From the dainty little teacups to the lovely crustless sandwiches to the bitesize Victoria sponges, afternoon teas are a pleasant approach to spend, properly, a day. And London is definitely not wanting them. You’ll discover distinctive afternoon teas at a great deal of the capital’s chicest eating places and poshest lodge eating rooms, many providing their very own inventive twists on the classics.
But in line with life-style publication Muddy Stilettos, there’s one afternoon tea in London that’s higher than all of the others. After counting practically half 1,000,000 votes from its readers as a part of the Muddy Awards 2026, the information revealed that the prime afternoon tea in the capital is on the Richmond Hill Hotel.
There are two sorts of afternoon teas to select from on the Richmond Hill Hotel. Its ‘Enchanted Treehouse Afternoon Tea’ (£46 per individual) is impressed by Enid Blyton’s Magic Faraway Tree, with uncommon treats like rooster mousse, tarragon and celery in a charcoal tartlet and fig frangipane with mascarpone cream, alongside classics comparable to egg mayo on spinach bread and lemon meringue tart.
Then, for many who will at all times choose starter over dessert, there’s the savoury afternoon tea. At £46 every, as a substitute of the candy stuff it consists of ham hock and pea croquettes, spicy sticky cauliflower bites and candy and smoky rooster tenders. And as a substitute of traditional scones and jam, you’re served caramelised onion and rosemary scones with black garlic hummus.
There’s a powerful lineup of loose-leaf teas to accompany all of that, too. Choose from the likes of Chinese lapsang souchong, Rwandan virunga or Taiwanese oolong. For an additional £10 you possibly can add a glass of champagne or a gin cocktail, or for £12 extra you’ll get a glass of English glowing rosé wine.
The lodge was up in opposition to a robust lineup of finalists which included Sketch and Fortnum & Mason, each of which function on Time Out’s information to the best afternoon teas within the capital.
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