There are so many contenders for the best brunch in the city! We've narrowed it down to our favourite morning feasts, including the best places for pancakes, avocado on toast, Bloody Marys and more.
Looking for the best brunch in London, or best breakfast in London? You've come to the right place! We've eaten morning feasts at restaurants and cafes all over London to find the best brunches and breakfasts in the capital. Read on for Bloody Marys, pancakes, eggs benedict, avocado on toast and coffee-fuelled fun. For a more intimate restaurant experience, find out the best private dining rooms in the UK and if you want to pull out all the stops, find out the UK's best showstopping restaurants to impress, best London restaurants with a view and the best dining experiences in London. Now find out the best food and drink festivals to visit. The best brunch in London at a glance Best in North London: Esters, Stoke Newington Best in East London: Ottolenghi, Spitalfields Best in South London: Kiss The Hippo, Richmond Best in West London: Dovetale, Mayfair Best for pancakes: Where The Pancakes Are, Fitzrovia Best American-inspired brunch: Sunday in Brooklyn, Notting Hill Best Middle Eastern-inspired brunch: Honey & Co. Daily, Bloomsbury Best Indian-inspired brunch: Dishoom, across London Best Eastern Mediterranean-inspired brunch: Brother Marcus, various locations Best for bold flavours and striking architecture: Friends of Ours, Kensington Best brunches in London We take 'brunch' to mean a really lazy breakfast-cum-lunch meal that you can spend hours enjoying. It's something indulgent (think pancakes, waffles and eggs royale), usually enjoyed at the weekend (who doesn't love a Sunday brunch?), and booze is very often present... your brunch should go on until after midday, after all! Head to one of our below recommended London brunch spots with family or friends. Friends of Ours, Kensington Best for: Bold flavours and striking architecture Tucked beside the Serpentine Gallery in Hyde Park, Friends of Ours has settled into its new permanent home, and it’s fast becoming our go-to for a weekend refuel. After a brisk walk or a dose of art, you’ll spot the airy, open-plan café drawing you in with the scent of freshly baked pastries. The counter groans with treats – all the classics but also Aussie-inspired bakes like lamingtons that’ll tempt even the most restrained sweet tooth. If you’re after something heartier, order the smoked haddock kedgeree. The rice is beautifully fluffy, crowned with a perfectly poached egg, and the whole thing strikes a sweet spot between buttery richness and fresh flavour. Whatever you do, don’t leave without trying a bread dish, created in partnership with Dusty Knuckle. The croque madamemonsieur is a masterclass in comfort: braised chuck and flank steak layered in sourdough, slathered with chilli jam and a silky miso béchamel, then topped with a fried egg and shaved manchego. It’s the sort of dish that makes you wish brunch lasted all day. friendsofourscafe.com Honey & Co. Daily, Bloomsbury Best for: Middle Eastern brunch Tucked away on Store Street, a quiet Bloomsbury pocket steeped in intellectual heritage and artistic spirit, Honey & Co Daily feels like a hidden gem. Sunlight pours through tall windows, illuminating pale woods, fresh bakes and a space designed for slow mornings. There’s a thoughtful separation between the casual deli space and dining area, yet both hum with the scent of fresh bread, za’atar and honey. The menu is rooted in bold Middle Eastern flavours, balanced with finesse. The labneh with roasted aubergine and plum sauce is a riot of contrasts: cool, sour yogurt against warm, smoky aubergine, with pomegranate molasses adding sweetness. It’s served with pillowy soft seeded bread, perfect for scooping. The cheese and chive bureka is crisp, buttery and deeply savoury, its pickles sharp and sweet. Potato, feta and thyme fritters arrive golden and crisp, flecked with herbs and dotted with chunks of feta. A fried egg, perfectly seasoned, tops the plate: salt beef is optional but not essential. Drinks are just as well considered. The orange blossom iced tea is sweet and floral, refreshing if you enjoy perfumed notes. Mint tea, served in handmade ceramics, adds to the sense of ritual. Dessert is non-negotiable. The honey and feta cheesecake – cold, rich and layered over crisp kadaif pastry – balances sweetness with the gentle salinity of feta and a crunch of richly roasted salted almonds. A quiet corner just steps from the bustle of Tottenham Court Road, Honey & Co Daily is the ideal place to stay and linger. honeyandco.co.uk Margot Green, Clapham Best for: relaxed Australian vibes The Daisy Green restaurants have been a staple of London’s brunch scene since first opening in 2012, with branches now across the city from Victoria to Regent Street. Margot Green, set back from the corner of Clapham Common, is one of its latest openings – a big buzzy site that is reliably full on a Sunday morning. Whether you sit outside during summer or cosy up in a booth indoors on cooler mornings, the sunny peach and pink décor and friendly staff keep the Australian-inspired vibes going. The menu has your favourite brunch classics covered, from a banana bread sandwich and pancakes to smashed avocado on toast and a fancy bacon roll. The Dirty Daisy has it all going on – crispy tater tots, cheese, pink pickled onions, beans and creamy avocado. It’s a delicious mess and perfect hangover cure. Sweetcorn fritters are a popular choice with the crowd, topped with marinated feta, eggs and crisp corn ribs. Poached eggs were standout on all dishes – perfectly cooked with striking deep orange yolks and a promise that if the egg isn’t cooked to your liking it can be remade. Wash it all down with a fresh orange juice and, if you’ve still got room, split a lamington for dessert. daisygreenfood.com/location-margot Aram, Somerset House Best for: Eastern Mediterranean flavours Tucked inside one of London’s most loved cultural hubs, Aram looks out over Somerset House’s River Terrace, offering a calm pause from the gallery’s buzz. Step through the door and a pastry counter greets you, piled high with Mediterranean-inspired bakes like za’atar croissants and halva brownies that are hard to resist. If you’re after something more substantial and a moment off your feet, wander through to the dining rooms where tall sash windows pour in natural light. The breakfast hash is the dish to order. It plays with the classic, swapping heavy fry-up elements for baby potatoes and blistered cherry tomatoes, so it feels fresh rather than stodgy. The smoked brisket and fried egg pair perfectly, finished with a drizzle of chilli oil to tie everything together. The za’atar croissant is another standout. It looks like a bit of a structural gamble at first but the pastry holds its own as you break into layers of tomato, pomegranate-glazed halloumi and a runny fried egg. A brilliant choice if you’re after something vegetarian and satisfying. To drink, a pomegranate fizz feels bright and celebratory, served in a wine glass for a touch of theatre without the booze. If you’re in the mood for something stronger, the za’atar paloma or a sumac-spiked bloody mary will set you up nicely before diving back into the exhibitions. arambyimad.co.uk Yauatcha, City and Soho Best for: dumplings This yum cha brunch is available at both Yauatcha City and Soho. Kick off with a negroni-style cocktail (or non-alcoholic alternative) before your first steamed dumplings pork and prawn shui mai; har gau and seafood black truffle dumpling. A vibrant edamame baked puff and a venison version are next. Gone in a jiffy? No problem – they will be replenished at your request – but save space for baos (pork and veggie) before choosing a generous main course of stir-fried beef; scallop and prawn or sea bass curry with rice. A little stack of soufflé pancakes with cream and honeycomb is a cute end. £45 per person. Upgrade to English fizz or wine for £54 or £40. taogroup.com/venues/yauatcha/ Dovetale, Mayfair Best for: customised frozen margs Its famous knickerbocker glory station – choose your own ice-cream, sprinkles and syrups – has proved such a hit that Mayfair restaurant Dovetale has extended this winning formula to its frozen margarita offering on weekend brunch. Choose from three Casamigos tequilas; add strawberry, apricot or cherry sorbet; season with lime, ugly berry or tajin salt and top with mint, popping candy or coconut flakes. Soak up the cocktails with superior snacks like Marmite onion rings, choose mains like buttermilk chicken waffles and hot sauce; a Thai-inspired crab omelette with slaw and nam jim or a Wagyu cheeseburger. 1hotels.com/mayfair/taste/dovetale Portobello 177, Portobello Road Best for: all-day brunching Served from 8am-3pm from Tuesday to Sunday this is a collaboration with Kiwi sandwich master ‘World Famous’ on (world-famous) Portobello Road. But there’s more to the well-written menu than just its excellent chicken sandwich (with dill mayo and gravy) and the classic salt beef reuben. Braised lamb sausage roll with pickle; smashed pea with smoked beets and its signature merguez, eggs any style, seasonal green and house hash speak to the kitchen’s skills and imagination. Upstairs from cocktail bar Trailer Happiness, the space is diner by day, atmospheric small-plates by night. portobello177.com Mount St. Restaurant, Mayfair Best for: breakfast with a view Sit among works by Picasso, Warhol and Matisse for breakfast at Mount St Restaurant, a light-flooded dining room located above the landmark Mayfair pub, The Audley. Art decorates the entire space, with mosaic-marbled floors creating a one-of-a-kind setting to awaken the senses. Think opulent updates on classic London dishes, such as white truffle-flecked scrambled eggs and smoked salmon, omelettes topped with Oscietra caviar or porridge pepped up with a dram of whiskey. Sausages, chutneys and honey are sourced from Durslade Farm Shop, while beef and lamb come from its farm in Somerset. For drinks, choose from a selection of vibrant juices or a top-quality coffee made behind the glossy white bar. Ask politely for a postprandial tour of the dazzling private rooms located on each floor, including a luxe Venetian-inspired dining room and cosy games room turret. mountstrestaurant.com Brother Marcus, various locations Best for: brunch with an Eastern Mediterranean twist For the perfect slow Sunday morning brunch, look no further than Brother Marcus. Founded by hospitality duo and lifelong friends Tas Gaitanos and Alex Large in 2016, the restaurant is named after Alex’s little brother. Specialising in all-day dining and brunch, Brother Marcus has been serving the vibrant flavours of Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, Lebanon and the wider Eastern Mediterranean to hungry Londoners for nearly a decade. The brunch menu caters to all tastes, offering everything from classic eggs benedict to the more adventurous kefir fried chicken atop crispy potato rostis, fried eggs and zingy kasundi jam. Nursing a weekend hangover? The selection of refreshing juices and smoothies is sure to revive you. Alternatively, embrace a hair of the dog approach with the two for £20 brunch cocktail deal. The bloody mary is bold and fiery, guaranteed to shake off the remnants of the previous night’s indulgence. brothermarcus.co.uk Ottolenghi, Spitalfields Best for: a Middle Eastern spin on staples Ottolenghi Spitalfields is the largest outpost of the Ottolenghi empire, with a dining room serving breakfast through dinner, cocktail bar and modern deli for takeaways. Furnishings are kept to a minimum, with wooden furniture, flowers and draped curtains providing a relaxed setting to while away the hours. Clear your head with a pear, apple juice and basil mocktail, or continue weekend revelries with a classic mimosa. You can expect loosely Middle Eastern twists on classics, from shakshuka with braised eggs, to scrambled eggs and smoked salmon with grilled focaccia – all the flavours synonymous with Yotam. Welsh rarebit on sourdough with a fried egg and salad is cheesy and unctuous, while vegan scrambled tofu with grated tomato and confit garlic is a smoky spin on scrambled eggs. Finish with a trip to the counter of cakes – highlights include spiced date cake with orange icing and pecan brittle and a flourless orange and almond cake with chocolate ganache. Choose from a selection of pastries, from almond croissants to cinnamon brioche pretzels – best served with a frothy cappuccino. ottolenghi.co.uk/spitalfields Sunday in Brooklyn, Notting Hill Best for: American-inspired cult favourites London’s Notting Hill is the ideal setting for this vibrant corner spot that balances being American without feeling themed. The menu covers all the brunch bases, service is friendly