Afternoon Tea at The Bloomsbury – A Literary-Inspired Indulgence
For an afternoon tea steeped in history, charm, and literary inspiration, The Bloomsbury Hotel offers an elegant yet whimsical experience in one of London’s most stylish settings. Nestled in the heart of literary Bloomsbury, this afternoon tea celebrates the creative legacy of the Bloomsbury Set, a group of writers, intellectuals, and artists who shaped British culture in the early 20th century.
Served in the enchanting Dalloway Terrace or the elegant Coral Room, afternoon tea at The Bloomsbury is a poetic escape into a world of indulgence, art, and tradition—perfect for those who love fine patisserie, sophisticated ambiance, and a touch of literary magic.
The Setting: A Tale of Two Spaces
Afternoon tea at The Bloomsbury can be enjoyed in two distinct and equally charming settings:
📖 Dalloway Terrace – A floral-filled, all-season terrace, where guests can dine beneath cascading flowers in the summer or surrounded by cosy, twinkling lights in the winter. It’s one of London’s most Instagram-worthy afternoon tea locations.
🎭 The Coral Room – A grand, Art Deco-inspired space with bold coral walls, plush velvet seating, and vintage chandeliers, offering a glamorous and theatrical atmosphere.
Whichever setting you choose, expect exceptional service, an intimate ambiance, and an experience that feels both stylish and relaxed.
A Literary-Inspired Afternoon Tea Menu
The Bloomsbury’s afternoon tea menu pays homage to the writers and artists who once gathered in this historic neighbourhood, blending classic British tea traditions with playful storytelling and creative twists.
Savoury Delights – A Thoughtful Prelude
✔️ Coronation chicken with golden raisins on brioche – A spiced and creamy nod to British culinary heritage
✔️ Scottish smoked salmon & dill cream cheese on rye – A refined, elegant bite
✔️ Egg mayonnaise & black truffle on soft white bread – A luxurious, delicate pairing
✔️ Cucumber & minted cream cheese on malted granary – A refreshing take on a timeless favourite
Each sandwich is beautifully prepared and expertly balanced, offering a delicious introduction to the experience.
Freshly Baked Scones – A Quintessential Treat
✔️ Classic buttermilk & fruit scones
✔️ Served warm with Cornish clotted cream & homemade preserves
Flaky, soft, and just the right amount of crumbly, these freshly baked scones are the heart of a true British afternoon tea.
Sweet Treats Inspired by Literary Icons
The showstopping pâtisserie selection draws influence from iconic writers and works of the Bloomsbury Set, featuring:
✔️ The Virginia Woolf Lemon Tart – A delicate, citrus-infused masterpiece
✔️ The Bloomsbury Macaron with Pistachio & Raspberry – A crisp, vibrant homage to artistic expression
✔️ The Dalloway Chocolate Éclair – A rich, indulgent treat that reflects the elegance of Woolf’s beloved character
✔️ Vanilla & Earl Grey Layer Cake – A refined, subtly spiced nod to classic British tea flavours
Each dessert is artfully crafted, offering a balance of storytelling, nostalgia, and exquisite flavour.
A Tea Selection Worth Writing About
To complement the menu, guests can choose from a carefully curated selection of fine loose-leaf teas, including:
✔️ The Bloomsbury Blend – A rich and smooth black tea inspired by the hotel’s literary roots
✔️ Jasmine Pearl Green Tea – A fragrant and delicate floral infusion
✔️ Darjeeling First Flush – A sophisticated, muscatel-infused classic
✔️ Rose & Hibiscus Herbal Infusion – A naturally caffeine-free, floral blend
For those who want to elevate their experience, a Champagne Afternoon Tea is available, featuring:
✔️ Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut Champagne
✔️ Moët & Chandon Rosé Champagne
Tailored Afternoon Tea Options
The Bloomsbury Hotel ensures that all guests can enjoy this experience, offering:
✔️ Vegetarian Afternoon Tea
✔️ Vegan Afternoon Tea
✔️ Gluten-Free Afternoon Tea
Each version maintains the same level of craftsmanship, elegance, and indulgence.
Who is This Afternoon Tea Experience Perfect For?
✔️ Literary lovers looking for an afternoon tea with a creative twist
✔️ Visitors to London seeking an elegant and stylish setting
✔️ Couples enjoying a romantic tea experience in a floral terrace
✔️ Friends celebrating a special occasion over Champagne and patisserie
✔️ Afternoon tea enthusiasts who appreciate quality, storytelling, and ambiance
Booking & Information
📍 Location: The Bloomsbury Hotel, 16-22 Great Russell Street, London
📆 Availability: Served daily (advance booking highly recommended)
💰 Pricing: From £55 per person, with Champagne upgrades available
An Afternoon Tea Experience Worth Writing About
For those looking for a truly unique afternoon tea in London, The Bloomsbury Hotel delivers an experience that is both elegant and imaginative. With its literary inspiration, exquisite patisserie, and stylish surroundings, this is an afternoon tea that celebrates both tradition and creativity in the heart of historic Bloomsbury.
