream Tea: none
  • Served from:  Daily 12 – 5:00pm
  • Dress Code: None, but smart casual advised 
  • Nearby: Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the London Eye, Trafalgar Square

May Fair Kitchen, Mayfair 

Inventive Japanese restaurant May Fair Kitchen has a unique afternoon tea menu inspired by luxury chocolate brand Charbonnel et Walker. 

  • Afternoon Tea: £45pp
  • Cream Tea: none
  • Served from: Weekends 12:30-4
  • Dress Code: None, but smart dress is suggested. 
  • Nearby: Oxford Street shopping, Baker Street (Madame Tussauds), Hyde Park, Theatres, Covent Garden 

⭐️ The Wolseley, Mayfair 

One of the poshest venues on the affordable afternoon tea in London list is this beautiful hotel. Their menu includes finger sandwiches, scones, cakes, and a selection of tea. 

  • Afternoon Tea: £44.50pp
  • Cream Tea: £19.50pp
  • Served from: Monday – Friday: 3.00pm – 6.30pm, Saturday – Sunday: 3:30pm – 6:30pm
  • Dress Code: No official dress code but “smart” dress encouraged. 
  • Nearby: Oxford Street shopping, Baker Street (Madame Tussauds), Hyde Park, Theatres, Covent Garden 

Zetter Townhouse, Marylebone 

Zetter offers a unique afternoon tea menu: you get to choose between finger sandwiches or hot dishes like warm smoked salmon, ox cheek croquettes, and goats cheese and fig tarts. Afternoon tea at this boutique hotel in lush Marylebone is only available on weekends, and you must book ahead. 

  • Afternoon Tea: £45pp
  • Cream Tea: none
  • Served from: Weekends only, 12pm-4pm
  • Dress Code: No official dress code, but this is a posh boutique hotel so dress smartly. 
  • Nearby: Oxford Street shopping, Baker Street (Madame Tussauds), Hyde Park

Brasserie Max, Covent Garden

This Covent Garden hotel offers a traditional afternoon tea in a posh setting for a more affordable price. 

  • Afternoon Tea: £45pp
  • Cream Tea: none
  • Served from: daily between 2pm and 5pm
  • Dress Code: none but smart casual advised. 
  • Nearby: Theatres, Trafalgar Square (The National Gallery), Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Street shopping

Lyaness, Southbank 

In this modern glam cocktail bar in the Sea Containers Hotel, you can enjoy a traditional afternoon tea with a twist – a Sri Lankan twist! 

  • Afternoon Tea: £43pp
  • Cream Tea: none
  • Served from: Saturday and Sunday only. Reservations required 
  • Dress Code: none but smart or smart casual advised 
  • Nearby: Borough Market, St Paul’s Cathedral, the City of London 

Soho Hotel, Soho

Afternoon Tea is served in the Soho Hotel’s Refuel bar, where you can indulge in a selection of savory tarts and finger sandwiches, along with their signature blend teas. 

  • Afternoon Tea: £45pp
  • Cream Tea: none
  • Served from: Daily, 12-4
  • Dress Code: none but smart casual advised. 
  • Nearby: Theatres, Trafalgar Square (The National Gallery), Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Street shopping

Biscuiteers, Notting Hill & Belgravia 

Makers of lovely signature biscuits and sweets, posh bakery chain Biscuiteers offers Instagrammable pastel surrounds with a unique menu. Their afternoon tea is also served most of the day, making it a great option if you need more flexible timing. 

  • Afternoon Tea: £45pp
  • Cream Tea: none, but they also have an a la carte menu. 
  • Served from: Daily 11am-6pm
  • Dress Code: None  – this is a more casual setting.
  • Nearby: Notting Hill Location: Portobello Road Market. Belgravia: Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the London Eye, Trafalgar Square

No. 16, South Kensington

Boutique hotel No. 16 serves a lovely afternoon tea menu in their elegant dining rooms.  