and professional and the room has an outside-in feel with a central foliage chandelier and wooden furniture. Pancakes are plate-sized, drenched in a chocolate praline sauce. Steak is slices of charred hanger steak (onglet) with scrambled eggs, toast and home fries, which also appear on the sausage dish but are confusingly called something else. Burgers are stacked high, available as cauliflower or chicken versions but we went for the classic which had the flavour you only get from good provenance. Fun cocktails are well mixed – we tried the signature pineapple and rum Honey Bear on Holiday that comes in the iconic bear-shaped honey bottles and the more morning friendly Champagne Problems (bubbly and strawberries). All this plus a list of extras so you can customise, great coffee and freshly squeezed juices had us feeling there wasn’t much more we could ask of brunch. sundayinbk.co.uk Where The Pancakes Are, Fitzrovia Best for: pancake fans Brunch-obsessed Londoners will already know about this all-day breakfast hotspot in London Bridge. Now, their second restaurant has opened in Fitzrovia, serving the popular buckwheat and buttermilk pancakes. Designed largely using recycled materials, the casual interior is light and relaxed, with a marble bar made from reclaimed dining tables and – impressively – black tiles made from recycled desert-soldier uniforms.nnYou can’t go wrong with the classics on the menu; thick and fluffy American pancakes with maple syrup and bacon, or the classic English breakfast with homemade baked beans. But, if you’re after something different, opt for the pulled beef pastrami with crunchy kale slaw, creamy thousand island sauce and sauerkraut, or the Montgomery cheddar and goat’s cheese Dutch baby (a bit like a giant Yorkshire pudding), complemented by thyme and radiccio. The Fitzrovia site also has Korean miso pancakes and polenta chips with bacon mayo from 5pm. The zesty hummingbird pancakes with cinnamon-poached pineapple and coconut, which can be made vegan, are great if you want something sweet. If you’re not recovering from the night before, we'd recommend ordering a breakfast-inspired cocktail, like a maple old fashioned or espresso tequila martini. It is the weekend, after all. wherethepancakesare.com Eggslut, Notting Hill Best for: egg buns Founded in California in 2011, with the aim of brining gourmet eggs to the breakfast table, Eggslut opened its first UK branch on Notting Hill’s Portobello Road in August 2019. The décor is stark (think grey walls, a metal counter and high wooden stools) with pops of yolk yellow in the neon signs. Choose from six options, all of which come with Bread Ahead brioche buns and Clarence Court Burford Brown eggs. Our pick is the Fairfax, where buttery, softly scrambled eggs mixed with sweet caramelised onions, chives, sriracha mayo and a generous slice of melting cheese for an indulgent (and hearty) start to your day. eggslut.com Milk Beach, Queen's Park Best for: a classic neighbourhood brunch Stray off the main high street of Queen’s Park down a pretty little mews to find this neighbourhood café and wine bar. There’s a communal wooden table to slouch round, with surrounding smaller marble-topped tables for smaller groups, and, on sunny days, white stable doors open out onto the cobbled pavement. The café’s co-owners source specialty coffee from around the world to roast on-site each week, and decent brunch options do the coffee justice – bread and pastries come from Little Bread Pedlar in Bermondsey (save room for a flaky pain au chocolat). Order the sourdough soldiers, their crevices flooded with puddles of butter, ready to duck into a jam jar of coddled eggs, cream, sweet potato purée and chives. milkbeach.com Crispin, Shoreditch Best for: early risers In a quirky, purpose-built zinc and glass pavilion, designed to look like an origami-folded bird, light pours into the back onto the cool polished concrete bars, and terrazzo-topped ash bar. There’s Assembly coffee from Brixton during the day, and at night Fernando Berry of Otros Vinos has helped curate a rotating wine list focussing on natural and low-intervention wines. Breakfast starts at 7.30am and covers the classics, alongside trendy new contenders. There’s an organic bacon sandwich with house ketchup; bright-yolked, boiled Burford Brown eggs with Dusty Knuckle Bakery soldiers; and Secret Smokehouse (made in London Fields) on sourdough (check out our guide to sourdough here) with soft cheese, lemon and dill. Be sure to order the super-crunchy, smoked ham toastie – oozing with melted cheddar, topped with a crispy fried egg and showered in finely grated, nutty Berkswell cheese. crispinlondon.com Kiss The Hippo, Richmond Best for: coffee geeks Kiss The Hippo, so named to mark the coffee shop’s environmental ethos (all cutlery, straws and cup lids are fully compostable), brings a bright and airy hangout to Richmond’s George Street. Up front, a gigantic coffee station caters to the trendiest of coffee geeks, with niche brews including Ugandan Nitro Cold Brew coffee and Japanese-style iced filter coffee, dripped through a Kalita over ice cubes to bring out delicate elderflower and bergamot notes. Pastries and brunch dishes are prepared by the chef consultant from London’s Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Try tiny Sicilian apricot and mango tartlets with a delicate vanilla scent, or super light cinnamon rolls with cinnamon paste swirled through and white chocolate glaze slathered on top. kissthehippo.com Here are more of our favourite coffee shops in the UK... Friends of Ours, Hoxton Best for: a friendly vibe In the middle of Old Street and Hoxton stations in trendy east London, Friends of Ours is far more than a playground for bearded hipsters. Instead, it draws those seeking bright brunches and speciality coffee from across the capital. Park yourself outside on the long wooden tables if the weather is nice or relax inside on teal blue chairs that contrast dark wood tables and floors. A large counter gives the epic coffee machine pride of place, along with a display of cakes (made in-house) and pastries from Dusty Knuckle. Kedgeree is given a sophisticated twist courtesy of hake (from local fishmongers Sutton & Sons) that had been smoked in-house with black tea, subtly spiced black rice and an egg yolk cured in soy sauce. friendsofourscafe.com Dishoom, across London Best for: an Indian brunch With multiple sites across the capital, Dishoom brings the flavour and flair of traditional Irani cafés to London. There’s an elegant yet relaxed vibe, with unique touches in each restaurant (think rusty weighing scales and ornate tiled flooring). Reinterpreted Bombay dishes are the focus, from fluffy coconut appam pancakes topped with a dollop of shrikhand (a sweet Indian dish made of strained yogurt, sugar and cardamom) to comforting chilli cheese toast. Flaky naans (baked in a tandoor oven) filled with cream cheese, chilli tomato jam and crispy smoked bacon are a must, but, if you’re feeling peckish, order the ramped-up version with a frilly fried egg and peppery pork sausage. dishoom.com Söderberg, Soho Best for: a Swedish brunch Relax in the cool, calm interiors (think blonde wood, retro sofas and muted tones) of this Scandi café and enjoy a Swedish-style breakfast or brunch. Breakfast trays make ideal grazing material with a little bit of everything – a dinky glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, a jar of crunchy granola with thick yogurt, Lescure butter for spreading over Swedish crisp bread and seeded sourdough, slices of serrano ham and a fruit salad of fresh figs, blackberries and sweet, tangy kumquats. There’s a vegan option that swaps yogurt for coconut yogurt and butter for olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Squidgy buns are laced with cardamom and cinnamon and perfect for taking away. soderberg.uk Ozone, Shoreditch Best for: Antipodean-inspired dishes Exposed brick walls, florescent strip lights and weathered floorboards give a minimalist vibe to this Shoreditch coffee roastery and eatery just off Old Street’s Silicon roundabout. Upstairs, staff in dark-denim aprons prepare fruity single-origin espressos at the brew bar, while an open kitchen has chefs whipping up Antipodean dishes such as wagyu mince on focaccia; and smoked carrot, chard and house ricotta-stuffed omelettes. A spongy kaffir lime pancake comes with Crouch End honey, rhubarb, dark chocolate shavings and a dollop of labneh, while crispy bubble and squeak cakes make a hearty change from muffins for the eggs hollandaise. ozonecoffee.co.uk Koya, Soho and City Best for: a Japanese brunch Stop by either of Koya’s Soho or City sites for an alternative savoury brunch. Choose a window table simply laid with chopsticks and napkins, or take a seat on one of the high bar stools to watch chefs at work. The menu, split into udon noodle and rice dishes (with the option for small side plates) combines Japanese dishes and twists on English classics. Keep it simple with Kizami – a bowl of noodles topped with fried tofu and spring onions – or mix things up with a feast of kippers, poached egg, butter rice and miso soup. koya.co.uk The Wolseley, Mayfair and City Best for: a traditional brunch As you walk into the Wolseley from the bustling London streets, you immediately feel as if you're somewhere luxurious. The high ceilings and marble decor give the place a touch of old-school glamour, yet it still feels warm and cosy. Perfect for spending a few hours catching up with friends or dining alone and reading the papers, if that's what you prefer! The menu is classic: omelettes with jambon and gruyère, crispy bacon baps, pancakes with berries and crème fraîche and a full English with all the trimmings. It's the sort of grub that powers you up for the day ahead. We had the rich, buttery and deeply spiced kedgeree with a runny poached egg, and eggs benedict, which came with a pleasingly lemony sauce. Of course, we had to have a round of virgin bloody marys for a fresh, spicy and pickle-forward hit. We also squeezed in a slice of cinnamon-spiced apple streusel, encased in thin, crisp pastry, with a cloud of whipped cream. thewolseleycity.com Esters, Stoke Newington Best for: French toast For the best brunch in Stokey, head to this neighbourhood café just off Church Street. White walls, grey slate, angular tables and pops of orange give this small space a sleek HAY-inspired Scandi vibe, while families spend the morning sipping on flat whites and friends get a post-run refuel. Don’t expect to find avocado on toast here, rather crispy pork belly with punchy wakame salsa verde, wafter-thin slithers of fennel, fried egg, sweet tomatoes (grown just down the road at Stoke Newington’s Growing Communities vegetable patch) and chunks of bread to mop up the rich aïoli. For those with a sweet tooth, order the french toast, where toppings change based on the seasons. estersn16.com Check out more London restaurant guides: Best restaurants in Marylebone Best restaurants in Mayfair Best restaurants in Fitzrovia Best restaurants near Oxford Street Best restaurants in Brixton Best restaurants in Notting Hill Best restaurants in Battersea Best restaurants in Shoreditch Best restaurants in Camden Best restaurants in Covent Garden Best restaurants in Kings Cross Best restaurants in London Bridge Best restaurants in Hackney Best restaurants in Paddington
Bake these biscuits, sandwiched together with a gooey layer of jam – the textures balance carefully on the line between beautifully crumbly and deliciously melty
Try Evie Harbury's linzer cookies (Linecke cukrovi), then discover raspberry and pistachio linzer tart, cereal cookies, chocolate chip cookies, snickerdoodles, shortbread, empire biscuits and more easy cookie recipes. Recipes extracted from My Bohemian Kitchen by Evie Harbury (£20, Murdoch Books). Photographs: Ola O Smit. Recipes are sent by the publisher and not retested by us. Linzer cookies (Linecke cukrovi) recipe
Bake one of our easy cakes for a comforting sweet treat, from delicate victoria sponge to frosted banana loaf and classic carrot cake
Looking for an easy cake recipe? We’ve compiled a list of our top cake recipes that are easy to make, including our super easy chocolate cake. From the traditional Victoria sponge to easy carrot cake ideas, we’ve got some fantastic ideas to choose from to make a cake from scratch. The very best recipes require the very best kit; read our best springform cake tins review. Whether you’re looking for an easy dessert recipe for entertaining, making a birthday cake (with more ideas here) or looking for easy baking ideas for your family, read on to find our easy cake recipes. For more baking inspiration, check out our favourite loaf cakes, birthday cakes, cupcake recipes, chocolate cake recipes and vanilla recipes.