Book your afternoon tea at The Bloomsbury Hotel today and indulge in a sophisticated, story-filled escape. 🍰☕📖✨
Address :
16-22 Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3NN
Opening Hours :
Monday – Sunday
12pm-4pm
Reviews
Great, comfortable hotel. The Location is literally perfect for staying in the centre of London. And even tho the location was so central there were no disturbing noises during the night. Staff was extremely friendly and accommodating. Room was clean and fulfilled our wishes for the short stay of two days. When not if we will be back in London we will also be back at The Bloomsbury!
The hotel is in a perfect location for the theatre district and for the National Gallery. The location is also very quiet, great for a light sleeper, yet within a few minutes walking you are in all the hustle and bustle of London. I would highly recommend staying at The Bloomsbury, I wouldn’t hesitate staying there the next time I visit London.
My experience at the Bloomsbury Hotel was outstanding. From the warm welcome I received from Eva at the front desk to Ivan's excellent recommendations for day trips (including some fantastic pub suggestions), every detail exceeded my expectations. Antonio and Lurasc also made every arrival and departure a pleasant one with their genuine hospitality. Truly top-notch service all around.
My friend and I recently visited London from the US, and we were blown away by The Bloomsbury Hotel. When choosing a hotel, I very strategically looked for a hotel that was central to all that we wanted to see and had easy access to the tube or within walking distance. This hotel is that gem, close to everything! From check-in to check-out, the service from all of the staff was wonderful and accommodating.
Location is quiet - off the main bustle of Tottenham Court Rd which some may not like but we preferred it. At night our room was totally quiet. The Coral Room is exquisite in style with the all coral colored wall. The staff is properly dressed and goes the extra length to serve your every whim. The Club in the basement has a jazz band late at night (well at least Friday and Saturday nights).
Shangri-La The Shard, London
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Enjoy matcha cakes, yuzu tarts, sesame praline choux, and gold-leaf chocolate truffles, paired with premium Chinese and British teas. Guests can enhance the experience with Champagne or a Lunar New Year cocktail. Advance booking recommended for this limited-time celebration.
The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa
Located in historic Bath, The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa’s Afternoon Tea blends Georgian elegance with modern indulgence. Served in Montagu’s Mews or the secluded gardens, guests enjoy finger sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream and preserves, and seasonal pastries like raspberry & pistachio tart and chocolate mousse.
A curated tea selection, including the Royal Crescent Blend, pairs perfectly with the menu. Afternoon Tea is served daily from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm, starting at £45 per person, with Champagne and children’s options available. Advance reservations recommended.
The Ritz
Served in The Palm Court, Afternoon Tea at The Ritz is a world-famous experience of elegance, tradition, and impeccable service, accompanied by a live pianist and harpist. Guests enjoy finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with Cornish clotted cream, and exquisite pastries crafted daily by expert pâtissiers.
With over 20 loose-leaf teas, including The Ritz’s exclusive blend, this tea is perfect for special occasions and classic afternoon tea lovers. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available. Served daily at multiple times. Advance reservations required.
The Milestone Hotel
Overlooking Kensington Palace, The Milestone Hotel offers a luxurious afternoon tea in an elegant setting with live piano music. Guests enjoy classic finger sandwiches, including smoked Scottish salmon on beetroot bread, alongside warm scones with clotted cream and homemade preserves. The patisserie selection features chocolate ganache tarts, Victoria sponge, and Earl Grey mousse, paired with a curated tea menu or Champagne upgrade.
Vegan, gluten-free, and children’s afternoon tea options are available. A refined and traditional experience in the heart of London.
The Langham
Palm Court at The Langham London, the birthplace of afternoon tea, has upheld this tradition since 1865. Guests enjoy Victorian-inspired finger sandwiches, pastries, and warm scones with clotted cream, crafted by Michel Roux and Andrew Gravett. A curated tea selection complements the menu, set in an elegant setting with live music.
Afternoon Tea is served Wednesday to Sunday from 12:15 pm to 5:00 pm, starting at £75 per person, with Champagne and dietary options available. Reservations are highly recommended.
The Bloomsbury Hotel
Inspired by the literary Bloomsbury Set, The Bloomsbury Hotel’s Afternoon Tea blends classic British tradition with creativity. Served in the floral-filled Dalloway Terrace or the elegant Coral Room, guests enjoy Coronation chicken brioche, smoked salmon on rye, warm buttermilk scones, and literary-inspired pastries, including The Virginia Woolf Lemon Tart and The Dalloway Chocolate Éclair.
A curated tea selection complements the menu, with Champagne upgrades available. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are offered. A refined yet imaginative afternoon tea experience in the heart of London. Advance booking recommended.
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