The traditional ritual of afternoon tea dates back to almost two centuries and is considered a height of sophistication in Great Britain which reemerged in the recent decades. Along with the tea, the elegant savories and sweet treats offered make the afternoon tea gathering a fun occasion. Luckily, Covent Garden offers a lot of alternatives when it comes to enjoying your afternoon tea. Each place offers a contrasting approach, whether it’s a cross-cultural mix or an art-inspired venue.
There are several afternoon tea spots in Covent Garden, each with a uniquely different style whether it's a traditional British spot or a place with a fusion of various cultures with an English quintessential theme.
1. Cinnamon Bazaar
28 Maiden Lane, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 7JS Phone: 0207 395 1400 Visit Website
Cinnamon Bazaar, located in the exciting neighborhood of Covent Garden, is the perfect spot for a reimagined afternoon tea with a colorful cross-cultural dining experience. A short stroll away from Charing Cross station, Cinnamon Bazaar, a collaboration of Chef Vivek Singh and Great British Bake-Off star Tamal Ray, offers an aesthetic fusion of authentic flavors from Indian heritage with classic, quintessential afternoon tea in a tranquil, sari fabric draped interior. Available Monday to Sunday from 12 pm to 5 pm, their tea is rich in spices inspired by the owner's family roots in Kolkata, West Bengal, with treats like Chicken Katti Roll and Chaat bites as finger sandwiches.
2. The French One: Ladurėe
1 The Market, WC2E 8RA London Phone: 020 7240 0706 Visit Website
If you are looking for ethereal macarons to complement your tea, look no further than Ladurée. Created by Louis Ernest Ladurée in Paris, it is a two-floored patisserie that provides a sublime afternoon tea experience with a French twist in the vibrant Covent Garden. You can enjoy their signature teas with infused ingredients with a three-tier cake stand full of deliciously baked scones with thick cream or jam, elegant finger sandwiches, and assorted macarons in their outdoor seating with live performances on the street or in an intimate, cozy seating indoors.
3. The Petersham
Petersham Nurseries, Floral Court, London, WC2E 9FB
Phone: 020 7305 7676
Visit Website
The Petersham is a serene restaurant by Petersham Nurseries with a newly launched Afternoon Tea with a concoction of quintessential English classics and organic Italian flavors in the heart of swift-paced Covent Garden. With a leafy, nature-inspired ambiance, The Petersham’s interior echoes the Boglione family’s love for contemporary art and Murano glassware. Their Afternoon Tea menu is filled with botanical and tea-infused brews using the fresh seasonal produce such as cardamom, rose, and chamomile accompanied by English scones and buns along with Italian dolce of crisp cannoli and bomboloni.
4. Whittard of Chelsea
9 The Marketplace, Covent Garden, Greater London Phone: 020 7836 7637 Visit Website
Serving a perfect Afternoon Tea is an art, and Whittard of Chelsea is undoubtedly a master of that art. Located on the lower ground floor of their Covent Garden tea store, Whittard of Chelsea holds their Tea Bar that offers an outstanding range of teas, coffee, and cocoa to satisfy every tea-curious palate in London that reimagines the afternoon tea ritual. You can pair their Whittard blends of infused teas and artisan coffees created in your preferred brewing equipment with a feast of mini cakes, scones, and sandwiches.
5. Gentlemen Baristas
3 Henrietta Street, London, WC2E8LU
Phone: 020 3325 5275
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The Gentleman Baristas, founded by Henry Ayers and Edward Parkes, renowned for their ‘well-mannered coffee’ since 2014, sits on the ground floor of exquisitely restored townhouse “3 Henrietta Street” in the lively Covent Garden. It is a creative contemporary-styled spin on the quintessential English Afternoon Tea tradition that provides an ideal space for modern thinkers of London. Their range of signature coffees and teas are offered with delicious savories, including a Mini Croissant with smoked salmon, creme fraiche, and Wild Mushroom Beignet alongside fresh scones with hedgerow jam and cream.
6. Frenchie
16 Henrietta Street, WC2E 8QH London Phone: 020 7836 4422 Visit Website
Frenchie, a modern French brasserie, is one of the best elegantly buzzy spots in Covent Garden that showcase moreish dishes with creative and seasonal flavors presented in a bare brick and marble-topped interior with a beautifully lit setting. Frenchie may have a contrasting tone to a typical ‘afternoon tea’ however, it is impossible not to recommend their Bacon scones with rich maple syrup and Cornish clotted cream along with freshly baked scones. Pair up these sweet and savory treats with Frenchie’s impeccable tea or its signature Hazelnutini or Figatella cocktail to have a perfect afternoon tea experience.