  • Afternoon Tea: £45pp
  • Cream Tea: none
  • Served from: Daily 1pm-4pm
  • Dress Code: None, but this is a posh hotel so it’s best to dress smartly. 
  • Nearby: Natural History Museum, Victoria & Albert Museum, Science Museum, Hyde Park, Kensington Palace 

⭐️ The Wallace, Marylebone 

Inside the Wallace Collection – one of London’s most incredible art museums – you’ll find a lovely cafe that serves a great afternoon tea menu in beautiful surroundings. 

  • Afternoon Tea: £45pp
  • Cream Tea: none, but they have ala carte menus too. 
  • Served from: 12.00-12.30 and 14.30-17.00
  • Dress Code: None
  • Nearby: Baker Street, Regent’s Park, Hyde Park, Oxford Street shopping

⭐️Roast, Borough Market

At borough market you can tuck into a more savoury-focused afternoon tea at the quintessentially British restaurant Roast. Try their signature braised beef croquettes or sausage rolls with your tea! 

  • Afternoon Tea: £45pp
  • Cream Tea: none
  • Served from: Monday – Saturday 11:45 am – 5.30pm
  • Dress Code: None 
  • Nearby: Borough Market, Southbank, Monument, Tower of London, Tower Bridge 

Ladurée Covent Garden

Master of macarons Ladurée serves up a lovely afternoon tea that comes with their signature French biscuits.  

  • Afternoon Tea: £45pp
  • Cream Tea: none, but they have an ala carte menu and other menus, too. 
  • Served from: Daily, 12-6:30pm 
  • Dress Code: None
  • Nearby: Theatres, Trafalgar Square (The National Gallery), Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Street shopping

The Dilly, Piccadilly

Piccadilly Hotel cheekily named “The Dilly” offers a London-themed afternoon tea for adults and children: think tiny Big Ben biscuits & red, white and blue icings.

  • Afternoon Tea: £49pp adults, £39pp children
  • Cream Tea: none
  • Served from: Daily from 12:30pm until 4pm 
  • Dress Code: None
  • Nearby: Theatres, Trafalgar Square (The National Gallery), Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Street shopping

Budget Afternoon Tea in London: £30-£40pp

Here are your best options for budget afternoon tea in London when you’re able to spend £30-£40 per person.

These are ordered from most to least expensive, and the best locations and venues are marked with a star.

Elegant photo of a traditional afternoon tea setup within the £30-£40 price range, featuring a three-tiered stand adorned with fresh strawberries, savory sandwiches, and cakes. A classic white teapot and cups await guests in a refined dining setting, inviting a delightful and affordable tea experience in London.

⭐️ Rails, King’s Cross

Railway-inspired restaurant Rails serves a traditional afternoon tea inside the regal Great Northern Hotel. 

The Park Grand Lancaster Gate

You get a huge variety of afternoon tea choices at this mid-range London hotel. They offer a traditional tea menu (that includes one glass of bubbly in the price!), a chocolate-themed tea, an ice cream-themed tea in the summer, or an Indian-themed tea. 

Brigit’s Bakery, Covent Garden 

You may have heard about Brigit’s afternoon tea bus tour, but that costs a whopping £70+ per person. They also offer a lovely afternoon tea inside their Covent Garden cafe that’s a lot more affordable. 

  • Afternoon Tea: £39pp
  • Cream Tea: a la carte menu available too 
  • Served from: Daily 10:00 – 18:00
  • Dress Code: none 
  • Nearby: Theatres, Trafalgar Square (The National Gallery), Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Street shopping

⭐️ Charlotte Street Hotel, Fitzrovia 

The Charlotte Street Hotel offers Oscar’s Tea with a Twist, with a seasonally-themed menu. For a few pounds more you can add cocktails or mocktails to your afternoon tea.  

  • Afternoon Tea: £38pp
  • Cream Tea: none
  • Served from: Wednesday and Thursday, from 2.45pm – 4.45pm and Friday to Sunday, from 12 – 4.45pm
  • Dress Code: None, but this is a posh hotel so it’s best to dress smartly. 
  • Nearby: King’s Cross St Pancras, Regent’s Park, The British Museum, Oxford Street Shopping

The Anchor Bar & Terrace, Chelsea Harbour 

This oyster bar serves up a unique afternoon tea with views of Chelsea Harbour. Luckily, there are no oysters involved – just scrumptious sandwiches and sweets. 

