Brews on a budget: London's best afternoon teas for under £30
Afternoon tea is one of Britain's most delightful pastimes, a tradition dating back to 1840 when the Duchess of Bedford first introduced the concept. Now as ubiquitous as a black cab in Westminster, the affection continues to grow, especially in luxury hotels whose offering of colourful patisserie and perfectly angled finger sandwiches extend well beyond the typical cucumber triangle. But the hefty price tag can dampen the mood more than a drizzly day in the deepest winter – so we've rounded up London's best hotels for afternoon tea under £30. You're welcome.
Ham Yard Hotel, Soho
Interiors at Ham Yard Hotel elevate the tea party fantasy – a kaledioscope of colourful textures, interesting artwork and trendy décor. The hotel is an enclave of urban tranquility in the throng of Soho, a village centred around Tony Cragg's bronze sculpture that encompasses an orangerie, bar and restaurant, among other spaces designed for hotel guests. For visitors, tea can be taken in the former, and comprises a selection of savouries, cakes and scones, and your choice of tea, coffee or hot chocolate. If you're still feeling peckish, order some additional sandwiches for an extra £5.
Afternoon tea £22; £32.50 with champagne
Read the full review: Ham Yard Hotel
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Dean Street Townhouse, Soho
Quintessential tradition is not lost on Dean Street Townhouse, whose classic, country-esque interiors blend plentiful tassels and fabrics with whimsical patterns and dark-wood panelling. The hotel shares a postcode with some of London's best places to eat, but also offers an escape from the tourist traps that flank Soho's pungent streets. The classic style continues to the menus which feature cucumber and cream cheese, smoked salmon and horseradish, or egg mayonnaise sandwiches, fruit scones, and traditional cakes.
Afternoon tea £21; £30 with champagne
Read the full review: Dean Street Townhouse
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Ace Hotel London Shoreditch
Surround yourself with the achingly cool creatives and head to Hoi Polloi at the Ace Hotel in Shoreditch. Cream tea at this hipster hotspot includes a selection of mini sandwiches, fancies (like their signature tea cake and carrot cake), scones with clotted cream, homemade jam and a choice of teas by Rare Tea Company. Don't expect elaborate frills, it's all about the low-key luxury in a hang-out that locals love. The stylish brasserie-like space is usually buzzing at peak times, meaning afternoon tea (served between 3pm-5.30pm everday) segues nicely into a boozy evening.
Afternoon tea £21; £30 with champagne
Read the full review: Ace Hotel London Shoreditch
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The Ned, The City
You have a choice of two very different afternoon teas for £30 at The Ned. Firstly, the traditional – served Monday to Saturday in Millie's lounge, on bespoke Burleigh china tea sets in the Grand Banking Hall. The menu typifies the norm, with a dedication to scones, sandwiches and cakes and a choice of tea. And then there's the Japanese tea at Kaia, served only on Saturdays. Options, presented on bespoke bamboo stands, span temari sushi, include steam buns with kumquat compote, to black sesame caramel choux.
Afternoon tea £30; £40 with champagne
Read the full review: The Ned
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Kettner's Townhouse, Soho
Join the hedonistic ranks of Edward VII and Oscar Wilde whose debaucherous dalliances in the restaurant, champagne bar and private dining rooms at this Soho House hotel were once the talk of the town (and have been well documented since). Kick the afternoon off with a glass of champers (included). No stale, boring crusts here – sandwiches include crab and pickled cucumber, duck confit with stuffing and cranberry sauce, and comte with chutney. Patisserie and scones are, of course, also on the menu.
Afternoon tea £30 (with glass of champagne)
Read the full review: Kettner's Townhouse
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The Mandeville Hotel, Marylebone
The Mandeville's stylish interiors beckon trendsetters and fashionistas with Christian Lacroix-designed rooms and characterful features. The genuinely boutiquey feel and Marylebone location engender a glam afternoon tea setting, especially in the Reform Social & Grill. Sandwiches range from minted cucumber and cheese to tuna and sweetcorn, while treats involve Sacher cakes, rhubarb and custard macarons and strawberry fraisier. A glass of prosecco is included, but upgrade (£39) for free-flowing bubbles.
Afternoon tea £26.50; £37 with champagne
Read the full review: The Mandeville Hotel
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K West, Shepherd's Bush
Putting the (bread) roll in rock 'n' roll. One of London's quirkiest afternoon teas can be enjoyed for under £30 at K West's Studio Kitchen. The Festival Glam Rock Afternoon Tea pays homage to the hotel's musical heritage by serving themed sweets and savouries on vintage record covers, and tea in vibrantly coloured crockery. Think mini club sandwiches; rainbow-brioche sliders; and carmine and poppy seeds, chlorophyll and polenta buns. Treats could feature minted strawberry and watermelon mini-slushies, blueberry scones and white chocolate mini cheesecake bowls. Live like a rockstar and add five shots or a cocktail for extra.
Afternoon tea £28.50; £36 with a glass of prosecco
Read the full review: K West
