Afternoon Tea
The 5 Best Champagne Afternoon Tea in London
A flute alongside the stand: where to take the grandest champagne afternoon tea in London.
In short: our top picks are The Ritz, Claridges and The Savoy. 5 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.
A glass of champagne turns afternoon tea from a pause into a celebration. The grand London rooms do it best, pouring something proper alongside the tiered stand and the endless pot. These are the places for a champagne afternoon tea worth dressing up for, whether you are marking something or simply feel like it.
| Place | Area | Price |
|---|---|---|
| The Ritz | Piccadilly | ££££ |
| Claridges | Mayfair | ££££ |
| The Savoy | Strand | ££££ |
| The Berkeley | Knightsbridge | ££££ |
| The Goring | Belgravia | ££££ |
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Editor’s choice
The Ritz
Why we pick itChampagne tea in the gilded Palm Court; the most formal and famous in London, jacket and tie required.
Worth knowingJacket and tie are enforced, and at nearly £100 a head before Champagne you are paying for the room and the history rather than the food.
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Claridges
Why we pick itArt Deco grandeur, a pianist and a faultless champagne tea; the definitive Mayfair sitting.
Worth knowingDeterminedly old-fashioned by design, at four figures a night, so anyone wanting a relaxed or contemporary hotel should look elsewhere in Mayfair.
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The Savoy
Why we pick itChampagne tea under the Thames Foyer dome; a London classic with a glass of something proper.
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The Berkeley
Why we pick itThe fashion-themed Pret-a-Portea with champagne; witty, beautifully made and a real occasion.
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The Goring
Why we pick itA royal-favourite hotel serving an exquisite, traditional champagne afternoon tea.
Worth knowingThe restraint reads as staid if you are used to contemporary luxury, and the Dining Room is deliberately traditional rather than experimental.
Before you book
The champagne upgrade is always worth it for an occasion, and many rooms let you choose the house pour or trade up. Book well ahead at the grand hotels and mind the dress code. And take your time; this is a sitting to linger over, not to rush.
Common questions
What are the top picks in this guide?
The Ritz is our editor's choice: Champagne tea in the gilded Palm Court; the most formal and famous in London, jacket and tie required. The Ritz, Claridges and The Savoy lead the guide, with 5 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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