  • Afternoon Tea: £35pp
  • Cream Tea: none
  • Served from: Daily 12:30-4:30
  • Dress Code: Smart casual 
  • Nearby: Chelsea, South Kensington Museums 

⭐️ The Ivy Chelsea Garden 

The posh Chelsea restaurant The Ivy offers a lovely afternoon tea that’s quite affordable given the luxurious surroundings in the very posh neighbourhood of Chelsea. 

Cafe Concerto, Various Locations

Cafe Concerto is a popular chain of brasseries that offer an affordable afternoon tea at their locations in Piccadilly, Covent Garden, Green Park, and many more. 

  • Afternoon Tea: £32.95pp
  • Cream Tea: none, but ala carte menu offered too 
  • Served from: Hours vary by location 
  • Dress Code: none 

⭐️ Cutter & Squidge, Soho 

Cosy Soho cafe Cutter & Squidge is known for their delectable baked goods, and you can sample them all at their lovely afternoon tea. 

  • Afternoon Tea: £32.50pp
  • Cream Tea: a la carte menu available 
  • Served from: Wednesday – Friday between 12pm – 4pm and Sunday 11.30-am – 12.30pm
  • Dress Code: none  
  • Nearby: Theatres, Trafalgar Square (The National Gallery), Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Street shopping

The Melody at St Paul’s, Hammersmith

Restaurant The Melody serves a lovely afternoon tea, which is a great affordable option if you’re touring nearby Kensington Palace or Hyde Park. 

  • Afternoon Tea: £31 pp
  • Cream Tea: none
  • Served from: Daily 
  • Dress Code: none 
  • Nearby: Kensington Palace, the Design Museum, Shepherds Bush shopping centre

⭐️ Bbar, Victoria 

Hot cocktail bar Bbar serves up an inventive afternoon tea for £30 per person or a totally unique “Chip Shop ” afternoon tea (with fish and chips!) for the same price. That’s a way to nail two British traditions in one go! 

  • Afternoon Tea: £30
  • Cream Tea: none
  • Served from: Daily 1pm-5pm
  • Dress Code: None
  • Nearby: Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the London Eye, Trafalgar Square

Cheap Afternoon Tea in London: £20-£30 

Some of the cheapest afternoon tea in London are no more, with the recent closures of Mr White’s, To A Tea, The Tea Terrace at House of Fraser, The Modern Pantry, Hoi Polloi, and Glam Rock. You may still see these on some lists of cheap afternoon tea in London, but sadly they are no more.

Here are the remaining options for the £20-£30 price point in Central London. 

Photo of a lavish afternoon tea spread labeled '£20-£30', offering a variety of treats including fresh scones with clotted cream and jam, ripe strawberries, shrimp sandwiches, and pastries. The arrangement, complemented by a pot of tea and a jug of milk, captures the essence of an affordable indulgence for those seeking afternoon tea in London.

Browns, Covent Garden 

For one of the most affordable but still traditional afternoon teas in London, try Brown’s Brasserie in Covent Garden. They do the usual sandwiches and savories with a lovely Victoria Sponge. 

  • Afternoon Tea: £27pp
  • Cream Tea: none
  • Served from: Daily 3-5pm
  • Dress Code: None
  • Nearby: Theatres, Trafalgar Square (The National Gallery), Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Street shopping

Boulevard Brasserie Covent Garden

French bistro Boulevard Brasserie is a great choice for an affordable afternoon tea in theatreland. 

  • Afternoon Tea: £26.95pp or £34.95pp with bottomless prosecco
  • Cream Tea: none, but a la carte menu available too 
  • Served from: Daily 12pm – 3.45pm.
  • Dress Code: None 
  • Nearby: Theatres, Trafalgar Square (The National Gallery), Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Street shopping 

⭐️ Cinnamon Bazaar Covent Garden 

Inspired by Indian bazaars, the decor and the food is out of this world. Enjoy an Indian-inspired afternoon tea with chai, samosas, masalas and more. 

