National Afternoon Tea Week: Our Pick of the Best in London & Edinburgh

Posted on 6th August 2025 in Events, In the Spotlight

BEST FOR THEATRICS: GREAT GATSBY AFTERNOON TEA AT SHERATON GRAND LONDON PARK LANE

Sheraton Grand London Park Lane has launched The Great Gatsby: Only Afternoon Tea! — a glamorous, limited-time experience in partnership with The Great Gatsby: A New Musical at the London Coliseum. Served in the 1920s Palm Court, the menu channels the spirit of the Jazz Age with dishes like the Gatsby Club sandwich and Daisy’s Tropical Choux, alongside themed cocktails such as the Green Light Martini. Available daily until 7 September 2025, with a complimentary glass of Louis Pommery sparkling wine throughout August to celebrate National Afternoon Tea Week.

The Great Gatsby: Only Afternoon Tea! and themed cocktails are available daily in Palm Court from 16 May to 7 September 2025. Prices start at £65 per person, with Champagne upgrades from £85 and cocktails from £19. Enjoy a complimentary glass of sparkling wine from 1–31 August (weekdays 2–6pm, weekends 12–6pm). Book at palmcourtlondon.co.uk.

BEST FOR SUSHI: CHAMPAGNE AFTERNOON TEA AT SUSHISAMBA, W EDINBURGH

SUSHISAMBA Edinburgh has launched a limited-edition Summer Champagne Afternoon Tea, blending Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian flavours with premium Scottish produce, served daily throughout July and August on the 10th floor of W Edinburgh with sweeping views of the city including Edinburgh Castle, Arthur’s Seat and Calton Hill. Led by Executive Chef David Lilley, the Champagne Afternoon Tea experience features savoury bites from A5 Wagyu Tartar and whisky-cured salmon rolls to sweet treats such as Black Cherry Choux and Coconut Onigiri, all presented on bespoke iron stands with panoramic views of the city skyline.

The Champagne Afternoon Tea at SUSHISAMBA, W Edinburgh runs daily from 12:30–5pm in July and August, priced at £65 per person or £75 with a glass of Laurent-Perrier Brut. Book at: https://www.sushisamba.com/reservations?venue=edinburgh

BEST FOR VIEWS: THE LIBRARY AFTERNOON TEA AT LONDON MARRIOTT HOTEL COUNTY HALL

Perfectly positioned on the vibrant South Bank with sweeping views of Big Ben and the London Eye, London Marriott Hotel County Hall is a truly memorable spot for afternoon tea. Set within the hotel’s historic 20th-century Library—home to over 3,000 classic literary works—this elegant setting offers a serene escape from the city’s bustle. Guests are invited to indulge in a beautifully curated menu featuring finger sandwiches such as The Library Tea cured salmon with caper butter on beetroot bread, followed by a show-stopping selection of pastries including the Elizabeth Tower with white chocolate and a Summer Berry Tart with citrus and blueberry crumble.

The Traditional Afternoon Tea at London Marriott Hotel County Hall is £65 per person, served daily from 12–5pm. Vegan, Champagne, and G&T options available. Book at https://www.thelibraryatcountyhall.com/ .

BEST FOR RAILWAY ENTHUSIASTS: LAURENT PERRIER AFTERNOON TEA AT ST PANCRAS LONDON

Step into the timeless elegance of The Hansom at St. Pancras London, Autograph Collection, one of the city’s most iconic railway hotels. Once the cobbled driveway for the iconic Hansom Cabs, this beautifully restored space now offers a refined setting for a quintessentially British tradition. Delight in a luxurious Laurent-Perrier Afternoon Tea, featuring a curated selection of traditional finger sandwiches such as smoked salmon with yuzu crème fraiche, to freshly baked buttermilk scones served with gooseberry and strawberry jam. Guests can choose from 18 varieties of loose-leaf teas, including rare herbal infusions like Cornish Manuka and Wild Rooibos. Guests can also enhance the experience with live music on weekends and by indulging in a glass of Laurent-Perrier Champagne.

The Laurent Perrier Afternoon Tea at St. Pancras London is served daily from 1–5pm, priced at £59 or £75 with Champagne. Book at: sevenrooms.com/thehansomlondon.

BEST FOR HISTORIC SURROUNDS: THE REGISTER CLUB AFTERNOON TEA AT THE EDINBURGH GRAND

Discover a refined take on traditional afternoon tea at The Register Club, located within the elegant surrounds of The Edinburgh Grand, a new Marriott Luxury Collection hotel. Set in a beautifully restored former bank of Scotland in the heart of Edinburgh, The Register Club draws out the buildings rich heritage through its design, with dark oak panelling and high ceilings, showcasing a timeless elegance that nods to its banking past. Guests are invited to indulge in The Grand afternoon tea with a selection of seasonal savouries, freshly baked scones, and handcrafted patisserie, from local haggis & pork mince pie and peppered roast beef sandwich to lemon and yuzu cheesecake, all served with a curated range of fine teas—which can also be elevated with a glass of champagne.

The Grand Afternoon Tea at the Register Club, The Edinburgh Grand is available daily from 12pm-5pm, and is priced at £60 per person, and £75 per person with a class of Champagne.

Westminster Abbey’s Cellarium Café & Terrace

£36.50 per person
Guests can enjoy a refined tea within the Medieval cloisters beneath a glass ceiling with views of the Abbey. The menu includes savoury bites like hot-smoked trout vol-au-vents and sweet treats such as passion fruit and chocolate tart, with optional Chapel Down sparkling wine. Book here.

Edinburgh Castle Tea Rooms

From £42 per person (or £60 with castle entry)
Set within the Castle’s Crown Square, enjoy regional specialities such as vegetarian Haggis Bon Bons, citrus macarons and freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam. Add Edinburgh Gin or Prosecco for a celebratory touch. Book here.

The Savill Garden Kitchen, Windsor

£29.50 per person | Special offer: £49 for two with Hundred Hills sparkling wine
Launching a new menu on 11 August, guests can enjoy Earl Grey-soaked scones, apricot and pistachio torte, and truffle egg mayo brioche in an idyllic garden setting. Sparkling wine is sourced locally from award-winning Hundred Hills. Book here.

Available daily, 11:30–17:00
Afternoon tea is served under the Museum’s iconic glass roof. Expect a classic spread of cream tea, cakes and finger sandwiches. Exhibition-themed menus run throughout the year. Booking recommended. Book here.