7. Ivy Market Grill
1 Henrietta Street, Covent Garden London, WC2E 8PS Phone: 020 3301 0200 Visit Website
The Ivy Market Grill, an elegant eatery with leather seats and traditional linens and tableware, is another perfect spot for your traditional English Afternoon Tea that brings the extravagance of The Ivy on West Street in the buzzing heart of Covent Garden. From 8:30 am to 11:30 pm, their afternoon tea menu holds an impressive selection of teas, including green sencha, jasmine pearls, and their custom-made blend of teas, cream tea, and champagne afternoon tea accompanied by mouthwatering sweet and savory treats. Truffled chicken brioche roll and marinated cucumber are the top choices, whereas, for people with a sweet tooth, their salted caramel mousse, fresh-baked scones, and Crème Brulé doughnut are a must-try.
8. Mariage Freres
38 King St, London WC2E 8JS Phone: 20 7836 1854 Visit Website
For all the passionate tea lovers, Covent Garden holds a haven for the world's most exclusive purveyor of luxury teas, Mariage Fréres. It is the first flagship in the UK of France’s oldest tea house Mariage Fréres. In an ornated interior with antique apothecary-style shelves lined with over 1,000 rare assorted teas, Mariage Freres is a unique afternoon tea spot that carries something for everyone from vintage to herbal and fruity. Their afternoon tea menu also offers tea-infused adorned cakes, handmade sandwiches, and heavenly French pastries that can enhance your afternoon tea experience.
9. Afternoon Tea at The Savoy
Strand, London WC2R 0EZ Phone: (0)20 7836 4343 Visit Website
For over a century, Thames Foyer has been the house to Afternoon Tea at The Savoy, catering to an ever-growing crowd of guests who love seeking unique collections of teas. With its spectacular glass domed interior with radiating light and an acoustic environment created by a pianist from a gazebo, The Savoy offers a range of over 30 teas in a traditional afternoon tea style from the 1840s complemented by their tempting sandwiches, clotted creamed and jam scones, and ambrosial pastries. The savoy also provides Vegan Afternoon Tea, Vegetarian Afternoon Tea, and Children's Afternoon Tea menus for an outstanding dining experience.
10. Boulevard Brasserie
40 Wellington St, London WC2E 7BD Phone: 20 7240 2992 Visit Website
Within the walking distance of SOHO and Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, Boulevard Brasserie is a Parisian-style traditional afternoon tea spot in London. It offers a collection of fine teas and coffees with assorted miniature tarts, cakes, and strawberry preserve scones with an impressive bottomless Prosecco for £29.95 in a cozy atmosphere. Whether you are looking for an after shopping vibrant snack place or an idyllic start before going to a theatre show, Boulevard Brasserie Afternoon Tea, available from 12 pm to 4 pm, is the perfect place to have a top-notch tea experience.
11. Haxells Afternoon Tea at Strand Palace
Ground Floor, Strand Palace Hotel, 372 Strand, London WC2R 0JJ Phone: 20 7379 4737 Visit Websi
If you are looking for an authentic English Afternoon Tea, then Haxells is the perfect spot for you. Located in a lush, rich Bordeaux red finish tearoom of Strand Palace, Haxells serves a range of delicious scones, finger sandwiches, and handmade cakes to indulge in with your family and friends. Haxells offers a royal collection of six assorted loose-leaf teas: Palace Earl Grey, English Breakfast, Organic Chamomile, Convent Garden Blend, Spearmint, and White Peony with Rosebuds. Haxells Warm sultana scones with strawberry jam and Devon clotted cream are highly recommended.
12. Patisserie Valerie - Covent Garden
15 Bedford Street, London, WC2 9HE Phone: 2072421875 Visit Websi Patisserie Valerie, settled in the heart of Covent Garden, has been serving great traditional flavors to Londoners since 1926 in a cozy, mural walled interior lined with colorful art that provides a relaxing escape from the buzzing London. Patisserie Valerie, known for its flawlessly-crafted and freshly baked treats that include irresistible cakes, fruit tarts, and pastries, serves Afternoon Tea from 2 pm to 5 pm Sunday to Friday & 3 pm - 5 pm on Saturdays. Its menu also includes a range of gourmet sandwiches filled with tuna club melt or prosciutto with artichoke & mascarpone, quiche, and smoked salmon lasagna with an excellent cup of tea.
13. Brigit's Bakery Covent Garden
6-7 Chandos Place, Covent Garden, London WC2N Phone: 020 3026 1188 Visit Website
Brigit's Bakery, set within a minute's walk away from Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden, is a gorgeous feast for the eyes and soul. With a picturesque yet modern blend of London and Paris, Brigit's Bakery is designed with a white interior adorned with fresh leaves and pink furnishings that greets customers with a sweet and aromatic smell of baking and a visual of endless cake counter upon entering. Open from 11 am to 6 pm, Brigit’s Bakery offers excellent options for loose tea from Betjeman & Barton, accompanied by a great selection of sandwiches and scones for anyone seeking a delicious Afternoon Tea experience.