From stand mixers, sourdough baskets and pretty cake stands, to pie books and unique baking ingredients, check out our best baking gifts to buy
Looking for baking gifts for your favourite baker? Whether it's some kit to get their sourdough started, a book for baking inspiration or a perfect pie dish, check out our gift inspiration. Once your favourite baker is sorted, check out our best gifts for coffee lovers, best beer gifts or gin gifts for more gifting inspiration. For keen bakers, check out our best stand mixers to buy. Looking for a birthday gift? We've rounded up the best foodie birthday gifts or treat someone to one of our best champagne gifts. If you're looking for Christmas inspo, check out our best tea Advent calendars. Best baking gifts to buy in 2025 Classic Honey & Co hamper Available from Honey & Co. (£100) This luxurious hamper from Honey & Co. is sure to get any keen baker feeling inspired. It's filled with flavours to bring Middle Eastern baking to life – from jars of seasonal marmalade and sweet spice mix that could be used in the next bake, to copies of their award-winning cookbooks. Plus, there's some edible treats to enjoy in the form of chocolate bars and roasted nuts, and savoury goodies with harissa, tahini and more. Available from: Honey & Co. (£100) The Secret Garden recipe book Available from Papier (£29) In hardback with a stunning green botanical design, this book is ideal for a baker who wants to keep all their recipes in one place. It comes with clear guides to add your ingredients and write your steps, plus there are little details to note down difficulty and portion. Another unique feature is the boxes for your tips and tricks. Plus, they can write down when and where inspiration strikes on the dedicated page for favourite restaurants and patisseries. Available from: Papier (£29) Cotton canvas project apron Available from Toast (£65) This is our pick for a practical yet stylish kitchen apron. Made from cotton canvas, it has an adjustable neck tie for comfort, two large handy pockets and a tie waist. It's made of reassuringly thick fabric but still feels light to wear, and can be machine washed. Available from: Toast (£65) Jomafe vintage blue round pie dish Available from Lakeland (£12.99) This classic pie dish in pretty pastel blue is perfect for serving up perfect pies in style. We love the retro feel of the fluted stoneware design (which is practical too, being both microwave and dishwasher safe). Ideal for displaying sweet and savoury pies of all varieties. Available from: Lakeland (£12.99) KitchenAid tilt-head 4.8L artisan stand mixer 5KSM125 Available from Amazon (£389), Harts of Stur (£398.95), KitchenAid (£449) The ultimate luxury baking gift for any keen baker. This is an investment that will stand the test of time and become a workhorse in the kitchen, capable of any baking task from whisking up meringues to whipping silky cake batters and kneading bread dough. Available in 21 colours, there's one to match any kitchen and can even be personalised with a special engraving. Read our full guide to the best KitchenAid mixers for more buying advice. Available from: Amazon (£389) Harts of Stur (£389.95) KitchenAid (£449) Small Batch Cookies by Edd Kimber Available from Amazon (£12.45), TG Jones (£20.24), Waterstones (£22) Even the keenest of bakers don't want to whip up giant layer cakes all the time. This handy latest release from the original Bake Off winner Edd Kimber is full of creative cookie recipes that make a maximum of six cookies at a time, and sometimes even just one or two. It's great for smaller households or if you just want a little treat. Available from: Amazon (£12.45) TG Jones (£20.24) Waterstones (£22) Imsa book stand Available from Nkuku (£48) Protect precious cookbooks from getting splattered with cake batter and cocoa powder with this stylish cookbook stand. Handcrafted from sustainable mango wood, it is made from offcuts of furniture production, meaning the smart chevron design is unique on every one. Available from: Nkuku (£48) Tala Original mixing bowl Available from Amazon (£26.01) The Tala mixing bowls are our pick for a sturdy mixing bowl that is built to last. Made of heavy stoneware and available in pastel shades with a simple vintage-inspired embossed design, it is both practical and pretty. The generous five-litre capacity means there's plenty of room for mixing up showstopper cakes. Available from: Amazon (£26.01) Morphy Richards 3-in-1 digital scales with jug Latest Deals Doubling as a jug and mixing bowl, this smart red scale provides plenty of volume to add a variety of ingredients. Measuring liquids too, you can easily reset the scale to save time in the kitchen, plus it is great for accuracy as it measures as little as 1g. Latest Deals Larousse Patisserie and Baking Latest Deals Covering all aspects of baking from simple classic cakes to dinner party desserts, this Larousse Patisserie and Baking book includes more than 200 recipes for a wealth of inspiration. It is filled with extraordinary detail and some step-by-step workshops for perfecting classics like chocolate and different types of pastry. Latest Deals Dunelm heart oven gloves Available from Dunelm (£6) Show the love with these simple monochrome oven gloves in a cheery heart print. They're made from 100% recycled materials and are machine-washable to clean up any spills. Available from: Dunelm (£6) Fiasconaro pistachio cream Available from Camisa (£12.13), Sous Chef (£12.99) This is a great stocking filler for a baker. It's a unique product to spread onto waffles, sandwich between macarons or spoon straight from the jar. Available from: Camisa (£12.13) Sous Chef (£12.99) Lined banneton Available from The Sourdough School (£16.80) Got the sourdough-making bug? This handmade, heavy-duty banneton is designed for a lifetime of use. Check out our step-by-step guide to make the perfect sourdough. Available from: The Sourdough School (£16.80) The Pie Room by Calum Franklin Available from Amazon (£20.07), Waterstones (£26) Pie maestro Calum Franklin on the art of perfect pastry and pies, from wellingtons to sea bass en croûte. Give the gift of perfect pies! Available from: Amazon (£20.07) Waterstones (£26) Springerle and speculaas biscuit roller Available from Sous Chef (£35) Up your baking game and make intricate designs in traditional German springerle and speculaas spiced biscuits with the help of this pretty rolling pin. Available from: Sous Chef (£35) More baking reviews Best springform cake tins Best loaf tins Best bundt tins Best stand mixers Best cake stands Best baking turntable Best measuring spoons Best kitchen scales Best dough scrapers Best ice cream makers Best mixing bowls Best cookie cutters Best spatulas
This Japanese dessert (similar to a chiffon cake) melts in your mouth and is a perfect match with matcha latte or traditional English tea
Try our Japanese fluffy cheesecake, then discover vanilla cheesecake, lime cheesecake, raspberry cheesecake, New York cheesecake, mini cheesecakes and more of the best cheesecake recipes. Also check out our mochi, matcha recipes and more Japanese recipes. "This cake is ideal for gifts or special occasions. We love light and not-too-sweet cakes in Japan – this is similar to chiffon cake but the Japanese style is much fluffier. My children love having it with warm milk." Makiko Sano is a chef, teacher and five-time cookbook author. She grew up in Japan but is now based in London where she runs a restaurant, cookery workshops and teaches neuro-diverse children the art of Japanese cooking. Her new book, Rice, is published by Headline on 14 August. Japanese fluffy cheesecake recipe
Peanut butter pie with a cinnamon cereal crust
This peanut butter cream pie is unashamedly gluttonous – one of the tastiest creations I’ve dreamt up
Try our peanut butter pie with a cinnamon cereal crust, then try chocolate and peanut butter sheet cake, peanut butter brownies or easy banana bread with peanut butter frosting. There’s a particularly funny line by Henry James in Washington Square. Taking a gentle swipe at his plus-sized protagonist, Catherine Sloper, James proclaims that she was “something of a glutton... [She never] stole raisins out of the pantry, but she devoted her pocket money to the purchase of cream cakes”. It’s something I fully identify with: in my teens I too spent much of my pocket money on chocolate éclairs, custard slices and cream-filled buns. As an adult, the habit has endured, although these days I’m more likely to bake an indulgent treat for myself. Recipes extracted from Flavour Heroes by Gurdeep Loyal (£27, Quadrille). Photographs: Patricia Niven. Recipes are sent by the publisher and not retested by us. Peanut butter pie with a cinnamon cereal crust recipe
Make the most of warmer evenings with a hands-off seasonal dessert that’s ideal for gatherings and barbecues
Try Edd Kimber's amaretto roasted peaches, then discover griddled peaches with amaretto cream, Persian peach mess with brown sugar almonds or coconut, cayenne and peach ice lollies. Amaretto roasted peaches recipe
Sweet traybakes (also known as sheet cakes) are speedy, easy and fun to make. From gooey brownies to moist cakes and buttery shortbread and plenty more
Our best sweet traybake recipes are quick, easy and fun to make. Spend an afternoon baking one of our easy traybake ideas. From classic chocolate brownies to a twist on the blondie, cakes making the most of seasonal fruits, flapjacks baked in a tray, to an indulgent salted caramel tray bake recipe, we have plenty of ideas to try. If you prefer something savoury, explore our collection of savoury traybake dinner recipes for simple midweek meals and crowd-pleasing options with minimal washing up. Add your traybake to a tea time spread – we’ve got plenty of afternoon tea recipes to complete your feast. For keen bakers, check out our best stand mixers to buy. If you’re looking for more sweet inspiration, explore our collection of Halloween recipes for spooky treats, or browse our best cake recipes and easy baking recipes for more delicious ideas. Sweet traybake recipes Black forest traybake brownies Black forest brownies combine two of our favourite sweet treats. This brownie/black forest gâteau mash-up is boozy, cherry-studded, chocolatey heaven. Add a big dollop of kirsch spiked cream if you can handle it. Pistachio and blood orange cake Make the most of mildly sweet, buttery pistachios with this citrussy bake drenched in a blood orange syrup. Caramelised apple and brown butter cheesecake bars This recipe for caramelised apple and brown butter cheesecake bars offers a fresh way to enjoy autumnal spiced flavours, blending the comforting taste of apple crumble with a rich cheesecake layer. Carrot cake traybake This cream cheese-frosted traybake is a showstopper for any Easter gathering, effortlessly feeding a crowd. With carrots in abundance, thanks to their early spring planting and late spring harvest, it’s the perfect time to showcase their sweetness in this indulgent, seasonal treat. Classic Millionaire's shortbread This is the perfect trio of buttery shortbread, gooey caramel and thick, sweet chocolate. It's easier than you think to make your own millionaire's shortbread and it always looks impressive. Rhubarb and ginger traybake Bake our easy ginger traybake recipe with moreish Bonne Maman rhubarb compote, perfect with your afternoon cuppa. Sugar-free banana bread We've used silken tofu in place of eggs in this vegan banana berry traybake, which uses natural, unrefined sugars - wonderful served with dairy-free yogurt for a sweet breakfast or brunch. Black cherry and coconut bakewell slices Check out our take on classic bakewell tart with juicy cherries and crunchy desiccated coconut. Vegan lemon sheet cake Use olive oil in place of butter and chia seeds instead of eggs in this beautiful grown-up take on a classic lemon cake. It makes for a much lighter (and vegan) bake. Espresso martini cheesecake Check out this traybake twist on everyone’s favourite dessert, flavoured with espresso for a kick. Chocolate and peanut butter sheet cake This rich, fudgy cake serves up to eight and is effortlessly portioned out, making it ideal for picnics, bake sales and beyond. For a smooth, easy-to-mix icing, opt for a runnier peanut butter that blends seamlessly. Raspberry custard tray cake Check out this easy traybake recipe with sweet and juicy raspberries and creamy custard, a perfect teatime treat. Eton mess traybake A simple yet classic sponge cake topped with all the best bits of a traditional British dessert - perfect for a summery traybake. Love Eton mess? Discover our epic Eton mess cheesecake recipe too. Strawberry and pistachio sheet cake A lovely summer pistachio cake with strawberry icing that’s worth the extra effort. When strawberries smell good, they should be at optimum ripeness and have flavour – perfect for this cake. Lemon