Afternoon Tea in London: A Classy Event for Your Guests

Lao Tzu rightly said that tea is the elixir of life. 

One thing’s for sure—tea has a universal charm. You can enjoy a cuppa in the serene teahouses of Meijiawu or at a busy tea seller’s stall in Munnar.  

But let’s be honest, nowhere does tea quite like Britain. Afternoon tea is a treasured ritual here, offering a mid-afternoon treat that can transport you to another era. 

An afternoon tea party is the perfect antidote for those weary of the pub scene and the inevitable hangovers. London has many tea spots, including elegant hotels, trendy hotspots, and classic bistros. 

With its growing popularity in the summer, we thought it was high time to showcase why a private afternoon tea in London is the classy event your guests are looking for.

An Elegant Choice for Every Occasion

Afternoon tea delights all ages, from toddlers relishing sweet treats to younger and baby boomer generations enjoying the experience. 

Today’s younger crowd is particularly enthusiastic about this iconic tradition, perhaps due to the tea salons’ highly Instagrammable decor. It’s a rare gathering where everyone, regardless of age, can feel perfectly at ease.

A Unique Approach to Company Events

Two hundred years after afternoon tea emerged in the UK, this national pastime remains as popular as ever. Throwing a private afternoon tea presents a refined, relaxed and elegant setting for networking, team-building, or celebrating business milestones.

Unlike standard corporate events that can often feel overly formal in restaurants or impersonal in pubs or clubs, afternoon tea balances relaxation and fun while remaining elegant. Colleagues can enjoy discussing hobbies, TV shows, and their favourite things over fine teas and delicious pastries, all while learning (or teaching) a thing or two about British culture and tea etiquette.

Add a Twist to your Private Events

Tea parties cater to guests of all ages and interests, offering a blend of food, culture, history, decor, and themed events suitable for occasions like an 18th birthday celebration, a bridal shower, a child’s 8th birthday, or a reunion of friends.

Moreover, many venues offer specific themes, such as a Mad Hatter tea party or modern decor with champagne bars, making it easy for your event to stand out. Guests can enjoy a selection of delicate sandwiches, scones with cream and jam, and a variety of cakes and pastries, all while indulging in the luxurious atmosphere of a traditional tea room. 

Simon Oldham, Director of Albert’s at Beaufort House‘s Afternoon Tea, has noticed a big increase in afternoon teas lately. These events are almost exclusively attended by women, including mothers, friends, mothers-in-law, sisters, etc.

As many of the hostesses are pregnant, the baby shower works perfectly as it can be enjoyed without alcohol unlike a big dinner or lunch where there can be pressure to have a few glasses of wine or a cocktail. Guests can feel a little awkward about drinking if the hostess is not able to.

This event gives the hostess a chance to catch up with her friends and family who will be excited to discuss the new arrival.

And let’s face it, who doesn’t love the chance to feel like royalty for an afternoon?

Get a Feel of British Culture

Oldham points out that afternoon tea is a very traditional English activity, adding a unique cultural aspect that other countries do not offer. This makes it a significant draw for both long-time residents and newcomers to the UK.

Dating back to the 1840s and popularised by Anna Russell, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, afternoon tea is a quintessentially British tradition. Organising this event allows your guests to savour a slice of British heritage.

They can explore the origins of various teas, learn the etiquette of tea enjoyment, and appreciate the historical significance behind this cherished tradition. 

This educational aspect enriches your gathering and makes it a cultural experience rather than just a social occasion. To make the experience even more fun, why not add some interactive learning with games or materials about the tradition’s history?

You could also collaborate with your venue manager to set up something extra special that ties into the theme you’re highlighting.

Refine Your Etiquette

Pinkies down! 

Afternoon tea is all about etiquette. Both adults and kids can learn how to hold a teacup, the art of polite conversation, and the correct method for enjoying scones. This adds an engaging educational element to the event and ensures that everyone leaves with a newfound appreciation for the subtleties of British customs. 

Just remember, despite all the myths, your smallest finger should stay tucked in!

The Alternative to Loud Parties

The antidote to raucous parties? Afternoon tea. 

This serene, classy affair is where guests unwind in peaceful settings, enjoying each other’s company. Its refined ambiance and meticulously presented tea service make it akin to a bygone dinner party, but posher. Just wait until your guests see those two tiers of sweets—they’ll be chuffed!

Snap-Worthy Moments

Tea venues are great for pictures, with their beautiful settings, doilies, china teapots, and mountains of cakes. 

These spots can be further sweetened for special occasions like baby showers and kids’ parties. Many have those pastel or warm colours that make any event instantly magical and photos pop. For theme inspirations, check out Pinterest.

Enjoy Culinary Delights

Afternoon tea is a foodie’s paradise. 

Guests can enjoy an array of teas, from classics like Earl Grey and English Breakfast to exotic blends like Moroccan mint and Japanese matcha. The selection of foods is equally remarkable, featuring a variety of finger sandwiches, freshly baked tarts, and decadent pastries. The culinary journey doesn’t stop there. Many tea rooms offer themed teas and seasonal menus, so there is always something new and exciting to try.