14. Champagne + Fromage
22 WELLINGTON STREET WC2E 7DD Phone: 020 7240 1604 Visit Website
Champagne + Fromage, a small affordable restaurant, is one of the best in Covent Garden with its French flair to the traditional afternoon tea. Located on Wellington Street, Champagne + Fromage brings rustic French sensation with a mismatched, Gallic interior serving authentic French treats and cheese instead of finger sandwiches paired with flutes of various champagne and a cup of tea. With cheese and charcuterie taking the focus of the table, their menu also includes delicate macarons, biscuit rose, and fruits sprinkled with rich olive oil. However, their tartines, a single slice of homemade bread draped in slivers of cheese, are the real show-stealer.
15. Mirror Room at Rosewood London
Rosewood London, 252 High Holborn, London WC1V Phone: 20 3747 8620 Visit Website
For all the art lovers in London, Covent Garden holds a visual treat at the Rosewood London's, Mirror Room. Inspired by the "Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirror Rooms" exhibition at Tate Modern, Mirror Room Afternoon Tea is an excitingly vibrant art spot with wall-to-wall ornated mirrors in a stylish lounge with soft light. Awarded Best Contemporary Afternoon Tea at the 2017 and 2018 Afternoon Tea Awards, its executive Pastry Chef Mark Perkins creates stunning French pastries that showcase Yayoi Kusama’s contemporary works and many other famous artists' works, combined with Japanese flavors. With its concept, execution, and art itself, Mirror Room is absolutely a must-try.
16. The Waldorf Hilton
Aldwych, London WC2B 4DD Phone: 20 7836 2400 Visit Website
With a historic and luxurious interior, The Waldorf Hilton, Aldwych afternoon tea is expertly prepared for customers and elegantly served in a harmonious atmosphere created by their pianist and harpist. Their Afternoon Tea, served from 1 pm to 4 pm, holds an excellent range of teas with delicious savories such as fresh sandwiches followed by warm scones with thickened cream and jam that goes straight to the heart. Afterward, you can indulge in their sweet treats for a completely sublime experience.
17. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea
1 Aldwych, London WC2B 4BZ Phone: 20 7300 0300 Visit Website
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea at One Aldwych, located in London’s theatreland, is a perfect spot to entertain your inner child by venturing into an enchanting world. Inspired by Roald Dahl's iconic story with Chewy SweeTarts and chocolate smudge milkshakes, it offers a feast of unusual yet delicious savories such as juicy roast beef and horseradish and salmon and beetroot macaron, followed by a box full of extraordinary cakes and creams. However, their water pistol punch cocktails and chocolate sherbet tea outshine every other tea in town.
18. Inamo Covent Garden
11-14 Hanover Pl, London WC2E 9JP Phone: 20 7484 0500 Visit Website
Set within walking distance from Covent Garden tube station and Royal Opera House, Inamo house itself is in a fitting location in Covent Garden. It is an Asian-inspired contemporary restaurant mixed with quintessential Afternoon tea tradition with exclusive interactive technology and ordering systems enclosed in a chic surrounding. Its menu includes a collection of sushi and Pan-Asian tapas with a sweet side that holds extravagant passionfruit lollipops, mini dark chocolate mousse, and much more. Enjoy Inamo’s selection of teas or upgrade free-flowing Prosecco for one hour while playing games on the interactive table surface. Make sure to try their highly recommended Dragon Balls.
19. Indigo at One Aldwych Restaurant
1 Aldwych, London WC2B 4BZ Phone: 20 7300 0400 Visit Website
Indigo is a bright and comfortable restaurant at One Aldwych, Covent Garden, for a perfect afternoon tea with family and friends. With a view of fresh flowers in the lobby downstairs, Indigo’s Afternoon Tea is created by Chef Dominic Teague, who gave classic British tradition a new modern twist with his inventive menu of various moreish savories such as roast beef with watercress and horseradish and traditional smoked salmon & cucumber, and sweet treats that include the lemon & black sesame cake with honeycomb crunch created with honey from hotel’s rooftop bees and classic scones with chocolate and caramel. Add a cup of tea from their selection of loose leaf teas and enjoy a perfect afternoon.
20. The Crusting Pipe
Jubilee Market Hall, 30 Tavistock Ct, London WC2E 8RD Phone: 20 7836 1415 Visit Website
Set in the old Covent Garden Market, The Crusting Pipe is a candlelit brick-domed cellar and wine bar with a cobblestone floor and a courtyard setting outdoors to enjoy live performances. It is a perfect spot for anyone looking for a traditional afternoon tea in a relaxed atmosphere with simple yet delicious dishes. Their new menu carries assorted classic sweets that include caramel eclairs, Battenberg, and Bruschetta with smoked salmon with a special selection of British cheeses alongside apple chutney and a glass of Essensia Orange Muscat or Otima 10-year-old Tawny Port.
Final Thoughts
Keeping in mind the exclusivity and flavors of each Afternoon Tea spot, we have gathered here some of the finest afternoon tea spots located in the vibrant heart of Covent Garden.
If you think there is an afternoon tea place that we missed, let us know via the comments section, and it will make it to our list.