The best afternoon tea in London is still difficult to narrow down.
Equally appealing, however, are the more whimsical places that also deserve a place on any list of the best afternoon teas in London. Take Theatre Royal Drury Lane’s swoon-worthy offering, where elaborately-decorated slices of cake come topped with chocolate cherubs alongside unctuous sausage rolls instead of sandwiches. Or, for a cocktail-drenched outing, head to Lyaness at Sea Containers London, where legendary mixologist Mr. Lyan pairs melon-infused gimlets with coconut panna cotta.
The endlessly inventive, always meticulous pastry chef Cherish Finden’s memories of growing up in Singapore inform the Orchid Lounge’s charming menu, which is split into two halves: Traditional Delights, for those seeking coronation chicken, and cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches with a side of scones smothered in moreish kaya jam; and the Kopi Tiam, which includes dim sum, a steaming hot mushroom bao and supremely crispy rice dumplings with chicken and pork.