Whether you want to marvel at trompe l’oeil desserts from the world’s best pâtissier or savour your scones surrounded by Tiffany jewellery, Knightsbridge is home to the best British afternoon teas in the capital.
Words: Jenny Tregoning
The best afternoon teas in Knightsbridge
The Bulgari
Afternoon tea is a quintessentially British experience, but the Bulgari Hotel offers a luxurious Italian take on this timeless tradition. Served in the glamorous Bulgari Lounge within the five-star hotel – the only British outpost from the luxury fashion giant – it seamlessly blends British heritage with Italian style.
Executive chef Adriano Cavagnini presents a selection of savoury delights including Burrata di Andria, English asparagus, salmon, olive pesto and cream cheese millefoglie, while executive pastry chef Salvatore Mungiovino’s sweet creations, such as raspberry almond crunch, an Amalfi lemon cream tartelleta, hazelnut mousseline rocher and chocolate ganache-filled biscuits offer a refined finish. Each delicacy is served on picture-perfect, floral-patterned porcelain by historic tableware brand Ginori 1735.
£80 per person; book online
Cédric Grolet’s Goûtea at The Berkeley
Knightsbridge’s newest contender for the afternoon tea crown is Cédric Grolet (aka the world’s best pastry chef), who opened his first patisserie outside of Paris at The Berkeley to widespread acclaim in early 2022. “Goûtea” is a fusion of the French gouter (sweet afternoon snack) and British afternoon tea – an edible Entente Cordiale, if you will.
This summer’s Goûtea offering is a celebration of sunny-day indulgence, from savoury navettes to a trio of showstopping sweets. Highlights include the peach flower, elegantly piped with verbena gel and roasted peach, plus a striking fig trompe l’oeil, filled with a fig gel and ganache, which makes its much-anticipated debut. Every bite is a masterclass in flavour and form; completely unforgettable.
Goûtea at The Counter for £130 per person; book online
The Mayfair Chippy
A far cry from scones and sponge cake, The Mayfair Chippy’s “Afternoon Sea” is a savoury twist on the traditional afternoon tea, perfect for seafood lovers seeking something a little out of the ordinary. Served on a classic three-tiered stand, the spread features locally sourced delicacies like crab bruschetta, mussels, oysters and king prawns, alongside freshly baked sourdough. It’s available by pre-order only (48 hours in advance), for a minimum of two guests and priced at £48 per person. A relaxed, offbeat alternative to hotel lounges, it’s ideal for those who prefer seafood towers to sweet treats.
£48 per person; book online
The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel
The Cadogan is beloved among locals for its elegant vibe and quietly impeccable service. Afternoon tea is served in The Lounge, creating a relaxed, residential atmosphere just a short walk from Sloane Square. The menu is overseen by acclaimed chef pâtissier Benoît Blin, best known for his work at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons and as a judge on Bake Off: The Professionals.
Expect an elevated take on British tradition, with savoury bites like Wagyu beef on cornbread or egg mayonnaise with black summer truffle, alongside warm scones with clotted cream and jam. The patisserie selection is a standout: miniature religieuses, seasonal fruit tarts and delicate layered cakes, all executed with French finesse. Pair it with one of the carefully sourced loose-leaf teas from Camellia’s Tea House or add a glass of champagne for an indulgent touch.
From £80 per person; book online
The Capital
Tucked away on Basil Street just moments from Harrods, The Capital Hotel offers a refined afternoon tea experience in a setting that feels both classic and discreet. Served in The Tearoom at The Capital, the menu puts a contemporary spin on British tradition, with a selection of savoury bites, warm scones with clotted cream and jam, and an elegant array of sweet treats. A curated list of teas accompanies the service, with champagne available for those marking a special occasion.
