Afternoon Tea
The 6 Best Afternoon Tea in Kensington
Grand hotel lounges opposite the palace, where the tea trolley still arrives with proper ceremony.
In short: our top picks are The Milestone Hotel, The Kensington Hotel and The Gore Hotel. 6 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.
Kensington does afternoon tea the traditional way, in the drawing rooms and libraries of its old hotels rather than anywhere flashy. The Milestone looks straight out at Kensington Palace, which is about as regal a backdrop as a scone gets, while the South Kensington hotels lean into quiet, panelled formality. This is tea for an occasion, a birthday or a treat rather than a quick stop between museums. Dress up a little; the rooms rather expect it.
| Place | Area | Price |
|---|---|---|
| The Milestone Hotel | Kensington | ££££ |
| The Kensington Hotel | South Kensington | £££ |
| The Gore Hotel | South Kensington | £££ |
| Baglioni Hotel London | Kensington | ££££ |
| The Bentley Hotel | South Kensington | £££ |
| The Bailey's Hotel | South Kensington | ££ |
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Editor’s choice
The Milestone Hotel
Why we pick itAn award-winning tea served in the Park Lounge looking straight out at Kensington Palace and its gardens.
award-winning hotel tea
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The Kensington Hotel
Why we pick itThe Doyle Collection's Fashion Becomes Tea, all sculptural pastries and playful pairings, a few minutes from the museums.
design-led hotel tea
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The Gore Hotel
Why we pick itA chef-led seasonal tea served in the Gore's regal, book-lined library, a short walk from the Royal Albert Hall.
library afternoon tea
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Baglioni Hotel London
Why we pick itAn Italian take on the ritual in a plush Hyde Park Gate townhouse opposite Kensington Gardens.
Italian-accented hotel tea
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The Bentley Hotel
Why we pick itA classic English tea under chandeliers in a grand marble-and-gold room off Gloucester Road.
traditional English tea
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The Bailey's Hotel
Why we pick itA well-priced, unfussy tea with Whittard leaves, handy opposite Gloucester Road station before or after the museums.
relaxed hotel tea
Before you book
High Street Kensington and South Kensington stations put you within a few minutes of everywhere here, handy if you are pairing tea with the museums or the palace. Book at least a few days ahead, and further for weekends, since these rooms are small and fill fast. Most offer a Champagne upgrade worth taking for a celebration, but check the dress code, since several ask for smart-casual at a minimum.
Common questions
What are the top picks in this guide?
The Milestone Hotel is our editor's choice: An award-winning tea served in the Park Lounge looking straight out at Kensington Palace and its gardens. The Milestone Hotel, The Kensington Hotel and The Gore Hotel lead the guide, with 6 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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