and blueberry traybake bars These simple lemon and blueberry bars are seriously moorish, gooey on the inside and crunchy on the out, the ideal summertime picnic treat. Nectarine, coconut and lime tray-tart This nectarine, coconut and lime tray-tart is easy to make, vegetarian and gluten-free. Served with a scoop of coconut ice cream, it makes a great pud. PBJ blondies Buttery, nutty and incredibly moreish, these next-level blondies will be a hit with the whole family. Malted milk chocolate traybake Love chocolate-covered malted milk biscuits? This cake nails that nostalgic flavour with a mix of Horlicks and crushed Maltesers. It’s a fun Easter bake – but just as good with a cuppa any time of year. School cake Decorate this vanilla sponge traybake with icing and sprinkles for an easy and satisfying teatime treat. Tottenham cake This easy traybake combines a light sponge recipe with raspberry icing, making it a very pretty addition to any gathering. Fruity oaty flapjacks Hurrah for flapjacks, that one-pan baked treat that anyone can master. Make yours a bit posh with our date, sultana and almond take on a classic recipe. Parkin Try this speedy, easy ginger-spiked traybake for a fun weekend baking project – it’s best served with a hot pot of tea. Terry’s Chocolate Orange brownies What could be better than scoffing a Terry's Chocolate Orange? Adding it to a brownie batter, of course! Try our deliciously decadent recipe today. Or check out our classic chocolate brownie recipe here. Spiced toffee apple and ginger cake The apple sauce makes this cake deliciously squidgy. Serve warm as a pudding with cream or ice cream, or just at room temperature with a hot drink. Ginger cake This aromatic ginger cake comes laced with two types of ginger and is made dark and sticky with treacle and brown sugar. Savour a square alongside a strong brew. Butterscotch and pretzel millionaire shortbread Try our easy millionaire shortbread traybake with butterscotch and pretzel. The butterscotch gives this classic childhood favourite a real grown-up taste. Coffee sheet cake with cappuccino buttercream Try our super easy coffee slab cake, this recipe is nut-free and comes with a creamy cappuccino buttercream. Our simple yet moreish cake is perfect for parties, birthdays or just family gatherings. Get more coffee baking ideas here... Salted caramel and pear blondies Check out these moreish blondies with salted caramel and pears. Whip this traybake up in under an hour for an easy treat to serve friends or family. Marmalade and almond shortbread traybake Check out our shortbread recipe with flaked and ground almonds, packed with shredless marmalade. This easy traybake is ready in under an hour. Vegan brownies Bake a batch of our decadent chocolate brownies for an indulgent vegan traybake. Our unique recipe is super chocolaty so vegan and non-vegan friends and family will all love it! Baileys pecan blondies Take your blondies up a notch and top with a white chocolate Baileys ganache to give them a boozy, festive boost. Classic chocolate brownies A classic, gooey chocolate brownie recipe that can be ramped up with added ingredients (we’ve included three suggestions here). Here are our other best brownies recipes to try. Custard cream blondies Ever thought of adding custard creams to your blondie mixture? It's genius! Use your favourite biscuits, spreads and chocolate bars to make our fun baking recipes. Coconut and pink grapefruit slices Check out our pretty coconut slices with tangy pink grapefruit. We have plenty more sweet coconut recipes to try here... Salted caramel shortbread Sweet and salty flavours are an ongoing trend and this shortbread traybake recipe is the perfect way to blend these flavours. It's quick and easy baking and will please a crowd. Sticky toffee traybake squares The best traybake with a double layer of caramel heaven. Use dulce de leche if you have it for this easy teatime treat. Bake it with one layer of rich caramel, then use it to ice the cake to finish. Everyone will love this. Honey nut cornflake and caramel bars Just pour a glass of milk and call this breakfast – we won’t tell. These honey nut cornflake and caramel bars are easy to make but look impressive. Caramel almond sheet cake slice Caramel and almonds work really well together in this classic traybake. Serve warm as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of melted chocolate, or cool and eat as a teatime treat. Texas sheet cake Sheet cake is a standard baking treat in Texas, and we're getting involved with our version of the chocolatey traybake. This recipe also makes a great base for a children's birthday cake, we have plenty more birthday cake ideas here. Raspberry and pistachio linzer tart Our delicious raspberry and pistachio linzer tart traybake takes a while but it is well worth the effort. It looks fantastic and is a perfect jammy treat. Toffee apple sheet cake This recipe is easy to make and perfect for entertaining friends and family. Drizzle extra toffee or caramel sauce for a more indulgent tea time treat. No-bake breakfast bars A healthy on-the-go breakfast or anytime snack, these nut and oat breakfast bars are packed with goodness and provide a real energy boost. More low calorie breakfast ideas right here. Jammy simnel flapjacks with scorched marzipan These flapjacks are packed with cherries, mixed spice and almonds and are easy to make. Try this traybake recipe for an indulgent teatime treat. Caramel and banana blondies Blondies are the white chocolate version of brownies. This easy traybake is also packed with banana and rich caramel. Serve at teatime or warm with a scoop of ice-cream for pudding. Flapjacks Flapjacks are a great easy traybake. These oaty bars are sticky with golden syrup and brown sugar. Serve them up with a cup of tea or pack into lunch boxes for an energy hit. Baked blueberry cheesecake Check out this indulgent creamy baked blueberry cheesecake. This easy recipe is super simple to make, and is a real crowd pleaser. Raspberry and white chocolate blondies Cooking the butter until nutty and golden gives these blondies the edge before they’ve even made it to the oven. Scatter in blackberries instead of raspberries as the seasons change. Raspberry and lemon flapjacks Flapjacks make the best after-school or mid-afternoon treat. With a delicious layer of raspberries these oat bars are sure to be a hit with friends and family. Crème Egg brownie cake Chocolate cake + Cadbury's Creme Eggs = HEAVEN. Whip up our chocolate traybake for a special Easter treat, or make it any time of the year (we certainly do)! Salted peanut and honeycomb rocky road Our salted peanut and honeycomb rocky road squares are a great twist on a classic and will please everyone. Plus, they're really easy and only take 15 minutes of work. Chocolate, orange and almond shortbread Our indulgent shortbread studded with almonds, chocolate and candied orange peel is the perfect accompaniment to that cuppa.
Fancy afternoon tea in London? We’ve eaten a lot of scones and finger sandwiches to find London’s very best spots, including the Ritz, Fortnum & Mason and Claridge's
Welcome to our collection of the best afternoon teas in London, updated quarterly to make sure you get the best afternoon tea of the moment. This round-up includes reviews of classic high teas at luxury London destinations such as Claridge's, The Ritz, Fortnum & Mason and Harrods; as well as quirkier afternoon teas at The Shard, Sketch and Rosewood London. For more, check out our guide to the best afternoon teas outside of London and then discover the best dining experiences in London. What are the origins of afternoon tea? Afternoon tea (here are our favourite afternoon tea recipes) was apparently introduced to Britain in the 1840s by Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, who complained of hunger during the late afternoon... something we can relate to! What's the difference between afternoon tea and high tea? And in case you didn't know, there is a difference between afternoon tea and 'high tea' the former is taken in the late afternoon (between lunch and dinner) and involves cakes, scones, cream and sandwiches; while high tea is a substantial evening meal, usually entirely savoury. A traditional afternoon tea is often called 'high tea' in other parts of the world though, which probably explains the confusion. Best afternoon teas in London at a glance Best traditional afternoon teas Best traditional tea for tea and shopping: Fortnum & Mason The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon, from £82pp Best traditional afternoon tea: Claridge’s, from £95pp Best afternoon tea for art lovers: Mirror Room, Rosewood London, from £80pp Best afternoon tea for tea lovers: for The Athenaeum, Piccadilly London, from £70pp Best vegan afternoon tea: Coda restaurant at Royal Albert Hall, from £57pp Best for historical surroundings: Raffles London at the OWO, from £82pp Best for understated luxury: The Stafford, from £70pp Best American-inspired afternoon tea: Gatsby's Room, The Beaumont, from £75pp Best afternoon tea for bohemian glamour: Petersham Nurseries, from £60pp Best afternoon tea for theatre lovers: Theatre Royal Lily Vanilli afternoon tea, from £59pp Best for luxury menu options: Corinthia Hotel, from £75pp Best kept secret: The Parlour at Great Scotland Yard Hotel, from £55pp Best afternoon tea near Buckingham Palace: The Goring, from £75pp Best iconic afternoon tea: The Ritz, from £79pp Best value iconic afternoon tea: The Wolseley, from £46.50pp Best Asian-inspired afternoon tea: The Rosebery Lounge at Mandarin Oriental, from £89pp Best afternoon tea for pretty surroundings: The Landmark London, from £75pp Best for rare teas: NoMad London, from £65pp Best for French patisserie: The Cadogan, from £80pp Best contemporary afternoon teas Best quirky afternoon tea: Sketch, from £80pp Best afternoon tea for scenic views: Aqua Shard, from £70 Best for modern design: JOIA in art'otel, from £55pp Best for a wellness-inspired tea: The Mandrake, from £65pp Best for alternative diets: The Coral Room, from £48pp Best for Parisian charm: Pavyllon London, Four Seasons Park Lane, from £85pp Best afternoon tea for dessert enthusiasts: Cake & Bubbles, from £50pp Best al fresco afternoon tea: Number Sixteen, from £45pp Best afternoon tea with a view: TING at Shangri-La Hotel, from £78pp Best afternoon tea for kids: The Ampersand Hotel, from £59.50pp Best contemporary riverside afternoon tea: OXO Tower, from £50pp Best savoury afternoon tea: Cinnamon Bazaar, from £27.50 Best traditional afternoon teas in London Fortnum & Mason, The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon, London W1 Book now at Fortnum & Mason The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon, from £82pp, Virgin Experience Days, £140 for 2 Best traditional tea for tea and shopping Head to Fortnum & Mason for a traditional London afternoon tea, taken in an elegant salon opened by HM The Queen to mark her Diamond Jubilee. Fortnum's pitch-perfect finger sandwiches – with not a curling corner in sight – are filled with the usual suspects, only far more luxurious: Suffolk cured ham with piccalilli, and rare bread hen egg with cress. Thick slices of soft smoked salmon, available in Fortnum’s food hall downstairs, are also excellent. Plain and fruit scones come warm, fluffy and served with whole pots of spread – the best of which was a velvety lemon curd (available to buy in the food hall) – and even more clotted cream. Individual patisseries change with the seasons, with standouts including a subtly floral rose éclair, a modern take on Eton mess and lighter-than-air meringue topped with fresh berries. These are followed by more sweet treats chosen from the cake carriage (this time serious cakes, such as battenberg and matcha layer cake). Fortnum's tea varieties include the famous smoky Earl Grey (the original blend to be sold at Fortnum’s and The Queen’s personal favourite); a sweet and floral New Zealand oolong; and an unusual sparkling tea. For champagne, highlights include a light Brut rosé, Fortnum’s Brut Sparkling from Cornwall and a perfectly smooth Blanc de Blancs. Available from: Fortnum & Mason, Virgin Experience Days Price: £82 for afternoon tea with a pot of Fortnum’s Tea; £84 for savoury afternoon tea with a pot of Fortnum’s tea; £86 for high tea with a pot of Fortnum’s tea. Address: Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly, London, W1A 1ER Claridge's, London W1 Book now at Claridge’s, from £95pp Best traditional afternoon tea Afternoon tea has been a ritual here for almost 150 years and this luxurious redoubt for the rich and royal (no flip-flops, no intrusive photography), has turned it into an art form. In the stunning art deco lobby, guests are treated to a parade of perfectly rectilinear finger sandwiches, warm scones and beautiful, tweezer-precise cakes, delivered to linen-clad