Afternoon tea is a beloved British tradition, and no tea experience is complete without freshly baked scones served with clotted cream and jam. But with so many tearooms, hotels, and cafés offering their take on this classic treat, where can you find the best scones in London? We put some of the most famous afternoon tea spots to the test!
1. The Ritz London ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
📍 Location: Piccadilly
🍽 The Experience: The Ritz is the gold standard of afternoon tea, served in the lavish Palm Court with a classical pianist playing in the background. 🥐 The Scones: Warm, buttery, and perfectly risen—served with silky Devonshire clotted cream and fruity strawberry jam. 💷 Price: £72 per person
✔ Best For: Luxury seekers who want the ultimate five-star afternoon tea experience.
2. Fortnum & Mason ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
📍 Location: Piccadilly
🍽 The Experience: Afternoon tea in the elegant Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon, originally opened by Queen Elizabeth II. 🥐 The Scones: Light, fluffy, and slightly crisp on the outside, paired with Fortnum’s signature clotted cream and lemon curd. 💷 Price: £70 per person
✔ Best For: Traditionalists looking for classic British elegance.
3. Claridge’s ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
📍 Location: Mayfair
🍽 The Experience: A glamorous setting with Art Deco charm, offering a selection of rare teas from around the world. 🥐 The Scones: Perfectly golden, soft, and melt-in-the-mouth, with a choice of homemade preserves. 💷 Price: £90 per person
✔ Best For: Those wanting impeccable service and a refined atmosphere.
4. Sketch London ⭐⭐⭐⭐
📍 Location: Mayfair
🍽 The Experience: A quirky, modern take on afternoon tea, served in the famous pink-themed Gallery. 🥐 The Scones: Smaller than traditional scones but incredibly rich and buttery, served with clotted cream and homemade jam. 💷 Price: £75 per person
✔ Best For: Trendy foodies looking for Instagram-worthy aesthetics.
5. The Wolseley ⭐⭐⭐⭐
📍 Location: Piccadilly
🍽 The Experience: A grand café with European flair, perfect for a relaxed yet upscale afternoon tea. 🥐 The Scones: Delicate, slightly crumbly, and full of flavor, paired with Wilkin & Sons Tiptree jam. 💷 Price: £39 per person
✔ Best For: Affordable elegance without sacrificing quality.
6. Brigit’s Bakery (BB Bakery) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
📍 Location: Covent Garden
🍽 The Experience: A cosy, Parisian-style tearoom known for its Afternoon Tea Bus Tours. 🥐 The Scones: Slightly sweet, soft, and served warm, with a generous portion of clotted cream. 💷 Price: £45 per person
✔ Best For: Those who want a fun and relaxed afternoon tea experience.
The Verdict: Who Wins the Scone Showdown? 🏆
- Best Traditional Scones: The Ritz 🏅
- Best for Flavors & Toppings: Fortnum & Mason 🏅
- Best for Aesthetics & Atmosphere: Sketch 🏅
- Best Value for Money: The Wolseley 🏅
- Most Unique Experience: Brigit’s Bakery 🏅
Whatever your preference, London has the perfect scone for you! Whether you prefer a classic British setting, a trendy Instagrammable spot, or a quirky twist on tradition, afternoon tea in London is an experience not to be missed. ☕🥐✨