Afternoon tea in London can be quite the expense, with some afternoon teas topping upwards of £50 per person, the pleasure feasting on perfectly rectangular sandwiches and tiny cakes is definitely a treat. But, who can honestly say that they don’t enjoy a scone, so heavily-laden with jam and clotted cream that the first bite you take leave bite marks… yeah, got you. Whether you are treating your parents or out on a date here are some of the best affordable afternoon teas in the chicest locations around central-London, so you can enjoy this quintessential pastime without breaking the bank.

 Each of these locations will accommodate your dietary requirements. Gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian and reduced-sugar afternoon teas all available on request.

Refuel- Soho Hotel

Photos: Soho Hotel

Located in the very heart of London’s vibrant West End. The Soho Hotel serves up a G&Tea afternoon tea featuring Ableforths’s Bathtub Gin. Afternoon tea can be served in the Refuel Bar and Restaurant or in the hotel’s Drawing Room. We recommend dining in the Drawing Room which oozes the simplistic elegance of a country home, whilst giving a nod to the creativity of Soho.

What’s on offer? 

The Soho Hotel signature afternoon tea includes freshly baked scones, pastries and sandwiches. Expect your food to be accompanied by a selection of ‘Bathtub Gin’ cocktails, teas, coffees, and hot chocolates – all of which are served from an inviting, and somewhat retro, drinks trolley.

Best for? 

Catch up with friends.

#FLOFavourite: The lovely little terrace at the back of Refuel is a perfect place to have more drinks after your afternoon tea. If you are lucky to be having afternoon tea in summer-time, watch out for the mini ice and cones being dished out.

Location: 

4 Richmond Mews, London, W1D 3DH

Nearest Station:

Tottenham Court Road or Oxford Circus Tube Station

Opening Hours: 

Afternoon Tea served 12pm-5pm daily

Price: 

£24 (£35 with a gin cocktail)

The Orangery and Garden - Number Sixteen Hotel

Photos: Number Sixteen Hotel

Number Sixteen is a boutique hotel situated in a gorgeous Victorian terrace right in the heart of South Kensington. They offer a chic Afternoon tea at affordable prices served in the hotel’s stylish library or in their picturesque Garden. As soon as you step into their garden,  you may just forget that you are in central-London; with greenery and a gorgeous pergola leading up to a pond that is brimming with colourful fish, there are plenty of cute spots for a picture.

What’s on offer? 

The afternoon tea at Number Sixteen features traditional sandwiches alongside, tartlets, cakes, chocolate brownies and freshly baked scones. There is a vast selection of coffee, hot chocolate and teas including a delicious Pure Green Mao Feng Tea. If you are feeling indulgent why not try a glass of Pommery Burt NV champagne or a Garden Bellini.

Best for?  

Summertime Dates.

#FLOFavourite: A visit is worth it for purely the amazing garden. But, the hotel is located adjacent to some of London’s best museums if you want to make a day trip out of it – the V&A, Natural History and Science Museum are all situated on Exhibition Road.

Location: 

16 Sumner Place, London, SW7 3EG

Nearest Station:

South Kensington Tube Station

Opening Hours: 

Afternoon Tea served Monday to Friday -12 pm-5.30 pm , Saturday to Sunday - 12.30 pm-5 pm

Price: 

£22.50 per person (£35.50 with some Champagne and £29 with a Garden Bellini)

The Oscar Bar & Restaurant - Charlotte Street Hotel

Photos: Charlotte Street Hotel

Located in stylish Fitzrovia, the Charlotte Street Hotel is not one to be missed, and with its lavish green façade and two chic lampposts gracing the entrance you shouldn’t actually be able to miss it. Afternoon tea at the Oscar Restaurant is a very dapper affair.

What’s on offer? 

Afternoon tea is served in the Oscar Bar restaurant or Drawing Room, featuring macaroons, a Pavlova cake, bruschetta, traditional sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and preserves. Your treats will come with coffee, hot chocolate or a tea – or, you could treat yourself to the Pommery NV Champagne.

Best for? 

Date night /Business meeting.

#FLOFavourite: The terrace that overlooks the idyllic streets of Fitzrovia is such a treat, especially when the ice-cart is out. If the weather great grab an ice cream!

Location: 

15-17 Charlotte Street, Fitzrovia, W1T 1RJ

Nearest Station: 

Goodge Street and Tottenham Court Road Tube Stations

Opening Hours: 

Afternoon tea served from 12 pm to 10 pm daily

Price: 

£26 (£35-with a glass of champagne)

Ham Yard Bar & Restaurant - Ham Yard Hotel

Photos: Ham Yard Hotel

The Ham Yard Hotel presents a trendy afternoon tea in their very own oasis in the midst of central London. The Hotel is centred around a tree filled courtyard which features an impressive sculpture centrepiece by Tony Cragg. Afternoon tea is served in the lounge, restaurant or conservatory. The glass ceiling in the conservatory opens up in the summer so you can enjoy your afternoon tea in the sunshine!

What’s on offer? 

Expect to find intricate cheesecakes, profiteroles, macaroons, traditional sandwiches and of course freshly- baked scones with homemade jam alongside a selection of speciality teas, coffees and hot chocolates. Or, if you prefer, Champagne and sparkling wine are on offer.

Best for? 

Treat your parents – looks high end but still within your budget. 

Location: 

1 Ham Yard, London, W1D 7DT

Nearest Station: 

Piccadilly Circus Tube Station

Opening Hours: 

Afternoon Tea 12pm-4.30pm daily

Price:

£24 per person (£32 with fizz)