tables by staff who operate as smoothly as a Swiss timepiece. Every detail is exquisite. Corn-fed chicken on rye comes with truffled mayonnaise. Chocolate choux are made with fine Valrhona chocolate. Claridge’s even stresses the heritage of the cucumbers (English, organic) which, dressed with chamomile-infused buttermilk, go into its version of that summer classic: cucumber sandwiches. Rare Tea Company expert Henrietta Lovell curates Claridge’s menu of loose-leaf infusions. Available from: Claridge's Price: Traditional afternoon tea £95pp, champagne afternoon tea from £110pp Address: Brook Street, Mayfair, London, W1K 4HR Mirror Room, Rosewood London, London Book now at Rosewood London, from £80pp Best afternoon tea for art lovers The Rosewood London is renowned for its theatrical and refined portrayal of the city's best artworks in the form of an exquisite afternoon tea. The inspiration changes regularly, so guests can discover different artists on repeat visits. When we visited, the tea was Hokusai inspired, capturing elements of the artist's most notable works, showcasing beautiful and precise designs through vibrant yet delicate flavours. The essentials are all still there – sandwiches, scones and patisserie, served in the grand Mirror Room – but it is interspersed with curated décor inspired by traditional Japanese aesthetics. Glossy, neat mini scones (plain and raisin) are served warm and were some of the best we’ve tried – beautifully soft and light. Alongside jam and cream, they come with a stand-out homemade lemon curd which is smooth, buttery and rich. The final rounds of patisserie resemble mini works of art and are incredibly intricate, with complex layers of mousse, sponge and jelly depicting Hokusai’s art in vivid colours and detail. The colourful illustrated menu outlines the inspiration behind each creation. There are a range of drinks to accompany, from champagne to a fruity cocktail and an extensive selection of Mariage Frères teas. Service is speedy and friendly, guiding you through each element with confidence. Available from: Rosewood London Price: Art afternoon tea £80pp Address: 252 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EN The Athenaeum, Piccadilly London Book now at The Athenaeum, from £70pp Best afternoon tea for tea lovers The Athenaeum sits in the heart of Piccadilly, overlooking the horse chestnut trees of Green Park. Step inside for a truly luxurious experience, where the staff treat you like an old friend, and a bottle of champagne is never too far out of reach. As well as the choice of classic teas, you can curate your own thanks to the tea trolley, where you're guided through different leaves and aromatics to make your own unique blend. The selection of sandwiches includes delicate and creamy Singaporean kaya eggs on sourdough, inspired by executive chef's favourite breakfast. The handmade cakes and pastries are served on a specially designed stand that looks like a tree, with individual leaves holding each cake. When we visited, a matcha cake encircling a sharp yuzu curd was a standout. There’s also a savoury afternoon tea, which is a great option for those who want to enjoy this English ritual but don't have a sweet tooth. Available from: The Athenaeum Price: Afternoon tea £70pp Address: 116 Piccadilly, London W1J 7BJ Coda restaurant, Royal Albert Hall Book now at Royal Albert Hall, from £57pp Acclaimed chef Éric Chavot brings his love of French cuisine to the Royal Albert Hall’s Coda restaurant. Although the menu may be inspired by traditional cooking, the vegan afternoon tea breaks from the conventional mould with vegan feta, whipped vegan cream, plant-based passion fruit curd and many more inventive dairy- and egg-free treats to delight its guests. From within the opulent yet unstuffy surroundings with sparkling glass chandeliers, statuesque orchids and monochrome Royal Albert Hall crockery, guests can enjoy freshly prepared sandwiches with the likes of grilled aubergine, baba ganoush, sumac onions, rocket and piquillo pepper, alongside carrot hummus, grilled courgette, spinach and tapenade. The loose tea offering features the classics of darjeeling, assam, earl grey and green varieties, as well as chamomile and peppermint, to enjoy alongside the plain and sultana scones with jam and plant-based cream. The selection of bite-sized seasonal vegan afternoon tea cakes included a rich chocolate and berry mousse, as well as an outstanding mini torched meringue pie filled with a tangy passion fruit curd. Before you leave, choose a slice to take home in a Royal Albert Hall gift box. Available from: Royal Albert Hall Price: Afternoon tea £57pp Address: Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, London, SW7 2AP Raffles London at the OWO Book now at Raffles, from £82pp Best for historical surroundings The conversion of the Grade II-listed Old War Office into a luxurious hotel has led to a plethora of new restaurants to discover, and our top pick is The Drawing Room, where afternoon tea is served. Deep leather sofas, panelled walls and a live pianist on a grand piano create a real sense of atmosphere. A quintessentially British setting, the tea overlooks Whitehall and Horse Guards Parade for a sense of classic London people-watching. The afternoon tea menu changes seasonally. As well as a selection of classic sandwiches (think coronation chicken, egg mayo and cucumber), the tea kicks off with a delicate heritage carrot tart for an amuse-bouche. On our spring visit, patisserie highlights included a delicate elderflower and cucumber pavlova and a mini rhubarb tart filled with creamy rice pudding. Warm scones are served with classic clotted cream and strawberry jam. There's an array of teas from around the world to choose from to pair with your delicacies: we tried a memorable apricot tea that was immensely fragrant and fruity. All teas are served with a tea timer to make sure your pot brews perfectly to your desired strength. Service is exceptional: knowledgeable, attentive and super friendly. It's also possible to pair your tea with a one hour tour of the hotel, to discover more about the historic surroundings. Available from: Raffles at the OWO Price: Afternoon tea from £82pp Address: Raffles London at The OWO, Whitehall, London SW1A 2BX The Stafford Book now at The Stafford, from £70 pp Best for understated luxury The Stafford is our new favourite hidden gem for a luxury London afternoon tea. It offers the memorable five-star hotel experience, with faultless service and immaculate food throughout. The recently relaunched tea menu, with recipes created by Lisa Goodwin-Allen and head pastry chef Magdalena Velczenbach, offers a classic experience with gentle twists along the way. Enjoy champagne served from a grand champagne trolley, and take waiter recommendations from the broad tea menu (an apricot fusion was our personal highlight). Classic sandwiches and warm fluffy scones follow, along with a mini cheese scone served with sour cream and chives. The memorable moment falls when the elaborate cake trolley is wheeled to your table and you can choose five ornate patisserie. Learn the history behind the 'white mouse' dessert and enjoy a fresh raspberry macaron or rich coffee choux bun. Anything you can't finish can be boxed up to take home, too. Available from: The Stafford Price: Afternoon tea from £70pp Address: The Stafford, 16-18 St James's Place, London SW1 1NJ Gatsby's Room, The Beaumont, London W1 Book now at Gatsby's Room, The Beaumont, from £80pp Best American-inspired afternoon tea Enjoy a transatlantic afternoon tea in the luxurious Gatsby's Room at The Beaumont hotel. The atmosphere is relaxed and intimate, with stunning art deco decor and live piano music. Located in the heart of Mayfair, it's a great escape from the hustle and bustle of central London. The menu consists of traditional afternoon tea classics with a subtle American twist. Tuck into coronation chicken, oak-smoked lox, devilled egg mayonnaise and salt beef. Choose from fluffy raisin or plain scones, and finish with delicate desserts – think salt water taffy, yuzu cream pie and vanilla pudding. Vegan alternatives and a children's afternoon tea are also available. The immaculate setting, friendly service and incredible food make The Beaumont a fantastic option for afternoon tea. Available from: The Beaumont Price: Traditional afternoon tea £80pp, champagne afternoon tea from £90pp, children's afternoon tea £40 Address: 8 Balderton St, Brown Hart Gardens, London W1K 6TF Petersham Nurseries, Richmond Book now at Petersham Nurseries, from £60pp Best afternoon tea for bohemian glamour Petersham Nurseries is an eclectic mix of sculptures, vintage furniture, artfully decorated greenhouses and beautiful displays of plants and flowers. It’s quintessentially British with a hint of eccentricity which makes you feel slightly like you've stepped through the looking glass into a magical garden. Adding to the bohemian glamour is the imaginative and beautifully presented afternoon tea, which is served from a handblown cake stand adorned with a bunch of seasonal flowers. The seasonally changing menu makes the most of locally sourced ingredients. We enjoyed a still-warm savoury vegetable muffin, beef and horseradish sandwiches on ciabatta and fruity Eton mess choux buns. And of course there was a basket of fresh scones with cream and seasonal jam. Wash it down with a glass of rose petal prosecco for the ultimate treat. Browse the shop on your way out for trinkets, glasses and chic gardening wear. Available from: Petersham Nurseries Price: Garden afternoon tea £60pp, with prosecco £70pp. Address: Church Lane, Richmond, Surrey, TW10 7AB Theatre Royal Lily Vanilli afternoon tea Book now at Theatre Royal Lily Vanilli afternoon tea, from £59pp Best afternoon tea for theatre lovers With its sophisticated millennial pink and green marble-lined room with shining chandeliers, the Grand Saloon shares the grandeur of the Theatre Royal Drury Lane that it’s located in. As you enter, the glamorous Regency era scene is set by a speaker playing a string quartet versions of popular songs. This style is replicated throughout the afternoon tea with cakes changing seasonally from ‘queen of cakes’ Lily Vanilli. From miniature fluffy canelés with pickled beetroot to smoky lapsang souchong glazed salmon on madeleines, the tea's inventive savoury options, steering away from the traditional sandwiches, takes it to the next level. A surprisingly quirky standout was the final dish, an absinthe mint chocolate chip ice cream which was inspired by the Regency era’s trend of exotic ices. Adding a touch of theatre, this was served on an opulent wooden ice cream trolley. The subtle aniseed flavour of the absinthe complemented the creamy mint ice cream. This is an afternoon tea full of sophistication and luxury. Available from: Theatre Royal Drury Lane Price: £59 for adults and £20 for children. Address: Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, Catherine Street, WC2B 5JF The Crystal Moon Lounge, Corinthia Hotel, London SW1 Book now at The Corinthia Hotel, from £75pp Best for luxury menu options Afternoon tea at The Corinthia is set in the glamorous Crystal Moon Lounge dominated by a striking Baccarat crystal chandelier, underneath an array of fresh flowers. Traditional afternoon tea (£65 pp) comes with a choice of house blend teas served in three different strengths, including No 1 Aromatic, a delicate combination of flowery earl grey and soothing oolong; and No 3 Robust, a full-strength blend of assam, oolong and earl grey (stronger smoky notes with light tones of honey). Add a glass of refreshing Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée Brut champagne for an extra £10. Or go all out with the Laurent-Perrier rosé champagne afternoon tea at £85 pp, both served in Baccarat flutes. For ultimate luxury, there is even a caviar afternoon tea option. A gold board showcases modern takes on classic British finger sandwiches – fine slithers of cucumber, light egg mayonnaise with mustard, smoked salmon with subtle hints of lemon curd, and salt beef with creamy horseradish on soft sundried tomato bread. Light, fluffy scones with honeyed glaze tops are kept warm in a small wooden presentation box. Accompaniments include classic strawberry jam, moreish rhubarb and Tonka bean jam and thick clotted cream. Patisserie change with the seasons: we had dainty canelés kick off the sweet round (they were slightly overdone but packed a good kick of rum), followed by exotic passion fruit choux buns encased in a craquelin shell, a boozy trifle with crunchy apple and calvados chantilly cream, and a delicate dark chocolate brownie topped with a chocolate crémeux. Available from: The Corinthia Price: Traditional afternoon tea £75 pp, champagne afternoon tea from £85 pp Address: Whitehall Place, Westminster, London SW1A 2BD The Parlour at Great Scotland