The Best Places for Afternoon Tea in Covent Garden
It doesn’t get more British than afternoon tea and the West End is packed with places to indulge in this fine tradition. Our pick of the best afternoon tea in Covent Garden includes everything from beauty-themed pastries to Italian scones.
1. B Bakery
Bakery, Tea Room, Pastries, Tea
Enjoy afternoon tea with a French twist at Brigit’s Bakery where quiche and homemade macarons join sandwiches, scones and mini cupcakes. You can take tea right there in the bakery, but if you’re after something a little more memorable, B Bakery also does afternoon tea bus and boat tours.
2. One Aldwych
Hotel Restaurant, Restaurant, British
The afternoon tea at One Aldwych, inspired by Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (the musical was playing at a nearby theatre), is a wonderfully playful version of this British tradition. The sweet selection, including a golden chocolate egg filled with vanilla cheesecake, homemade candyfloss and blueberry brioche, all reference the Roald Dahl story. There’s even a chocolate tea too.
3. Balthazar
Bakery, Bar, Brasserie, Restaurant, Pastelaria, French
4. Ladurée
Patisserie, French, Pastries
The iconic Parisian pattiserie has four outposts in London and the Covent Garden branch has a suitably grand location right on the piazza. Whist you don’t get a choice of tea varieties with their afternoon tea, you do get to select which sandwiches, Viennoiseries, pastries and macarons you’d like. It’s not as easy as it sounds.
5. The Delaunay
Restaurant, Brasserie, Cafe, European
6. The Ivy Market
Restaurant, British, European
Think of The Ivy Market Grill as a relaxed yet still sophisticated younger sister to the iconic The Ivy. Their afternoon tea is classic through and through, featuring cucumber sandwiches, fruit scones with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry jam and a choice of teas.
7. Monmouth Kitchen
Hotel Restaurant, Restaurant, Cocktail Bar, Pizzeria, Italian, Peruvian
Italian and Peruvian flavours might not be the first things that spring to mind when you think of afternoon tea but that’s exactly what Monmouth Kitchen is doing. Scones are still on the menu, although they’re amaretto and Sicilian lemon, and instead of sandwiches and pastries you get bruschetta, salmon tacos, churros with Peruvian chocolate sauce and white peach and oregano panna cotta.
8. The Savoy
Luxury, Hotel
9. The Crusting Pipe
Restaurant, Wine Bar, British
Afternoon tea and opera? You can get it at The Crusting Pipe if you take tea in their outdoor courtyard, which plays host to a variety of classical performances. Go for their signature afternoon tea and enjoy cheese, oat biscuits, fig cake and port.
Culture Trips launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes places and communities so special.
Our immersive trips, led by Local Insiders, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and an invitation to travel the world with like-minded explorers. Our Travel Experts are on hand to help you make perfect memories. All our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.?>
All our travel guides are curated by the Culture Trip team working in tandem with local experts. From unique experiences to essential tips on how to make the most of your future travels, we’ve got you covered.