From £60 per person; book online
The Lanesborough
Served under a glass-domed ceiling with chandeliers and ornate frescoes, and inspired by the Netflix smash hit, this special-edition Bridgerton menu makes for a quirky themed afternoon tea at a five-star establishment. Mini sandwiches and delightful pastries pay homage to the pomp and splendour of the Regency era. Standout dishes include the Social Butterfly sharing cake, a book-shaped vanilla cheesecake dessert and an elegant grapefruit and raspberry mousse encased in whipped Chantilly cream, devised by the hotel’s head pastry chef Pierre Morvan-Bénezet. What’s more, there’s a pianist on weekends so if you’re on the hunt for afternoon tea with live music, this may be the perfect spot for you. There are vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options as well as a child-friendly version of the menu for a pleasant afternoon tea in London with kids.
From £85 per person. Served Monday to Thursday, 12.30-4pm, Friday & Saturday 12-4pm and Sunday 3:30-4:30pm. Book here
Caffè Concerto
Italian restaurant chain Caffè Concerto has not one, but two locations in the heart of Knightsbridge, both of which offer a dizzying amount of choice (seriously, the menu is gigantic). Choose between a traditional serving menu and a luxury cream tea version, both reasonably priced, making this one of the more affordable afternoon teas in London. There are also vegetarian options, so everyone is catered for. Make sure you don’t fill up on all the savoury sandwiches and mini brioche rolls, as Caffè Concerto is renowned for its patisserie and glorious assortment of freshly baked scones, cakes and macarons. Both menus also offer a wide selection of exotic world teas or, for a little extra, a “treat yourself” glass of prosecco.
From £32.95 per person, Monday to Sunday. Book online
The Rosebery, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park
If champagne isn’t your thing, The Rosebery – Mandarin Oriental’s modern and elegant tea room – offers guests the chance to pair cakes and sandwiches from The Grand Tour Afternoon Tea menu with sparkling tea, non-alcoholic wine, sake or even beer (plus 29 varieties of loose-leaf tea, of course). Home to some of the best Knightsbridge restaurants, the Mandarin Oriental knows how to cater to everyone’s needs. At the Roseberry, there are also dedicated children’s, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free afternoon tea options so everyone is satisfied. Tuck into spicy Greek marinated chicken sandwiches followed by pistachio and apricot compote delight before helping yourself to a scone from the ingenious hanging cake stand.
From £85 per person, Monday to Sunday, from 12-6:30pm. Book online
The Tiffany Blue Box Cafe, Harrods
Forget breakfast, it’s all about afternoon tea at Tiffany’s. Tucked away on Harrods’ lower ground floor is the only Tiffany’s café outside of Fifth Avenue, New York, where you can embrace your inner Holly Golightly and sip your tea (or flat white) from Tiffany Blue china. In fact, almost everything is decked out in Tiffany’s signature shade, so it’s quite like having tea in an enormous jewellery box. The menu evolves seasonally, with nods to the brand’s US heritage, but never fear, there are always cucumber sandwiches and scones with clotted cream present for a traditionally posh afternoon tea at this luxury London landmark.
From £69, Monday to Sunday, 1.45-5:30pm. Book online
Harvey Nichols
On the fifth floor of this legendary designer emporium is a café serving afternoon tea that is equal in both style and substance. At the Harvey Nichols terrace café, a delicately refined menu offering goat’s curd and peach relish sandwiches followed by sweet treats like its lemon and blueberry meringue tart makes for a heavenly experience that lives up to the brand name.
Withstanding the whims of the British weather, the sheltered rooftop terrace is a sophisticated and elevated space for afternoon tea with a view. The sweeping sights of the London skyline may just be the cherry on top.
£40 per person; Monday to Sunday, 12-5.30pm. Book online
The Park Tower Knightsbridge
Hyde Park Afternoon Tea at The Park Tower hotel pays culinary homage to the neighbouring Royal Park, with dishes inspired by its flora and fauna. Alongside classic mini sandwiches and fluffy scones, standout sweet treats include pistachio cupcakes, an orange tart made from homemade marmalade and a chamomile cream Serpentine swan, a delicate choux pastry filled with whipped cream. Located just around the corner from Buckingham Palace, indulge like royalty with this afternoon tea served in the hotel’s beautiful Knightsbridge Lounge underneath a sparkling and eminently Instagrammable 18ft teardrop chandelier.
Available until 31 August 2024, from £49 per person, available 2-6pm daily. Reservations are required 24 hours in advance. Book here
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