Yard Hotel Book now at Great Scotland Yard Hotel, from £55pp Best kept secret British elegance and exciting patisserie in an afternoon tea designed in collaboration with royal perfumier Floris. The Parlour Room is sophisticated yet modern, with printed wallpaper and checked flooring. The waiting staff were knowledgeable, discussing each tea and recommending pairings for each course – we tried a classic earl grey that was floral and citrussy. The afternoon tea starts with an assortment of savouries, which were classics with a twist, using tarragon in the chicken mayonnaise, and pairing cheddar cheese with Guinness in gougères. We liked that the perfectly shaped scones arrived warm and with plenty of clotted cream and jam for all of them. Diving into the star of the show, five intricate pastries are meticulously layered and decorated. The fruity, fragrant strawberry and jasmine tartlet was the highlight, closely followed by a zingy blackcurrant and frangipane gateaux. Available from: Great Scotland Yard Hotel Price: £55pp, champagne afternoon tea £65pp Address: 3-5, Great Scotland Yard, London SW1A 2HN The Goring, London SW1 Book now at The Goring, from £60pp Best afternoon tea near Buckingham Palace Traditional afternoon tea comes with a choice of Jing teas including the strong, slightly smoky Goring blend, and a floral oolong tea. Add a glass of refreshing Bollinger for an extra £10. A vibrant pea purée amuse bouche topped with crème fraiche and a cube of smoked salmon started the afternoon tea, followed by salty shredded chicken with fresh tomatoes on fluffy white bread and fresh salmon with crisp slithers of cucumber. Warm with a soft middle and golden on top, the scones came with syrupy strawberry jam and thick clotted cream. For the sweet round, a soft choux bun encased in a craquelin shell was filled with whipped strawberry cream on a thick crunchy biscuit base, a dense lemon and poppy seed cake was topped with a dollop of zingy lemon curd and piped torched meringue; mini pistachio and raspberry loaf was moist and nutty; a sticky lemon macaroon with sweet tangy cream was incredibly moreish; and a silky dark chocolate tart with hibiscus had a crunchy bottom. Available from: The Goring Price: Traditional afternoon tea £75pp, champagne afternoon tea from £85pp Address: 15 Beeston Place, London, SW1W OJW The Ritz, Palm Court, London W1 Book now at The Ritz, from £79pp Best iconic afternoon tea The Ritz is as iconic as the Queen, and this institutional British hotel keeps up tradition by serving 350 afternoon teas every day. It's only fitting that afternoon tea at The Ritz is a lavish affair; the formal dress code requires men to wear shirt and tie, doors are opened for you by folk in top hats, and the resident pianist, Ian Gomes, who flutters away most days during afternoon tea service, used to play with Frank Sinatra. Afternoon tea at The Ritz is taken in the Palm Court, an area raised up from the rest of the hotel’s lobby like a marble-floored stage. The Louis XVI-style set is beautifully ornate, with pristine white tablecloths laid out beneath intricate chandeliers, giant palms and gold-gilt mirrors. Choose from the 18-strong tea menu that has been curated and exclusively blended by The Ritz’s tea sommelier, Giandomenico Scanu. There are black tea blends, fermented Oolongs, herbal fruit teas and even The Ritz’s own Chai. We tried The Ritz Royal English, a classic black tea blend, combining aromatic Ceylon orange pekoe and rich Assam. Available from: The Ritz Price: Traditional afternoon tea £76pp Address: 150 Piccadilly, London, W1J 9BR Click here to read our full review of afternoon tea at The Ritz The Wolseley, London W1 Book now at The Wolseley, from £44.50 Best value iconic afternoon tea The classic room at The Wolseley has become an institution over the years – choose a simple cream tea (scones and tea), the classic afternoon tea, or go all out and order the champagne afternoon tea, complete with a glass of Pommery Brut Royal NV. Neatly cut finger sandwiches are made with various breads – succulent beef and horseradish on white, as well as cucumber (which was a little bland), smoked salmon on squishy brown bread, and Branston pickle on tomato bread. The coronation chicken sandwich was exemplary, with a lightly spiced curry mayo and plump sultanas. Scones were pleasant and fluffy, but came on the stand with the rest of the sandwiches and cakes – by the time we got to them, they were a little less fresh than desired. Simple strawberry jam and clotted cream came in generous portions. A silky lemon meringue tart was finished with a shiny blow-torched meringue dome; well-spiced Dundee cake came packed with juicy fruit; and the sherry trifle included a fragrant vanilla set custard, topped with a tart, shiny sherry jelly. If you’re still peckish, the smartly dressed staff bring round trays of the tart of the day, on our visit, a large blue cheese and caramelised onion one, with a dark crunchy crust. Available from: The Wolseley Price: Cream tea £19.50, classic afternoon tea from £44.50pp, champagne afternoon tea £58pp Address: 160 Piccadilly, St James's London, W1J 9EB The Rosebery Lounge at Mandarin Oriental, London SW1 Book now at Mandarin Oriental, from £89pp Best Asian-inspired afternoon tea Afternoon tea at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park is taken in The Rosebery Lounge, a grand yet unstuffy dining room with high ceilings and a small, stylish bar offering a selection of wines and spirits, including Chêne Bleu Domaine De la Verrière rosé, Goose Island IPA and Hendrick’s gin. Speckled antique mirrors and contemporary abstract art line the walls, and individual metal coat stands (tree-like) are brought to intimate, low, dark-wood tables. Elegant chandeliers and large windows facing onto Knightsbridge high street make the lounge bright, and a rose and ginger scent infuses throughout the room. We were greeted by a friendly and informative waiter who explained the options available: beer afternoon tea, teamaster’s choice, sake (read our guide to sake here) afternoon tea, mini afternoon tea (for children under 12) or traditional champagne afternoon tea. We opted for the latter, which came with R de Ruinart rosé champagne and R de Ruinart white champagne, both smooth, chilled and crisp, the rosé leaving slight floral notes after each sip. Available from: The Rosebery Lounge Price: Traditional afternoon tea £85pp, extra supplement for champagne, beer or sake pairings Address: 66 Knightsbridge Green, London, SW1X 7LA The Landmark London, NW1 Book now at The Landmark from £75pp Best afternoon tea for pretty surroundings Towering palm trees, giant orchids and an elaborate glass roof – you may mistake the Winter Garden atrium at The Landmark London for a luxury hotel in Dubai. But comfortable armchairs, soft lighting and crisp white tablecloths brings a bit of British to the table, and helps provide the perfect setting for an afternoon tea. The Landmark London has a variety of special blend teas – the Landmark Blend has a subtle sweet hint of Bourbon vanilla, while the Winter Garden Blend is a more traditional and aromatic afternoon tea blend (we highly recommend both). Finger sandwiches were traditional, but the bread was fresh and scattered with mixed grains. Free-range corn fed chicken was given a subtle twist with tarragon crème fraîche and the thick-cut Lapsang Souchong smoked salmon was soft and delicate. The two varieties of scones were not as large and fluffy as we hoped they would be, but the delicate jam saved the day. Available from: The Landmark London Price: High Palms Afternoon Tea £70pp Address: 222 Marylebone Road, London, NW1 6JQ NoMad London, WC2 Book now at The Nomad, from £65pp Best for rare teas Indulge in a delightful afternoon at NoMad, where the tranquil, light-filled orangery, nestled within the historic Grade II-listed old police station, offers a serene escape from busy Covent Garden. Embark on a culinary journey with a three-course tea menu. You choose from an array of teas curated by London's esteemed Rare Tea Company, ranging from exotic global blends like jasmine silver tip and genmaicha to timeless classics such as earl grey or English breakfast. For those seeking an extra touch of indulgence, the bar team presents six innovative cocktails for an added £18, perfect for a spirited afternoon lift. The first course is savoury sandwiches, ranging from the classic egg salad elevated with black truffle and chive, to pastrami, daikon and mustard – paying homage to NoMad's New York roots. For an enhanced experience, consider adding Imperial Osciеtra caviar served with griddled potato bread and bonito cream for an extra £23. The sweet delights are crafted by pastry chef Martha Hernandez, whose artistic flair shines in creations like the sacher-torte, tropical cheesecake and the cassis and shisho tart, marrying zesty fruit with buttery, crumbly pastry. Unable to finish? Leftovers can be boxed up for you to enjoy later, too. Available from: NoMad London Price: Classic afternoon tea £65pp Address: 28 Bow St, London WC2E 7AW The Cadogan Book now at The Cadogan, from £80pp Best for French patisserie As soon as you step off Sloane Street into The Cadogan you’re met with the quiet of luxury. The Cadogan Lounge has, at its centre, an ornamental tree decorated with seasonal flowers which provides a beautiful backdrop for this tea time experience. The afternoon tea, created by chef Benoît Blin, marries the technique and intricacy of French patisserie with the tradition of an English afternoon tea, and the result is as elegant as it is delicious. Once we’d chosen our tea from the 12 on offer, the first course of savouries arrived, which included an egg mayonnaise sandwich with black summer truffle, which we haven’t been able to stop thinking about since. Then the homemade scones, still warm, alongside strawberry jam and clotted cream, which is served with a selection of sweets, including a Wimbledon-inspired parfait of strawberries and shortbread on our summer visit. The best is saved for last though as the cake trolley is wheeled to your table, if you still have room of course. We chose the ultra lemon cake which had a refreshing hit of citrus curd running through its centre. Available from: The Cadogan Price: Traditional afternoon tea £70pp Address: 75 Sloane St, Chelsea, London SW1X 9SG Best modern afternoon teas in London Sketch, London W1 Book now at Sketch, from £85pp Best quirky afternoon tea Aside from the other-worldly surroundings, the highlight of afternoon tea at Sketch has to be the tea itself. Waitresses scoot golden tea trollies around the room, each one stacked with glass jars of aromatic loose leaf teas – there are at least 40 to pick from, including whole rosebud, matcha, white peony and Taiwan red jade. Feel free to sniff before you choose, and refills are complimentary. Expect fun surprises, changing themes and plenty of little extras along the way during a Sketch afternoon tea. The volume of food is generous with sandwiches, six different patisserie, scones, cake from the trolley and more to enjoy. Available from: Sketch Price: Classic afternoon tea £80pp Address: 9 Conduit Street, London, W1S 2XG Peter Pan afternoon tea, Aqua Shard Book now at Aqua Shard from £70 Aqua shard offers magical views over London which feel particularly apt for this Peter Pan themed tea. There's plenty of attention to detail and magical touches which have gone into making this a memorable experience, for starters the afternoon tea arrives on a custom crafted ship in an impressive cloud of dry ice. The perfectly cut sandwiches are light, soft and fluffy, with flavoursome fillings of smoked salmon, cream cheese and cod roe, along with the standout truffle egg mayo, all courses are replenished on request and the service is seamless. After the savoury course you can expect freshly baked scones served with homemade preserves and jam and plenty of clotted cream. Leave room though, as the highlight of the afternoon tea is the desserts and pastries, the ‘Peter’s secret never tree entrance’ is a standout – a soft chocolate sponge with chocolate mousse, ganache and sour cherry is melt in the mouth. A miniature chest hiding a selection of sweet treats and a shortbread Tinkerbell covered in edible gold dust our bound to bring out your inner child, and there's plenty of pastries and cakes to choose from. In winter it's worth booking a late-afternoon slot so you can watch the city light up from the comfort of your seat before you return home. Available from: Aqua Shard Price: £70 Address: 31 St Thomas St, London, SE1 9RY JOIA in art'otel, Battersea Book now at JOIA, from £55pp Best for modern design Battersea Power Station has garnered a reputation for a certain level of luxury and neighbouring Art’otel is no different. It’s beautifully designed by Spanish artist Jaime Hayon, with a mixture of sculptures, paintings and photography that lean into colourful surrealism. The JOIA bar and restaurant is on the 14th and 15th floors, with views spanning over the power station and across the river. The restaurant feels bright and elegant, bolstered by knowing there’s a rooftop pool and bar just one floor up if you want to extend your visit. Its décor is art deco inspired with lots of gold accents and plush pink velvet chairs. Service is friendly and attentive, helping it to feel like a high-end experience without any stuffiness. The afternoon tea menu features a selection of 12 teas from classics like earl grey and darjeeling to lesser-seen options like Iron Buddha oolong and white peony tea. The food starts with tangy salted beef and horseradish; traditional egg mayo; and creamy dill, smoked salmon and soft cheese sandwiches (which are offered ‘unlimited’). Move on to warm plain scones with raspberry jam and cream, before the vibrantly decorated patisserie that evokes the hotel’s art-forward aesthetic. We tried a raspberry and cinnamon custard tart, a pear and almond choux bun and, the highlight, a rich chocolate and banana mousse cake bookended by tempered shards of melt-in-the-mouth chocolate. This would make an excellent option for a special occasion, with the option to add champagne, too. Price: £55pp with a pot of tea; £65pp with a glass of champagne and pot of tea. Available from: JOIA Price: From £55pp, champagne afternoon tea £65pp Address: art’otel London Battersea Power Station, 15th Floor. 