For anyone who is unfamiliar, let us start with a brief history on afternoon tea. It first emerged in the early 19th century and quickly became a social tradition, offering a respite from the day‘s hustle and bustle. Traditionally enjoyed between 3 and 5pm—it usually features finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, as well as some delicate pastries, all served alongside a pot of tea. More than a culinary treat, afternoon tea embodies elegance and refinement. It provides an opportunity for casual conversations and enjoying good company. It’s  an experience that invites both locals and tourists to savour a peaceful moment of indulgence amidst their hectic everyday lives.  

In London, and throughout the UK, the afternoon tea scene not only exhibits exceptional quality but also offers a diverse range of options. This makes it tough to pick the perfect spot for an afternoon gathering with friends. To make your decision easier, we have compiled a list of the top five locations for vegan afternoon tea in London.

Best for tourists: Brigit’s Bakery—afternoon tea bus tour 

Brigit’s Afternoon Tea Experience offers a charming expedition aboard a vintage red double-decker bus, departing from multiple locations in central London. Relax on the upper deck as you journey through the city, passing by iconic landmarks while nibbling on delicious finger sandwiches. Treat yourself to their minty plant-based Philadelphia and cucumber sandwich, or a mini quiche and sweet treats like their irresistible Biscoff verrine. For an extra touch of elegance, you can choose to add prosecco or champagne to this experience. Brigit’s Bakery caters for all ages with themed afternoon teas such as Peppa Pig’s Adventure for kids and their Bombay Sapphire Gin Lovers tour for adults. Additionally, they offer themed holiday experiences, including their Christmas and Valentine’s Day teas. Their price per person is around £48 + champagne/prosecco from £32 per bottle or £9 per glass.
 

Best from a fully vegan restaurant: Farmacy—Notting Hill

Farmacy

Located in Notting Hill, Farmacy is a restaurant that shines not only because of its plant-based culinary excellence but also due to its commitment to sustainability. It supports local farming and champions biodynamic sustainability, setting a commendable example of how passionate a vegan business can be in creating a dynamic yet thoughtful experience for its customers. 

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Within their Afternoon Tea menu, we find precision-crafted sandwiches and a beautiful display of sweet pastries and cakes, all made with ingredients sourced from local, sustainable suppliers. The best part is you can dine comfortably, knowing that all your food has been created for an eco-conscious plant-based diet. 
 

Reservations must be made beforehand, and can only be booked on weekends at either 4:00 or 4:30pm. Their price per person is around £60.

Best themed: Science afternoon tea at The Ampersand Hotel—South Kensington

The Drawing Rooms at The Ampersand Hotel in South Kensington seamlessly blends classic English elegance with a stylish ‘salon de thé’ vibe. Making it the perfect spot for indulging in beautiful cakes and scrumptious teas. Moreover, their Science Afternoon Tea has earned the prestigious Best Themed Afternoon Tea award at the 2018 Afternoon Tea Awards. The menu features playful treats, from jellies served in Petri dishes to chocolate spacemen and dinosaur-shaped biscuits, all of which you can enjoy while basking in the sunshine pouring through its quintessentially British Victorian windows. Their price per person is around £54.50.

Best for dog lovers: Romeo and Juliet’s—Hampstead Garden 

In the heart of Hampstead Garden, we discover Romeo & Juliet’s—a vegan afternoon tea experience unlike any other. As a vegan, you can expect a delightful twist on traditional and much-loved sandwich and cake recipes, such as their vegan coronation chickpea sandwiches, along with vegan cupcakes and mini tarts, which provide the perfect sweet ending to this experience. However, what distinguishes Romeo & Juliet’s is their consideration for every guest. They have worked hard to include everyone—from their Kids’ Afternoon Tea to their unique Doggy Afternoon Tea, ensuring everyone can participate and won’t be excluded from this delectable dining experience. Their price per person is around £38 and the price per dog goes from £18–if your dog is also vegan you will need to indicate that you want a vegan dog menu too.

Best luxury afternoon tea: The Savoy—Strand

Over the last century, the afternoon tea served at The Savoy has remained a tradition synonymous with timelessness and modern elegance. The Thames Foyer, situated in the heart of the hotel, is where their afternoon tea is served—in a beautiful setting beneath a spectacular glass dome that bathes the space in stunning natural light. Visitors can enjoy a delightful vegan Afternoon Tea menu that features classic and innovative sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and the most delicious cakes, all accompanied by an enchanting live pianist. With over 30 teas available, guests also have the option to add a glass or bottle of champagne or sparkling wine to their experience. With a rich history spanning over a century, Afternoon Tea at The Savoy remains a cherished tradition, blending old-world charm with contemporary luxury. Their price per person is around  £80.

If you enjoy our articles and want to read more of our content, check out the 9 best unmissable vegan eateries in Portugal. Perhaps take a look at prepare, cook, store, serve and save food: Make your kitchen delicious with Hokan. Or explore the importance and benefits of a digital detox and how veganism plays into it.