Six of the best afternoon teas fit for a King

Unsurprisingly, The Rubens at the Palace is going all out to ensure their afternoon tea is on theme. The historic building has a royal heritage that has now been restored into a spectacular five-star hotel. It overlooks the Royal Mews and Buckingham Palace, and is well known for its AA Rosette awarded restaurants, traditional and regally decorated rooms, and of course – the afternoon tea. 

Running from 1st May to the 1st August, guests will be able to try the Coronation Afternoon Tea, inspired by His Majesty’s favourite flavours. This includes a wild mushroom quiche and orchard plum confit. Staying traditional, a selection of finger sandwiches, pastries and sweet and sticky cakes will be served alongside a delicate crown made from Oaply white chocolate and a cherry brownie. A prince and princess version is available for little ones to make it an occasion for the whole family. 

The world famous Savoy is known for its exceptional service, traditional charm and fantastic food. This landmark hotel is located on the Northbank of the River Thames and is in touching distance from the West End theatre district. 

The quintessentially British afternoon tea served at the Savoy has become part of the hotel’s DNA from its very first serving. Guests can enjoy the experience in The Thames Foyer, a glass-dome atrium that offers a sociable spot, flooded with natural light. A large range of teas are on offer with a selection of finger sandwiches, homemade scones with clotted cream and jam and a sublime selection of pastries and seasonal cakes, all of which will be consumed at the sound of a serenading pianist to set the scene.

The unparalleled setting of Hotel Café Royal can be found where St. James’ Mayfair and Soho come together on Regent Street. It has seen many famous faces walk through the doors from Oscar Wilde to Winston Churchill, David Bowie and Princess Diana. 

And for the Kings Coronation, Hotel Café Royal is rolling out the royal carpet as guests can receive a one-of-a-kind experience. We recommend booking The Crown Jewels Experience where you will enjoy a stay in the Two-Bedroom Royal Suite. At dusk, a chauffeur-driven limousine will come and collect you for an exclusive after-hours trip to The Tower of London where you will get a personal tour from one of the King’s Beefeaters, followed by a Champagne reception and private viewing of the crown jewels. Guests can also opt to try the Champagne afternoon tea located in the historic Grill Room Est. 1865 as part of The King Charles III Experience.

Rosewood London is an icon providing a luxurious spa experience, well-known dining venues and drawing room style bar. The rooms and suites are designed to the highest standard, with their largest interconnecting suite having its own postcode! It’s the hotel you want to be seen in. 

Join us in the Mirror Room where this hotel has been voted the best contemporary afternoon tea in the UK. Executive Pastry Chef Mark Perkins has created an Art Afternoon Tea which changes throughout the year to fit eclectic themes. The latest has been inspired by British artist David Hockney and his exhibit at Lightroom: Bigger & Closer (not smaller and further away). All patisseries are derived from Hockney’s artwork such as the “Arrival of Spring” piece, where chef has created a pistachio almond sponge with griottine cherry insert, cherry mouse base, sable biscuit and wrapped with chocolate. 

This five star hotel is situated on Park Lane in the heart of Mayfair and offers timeless rooms and suites with sweeping views over Hyde Park. Guests are just a stones throw away from London hotspots including Bond Street, Knightsbridge, Regent Street and Buckingham Palace. The ideal location for the King’s Coronation. 

And in spirit of the event, book a table at The Park Room where a limited edition afternoon tea will be held from April. Expect an amuse bouche plus five unique pastries inspired by King and Kingdom, all made using the finest British ingredients. To pair, an extensive selection of Newby fine teas are on the menu including Charles’ favourite brew, Darjeeling. Those with a taste for bubbles can also add Ridgeview sparkling wine. 

Enjoy an exquisite dining experience above the clouds at the TĪNG lounge. Located on the 35th floor of The Shard, you’ll be sipping tea in the sky with its jaw-dropping location. Shangri-La The Shard, London boasts contemporary rooms and suites with an oriental twist, fine-dining restaurants and western Europe’s highest hotel pool. 

Afternoon tea at Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard unsurprisingly has the wow factor. Its well-known for the ever-changing themes and elegantly designed patisseries that make it extra special. Currently running is the ‘Spring of Love Afternoon Tea’ featuring finger sandwiches, savouries and a variety of sweet treats including a showstopping miniature white chocolate and passion fruit replica of The Shard. Wash it all down with rosebud tea or a glass of Veuve Clicquot Champagne.