Last Updated on 6 September, 2022
The full itinerary for exploring the United Kingdom, should certainly include a traditional afternoon tea experience. From the delicious finger sandwiches, through the classic English scones served with silky and smooth cream to the yummy, mini cakes and tarts, you should be ready to immerse yourself into one of the most authentic concepts part of the British Heritage.
If you are visiting London, you should head to the Chelsea area for some of the best afternoon teas across the capital. Keep reading and you will find our complete guide with the best 8 places for afternoon tea in Chelsea!
Best Afternoon Tea In Chelsea
There are plenty of cool and amazing places for afternoon tea in Chelsea, from quiet luxury to chilled out and relaxed. Indoor and outdoor options too, cafe, restaurant or hotel. With or without alcohol. Below are some of our top places to check out for a little afternoon tradition.
-
Bluebird
The fairy-tale looking terraces at Bluebird have been attracting customers looking for a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy delicious cocktails after a long working day. Despite its reputation as a fantastic restaurant offering European inspired meals, Bluebird has also been widely known as serving some of the best afternoon tea in Chelsea.
If you have a sweet tooth, you will absolutely love the small treats part of the afternoon tea menu, such as the tart and the fantastic macaroons.
The Scottish smoked salmon sandwich is extremely delicious, as well as the classic cucumber served on slices of herb loaf. The traditional English scones with smooth and silky clotted cream are always served fresh and warm.
Make sure to accompany this fantastic selection of afternoon treats with a cup of Earl Grey or Jasmine Green Tea.
Address: 350 King’s Rd, Chelsea, London SW3 5UU, United Kingdom
-
Caffe Concerto Chelsea
The authentic Italian restaurant and coffee shop Caffe Concerto, is one of the best spots in Chelsea to enjoy a delicious traditional English afternoon tea.
Visitors can choose between the simple Afternoon Tea or the special Luxury Cream Tea offered by the cafe. While both offer freshly baked scones, served with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry jam, there are a few differences between the two options.
The traditional one is packed with a wide selection of sandwiches, whereas those who have chosen the cream tea can enjoy some mini cakes and French macaroons.
If you would like to make your afternoon extra fancy, you can also get a glass of bubbly Prosecco in addition to your choice of Mighty Leaf Tea.
Address: 52 King’s Rd, Chelsea, London SW3 4UD, United Kingdom
-
Beaufort House
Widely known for its sophisticated and elegant champagne bar, Beaufort House is an European restaurant offering fine dining experience and delicious signature cocktails.
Additionally, visitors can also indulge in the mouth-watering selection of afternoon tea goodies. Presented on a three tiered stand, you will be served some of the most traditional and authentic British afternoon teas.
Start from the bottom with the Chicken Cesar Wrap, the Tomato and Mozzarella and a few other sandwiches. On the middle tier, you will find warm, in-house baked scones – plain and fruited served with smooth and delicious cream and strawberry jam.
Leave the selection of desserts on the top for last and enjoy the fantastic mini cheesecake, crème brulee and fresh strawberries dipped in dark chocolate.
Address: 354 King’s Rd, Chelsea, London SW3 5UZ, United Kingdom
-
The Chelsea Harbour Hotel
If you are looking for a luxurious and sophisticated afternoon tea, you should visit the Chelsea Harbour Hotel. Besides offering the best English classics, the restaurant will take you on a full culinary journey through the British heritage and the birth of the afternoon tea back in the 1840s. The selection of sweet treats will catch your eye first, but make sure to start with the fantastic homemade finger sandwiches.
The coronation chicken sandwich is a specialty to the restaurant and it is absolutely delicious. The fruit scones are soft and warm and go perfectly well with the Devonshire silky clotted cream.
As the mini desserts on the top tier are made with seasonal ingredients, they are different and unique every time, but equally yummy. The best part is that your fantastic afternoon tea is also accompanied with the beautiful views of the harbour.
Address: Chelsea Harbour Dr, Fulham, London SW10 0XG, United Kingdom
-
My Chelsea Hotel
Prepare for a delightful and tasty afternoon tea served in a relaxing atmosphere at My Chelsea Hotel. You will be greeted by inviting, botanically inspired conservatory with rustic velvet armchairs.