Afternoon tea isn’t just British, though. It draws inspiration from all over the world. 

Whether experimenting with authentic Indian chai paired with samosas or exploring flavors like yuzu, venues are constantly innovating to offer unique twists on traditional afternoon tea. And let’s not forget the retro favourites like jam roly-poly and trifle that many love to bring back for afternoon tea.

Play Dress Up

The dress code for afternoon tea can range from country club casual to formal attire, providing a fun opportunity for guests to dress up and feel their best. High-end venues enforce a strict dress code, adding to the event’s elegance and creating a sense of occasion. And sometimes we all want a reason to lean into a fancy dress party. 

In the UK, afternoon tea fashion often blends classic elegance with modern trends, with guests opting for chic dresses, smart suits, and stylish accessories. It’s a chance to showcase personal style while honouring the timeless tradition of afternoon tea.

Whether it’s donning a fascinator or sporting vintage-inspired attire, afternoon tea fashion adds a touch of glamour to the affair, ensuring that guests enjoy exquisite treats and look fabulous while doing so.

Tailored Events Just for You

Afternoon tea allows hosts to customise their events and embrace various themes, creating a unique and memorable experience for guests. Venues like The Ampersand Hotel exemplify this trend, offering themed teas such as the Jurassic Afternoon Tea and the Science Afternoon Tea, inspired by the nearby Natural History Museum.

Manina Dervishi from Sales & Marketing at The Ampersand Hotel highlights the importance of flexibility in the increasing popularity of private afternoon tea events. She emphasises that this flexibility allows for a blend of intimacy, personalisation, and luxury, which guests highly value.

Dervishi points out that attendees enjoy the chance to tailor their experience, whether through customised menus or bespoke decor.

Beyond The Ampersand Hotel, many places offer diverse themes, allowing hosts to create an event that resonates with their guests’ interests and preferences.

From a whimsical fairy-tale tea for a baby shower to a Bridgerton-inspired vintage tea party, the possibilities for customisation are endless, so that each afternoon tea event is as unique and special as the guests.

Top Spots for Afternoon Tea in London

You can only call yourself a true Londoner once you’ve savoured a proper British high tea. Check out our top picks for the best spots in London to indulge in cucumber sandwiches, profiteroles, and maybe a jazzy flair.

The Chesterfield Mayfair

• Price: £65 per person
• Perfect for: Baby showers, elegant birthdays 

Enjoy the delightful Original Sweet Shop Afternoon Tea at The Chesterfield in Mayfair. The intimate and light-filled venue offers finger sandwiches, cakes, scones, and pastries. Your guests will love exceptional service and attention, making it a perfect choice for celebrating special occasions.

Private Afternoon Tea at The Ampersand Hotel

• Price: From £49 per person
• Perfect for: Birthdays, baby showers, hen dos, special occasions

The Ampersand Hotel offers a truly unique afternoon tea experience inspired by its neighbor, The Science Museum. 

Guests can indulge in a star-studded menu of sweet and savory delights, complemented by options like champagne for £64.50 per person or non-alcoholic cocktails. This award-winning tea, renowned for its innovative touches like jams in petri dishes and chocolate spacemen, promises a party unlike any other. 

Honored with the Best Themed Afternoon Tea at the Afternoon Tea Awards 2018, it’s a must-try for those seeking both gastronomic excellence and a touch of scientific whimsy.

Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea at Sanderson London

• Price: From £60 per person
• Perfect for: Hen parties, kids’ birthday parties, baby showers 

Tumble down the rabbit hole at Sanderson London and enjoy the Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea. Discover menus hidden inside vintage books, teapots adorned with kings and queens, and sandwich plates decorated with birdcages. 

This stylish venue offers an Alice in Wonderland-themed tea experience for whimsical celebrations. No fancy dress is required, and sessions are set to 2-hour periods.

Albert’s at Beaufort House

• Price: From £30 per person 
• Perfect for: Company events, wedding receptions

Afternoon Tea at Beaufort House on the fashionable King’s Road offers a vast selection of teas served with perfectly matched delicacies on traditional three-tiered stands. 

With vegan options and live music, it’s a great pick for corporate or intimate events.

The Bedouin Tent & Garden at St Ethelburga’s Centre

Price: From £70-£100 per hour 
Perfect for: Intimate weddings, bridal showers, anniversaries 

The Tent is a unique space close to Bishopsgate and Liverpool St. Station. Along with the stunning garden courtyard, it’s a real oasis in the city. It adds character to any event, resembling a scene straight out of Arabian Nights. While you’ll need to organize the afternoon party yourself, numerous tea party services in London can assist you.

Raise a Cuppa!

London’s tea scene guarantees a memorable and sophisticated event for your guests. 

Afternoon tea is a fantastic way to unite people in this iconic culinary tradition that continues evolving. Consider hosting a private afternoon tea in the heart of London to elevate your next event. 

It’s a tea-riffic idea!