Afternoon Tea
Alice in Wonderland Afternoon Teas in London
Three London afternoon teas that take Lewis Carroll's story seriously, from a flamingo filled Fitzrovia terrace to a darker, playing card themed version near Buckingham Gate.
In short: our top picks are Sanderson London, Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea, The Capital Hotel and Kona at Taj 51 Buckingham Gate. 3 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.
Alice in Wonderland teas tend to fall into one of two camps, either determinedly whimsical, all pastel teapots and grow me shrink me labels, or something closer to the book’s stranger, more unsettling edges, chess pieces and a Queen of Hearts who actually seems capable of ordering an execution. The three below split fairly neatly between those two moods. We left out several venues that turned up in general roundups of Wonderland teas because we could not verify they still exist or were ever real restaurants rather than catering companies borrowing the name. What is left is small but confirmed and currently bookable.
| Place | Area | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Sanderson London, Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea | Fitzrovia | ££££ |
| The Capital Hotel | Knightsbridge | £££ |
| Kona at Taj 51 Buckingham Gate | ££££ |
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Editor’s choice
Sanderson London, Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea
Why we pick itServed on a covered terrace around a fountain dotted with flamingo ornaments, the menu runs from a Tweedle Brothers chocolate and salted caramel tart to a White Rabbit carrot cake, with a dress up corner for children. It runs daily from midday to 7pm, at £75 per person.
Whimsical Wonderland tea on a flamingo filled terrace
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The Capital Hotel
Why we pick itA smaller, quieter take on the theme than Sanderson's, this version has proved popular enough to be repeatedly extended, with striped macarons and mushroom shaped bites alongside the usual sandwiches and scones. It costs £59 per person.
Mad Hatters tea in a townhouse hotel
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Kona at Taj 51 Buckingham Gate
Why we pick itThis replaced Kona's earlier, softer Wonderland menu with something sharper, a red and black palette, chess and playing card motifs, and sandwiches arranged like soldiers on a chequerboard plate, served on dedicated Alice themed crockery. It runs Wednesday to Sunday, at £45 per person.
Alice's Queen of Hearts Afternoon Tea
Before you book
Sanderson’s version is the most elaborate and the most expensive, so book several weeks ahead for a weekend slot, particularly around Easter when it sometimes gets a themed ballet performance alongside it. The Capital Hotel and Kona versions are generally easier to get into with a week or two’s notice.
Common questions
What are the top picks in this guide?
Sanderson London, Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea is our editor's choice: Served on a covered terrace around a fountain dotted with flamingo ornaments, the menu runs from a Tweedle Brothers chocolate and salted caramel tart to a White Rabbit carrot cake, with a dress up corner for children. It runs daily from midday to 7pm, at £75 per person. Sanderson London, Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea, The Capital Hotel and Kona at Taj 51 Buckingham Gate lead the guide, with 3 places in total, all chosen on merit.
How does Lamplit London choose its recommendations?
Every place is chosen on merit, after first-hand visits where possible, with no pay-for-placement. Read our full method at https://www.lamplitlondon.com/how-we-choose/.
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