7 Best Cheap Afternoon Teas in London (2024)
In search of cheap afternoon tea in London? You’ve come to the right place. A British tradition since it was first created in 1840, afternoon tea is a great way to enjoy fine food, refreshing tea and maybe even a glass of fizz. But, as with many things in the capital, it can often come with a staggering price tag. It doesn’t have to be that way, though. There are plenty of places to go if you’re looking for budget-friendly experiences. Here, we reveal some of the best and most affordable options for afternoon tea in London.
What is afternoon tea?
Afternoon tea, also called “high tea”, consists of tea served with sandwiches, scones, and petit fours. Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford created the concept by inviting friends over for tea and cake to pass the time between lunch and dinner. Since the duchess, afternoon tea has evolved, and you can now sometimes find champagne, gin and cocktails on the menu!
The food served at an afternoon tea depends on where you go and if you’re having a themed experience. It usually includes a variety of teas, scones with clotted cream and jam, finger sandwiches, and a range of cakes and pastries, and is usually eaten between 3pm and 5pm.
The 7 best cheap afternoon teas in London
Wondering how much afternoon tea costs? Again, this depends on where you go and whether you’re indulging in champagne. Some establishments in London charge as much as £100 per person. But there are plenty of excellent experiences for around £20-25 per person. Of course, this article is all about affordable options, so keep scrolling to find out the best afternoon tea in London that’s cheap.
1. Tea and Tittle Tattle
Location: Camden
Price per person: £24
Food options: Vegetarian
Nestled in the basement of a bookshop selling titles from all over the world is Tea and Tittle Tattle. This quaint tea parlour is the perfect place to retreat to after a morning at the British Museum. In fact, it’s directly opposite! Shared afternoon tea is at £48 to enjoy tea, sandwiches, scones and cakes. You even get a glass of homemade lemonade and a selection of jams. Plus, if you’re staying with us at Clink78, you’ll be pleased to know that Tea and Tittle Tattle is just a 20-minute walk away.
Book Tea and Tittle Tattle now
41 Great Russell Street, WC1B 3PE
07722192703
Monday to Friday 9.00am – 6.00pm & Saturday 12.00pm – 4.00pm
Looking for a more substantial meal? Check the cheap places to eat in Kings Cross!
2. The English Rose Tea Shop
Location: Westminster
Price per person: £25
Food options: Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free
Located just around the corner from the iconic Buckingham Palace, The English Rose Tea Shop is THE spot for traditional afternoon tea. You’ll find a selection of finger sandwiches, cakes and scones on the menu and they cater to all dietary needs. There’s also the option to add on a bottle of fizz, and you can even get your afternoon tea boxed up and take it away. Being so close to some of London’s green spaces means there are plenty of places for a picnic.
Book The English Rose Tea Shop now
4 Lower Grosvenor Place, SW1W 0EJ
02079766280
Monday to Friday 9am-5pm & Saturday to Sunday 9am-6pm
High tea is not your thing? Try a pancake breakfast in London!
3. Café Rouge
Location: St Paul’s
Price per person: £17.99
Food options: Vegetarian
Located near St Paul’s Cathedral, Café Rouge offers a delightful and affordable afternoon tea experience with a French twist. Indulge in their Traditional Afternoon Tea, featuring a full croque monsieur and champignon to share, alongside freshly baked scones and a selection of cakes, all for just £17.99 per person. For a unique twist, try their Rouge Afternoon Tea, which includes a whole baked camembert and charcuterie meats, complemented by macarons to share, priced at £20.49 per person. Café Rouge is the perfect spot to enjoy a French-inspired afternoon tea experience without breaking the bank!
Unit 5, Condor House, 5-14 St. Paul’s Churchyard, EC4M 8AY
02030316699
Monday to Sunday 9 pm – 9 pm
Read: Cheap Breakfasts in London
4. Paul
Location: Covent Garden
Price per person: £19.95
Food options: Vegetarian
For afternoon tea with a French twist, it’s got to be Paul. This establishment was actually the first Paul branch in the world and is just behind St Paul’s Church. It’s £19.95 per person for a traditional afternoon tea. Add £3 for prosecco and £5 for champagne if you’re feeling fancy! It’s not just about the drinks, though, as the menu of French pastries and artisan breads will get your taste buds going.
29 Bedford Street, WC2E 9ED
02039785507
Monday to Friday: 7 am – 9 pm, Saturday and Sunday: 7 am to 8 pm
5. The Chocolate Cocktail Club
The Chocolate Cocktail Club offers a delicious and affordable Chocolate Afternoon Tea experience that will satisfy any chocoholic’s cravings. Indulge in a selection of homemade finger sandwiches, warm scones with strawberry preserve and clotted cream or Nutella, and a variety of cakes and macarons, all served with unlimited hot chocolate, tea, or coffee for £25 per person. For an extra treat, you can upgrade to include a Chocotini Chocolate Cocktail or a glass of prosecco for £32 per person. Please note that advance notice is required for dietary requirements, and afternoon tea is only available on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Book The Chocolate Cocktail Club now
72 St John Street, Farringdon, EC1M 4DT
Tuesday: 1:30 – 6 pm, Wednesday and Thursday: 4:30 – 10:30 pm, Friday and Saturday: 1:30 – 10:30 pm
6. Tea House Theatre
Location: Lambeth
Price per person: from £24.50
Food options: Vegetarian
The Tea House Theatre in London offers an affordable and delightful Duchess Tea for two experience. Indulge in a pot of tea each, selected from a variety of options, accompanied by a Duchess Bedford cake stand filled with finger sandwiches, scones, and brownies. The best part? You can enjoy unlimited tea, limited only by your choice, all for a great price. Treat yourself and a friend to a charming afternoon tea experience at The Tea House Theatre.
Book the Tea House Theatre now
139 Vauxhall Walk, London SE11 5HL
02072074585
Monday to Friday: 9.30 am – 10 pm, Saturday: 9 am – 10 pm, Sunday: 9.30 am, 8 pm
7. Candella Tea Room
Candella Tea Room in London offers a delightful Traditional Afternoon Tea Service that promises a taste of British charm. For just £24.95 per person, you can enjoy a pot of loose leaf tea from a selection of blends, along with a tempting array of finger sandwiches including options like diced egg with avocado, croque monsieur, and smoked salmon. Indulge further with homemade clotted cream scones, served with Cornish clotted cream and jam, followed by an assortment of handmade patisseries. For a touch of sparkle, you can add a glass or bottle of Prosecco for an additional charge. Treat yourself to a truly elegant afternoon at Candella Tea Room.
34 Kensington Church Street, W8 4HA
020 7937 4161
Monday to Sunday: 11 am – 6 pm
So, there you have it – our selection of the most delicious afternoon tea and the best high tea in London that’s cheap. Want to try it out for yourself? Why not plan a trip to London and stay at one of Clink’s London hostels. It’s newly renovated, affordable, and a home away from home – whatever time of year you visit.
