Affordable afternoon tea in London – tried, tested and delicious

How I chose the best affordable afternoon teas in London

To create the ultimate affordable afternoon tea in London 2026 guide, I combined audience insights with hands on experience. I analysed search trends and social engagement to understand what visitors are genuinely looking for, ensuring every recommendation feels distinctly London.

Each featured venue has been personally visited by myself, where I assessed portion sizes, dietary options, ambience and overall value. Prices were recorded during my visits, with all selected afternoon teas costing roughly £35 or under per person. Only places offering great quality at a genuinely affordable price made the final list.

Cutter & Squidge – Best for a whimsical cake-lovers afternoon tea

Cutter & Squidge is a sister run, cosy little cafe tucked right into the heart of Soho – all bright colours, friendly faces and that instant “ahh, this is nice” feeling as soon as you walk through the door.

Their afternoon tea is wonderfully comforting: a tiered stand is delivered to your table with two warm, buttery scones paired with classic clotted cream and strawberry jam, followed by soft mini rolls filled with a mix of tasty flavours. For the top tier, you actually get to pick your own slice of cake from their dreamy selection – which feels like a treat in itself – alongside their signature biskies and delicate macarons. It all comes with your choice of tea and unlimited hot water top ups.

I love the personalised experience of being able to choose my own cake slice. I choose the signature chocolate squidge slice and it was exactly as the name suggests: soft, fluffy and wonderfully chocolatey. Perfect for avid chocolate lovers.

Best for: Cake-lovers, unique treats and cosy atmosphere.
Good to know: Signature, vegan and wheat-free afternoon tea options are available.

INAMO – Best for savoury afternoon tea with an interactive twist

If you prefer your afternoon tea on the savoury side, INAMO is the place to go. Instead of classic scones and sandwiches, tuck into a spread of sushi and Asian inspired tapas – think crispy chicken karaage drizzled with katsu sauce, juicy chicken gyozas and their signature dragon roll. It’s all served on a cute mini picnic bench, complete with plenty of dipping sauces to play with. Full vegetarian and vegan afternoon tea options are available too, ideal for mixed-diet groups.

Once I work my way through the delicious savouries, I'm served up a sweet dessert platter – I immediately set my eyes on the delicate macarons and soon tuck into the lemon meringue pie, which has a zingy hit of citrus, which I combine with a refreshing scoop of lemon sorbet.

But the real fun at INAMO is the experience itself. The tables are full interactive, so between bites I doodle with my fingertips, challenge my dining date to virtual air hockey and test myself against brain teasers – it's playful, fun and ideal for those who fancy an afternoon tea that's outside the box.

Best for: Groups, savoury-lovers and as a unique experience.
Good to know: Add a glass of prosecco or upgrade to bottomless prosecco to elevate the experience, popular on weekends.

Maison François – Best for traditional afternoon tea reimagined with a French spin

Just moments from the legendary Fortnum & Mason lies Maison François, a chic Mayfair bistro where classic French cuisine is delivered with unmistakable Parisian polish.

I begin by choosing the English breakfast from an enticing range of fine teas before nibbling on delicately soft and fluffy finger sandwiches in a variety of fillings and a tower of handcrafted gâteaux, each inspired by the famous Maison François dessert trolley you’ll spot gliding around the dining room.

In place of traditional scones come Maison François’ signature babkas: vanilla and chocolate and hazelnut, baked to golden perfection. The hand-braided, buttery brioche dough was warm, feather-light and simply melted in the mouth, served with clotted cream, strawberry jam and silky hazelnut spread.

This afternoon tea feels like such a luxurious experience in the heart of Mayfair, and is the perfect spot for a pre-theatre treat or post-exhibition indulgence.

Best for: Friends, British tradition with a twist and chic atmosphere.
Good to know: The savoury and sweet courses are presented separately, so you can choose to lead with sandwiches first or the patisserie treats.

Natural History Museum – Best for a themed afternoon tea in a historic setting

Step inside the Natural History Museum and enjoy a quintessentially British afternoon tea in one of London’s most spectacular cultural settings.

The aptly named Inspired by Nature afternoon tea is served in the elegant Anning Rooms, the museum’s exclusive members’ and patrons’ space, offering a calm escape from the buzz of the galleries below. Each element nods to the natural world, with thoughtfully presented dishes celebrating the museum’s character and collections.

Tuck into finely cut sandwiches, from classic coronation chicken to delicate cucumber, followed by Earl Grey infused scones served with clotted cream and Tiptree strawberry jam. The sweet tier is a real highlight of the afternoon tea – I love the playful themed treats, including an “Earth pot” filled with raspberry and chocolate, complete with a mini trowel, alongside a dinosaur footprint macaron and an ammonite shaped biscuit.

Relaxed, creative and quietly special, it’s a memorable twist on a timeless tradition.

Best for: Families, themed afternoon tea-lovers and a calm escape from the crowds.
Good to know: Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options are available when requested in advance.

The Wolseley – Best for classic afternoon tea in elegant surroundings

Tucked just off Piccadilly you’ll find The Wolseley, offering a refined yet surprisingly accessible take on the classic afternoon tea.

Served in its grand, cafe-style dining room, expect neatly cut finger sandwiches in a variety of flavoursome fillings, freshly baked and warm scones served with clotted cream and jam, and an elegant selection of seasonal-inspired pastries, all presented with timeless attention to detail. A highlight of the afternoon tea here was the option to have a free refill of the sandwiches, which is great value for money.

Choose from a choice of fine teas (and the option to add a glass of Champagne), it’s a polished experience that still feels welcoming rather than overly formal.

Ideal for a special treat without the high price tag, The Wolseley delivers a touch of classic London glamour at a more affordable level.

Best for: Friends, birthdays and a luxury atmosphere.
Good to know: Free refills are available for the sandwiches during this afternoon tea, a great option for savoury-lovers.

Looking to splash out? Take a look at the full range of afternoon tea in London including traditional and unusual afternoon tea.