We are traveling to London with our son and daughter-in-law this fall. We would like to book an afternoon tea, but in a more casual environment. Not necessarily jeans and trainers, but definitely not full dress with heels! We are pretty casual travelers!
Any recommendations? Price is, of course, a consideration--but up to $75 each is fine. Gluten free option is a plus!
Thanks!
The Wolseley is always a good option. Not too terribly pricey (£46.50 pp) and there's no need to dress up. Another good option is Fortnum and Mason's afternoon tea at the Royal Exchange (£38 pp). It's always good and again, no need to dress up (although I wouldn't go too casual, though).
Just about every place in London will have gluten-free options, so I wouldn't worry about that. In fact, you'll be asked if anyone has any food allergies.
We enjoyed Afternoon Tea at The Orangerie on the grounds of Kensington Palace.
Another vote for The Wolseley or Fortnum and Mason. Several years ago, we booked The Wolseley and had requested a diabetic option which they offer. There was a glitch with their system so they had not prepared for it completely. However, their pivot to adjust for their error was 100%. And not only did they still put together a beautiful selection, they did not charge us. I have returned various times since and will again next month. Their large dining room is quite lively while F and M is a bit more on the quieter side if that makes a difference.
The bus!!! https://b-bakery.com
Orange Pekoe in Barnes.
https://www.orangepekoeteas.com/
I was staying at the Chiswick Premier Inn. I’m a walker so followed the Thames River path to Barnes Bridge. Walked over the Bridge then followed the path up to the White Hart and veered left. Saw Orange Pekoe and walked inside. Not crowded. Sat down at a small table. Lovely elderly woman at nearby table. We chatted. Scone with clotted cream was delicious and so was my pot of Earl Grey tea. This was over a decade ago. Not an Instagram recommended spot. Somewhere I found on my own.
From there walked to Mortlake station and boarded a bus heading to Hammersmith. Exited at the Hogarth Roundabout stop and walked back to the PI.
Years of London stays have enabled me to read and understand bus routes. Also, I’ll just ask the driver. These days think the grey hair helps.
The restaurant at The Wallace Collection (a wonderful museum) does afternoon tea. https://www.wallacecollection.org/documents/1191/Wallace_Restaurant_Heritage_Portfolio_Afternoon_Tea_2024.pdf
We very much enjoyed afternoon tea at Kensington Palace. We were not "dressed up" just typical casual travel clothing. It was lovely!
Fortnum and Mason-business casual would be fine-no jeans or t shirts but I probably wore trainer-type shoes(but not white). There was a pianist and it was wonderful to enjoy the fancy ambience without having to dress up.
Another vote for The Orangery at Kensington Palace. The food and atmosphere were fantastic, and casual dress was perfectly fine.
The Covent Garden Hotel has a nice afternoon tea for which casual dress is absolutely fine. I love that they don’t rush you and it’s elegant yet you don’t have to be.
We liked Fortnum and Mason. You don't have to dress up too much, but try to look nice.
To correct the price of Afternoon Tea at the Wolseley is £29.75, not £45.00 as mentioned above.
Another vote for the Wallace Collection.
Fabulous museum…I started chatting to one of the docents and she told some wonderful stories about how the collection came about.
It’s a lovely building.
I just had a pot of tea and a scone in the courtyard restaurant ,but there are lots of options.
Robin, we paid the £46 for the afternoon tea at The Wolseley as well in 2022. I wonder if you were able to go when there was a special of some sort. Diana, we really loved the Wolseley. It was a beautiful place to have tea, and the service/ food was outstanding. We weren’t overly dressed, walking pants, collared short sleeve shirt for my son and my daughter and I wore linen type pants/nice tops and sandals. Here’s a link to their options:
https://www.thewolseley.com/menu/afternoon-tea/
We did secure a reservation online. It was the summer though, so you may not need one in November.
Good luck and enjoy!
regarding the prices at the Wolseley, I can quote from the online menu webpage - - spoiler alert - both are correct, depending on if you want a Cream Tea or an Afternoon Tea (they are different)
Cream Tea ~ £19.50 per person
For a traditional Cream Tea, enjoy our handmade fruit scones with homemade jam and clotted cream along with a choice of our teas.
Classic Afternoon Tea ~ £46.50 per person
For a classic Afternoon Tea, enjoy our assortment of finger sandwiches, cakes, fruit scones with homemade jam and clotted cream, accompanied by a choice of our most popular teas.
Champagne Afternoon Tea ~ £59.50 per person
And for those looking for a little afternoon indulgence, enjoy our celebratory alternative – a full Classic Afternoon Tea complete with a glass of Pommery Brut Royal NV.
Thanks, Mustlovedogs and Nigel! I was wondering if I missed something when I posted the Wolseley price. :-)
I wish I would have gone there, as my tea at the British Museum's Great Court Restaurant was something of a disappointment.
We did secure a reservation online. It was the summer though, so you may not need one in November.
I was there in mid-March and wanted to go at the last minute and it was sold out. I would strongly suggest booking a table at least 1-2 days ahead of time.
We did Fortnum & Mason a few years ago. We had been out to the Harry Potter experience that morning, and were running later than we expected getting back, so we went straight to tea. I had intended to go back to our room and tidy up a bit. We looked a mess, I am sure. Both in tourist clothes and tennies (trainers). They didn't bat an eye. It was such a lovely experience. I had the gluten free tea and my husband had the regular and mine was every bit as wonderful as his. Highly recommend.