1 Electric Boulevard, London SW11 8BJ The Mandrake, Fitzrovia, London, W1T Book now at The Mandrake, from £60pp Best for a wellness-inspired tea The Mandrake hotel is a quirkily luxurious haven just off London’s Oxford Street, so this wellness-inspired tea, with loose influences of ayurveda, makes for a welcome respite from the Saturday shopping carnage outside. The experience starts with a 45-minute sound healing session, including infrared light therapy and a gong bath. With cosy throws and pillows to make yourself comfortable, there are a few too many people in the room for this to be a truly relaxing experience. But we close our eyes and let the gongs reverberate through us, and there’s plenty of time to empty our minds. The tea itself is served downstairs in the Yopo restaurant. It’s themed around the seven chakras, with seven delicacies individually plated and served with a tea pairing. There are no cucumber sandwiches and mini victoria sponges here – instead we enjoy the likes of a yellowtail tostada with sweet potato and physalis, which is accompanied by a Saltoro black tea and mango blend. Each of the seven mini dishes are intricate and delicious, and tea connoisseurs will be in raptures over the unlimited brews, with everything from a ceremonial matcha via a white tea with peach to a green tea grown in Jersey. Make sure you take a wander round the hotel while you’re here – it’s as much of an adventure as the unusual tea. Available from: The Mandrake Price: From £60pp Address: 20-21 Newman St, London W1T 1PG Emily in Paris afternoon tea, Pavyllon London, Four Seasons Park Lane, London W1J Book now at Pavyllon, from £75pp Best for Parisian charm If you’re after a spot of Parisian charm among the hustle of central London, this is the afternoon tea for you. It nods to the hit TV show throughout (you are served a giant red beret made from white chocolate) but is still a classy affair. The savoury options are well seasoned and generous, with delicious finger sandwiches ranging from the classic smoked salmon and cream cheese to a chicken sandwich with a delicious tomato condiment. The sweet offerings are meticulously put together and supremely delicious. From an oolong tea crème brulêe tart, pistachio financiers, and mini chocolate and coffee eclairs, there’s something for everyone. It is very chic, with the Emily beret adding a touch of the show’s charming silliness. The room is spacious and glamorous, with lots of natural light. You’re encouraged to relax and enjoy yourself, which really makes the whole thing feel luxurious and special. Service is attentive and friendly but not overbearing, so you can relax and chat as you eat. Available from: Pavyllon Price: From £75pp, champagne afternoon tea £85pp Address: Hamilton Place, Park Lane, London W1J 7DR The Coral Room, Bloomsbury, London WC1B Book now at The Coral Room, from £48pp Best for alternative diets The Coral Room is an impressive venue for a special occasion – with high ceilings, a big open fire and a striking art deco style bar, it feels opulent but relaxed. With the opening of The Devil Wears Prada in the West End, it’s offering a themed afternoon tea so you can channel your inner Miranda Priestly. Runway Afternoon Tea starts with sandwiches including classic cucumber and crème fraîche, a punchy smoked salmon in a brioche roll, and Nates’ grilled cheese – a warm, melty treat that’s easily the best of the bunch. Buttermilk scones are served with clotted cream and a spiced pear jam that feels perfect for the colder months, with a little cinnamon madeleine to prepare for the cakes to come. On to the patisserie, a delightfully light layered hazelnut coffee opera cake references the “no foam skimmed latte with an extra shot” from the film. The Devil’s chocolate cake is rich, if a little on the dry side, but the ‘cerulean’ Greek yogurt mousse is light and fresh in among all the sweetness. The star, named ‘a single cube of cheese’, is a cube of rich, glossy vanilla cheesecake. Almost all the cakes and scones are gluten-free, with vegetarian and vegan options, so this is a great one to cater to alternative diets. There’s an ample selection of teas to choose from, including black, green and herbal, or you can amp up the luxury with sparkling wine or champagne. The specially created cocktail menu shines with the Runway Royale – tequila and vanilla liqueur topped up with champagne and a botanical aperitif, alongside zesty gin and berry-based vodka options. Available from: The Coral Room Price: Traditional afternoon tea £48pp, champagne afternoon tea £65pp, sparkling wine from £15, cocktails from £19. Address: 16-22 Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury, London, WC1B 3NN Cake & Bubbles by Albert Adria, Cafe Royal, London W1B Book now at Cakes and Bubbles, from £50pp Best afternoon tea for dessert enthusiasts Cake & Bubbles is a dessert and champagne experience designed by multi-award-winning pastry chef Albert Adria. Located at the Hotel Café Royal in London, Adria has created a spectacle of sweet sensations, offered alongside a carefully curated selection of champagne and sparkling wine. Born out of Adria’s desire to open a dessert-only venue, the Sweet Afternoon Bubbles menu comprises three sweet courses, with an optional glass of (highly recommended) N.V. Venue Clicquot Brut. Upon arrival of the first course, beautifully presented on a golden embossed cake stand, Adria’s deep passion for delicate confections is clear. We were guided through the experience by friendly staff, starting from the bottom tier with baklava pistachio pillows that were light as air and a passion fruit crème with a touch of burnt caramel to balance the flavours. By far, the highlight of the menu was the ‘cheese cake’, a twist on traditional cheesecake, using sharp Baron Bigod cheese, enveloped in sweet white chocolate with hazelnut – an absolute must-try for cheese and cake lovers alike. Available from: Cakes & Bubbles Price: Sweet Afternoon Bubbles menu £50pp (with a glass of N. V. Venue Clicquot Brut £65pp) Address: 70 Regent St., London, W1B 4DY Number Sixteen, South Kensington, London SW7 Book now at Number Sixteen, from £45pp Best al fresco afternoon tea As soon as you step through the door of this pristinely manicured mid-Victorian white townhouse, co-owner Kit Kemp's bold statements make themselves known. Textiles in the suite of drawing rooms range in colour from pistachio and pink to stylish yellow and purple, with unique artwork throughout – a huge wall-mounted birdcage marks the entranceway, books line the walls, and hand painted puppets guard the honesty bar stocked with spirits, wines and bubbles. The selection of sandwiches and cakes offers something a bit different to traditional afternoon tea. On our summer visit, hick-cut honey roasted ham with refreshing dill coleslaw comes on black rye bread; beautiful courgette flowers are coated in a crisp and light tempura; and herbes de provence chicken fills a squishy glazed brioche bun. Pastries are pretty and dainty – a hint of violet adds depth to a creamy lemon-filled choux profiterole, rose cupcakes are subtly floral and the silky raspberry panna cotta provides a pleasantly tart finish. Available from: Number Sixteen Price: Traditional afternoon tea £45pp, champagne afternoon tea £57pp Address: 16 Sumner Place, London, SW7 3EG TING at Shangri-La Hotel, The Shard, London SE1 Book now at TING Shangri-La from £78pp Best afternoon tea with a view If you delight in all things traditional, then afternoon tea at London's TING is not for you. But if you’re open-minded, enjoy Asian food and would prefer to gaze across a sparkling city rather than a Victorian dining room, then you can’t get much better than TING at Shangri-La hotel, one of six restaurants in The Shard. Initial impressions of TING (on level 35) are magnificent: the lift doors open onto a spectacular and uninterrupted panorama of London, dominated at first by St Paul’s Cathedral. Low tables and armchairs are sensibly arranged to soak up as much of the view as possible – we took three hours over our afternoon tea, so unique was the experience. Available from: TING at Shangri-La Price: Afternoon tea £78pp, champagne afternoon tea from £88pp Address: Shangri-La Hotel At The Shard, 31, St Thomas Street, London, SE1 9QU The Ampersand Hotel, Science afternoon tea, London SW7 Book now at Ampersand Hotel, from £59.50pp Best afternoon tea for kids Just a stone’s throw from the Science and Natural History museums in South Kensington, it’s easy to see where The Ampersand got their inspiration from for this wacky afternoon tea – the perfect treat for budding scientists. The room we take tea in is part English drawing room, part French tea salon, and comes adorned with comfortable sofas. As for the food, everything is made in-house – there’s a meticulously decorated raspberry cake planet with a white chocolate planetary ring, and moreish hazelnut and chocolate cake with a sharp mango mousse volcano. There are also chocolate dinosaurs and a citrus cocktail served in a laboratory beaker, to add to the Dr Jekyll experience. Portions are generous too, very welcome after a morning spent museum-hopping. Available from: The Ampersand Hotel Price: Science afternoon tea £59.50pp, with champagne from £69.50, (vegetarian options available), £39.50pp for children Address: 10 Harrington Road, London, SW7 3ER Click here to read our full review of afternoon tea at The Ampersand OXO Tower, London SE1 Book now at OXO Tower, from £45pp Best contemporary riverside afternoon tea OXO Tower Wharf is one of London’s most famous landmarks, noted for its iconic branded windows and sky-high restaurants. It’s hard to find the entrance if you’ve never been before – head to the pavilion in the middle of the building, then catch the lift up to the 8th floor, for the restaurant. Enjoy stunning views on your way to your table, that stretch all the way from Waterloo Bridge to St Paul’s Cathedral. The atmosphere is considerably formal – think leather seats and slate tables with crisp ironed white tablecloths, and a slanting glass roof to make the most of those beautiful views. Afternoon tea menus are carefully explained and although the selection of sandwiches and cakes seems endless, portions here are dainty so it’s possible to try everything. Available from: OXO Tower Wharf Price: Traditional afternoon tea £40pp, champagne afternoon tea from £50pp Address: OXO Tower Wharf, Barge House Street, South Bank, London, SE1 9PH Chai afternoon tea, Cinnamon Bazaar Book now at Cinnamon Bazaar, from £27.50 Best savoury afternoon tea One of the best afternoon teas in London for savoury palates is the high chai tea at Cinnamon Bazaar. It doesn't have the glitz and glamour of The Savoy, but it's comfortable enough and the service is friendly. The menu puts a unique Indian-inspired view on afternoon tea, inspired by chef Vivek Singh's roots in Kolkata, completely transforming it into something new. The tea is divided into chaats, nibbles (including a fish finger sandwich and chicken spring roll) and sweets. It makes a tempting change from finger sandwiches and scones and you're sure to find a new favourite dish. Available from: Cinnamon Bazaar Price: Chai afternoon tea for two £27.50 Adress: 28 Maiden Ln, London WC2E 7JS Still in the mood for cakes? Check out our best ever afternoon tea recipes now, and create your own feast at home...