  • Afternoon Tea: £27.50 per person
  • Cream Tea: none, ala carte menu available 
  • Served from: Daily 12-4
  • Dress Code: none 
  • Nearby: Theatres, Trafalgar Square (The National Gallery), Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Street shopping 

⭐️ Arthur’s Café at Liberty, Soho

Step back in time to a 1920’s inspired cafe inside iconic shopping destination Liberty London. 

 The English Rose Tea Shop, Westminster 

This traditional English tea shop near Buckingham Palace offers a standard menu of favorites. 

  • Afternoon Tea: £25pp
  • Cream Tea: none, but they have an alacarte menu too 
  • Served from: Daily 12pm-4pm 
  • Dress Code: None – this is a casual spot. 
  • Nearby: Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the London Eye, Trafalgar Square

Candella Tea Room, Kensington 

If you’re touring Kensington Palace or any of London’s top free museums, wander over to this cosy tea room and indulge in Croque Monsieur finger sandwiches and scones with clotted cream. 

The Chocolate Cocktail Club, Farringdon 

An afternoon tea consisted entirely of chocolate! You’ll also be offered hot chocolate, if you just can’t get enough. 

  • Afternoon Tea: from £25pp
  • Cream Tea: none
  • Served from: Tuesdays and Fridays only, 2:30-4:30pm
  • Dress Code: none
  • Nearby: The British Museum, the City of London (Monument, Sky Garden, etc) 

⭐️ Tea and Tittle Tattle, Holborn 

Near the British Museum sits this quaint little tea room, great for an afternoon break of cake and scones. If you don’t drink tea, this place is great – they serve their signature homemade lemonade with your afternoon tea, too! 

  • Afternoon Tea: from £24pp
  • Cream Tea: a la carte menu available. 
  • Served from: Monday to Saturday from 11am – 4:30pm
  • Dress Code: none
  • Nearby: The British Museum, King’s Cross St Pancras Station, the City of London, Oxford Street Shopping 

Cheapest Afternoon Tea in London: Under £20 Per Person

Close-up image displaying an appetizing selection of afternoon tea delights priced under £20, with the text banner 'UNDER £20' prominently featured. Fresh strawberries top a pile of scones, with a layer of cucumber finger sandwiches visible beneath, suggesting an affordable yet traditional afternoon tea experience in London.

Paul, Covent Garden 

French patisserie chain Paul might be more well-known as a quick takeaway spot, but at their Covent Garden location they offer a very affordable afternoon tea. 

  • Afternoon Tea: £19.95 pp
  • Cream Tea: A La carte menu available 
  • Served from: Daily 2pm-5pm
  • Dress Code: None. This is a casual coffee shop. 
  • Nearby: Theatres, Trafalgar Square (The National Gallery), Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Street shopping 

⭐️ Café Rouge, St. Paul’s 

Enjoy a french-inspired afternoon tea with 3 choices: breakfast-themed, traditional, or “Rouge”-themed with tons of French cheese! 

  • Afternoon Tea: from £14.99 per person 
  • Cream Tea: none, but ala carte menu available 
  • Served from: Daily from 9am, various tea menus have different hours 
  • Dress Code: None
  • Nearby: St Paul’s Cathedral, Temple Bar, London Mithraeum, Guildhall, Sky Garden, Monument 

Patisserie Valerie, Various Locations

French bakery Patisserie Valerie is a chain that offers affordable afternoon tea. Tea for two costs £36.95, coming out to about £18 per person.

  • Afternoon Tea: from £18.47 per person 
  • Cream Tea: Ala carte menu available
  • Served from: Daily. Hours depend on location  
  • Dress Code: None. This is a very casual cafe.

How to Find Afternoon Tea Deals in London

When booking an afternoon tea, make sure to always check with the hotel or restaurant’s website. Sometimes they offer limited-time deals that can save you money. 

If you want to score a really posh afternoon tea, sometimes you can find bargains on various third-party sites. Here are the most popular that usually have afternoon tea deals: 

Finding Affordable Afternoon Tea in London: Final Tips

Remember to double-check the location of your booking using Google Maps. Sometimes more than one area shares a name, or the booking will be further out of Central London than you’d like.

Always check the venue’s website, as they may have deals when you book directly.

Above all, enjoy your afternoon tea. It’s a British tradition that is lovely and fun, no matter your budget!

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