The 5 Quirkiest Afternoon Teas to Try in London

For a quintessentially English experience, take some afternoon tea on your next visit to London. The tradition originated amongst the wealthy classes in England from the 1840's and consisted of sandwiches, cakes and scones served on a tiered cake stand alongside some fresh hot tea.

Today, afternoon tea is mainly served as a treat and comes in many forms across London. Here are five of the quirkiest versions on offer.

Double Decker Bus

Why not combine your afternoon tea experience with a bit of London sightseeing from the upper deck of one of the iconic red Routemaster London buses?! The BB Bakery has created possibly the only afternoon tea on board a bus which weaves itself through the streets of London in approximately 1.5 hours.

Due to the bumpiness of the bus ride the tea itself is served in a travel mug to prevent any accidental scoldings as you whizz past the famous London sights. Sticking to the west of central London the route takes in the London Eye, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square and Harrods as you nibble away.

Prices start from $60 per person and you'll need to book well ahead to secure a seat on the top deck for much better views of the landmarks. Tours depart at regular times from 2 locations in central London.

On the River Thames

Another option to combine some of the famous London sights with a delicious tea is on a boat trip along the River Thames. Tuck into some delicious sandwiches, pastries and scones with an assortment of teas as you cruise through the centre of the the British capital.

 

To relax you further, the experience includes some calming music from an onboard solo pianist during your 1.5-hour journey. It's a circular trip which takes in Big Ben, St Paul's Cathedral and then magnificent Tower of London amongst other iconic landmarks.

A 'classic' afternoon tea starts from $42 per person when booked ahead with Bateaux London. You can upgrade to a guaranteed window seat for better views at $13 per person. All cruises depart from Embankment Pier in central London.

Alice in Wonderland

If you fancy escaping the city completely, take a tumble down the rabbit hole and land at the Mad Hatter's Tea Party table. This brilliantly bonkers Alice in Wonderland inspired feast won the 'Best Themed Afternoon Tea' at the Afternoon Tea Awards in 2016.

Amongst the tasty treats on offer you'll find some classic cucumber sandwiches, goat cheese croque-monsieur and even white crab eclairs. Just make sure you don't run out of time by remembering to check your chocolate-coated, coffee-flavoured pocket watch macaroons!

The treats are all washed down with your choice of 5 tailor-made teas inspired by the characters of this beloved story.

Prices start $62 per person for the tea hosted at the Sanderson Hotel, 50 Berners Street, London.

Tea fit for an English Gent

Who says that afternoon tea is the sole preserve of the ladies when men can get in on the action at the Sanctum Soho Hotel in central London with the Gentlemen's Afternoon Tea.

Served in stages, highlights of the menu include a poached oyster with bloody mary relish, a beef slider and miniature lamb hot-pot. There's even some tasty roast beef and horseradish yorkshire pudding included alongside smoked salmon, caviar and creme fraiche bagels.

You can then wash it all down in style with some of Jack Daniels' most prized whisky before unwinding up on the roof terrace with a fine cigar. The perfect end to the ultimate gentleman's afternoon treat.

Prices start from $58 per person and booking ahead is required.

Learn to make your own

If you feel like earning your afternoon treats then why not learn how to cook and prepare a perfect afternoon tea by having a go yourself. The Cookery School in Little Portland Street offers three-hour session where you make your own afternoon tea, including a range of English cakes, sandwiches, pastries and, of course, scones.

After toiling away in the kitchen you'll get to sit down to enjoy what you have produced as a class, however it turns out! A glass of British sparkling wine or a cup or two of Tregothnan Cornish tea is included to help take the edge off as you tuck into your freshly prepared spread.

The classes run less than once a month so booking well ahead is essential and it costs $150 per person for the three-hour class.

Is it tea time?

Hopefully, you are inspired to book something a little more unique next time you think of sampling an afternoon tea during your stay in London. All those delicious treats won't eat themselves!

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