The “In the Wild” theme continues through the comforting afternoon treats prepared by seasonal ingredients. Even if you have any dietary requirements, you will be able to find gluten-free and diary-free options among both the sweet and salty goodies.
Besides the traditional finger sandwiches you will be also able to try some extraordinary selections, such as the spicy hummus and the avocado cream.
Compared to other spots, My Chelsea Hotel serves the warm scones with coconut cream instead. The slice of salted caramel cake is extremely delicious, while the chia and raspberry doughnuts are must-tries.
Visitors can choose between eight different organic teas for a full afternoon tea experience.
Address: 35 Ixworth Pl, Chelsea, London SW3 3QX, United Kingdom
-
Kings Road Steakhouse
Do not be fooled by the name of the Kings Road Steakhouse and Grill, as the restaurant is among the best spots in Chelsea to enjoy a fabulous traditional afternoon tea.
The luxurious restaurant situated at the heart of Chelsea is known for the perfectly well cooked steaks, crisply served in a beautiful presentation and with an interesting twist added by the chef.
In a similar way, the afternoon tea at Kings Road Steakhouse is a sophisticated, deluxe experience that will leave pleasant memories to your London holiday.
The divine scones are served with silky and smooth cream and strawberry jam. The wide selection of finger sandwiches include tomato and cucumber, salmon and cream cheese and other yummy salty goodies.
Visitors, however, are mainly intrigued by the choice of mini cakes prepared with white chocolate and lemon mousse. They are also regularly altered as the restaurant uses only seasonal ingredients.
Address: 386 Kings Road, Chelsea, SW3 5UZ, United Kingdom
-
Draycott Hotel
Not only is Draycott Hotel one of the most luxurious and elegant hotels in London, but it also offers some of the best afternoon teas in the district of Chelsea.
Visitors will be treated with mouth-watering delights, accompanied by a pot of high quality blended tea. The restaurant aims at providing the finest dining experience with food that will take your taste buds on a real journey through the British cuisine.
As a result, every element of your afternoon tea from the wide selection of pastries to the strawberry jam is carefully created in-house.
Also homemade, the range of finger sandwiches include the compulsory egg and mayo combination, as well as the light and creamy cucumber mixture.
The inviting sweet treats are made daily and you can rarely see the same two of a kind. While you can sip on some traditional Early Grey tea, you can also add a glass of champagne or even a half bottle of rose champagne to make your afternoon tea extra special.
Address: 22-26 Cadogan Gardens, Chelsea, London SW3 2RP, United Kingdom
View this post on Instagram
We serve Afternoon Tea in the Drawing Room overlooking our private garden. A real treat.
-
Cadogan’s by Adam Handling
If you are looking for a truly memorable afternoon tea experience, you should visit Cadogans by Adam Handling. With a touch of nostalgia and large number of colorful childhood memories, the head chef has created a truly unique selection of treats, that combined together have been awarded the Best Contemporary Afternoon Tea in 2019.
The menu is inspired by Adam’s grandmother’s recipes, however, he has added some special twists and culinary techniques to create an extraordinary yet traditional menu.
Besides, the classic selection of finger sandwiches, visitors can also try a delicious range of savory small bites. The scones are freshly baked daily and are served with homemade jam of seasonal fruit and silky clotted cream.
Undoubtedly, the mouth-watering pastries beautifully arranged on the top tier can tempt anyone. The selection is wide and flavorful with carrot cake, Dundee cake, custard tart, Black forest gateau and other small sweet treats.
Address: 75 Sloane St, Chelsea, London SW1X 9SG, United Kingdom
Are you ready for a truly memorable experience of the British culture? If the answer is “Yes”, you should certainly add one of the above listed 8 best spots for afternoon tea in your travel itinerary.
Not only will you be able to spend a relaxing afternoon, but you will also indulge in some mouth-watering treats! Which place sounds best to you and you will be certainly visiting when in Chelsea, London?
More On Chelsea In London:
- Best Cafes In Chelsea
- Cool Places For Breakfast In Kensington
- Top Things To Do In Kensington
- Best Airbnbs In Notting Hill
- Cool Charity Shops To Check Out In Chelsea
- Best Pubs To Visit In Kensington
