A British tradition dating back to the early 1840s, afternoon tea has become a ritual within our society. Soho has plenty to offer, from a traditional cream tea to a luxury champagne experience, to an afternoon tea with a twist… and everything in between.
Sketch
Located just off Regent Street, Sketch is made up of several themed rooms and is one of London's top afternoon tea destinations. Served in The Gallery, Sketch's afternoon tea serves all the classics you would expect; finger sandwiches, scones, cakes, and of course, tea. Diners can choose from an array of luxury teas ranging from Royal Breakfast tea to rosebud-infused Ceylon and Rose tea, all served in quirky china teacups. For extra indulgence, there is the option to upgrade your experience to ‘Tea with Bubbles’ with a choice of champagne or sparkling wine. The décor certainly makes this impressive dining room unforgettable: decadent design, plush seating and crisp white tablecloths, while the walls are emblazoned with original drawings in keeping with the venue’s quirky and artistic theme.
The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum & Mason
Producing tea for over 300 years, Fortnum & Mason presents an exquisite, quintessentially British Afternoon Tea. In the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon, everything from the iconic pale green teaware (made from the finest china) to the gleaming silverware has been expertly designed to complement the grand Edwardian parlour. The Tea Salon even has its very own resident pianist, as the afternoon tea experience wouldn’t be complete without the accompaniment of some soft, scene-setting piano music. The theme is continued throughout the scrumptious menu with traditional coronation chicken sandwiches and the famous Fortnum’s scones - which are made in the thousands daily - paired with the customary clotted cream and strawberry jam. With hundreds of teas to choose from, one of the charming waiters will be able to advise the best tea blend depending on your likes and dislikes… and no need to worry if you are left with an empty plate or pot because it is quickly replenished.
Hotel Café Royal
Known as the ‘Queen of Afternoon Teas’ it’s no surprise the Hotel Café Royal hosts an award-winning afternoon tea. With a remarkable history of romance, the beautifully ornate room features golden architecture coupled with ruby-red leather chairs, sending you back in time to the original establishment in 1825 - it’s apparent to see why the likes of The Beatles, Mick Jagger and Elizabeth Taylor have all been residents here. Offering a seasonal menu to highlight the very best ingredients, a tower of carefully chosen finger sandwiches are presented alongside delicate cakes and pastries, without forgetting, of course, the fluffiest scones. Living up to their name, a choice of over 25 unique teas and the option to indulge in a glass of fine champagne, along with the impeccable services, makes this a truly ‘Royal’ experience.
The Potion Room at Cutter and Squidge
Grab your cloak and head downstairs to The Potion Room at Soho's Cutter and Squidge. This themed afternoon tea experience is ideal for children; school-style desks, interactive and engaging service from a real-life Wizard, and you even get to make your own potion! The food is unique and loosely follows the ‘traditional' afternoon tea fashion, finger sandwiches are a given, but you can also expect twists such as Yorkshire puddings with roast beef, mini-filled pies and some delicious sweet treats. This one-of-a-kind afternoon tea is a must for any magic fan.
Maitre Choux Soho
For a more budget-friendly, less involved ‘afternoon tea,' visit Maitre Choux's Soho cafe. Whilst it's not technically an afternoon tea, it's well worth a visit to sample one of their tasting menus. Priced for two people, enjoy a selection of chouquettes, their world-famous, decadently-designed eclairs and two glasses of champagne or go for a slightly lighter option with their ‘Champagne & Choux’ or ‘Champagne & Éclairs’ packages. Their head pastry chef has been trained in some of the world's top establishments, responsible for creating visually stunning patisserie designs that are showcased in their jaw-dropping window display, which is impossible to resist.
