We were interested in doing an afternoon tea at the V&A but now I see it is more of a “self serve” option (?) Can anyone give me some idea of what that looks like in practice? Does it simply mean you order at the counter?
Are there other good options nearby? We are heading towards Hyde Park afterwards.
The V&A cafe is very beautiful but it’s just a standard museum cafe where you queue up with a tray and get your items.
If you're looking for an authentic afternoon tea, you might want to consider booking it at the Wolseley, which is about a little over a mile from Hyde Park in Piccadilly. It's a really nice tea and is affordably priced. https://www.thewolseleypiccadilly.com/menu/afternoon-tea
If you want to explore further, there are some options in these threads:
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/england/high-tea-14093707-7e22-4de5-9399-dbcb8b02003d
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/england/afternoon-tea-4a4831b3-e2af-4349-b671-6d388ea46b2a
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/england/tearooms-in-london
The tea/lunch rooms at the V & A are truly beautiful and it may be worth the inconvenience of having to carry a tray. If there are two or more of you, someone can claim an empty table while the other gets the food and drink. Another thought might be the afternoon tea at Royal Albert Hall. Check their website and see if it's still available (you must reserve). It's the only real afternoon tea I've ever done in London. Not expensive or overly formal and the room and service is nice. If you pair it with a tour of the building you will have an even richer experience. It's not too far from the V & A and afterwards you can walk to the Park.
Last August my daughter and I did both—had tea and cake at the V&A and had afternoon tea at the Wolseley. We enjoyed both, but if you want a true afternoon tea with table service someplace like the Wolseley is the way to go.
The V&A itself is wonderful, so I highly recommend both if you have the time. We planned 2-3 hours but liked it so much that we spent a full day there.
Thank you…all good suggestions. I also had a suggestion for the Orangery at Kensington Palace (which looks beautiful.) I have heard Fortnum & Mason is iconic.
I am the “researcher” for our travel group, so I feel obligated to choose a crowd pleaser for our first (brief) visit to London. Anyone willing to venture which of all of these you would choose for a first-time memory?
I have done a few of the spots mentioned and others. For ‘iconic’ I would suggest Fortnum and Mason. It is a gorgeous store to visit as well.
You cannot beat the Ritz for iconic. I think it’s worth it for the experience. It can’t be replicated.
Jannypanny, here's a thread from about two years ago, describing five iconic venues for afternoon tea that was posted by Discover Britain magazine. The price may have increased a bit but that should be the only thing that's changed.
"I am the “researcher” for our travel group, so I feel obligated to choose a crowd pleaser for our first (brief) visit to London."
Awww sweetie....do NOT take on the obligation of making sure others are pleased. It's tempting especially if you have been there before or if you are more of a traveler than others. Speaking from experience....give your other travelers 3 choices and let them pick. Do NOT let them say "Whatever you decide is fine".
I've no suggestions as the last time I had afternoon tea in London was in the 1980's, hahaha. I DO recommend Betty's in York or Harrogate if you are up that way, lol.
While I agree with Helen that the Ritz is iconic, the hassle of bringing the nicer jacket for the dress code for men was a pain for my spouse given it was the only time on a 3 week early summer trip it was needed (and perhaps they offer spares on loan like ties but he didn’t want to chance it fitting or not). And for the price, we didn’t find the food as good as other options.
there's always Moss Bros so you can be proper for the Ritz
I have done the teas at Harrods, Wolseley and Fortnum and Mason. Tea at the Wolseley is nice, but if you're willing to spend the money, get the savory tea at FM as your dinner. The ambiance at FM was lovely and you dress comfortably, in business casual, unlike the Ritz.
My daughter and granddaughter and I really enjoyed the tea at The Library at County Hall. It is in the Marriott County Hall Hotel by Westminster Bridge. It was a wonderful tea, and we had a view of Big Ben and the Westminster Bridge. We reserved a time for 12:00 noon because there is so much food that it became our lunch. It was expensive but really worth it.
Depending on how you define nearby, The Clermont London Victoria does a lovely afternoon tea as well. It's next to Victoria Station and a short distance from Buckingham Palace. I was there in May 2024 and really enjoyed it. They have a regular one and a Wicked (the musical) themed one as they are near the theatre where Wicked is playing. Both are a very similar menu, I believe the real difference is the deserts/sweet treats served. From what I recall, it was more reasonably priced for large hotel afternoon tea. I went mid-afternoon (3pm-ish) and it wasn't crazy busy.
The vlogger Hannah Ricketts has covered most all of the popular tea spots over the years, you might look at her inventory.
The V&A is a great museum but the eating part is basically a cafeteria.
If willing to travel and explore another London neighborhood whilst enjoying a tea experience research the Orange Pekoe in Barnes.
The V&A is a great museum but the eating part is basically a cafeteria.
But a cafeteria located within amazing spaces, particularly the William Morris room.
The spaces are amazing yes, it's a great museum. But someplace for afternoon tea, which I believe has certain expectations for most tourists? Not the best suggestion.
Had tea there yesterday. It’s not really the full experience as you buy in a cafeteria like setting and the selection of sandwiches and cakes are minimal. The room is beautiful tho
My husband and two sons humored me with tea at The Orangery years ago for my birthday. It was lovely, a warm sunny summer day! Not the fanciest of all the suggestions but certainly a lovely, memorable experience in a historical location!
