These afternoon teas not solely supply distinctive experiences, however vegan and gluten-free choices too.
What may very well be extra British than having fun with a spot of afternoon tea?
Traditionally served between 3 and 5pm, afternoon tea has lengthy been a royal affair, with the British royals reportedly choosing jam earlier than cream on their scones – the order toppings are placed on is a decades-long debate amongst Brits.
From the calming clink of china to dainty finger meals, it’s a quintessentially British custom that gives a style of regality.
But all that cream, sugar and pastry will be fairly unfriendly to these with completely different dietary wants, so right here’s a listing of London’s greatest afternoon teas – together with vegan and gluten-free choices.
The Biltmore Mayfair: For fashion-forward foodies
The Biltmore Mayfair’s afternoon tea is full of dainty savouries and decadent desserts.
This September, the five-star resort has teamed up with Malone Souliers for a menu themed round London Fashion Week.
Dig right into a high-heel formed deal with of rose and vanilla cream, strawberry and raspberry confit, crumble and contemporary raspberry impressed by the Italian footwear model’s Maureen shoe and a handbag-shaped creation of natural matcha butter cream and sponge, yuzu ganache and chocolate coating impressed by the Divine bag.
Highlighting contemporary and heritage produce from throughout the UK, the menu additionally covers classics like buttermilk scones with clotted cream and jam, and cucumber and dill cream sandwiches.
Gluten-free choices are available on request.
You can catch this menu all through September from 12:30-5pm, priced at £80 (€93) or £95 (€111) with a glass of Champagne.
The Guardsman Hotel: For vegan afternoon tea bliss
A five-minute walk from Buckingham Palace, The Guardsman Hotel is completely positioned for a regal celebration.
A winding staircase results in a low lit eating room, full with velvet furnishings, marble tables and gold-framed work, creating an environment that feels each cosy and complex.
ADVERTISEMENTThe menu is different, providing vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free afternoon teas. For vegans specifically, there’s a deliciously dense almond cream and a comfortable blueberry cheesecake made with cashew nuts, sporting a jelly-textured prime hat. Savoury choices embrace sandwich fillings like pulled BBQ jackfruit, and marinated cucumber, dill and lemon butter.
The cost per particular person is £65 (€76), together with a glass of Mumm Cordon Rouge Champagne, and bookings are available each Wednesday to Sunday 12-5pm .
Sketch: For Wes Anderson-style whimsy
Decorated in sunshine yellow, with bubble lamps and rainbow-lit bathrooms, the tea room at Sketch London has grow to be iconic for its Wes Anderson-style whimsy.
From a chocolate and redcurrant macaron, to eggs Drumkilbo, the progressive Mayfair menu presents a uniquely French twist on conventional British afternoon tea. There are additionally different nut-free, gluten-free and vegan choices, together with vegan coronation ‘hen’ and cream cheese.
The cost per particular person is £80 (€93) and bookings are available each Monday to Sunday from 11.00am-4.30pm.
ADVERTISEMENTBrigit’s Bakery Covent Garden: For excursions and tea
All aboard for afternoon tea! See the sights of London whereas snacking on scones with Brigit’s bus excursions.
Departing from Victoria coach station or Trafalgar Square, a basic double decker bus has been transformed right into a tea room, serving up tiny pastries as St James’s Park drifts previous your window.
There are bottomless drink choices protecting prosecco, gin cocktails or Champagne to pair with artistic twists on afternoon tea classics just like the cucumber, cream cheese and mint finger on basil bread.
There are different afternoon teas for vegans, vegetarians, gluten-free and halal on request.
The cost per particular person is £39 (€46) for afternoon tea, £45 (€53) with a glass of prosecco or from £70 (€82) with limitless drinks. Bookings will be made for any day between 12-5 pm, with every bus tour lasting 90 minutes.
ADVERTISEMENTThe Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum & Mason: For subtle luxurious
Despite being on the very coronary heart of London‘s hustle and bustle, Fortnum & Mason’s Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon supplies a serene house to flee for some time. It was even opened by the Queen herself in 2012.
There are over 100 unique teas to select from, whereas plates are piled excessive with subtle savoury treats corresponding to leek and gruyere souffle with Waldorf salad and Cornish turbot with Jerusalem artichoke and preserved lemon sauce.
Gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free and halal diets are all catered for if specified when reserving, and there is a vegan and vegetarian menu available.
The cost per particular person is from £78 (€91) and bookings are available each Monday to Thursday 11.30am till 8pm, Friday to Saturday 11am-8pm and Sunday 11.30am-6pm.
Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium: For feline buddies
While the royals may desire corgis, cat lovers will really feel proper at home with this purrfect afternoon tea from the UK’s longest operating cat cafe.
The gluten-free menu options lemon drizzle cake, and chocolate and praline brownies.
For vegans and dairy-free diners, there’s miso, shiitake and tofu buns, pink velvet cupcakes and cat-shaped vanilla shortbread.
A go to to the cat cafe prices £16.50 (€19), with dishes and drinks priced individually, or you may ebook a go to and a cream tea for £24.50 (€29).
Visitors should be over the age of 12 and bookings made not less than two hours upfront. Opening occasions are 11am-5pm Monday-Friday and 10:30am-6pm on weekends.
Cutter & Squidge: For witches and wizards
This magical afternoon tea expertise, full with school-style desks and a Potions Master, won’t be the King’s cup of tea, nevertheless it’s excellent for households seeking to rejoice whereas conserving youngsters entertained.
Guests are greeted with tea, espresso and love potions – together with ‘Unicorn Sours’.
Vegans can anticipate a visit of rolls, scones and tartlets, amongst different issues. Gluten-free and halal-friendly choices are additionally available.
Prices begin from £44.99 (€53) for adults and £34.99 (€41) for youngsters beneath 12 and bookings should be made upfront. Open day by day from 11am-7pm.
The Savoy: For peak indulgence
Afternoon tea reaches peak luxurious and indulgence at one in every of London‘s most well-known resorts: The Savoy. In reality, afternoon tea has been a favorite right here for over a century, with conventional scones and teas served alongside richly flavoured patisseries and sandwiches.
The menu has additionally been given a extra trendy twist to incorporate vegan and vegetarian choices corresponding to Coronation jackfruit sandwiches, and marinated fig with orange cream, smoked vegan cheese and forge brioche. If that each one sounds a bit too fancy, there’s basic vegan cream and jam, in fact.
The cost is from £75 (€88) per particular person and opening occasions are each Monday to Tuesday, 12:30-4pm (final seating at 2.45pm) and Wednesday to Sunday, 12:30-6pm (final seating at 4.45pm).
