London's standout afternoon teas that will make you fall in love with it again

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Lizzie Thomson14 August 2018

An English summer isn't complete without the quintessentially British tradition of afternoon tea.

Still, after a few, they can get slightly same-old, same-old.

It may be hard to say no to a creamy scone and a glass of fizz but for many, afternoon teas have lost their vibrancy and have become slightly beige. How many rounds of tea and cake can one endure?

All is not lost. From the quirky to the bottomless, these are the standout afternoon teas London has to offer for anyone looking to fall in love with the pastime once again.

Frida Kahlo-Inspired Afternoon Tea, The Lanesborough​

Work of art: The Frida Kahlo éclair

London’s been swept up in Frida Kahlo fever this summer. To tie in with the V&A’s exhibition of the Mexican artist, The Lanesborough offers a unique afternoon tea dedicated to the lady herself. Head pastry chef Gabriel Le Quang has created a variety of Mexican-inspired sweet treats for guests to feast on. Enjoy a creamy passionfruit and raspberry éclair adorned with an intricate portrait of Kahlo's face. There’s something quite Inception-like about the artist becoming the edible art.

Hyde Park Corner, SW1X 7TA, oetkercollection.com

Mad Hatter's Afternoon Tea, Sanderson Hotel

Fantasty spread: Afternoon tea at the Sanderson hotel

Any book lover will adore this afternoon tea inspired by the whimsical world of Alice in Wonderland at the Sanderson hotel. As an ode to Lewis Carroll’s magical novel, it has transformed the typical afternoon tea into an imaginative spread of treats. Menus can be found in vintage books while sandwich plates feature ticking clocks. Traditional tea and cakes are served with a literary twist, like the Queen of Hearts rose and strawberry Jammy Dodger and a cinnamon, apple and peach ‘Drink Me’ potion. It's quirky, yes, but still retains an oh-so British-ness vibe.

50 Berners St, W1T 3NG, morganshotelgroup.com

The best afternoon tea in London

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High Tea And Tease, CellarDoor

There’s something quite paradoxical about the conventional British pastime being mixed with the smoky, sultry world of burlesque — but it works. Tuck into sandwiches, cupcakes and tea and enjoy performances from some of the very best on London’s cabaret and burlesque scene. Acts rotate every week. The former public toilet-turned-hidden cabaret club may not scream high tea but this place does its best to give the classic a modern update.

Wellington St, WC2E 7DN, cellardoor.biz

Free-flowing Afternoon Tea, Boulevard Brasserie

Bottomless bubbles: Boozy afternoon tea at this Covent Garden haunt

It may be a French brasserie but this spot does the British passion well. Not to mention, it has free-flowing prosecco. Bottomless afternoon teas may be nothing new, but whereas it usually costs a fortune to drink unlimited fizz, Boulevard are charging a little under £27-a-head. Guests have an hour and a half to enjoy as many bubbles as they fancy while tucking into an assortment of freshly baked scones and miniature cakes and tarts. It even offers a gluten-free afternoon tea, just be sure to specify on reservation.

40 Wellington St, WC2E 7BD, boulevardbrasserie.co.uk

Wyld Tea, Dandelyan

Botanical tea: Dandelyan's offering
Dandelyan

We know that Ryan Chetiyawardana – aka Mr Lyan – can deliver on cocktails so it’s no surprise Dandelyan’s afternoon tea comes with an exquisite selection of drinks. The innovative menu is made up of four courses each with a unique take on traditional tea classics. Each course comes with an alcoholic accompaniment channelling the current ‘The Modern Life of Plants' menu. This afternoon tea is lavish and decadent with a twist on conventional flavours. Food highlights include the smoked duck, miso and parmesan croute and the Earl Grey Vermouth custard tart.

20 Upper Ground, SE1 9PD, dandelyanbar.com

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