This is a take on the viral honey butter toast from Arôme bakery – it’s great as a speedy snack or part of a breakfast spread
Try our honey butter toast, then discover halloumi toastie with harissa and honey, brie, ham and honey-pickled pear toastie or sticky honey cakes. Honey butter toast recipe
Fresh savoury scones, ready in just 30 minutes. Serve these just warm with soft butter for spreading
Try our cheese and chive scones, then try Wensleydale cheese scones, comté cheese and olive scones, or beef chilli with jalapeño cheddar scones. Cheese and chive scones recipe
Cherry croissant bread and butter pudding
This rich, almond-infused dessert is a delicious mash-up of a bread and butter pudding and bakewell tart
Try our cherry croissant bread and butter pudding, then try brioche bread and butter pudding, hot cross bun bread and butter pudding, or chocolate bread and butter pudding. Cherry croissant bread and butter pudding
This is a great dish to feed a crowd – serve with bloody marys for the ultimate Sunday brunch
Try our giant rosti with baked eggs, then try spiced potato rösti, roast potato rosti, potato and carrot rosti or celeriac and potato rösti with poached eggs. Giant rosti with baked eggs recipe
These are inspired by the Reese’s classic but are slightly more grown-up in flavour – they will keep for five days in the fridge or three months in the freezer
Try our peanut butter cups, then try our peanut butter flapjacks, peanut butter banana bread or chocolate and peanut butter snack cakes. Cook’s tip: Boost your plant points "I've put an autumnal spin on peanut butter cups with a filling made from a tin of pumpkin purée mixed with 1 tsp mixed spice, 1 tsp vanilla extract and a squeeze of agave nectar. Spoon into melted dark chocolate as per the recipe then top with pumpkin seeds for an extra plant point." View Green Video on the source website Note these changes to the recipe will alter the nutritional information displayed. Here are more ways to boost your plant points and plant-packed recipes. Peanut butter cups recipe
Tiramisu pancakes with maple coffee drizzle
Treat yourself to these luxurious pancakes layered with creamy mascarpone and a maple coffee syrup
Try this pancake twist on a tiramisu, or make our classic Italian tiramisu recipe. Check out more delicious pancake recipes, including our American pancakes, chocolate Nutella pancakes, peanut butter pancakes and Biscoff pancakes. Tiramisu pancakes with maple coffee drizzle recipe
This beautiful, diverse, high-fibre and high-protein recipe is quite literally a bowl of vitamins and minerals that work simultaneously to nourish your gut and feed your hormones
Try our multivitamin gut-nourish bowl, then try harissa roast salmon with warm herby grains and yogurt dressing, buddha bowls with sweet potato and chickpeas or spiced chicken and lentils with ginger and turmeric. This recipe is particularly rich in vitamin C from the pepper, tomatoes, pomegranate and leafy greens, quercetin from the red onion (known for its powerful anti-inflammatory effects) and plant-based omega 3 (ALA) from the walnuts, to top up nutrient stores, especially if you are feeling fatigued and depleted. It’s a soul-feeding dish that not only looks good but does so much good, too. Recipes extracted from The Hormone Balance Handbook by Jessica Shand (£22, Thorsons). Photographs: Lizzie Mayson. Recipes are sent by the publisher and not retested by us. Jess Shand is a registered naturopathic nutritionist and hormone health specialist, focussing on female health optimisation. She studied nutritional therapy at the college of naturopathic nutrition as well as additional training in pre- and post-natal nutrition, behaviour change and health coaching. She now runs a nutrition clinic. Her book, The Hormone Balance Handbook, is out now. @jessicashand_ Multivitamin gut-nourish bowl recipe
This is a delicious granola that can be customised with all your favourite nuts and seeds. Leave it to cool undisturbed to ensure crunchy clusters
Try our tahini and pistachio granola, then try healthy granola, sourdough chocolate granola, or granola clusters with yogurt drizzle. For a quick breakfast on-the-go, try our nutty seedy breakfast bars. Tahini and pistachio granola recipe
Make the most of mildly sweet, buttery pistachios with this citrussy bake drenched in a blood orange syrup
Try our pistachio and blood orange cake, then try blood orange loaf cake, blood orange polenta drizzle cake, or lemon and pistachio bakewell tart. Pistachio and blood orange cake recipe
This is a simple, light dessert that takes minutes to put together. Serve with a biscuit for dipping – shortbread or ginger ones go well
Try our lemon fool, then try our gooseberry fool, dairy-free coconut, mango and turmeric fool, caramelised banana fool with ginger, or rhubarb and ginger fool. How to make lemon fool... step-by-step video View Green Video on the source website Lemon fool recipe
A trio of lemon (curd, zest and juice) is the key to these zingy muffins. Perfect for elevenses, an afternoon snack or even breakfast
Try our lemon drizzle muffins, then try chocolate chip muffins, healthy breakfast muffins, or banana muffins. Lemon drizzle muffins recipe
A rich coffee cake topped with creamy vanilla latte icing – perfect for a teatime pick-me-up
Try our coffee loaf cake, then discover coffee and cream fridge cake, Vietnamese coffee loaf cake, or Irish coffee cake. You can find even more coffee dessert inspiration here. Also discover our coconut and raspberry loaf for tea time snack. Coffee loaf cake recipe
Create showstopping desserts and afternoon tea treats using this delicate pastry, from chocolate éclairs to profiterole stacks and perfect patisserie
Looking for choux pastry recipes? Want the best éclairs? Try our ideas, then check out our afternoon tea recipes or move to filo pastries instead. Try our choux ideas including profiteroles recipes (chocolate, salted caramel and more), easy éclairs and cream puff recipes. Plus, we've included a video to teach you how to make a piping bag so you can fill your choux buns without the hassle. Best choux pastry recipes Chocolate éclairs Take your éclairs to the next level with step-by-step help from the olive test kitchen. Craquelin is similar to a crumble mix, and when baked on top of the choux buns, gives a crackly, crisp top, typical in classic patisserie. See more classic French dessert recipes to try next. Chocolate and hazelnut paris-brest This impressive French patisserie is given a nutty twist with an indulgent Nutella filling. Serve over the festive season for a showstopping dessert. Got leftover Nutella? Check out more of our Nutella recipes, including cheesecake and cookies made with the familiar chocolate spread. Rose and almond choux buns Bite-sized rosewater cream buns, designed to impress. A new way to use choux pastry, these crumble-topped treats are a doddle once you've mastered the choux. Love rose? Try our rose and pomegranate meringues next. Chocolate and hazelnut profiteroles stack Looking for an impressive dessert to end a dinner party? Check out this show-stopping chocolate and hazelnut profiterole stack, with Nutella filling and crunchy hazelnut brittle. Discover more dessert recipes. French crullers With a little help from Edd Kimber, you too can create these crispy on the outside, light on the inside choux pastry donuts (glazed two ways). See more doughnut recipes. Strawberry éclairs These light and airy strawberry éclairs are a fantastic summery twist on the classic chocolate. They're a little effort, but look stunning - they'll be a hit with adults and kids alike. You can get strawberries all year round now, but they're at their best from June until August, so make the most of them. Check out our strawberry recipes here for more inspiration. Black forest profiteroles With chocolate, double cream, black cherries and a splash of brandy, make and freeze these black forest cake inspired choux buns ahead of time to create a delicious, sophisticated dessert in minutes. Next, try our black forest trifle recipe. Salted caramel profiteroles Profiteroles are easier to make than they look. Especially using this simple recipe. Salted caramel adds a touch of luxury to the choux buns for a dinner-party dessert. Recipe from NAC restaurant in London. Try our other caramel recipes for baking here. Parmesan and smoked garlic gougères Check out these soft choux buns packed with nutty parmesan and smoked garlic cream. These impressive buns come from East London restaurant, Sapling. Use regular garlic if you can’t find smoked. Caramel choux puffs There are a couple of techniques involved here: for the choux pastry and caramel, but they aren’t really that tricky and you’ll end up with a seriously impressive pud. The empty, cooked choux buns can be frozen for a few months – defrost them and give them a blast in a warm oven to re-crisp before using. Tiramis-choux tower This hybrid centrepiece is half profiterole, half tiramisu and sees balls of choux pastry stuffed with coffee-drenched ladyfingers and boozy pastry cream. Next, try our tiramisu brownies. Smoked cod's roe choux bites Impress your guests with these elegant smoked cod's roe choux bites from trendy North London restaurant, Pasero. Garnish with pickled red onions. Snowball choux bun tower Make Edd Kimber's glazed choux bun tower for a dazzling Christmas Day dessert. Filled with coconut cream and finished with vanilla icing, it's as decadent as it is beautiful. Maple profiterole stack Got a bottle of maple syrup left from Pancake Day? Use it to make these double-maple profiteroles: fluffy choux buns filled with maple mascarpone and drizzled with an easy maple caramel sauce. See more maple syrup recipes. Here's how to make a piping bag to make sure you get the filling into the choux buns without the mess. View oEmbed on the source website
These dainty strawberry cupcakes stay perfectly moist thanks to chopped strawberries folded into the sponge. Perfect for afternoon tea or a summer bake sale
Bake a batch of these strawberry cupcakes, then check out our strawberry cake, strawberry cheesecake, strawberry tart and more strawberry recipes. Looking for more cupcake recipes? Try our easy vanilla cupcakes, vegan cupcakes, fairy cakes and butterfly cakes. How to make strawberry cupcakes... step-by-step video View Green Video on the source website
A classic, impressive lemon meringue pie with crisp pastry, tart curd and fluffy meringue that's easy to make. What more could you want?
Serve our easy lemon meringue pie as an impressive centrepiece at a dinner party. Follow this recipe for how to create the fluffiest meringues to make sure that your lemon meringue pie is the best of the best. Perfect your technique for the topping with our basic meringue recipe. We also have a classic meringues recipe. For more sweet tart recipes check out our key lime pie, custard tart and lemon tart. Also try our baked alaska for another impressive dessert featuring meringue. How to make lemon meringue pie... step-by-step video View Green Video on the source website Lemon meringue pie recipe
A classic, gooey chocolate brownie recipe that can be ramped up with added ingredients. We’ve included three suggestions to add chocolate chunks, nuts or marshmallows
Try our classic chocolate brownies recipe, then check out our vegan brownies, chocolate orange brownies and Oreo brownies, or try these chocolate dessert recipes. How to make chocolate brownies... step-by-step video View Green Video on the source website If you ever wondered how to make best chocolate brownies and what ingredients you going to need to achieve this perfect chewy and gooey result we all love, olive is here to help. What type of tin do I need to make brownies? This homemade brownie recipe uses a square tin, but you can use an oblong or even round cake tin provided it is roughly the same size – just keep an eye on the brownies, you may need slightly less or more time than the recipe states. What is the secret to perfectly fudgy brownies? We've found that the following help to achieve brownies with a texture which is just about set, but still rich and fudgy in the centre: Use high quality melted chocolate (we think dark works best for flavour but you can use other types) and cocoa powder. Many recipes use just cocoa powder, resulting in a drier texture and less depth of flavour. Using butter rather than oil gives more of a rich, nutty flavour. Adding chocolate chunks to the batter takes these brownies up a notch, creating pockets of gorgeously melty chocolate, as well as the extra chocolate merging into the batter as it bakes. We have provided some great ideas to make variations on the classic chocolate brownie, too, so you can get creative with your baking. Best ever chocolate brownies recipe