Affordable Afternoon Teas

Afternoon tea is a time honoured British tradition, originating from the 19th century when dinner was served at 8pm and the gap between lunch and dinner felt far too long. Served in a relaxed way, the afternoon tea consists of a selection of tea, scones, cakes and sandwiches or other small savoury nibbles. It is intended to be a way to while away the afternoon hours, without spoiling dinner. For visitors to London, many options exist. However, the centre of town can get very pricey. Here is our guide to afternoon teas at the more affordable end of the spectrum.

The Wolseley

As soon as you step into the Wolseley, you are distinctly aware of being in London. A café-restaurant, art-deco haven and all over grand European experience on Piccadilly itself. This is interior architecture at its most luxurious, without the price tag of the nearby Ritz. Taking tea at the Ritz may be an institution but the Wolseley offers a very nice alternative at a much more generous price tag.

Unlike the other afternoon teas on the list, the Wolseley offers three tiers of tea experience: a “budget” taster of tea and scones, (£11.50) a traditional spread of the original hallmarks (£27.50), and a more luxurious version, with champagne included (£38). Once you include service, it does get a little pricey out of the three teas discussed here. However, there is a tea for all budgets, so you can experience the beauty and elegance of the Wolseley without committing to a full afternoon tea experience if you wish. First-time visitor Sam said “It is a well-ornamented selection in a stunning location – I would come here again.”


Service at the Wolseley is direct, discreet and unobtrusive, if a little distant and minimal. The tea options are traditional, and are amongst the most delicious of those trialled at any of these venues. The experience is still luxurious even if it feels a bit direct – you are greeted by the doorman as you enter, and the main seating area is decadent in its historical detail.

In all, this is an excellent afternoon tea experience – traditional, quality tea, good scones. The trifecta of afternoon tea.

The Villandry

A chic traditional affair, the Villandry is a restaurant, café and cocktail bar set within one of the historic buildings of Waterloo Place. At a reasonable £22.50 per afternoon tea, the Villandry benefits from a prime position just near Piccadilly Circus. Not a bad place to check into on the way to the key sights of London.

The interior is bedazzled in a classic style. From the window you can look out onto Big ben, glinting in the distance. Despite the bustle of nearby Piccadilly Circus, this part of Regent St is very subdued. It is set back enough from this hub of activity to act as a respite from the busy thoroughfare.

Service here is very straightforward, and no tea list is offered. A bit odd for a traditional afternoon tea, but it adds to an air of unfussiness. The selection is not as generous as the other afternoon teas here (there should certainly be more scones per person), but the cakes plate offers a very delicate, flower-filled affair. Subtle tastes abound, and those who want a respite from busy central London will benefit from choosing the Villandry. Adam, a veteran tea drinker commented “The really premium part of this experience is the location.”

In all, this is the afternoon tea for those who are less concerned about the scones component of the afternoon tea and more about the cakes. The location and speed of service will make this the ideal tea for those on their way to visit other big London sites.

Ham Yard Hotel, Soho

The Ham Yard Hotel is a trendy modern hotel in the heart of Soho, and very close to Mayfair, which prides itself on its “urban village feel”, set around a tree-filled garden. Undoubtedly the best value for money of the bunch, the Ham Yard Hotel offers a full selection of afternoon tea (with generous scone allocations) for £22.50 per person (plus service charges). More luxurious teas come with a few extra quid attached, but you will not be disappointed by the standard selection.

The Ham Yard is tucked back from the Soho buzz, making it another excellent stop along the way to other sites. It is a lot quieter, and certainly opens up a more secret part of Soho’s backstreets, for those who want something uniquely London without the crowds.

The interior is the most trendy and modern of the bunch, which does give it a less traditional afternoon-tea feel, but this has its own charm. There are several distinctive areas of the hotel restaurant room to choose from, all of which are beautifully appointed with clever decoration. The glasshouse at the rear is particularly lovely, offering larger couches for groups who need a bit of extra space to lounge the afternoon away. Visiting tea connoisseur Adam commented “Really pretty crockery and the food is delicious – not what I expected from an afternoon tea!”

The plates are beautifully presented, and all dietary requirements are sensitively catered to. The service is inattentive at best, however the food itself more than makes up for it. You are given leave to revel the afternoon away over a long and pleasing list of teas, accompanied by excellent cakes and scones.

In all, this is the TripTide pick of the bunch, as the Ham Yard Hotel offers a pleasing combination of delicious scones, excellent savoury options, quality tea and one of London’s hidden gems, a little-known backstreet revealing a very modern and lush interior. This is what all modern afternoon teas in London should be!