Best 5 Afternoon teas with kids in London
Cityguide, LONDON, TRAVEL, To eat
When in London, an afternoon tea, or high tea, is a must. Indulging in beautiful little snacks, watching people pass by and if you think about it, it really is the perfect meal to have with your kids. Small portions where the sandwiches even have the crusts cut off, cute cakes and a little British pomp and ceremony to accompany the afternoon.
In the early 19th century, when food was sparse and most people only had two meals a day (breakfast and dinner), Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, complained that she was starving during the late afternoons. Thus she demanded a third meal.
This evolved into a social event in more public spaces, paving the way for a splendid ritual of sandwiches, scones and cake in tea rooms and hotels around the country.
We selected the 5 best places in London to enjoy this tradition with your family. With a little bit of glamour, a little bit of bling and always full of tradition. If you do afternoon tea, then you should do it right.
St James’s Court, A Taj Hotel
Serves an Alice in Wonderland themed tea. That not only kids will love!
Follow Alice down the rabbit hole and enjoy an Afternoon Tea in Wonderland. An eclectic menu of cakes and pastries inspired by characters and quirks from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland like ‘Queen of Hearts’ Mango Tarts, ‘Drink Me’ strawberry potion, ‘Caterpillar’s Mushroom’ Raspberry Marshmallows, White Chocolate Mousse Teacups and Pocket Watch macaroons. Too fun to be true!
The Ritz
Very traditional and very elegant. You will need to dress up (no trainers or jeans please) and book well in advance. A splendid setting yet very formal thus maybe not with very small children. Children are offered the same menu as adults, but can opt for plainer sandwiches and soft drinks instead of tea.
One Aldwych
Afternoon Tea inspired by Charlie and the Chocolate Factory!
Blending fantastical creations and classic favourites, the menu features homemade candy floss, raspberry trifle, retro-bottled chocolate caramel milkshake, and a glistening golden egg (as coveted by Veruca Salt) filled with vanilla cheesecake and mango purée. A must!
The Dorchester
The Promenade in London showcases 25 different tea blends, alongside its impeccable range of sweet and savoury treats. Cakes from the in-house bakery, the signature Dorchester scones and decadent finder sandwiches. A polished, traditional retreat and a true legendary afternoon tea.
The Landmark
Chocolate Afternoon Tea at the Winter Garden. Romantic place in the Marylebone neighbourhood. After a selection of sandwiches, families can enjoy warm freshly baked chocolate chip cookies and scones with Cornish clotted cream. Followed by various chocolate delights like chocolate macarons, blood orange and white chocolate mousse or a chocolate opera gateau. Hmmmm….
