The Duchess of Bedford, a lady-in-waiting to Queen Victoria, initiated the delightful practice of taking a pot of tea and a light meal privately in her boudoir during the afternoon. Finding herself feeling peckish between lunch and dinner, she began this ritual to stave off hunger.
Over time, the Duchess began inviting friends to join her for “tea and a walk in the fields.” This charming tradition quickly caught on, and before long, all of fashionable society was sipping tea and nibbling on sandwiches in the middle of the afternoon. Thus, the beloved tradition of afternoon tea was born, becoming an enduring hallmark of British culture and social life.
12-18 August is National Afternoon Tea Week
If you are thinking of celebrating National Afternoon Tea Week, here are five special places in London that we love and where you can enjoy this delightfully British ritual with your pooches. They range from themes of royalty, art and hats.
Brown’s Hotel – 33 Albemarle St, London W1S 4BP
Until the end of the month, Brown’s Hotel in collaboration with Lock & Co. is celebrating the hatter’s royal tea-party-inspired Spring/Summer 24 collection and the timeless tradition of afternoon tea. The tea-themed collection draws inspiration from Catherine of Braganza, the tea-loving We took the opportunity to wear a hat to tea to experience Afternoon Tea in the wood-panelled Drawing Room. Your pooch is most welcome to join you for afternoon tea. Please let them know if you are bringing your pooch so they can make arrangements for the best seating.
The Cadogan – 75 Sloane St, London SW1X 9SG
Where passion and creativity collide. Distinctively seasonal, the new Afternoon Tea at The Cadogan Lounge brings out the best of the quintessential British concept–but this time, with a French twist. And at the helm of this unique fine dining afternoon tea, is pastry chef Benoit Blin.
Chef Benoit’s delicate paprika-smoked cornbread sandwiches and sublime religieuse pastries, and expect hearty, traceable and seasonal ingredients in the best afternoon tea in London, an experience like no other.
The Lanesborough – Hyde Park Corner, London SW1X 7TA
On good authority from Lady Whistledown, this is a social event not to be missed.
Dust off your Regency best and prepare to be transported back in time, and experience afternoon tea inspired by Bridgerton. This limited-edition menu pays homage to the Regency era—a time of great revelry, high style, elegant parties, balls, and grand dinners—with a contemporary twist.
The Bridgerton Afternoon Tea with pooches takes place in The Lanesborough’s richly decorated Withdrawing Room. This stunning setting creates the perfect atmosphere for a truly immersive experience.
Carefully crafted by Head Pastry Chef, Pierre Morvan-Benezet, the menu pays tribute to the key families in Bridgerton Season 3. The selection includes finger sandwiches and pastry tartlets, delectable scones with cream and jam, and four signature sweet treats that capture the essence of the Regency era.
Make haste and secure your booking—missing this event would be quite the scandal indeed …
The Peninsula – 1 Grosvenor Pl, London SW1X 7HJ
Afternoon Tea at The Peninsula is served in The Lobby which features triple-height, intricately moulded ceilings, hand-blown crystal chandeliers, and hand-painted de Gournay landscape murals that bring the greenery of the hotel’s courtyard and surrounding Royal Parks inside. The signature Peninsula Afternoon Tea with live music is served from 1:00 – 7:00 pm. Their pet-friendly policy ensures your canine companion is as pampered as you are.
Raffles Hotel at The OWO – 57 Whitehall, London SW1A 2BX
In the heart of Whitehall, Raffles Hotel at The OWO provides a unique and opulent afternoon tea experience, in a stately British drawing room reimagined, with contemporary furnishings set against historic architectural details, wood panelling, an original fireplace and a grand piano to keep guests entertained, all overlooking historic Whitehall through four mahogany sash windows – where the smart mounted Household Cavalry guards the official entrance to Buckingham Palace.
Ten Trinity Four Seasons – 10 Trinity Square, London EC3N 4AJ
Presiding at the heart of the Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square, Rotunda Bar and Lounge is a stylish and elegant venue set beneath an art deco domed ceiling.
The Crown Jewels Afternoon Tea is inspired by the treasures of the neighbouring Tower of London. Kings and Queens of England have stored crowns, robes, and other items of their ceremonial regalia at the historical landmark for over 600 years.
Their dog-friendly policy means you can enjoy their exquisite menu while your furry friend enjoys their special treats.
Happy National Afternoon Tea Week.
Tell us about your own Afternoon Tea experiences.
