Afternoon Tea at Rails Restaurant, London
For a unique and contemporary take on afternoon tea, Rails Restaurant & Little Bar, located at the Great Northern Hotel in King’s Cross, offers an exciting fusion of traditional British elegance with French culinary influences. This stylish yet relaxed setting provides a fresh take on the classic afternoon tea experience, making it an ideal choice for locals and visitors alike.
Whether you’re a traditional afternoon tea lover or looking for something a little different, Rails’ innovative menu ensures a memorable and indulgent afternoon treat.
The Setting: A Chic & Stylish Retreat in King’s Cross
Rails Restaurant is beautifully designed, blending contemporary sophistication with heritage charm. The interior is warm and inviting, with plush seating, modern décor, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes it perfect for a relaxed afternoon tea experience.
Situated just moments from King’s Cross Station, this hidden gem offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of London, making it the perfect place to unwind with friends, family, or a loved one.
An Afternoon Tea with a Modern Twist
Rails’ afternoon tea menu is a delightful mix of British tradition and French patisserie flair, offering an array of savoury and sweet delicacies, all freshly prepared and beautifully presented.
A Selection of Savoury Delights
Truffle egg mayonnaise on brioche Smoked salmon & crème fraîche on rye bread Chicken & tarragon finger sandwich Comté cheese & tomato chutney croissant
These flavoursome bites provide the perfect savoury balance before indulging in the sweet delights that follow.
Freshly Baked Scones Classic plain & fruit scones Clotted cream & seasonal preserves
Light, fluffy, and served warm, these buttery scones are a must-have for a true afternoon tea experience.
French-Inspired Patisserie & Desserts
Rails Restaurant adds a Parisian touch to its afternoon tea pastries, featuring: Raspberry & rose macaron Lemon meringue tartlet Dark chocolate ganache cake Vanilla & passionfruit éclair
Each sweet treat is beautifully handcrafted, offering bold flavours and stunning presentation.
An Exquisite Selection of Teas & Champagne
Rails takes pride in offering a fine selection of loose-leaf teas, including classic black teas, refreshing green teas, and aromatic herbal infusions. Options include:
Rails Signature English Breakfast Tea – A rich, full-bodied blend Earl Grey – A fragrant black tea infused with bergamot Jasmine Green Tea – Light and floral with a delicate aroma Chamomile & Honey Infusion – A soothing herbal blend
For an extra touch of indulgence, guests can upgrade their experience with a glass of Champagne or a signature cocktail, making it ideal for a celebration or special occasion.
Specialty Afternoon Tea Options
Rails offers alternative menus to cater to all dietary needs, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the experience: Vegetarian Afternoon Tea Vegan Afternoon Tea Gluten-Free Afternoon Tea
Each option maintains the same level of quality and creativity, ensuring an inclusive experience for all guests.
Who is Afternoon Tea at Rails For? Food lovers looking for a fresh take on afternoon tea Visitors wanting a unique yet relaxed London dining experience Couples & friends seeking a stylish setting for afternoon tea Small groups celebrating special occasions Anyone looking to experience the best of British and French flavours in one menu
Booking & Information
Location: Rails Restaurant & Little Bar, Great Northern Hotel, King’s Cross, London
Availability: Served daily, with advanced booking recommended
Pricing: From £40 per person, with Champagne upgrade options available
A Contemporary Afternoon Tea Experience
With its perfect balance of British tradition and French-inspired elegance, Rails Restaurant’s afternoon tea offers a delightfully unique experience in the heart of London’s King’s Cross. Whether you’re indulging in a relaxed afternoon with friends or celebrating a special occasion, this modern take on afternoon tea is not to be missed. 
Address :
Rails Restaurant, 1 King’s Cross Road, London WC1X 9HX
Opening Hours :
Thursday to Sunday
1pm – 5pm
Reviews
Fabulous place inside the Great Northern Hotel, in Kings Cross St Pancras. We went for a delicious afternoon tea that was simply amazing and great value. Furthermore, the service from the host and the waiter was really good, very attentive and welcoming.
I can’t - and don’t want to even try to - find fault with this restaurant and bar. Location is perfect, it’s beautifully decorated and furnished. Feels like a special treat and a warm hug wrapped up in a eaterie. Been twice in as many months and will be back whenever I get the chance.
We had afternoon tea at this establishment and it was simply fantastic. The service was fast and very friendly, and the interior design is simply amazing too. They have a very good selection of delicious teas. For only 40£ per person it's quite worth it. we'll come hear again!
Brilliant afternoon tea! Honestly was so impressed with how lovely our visit was this afternoon. For £35 each for standard afternoon tea in Central London this was incredible value, the food was delicious, really good selection and they provided vegetarian options. The service was so nice and friendly.
We had such a great experience on a saturday afternoon here. The tearoom was so charming and cosy. Even though the menu was traditional, it was so so delicious, especially the savoury sandwiches!!! the chicken sandwich was amazing! We will remember this tea for a long time!
Queens of Mayfair
For an elegant yet modern afternoon tea, Queens of Mayfair offers a boutique-style experience in one of London’s most exclusive districts. Known for its artisanal produce, exquisite patisserie, and specialty coffee, this intimate venue provides a refined take on British tradition.
Enjoy gourmet savouries, buttermilk scones with house-made preserves, and beautifully crafted desserts, including pistachio éclairs and signature macarons. Pair with luxury teas, single-origin coffee, or Champagne. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available. A sophisticated and artisanal afternoon tea in Mayfair.
The Ampersand Hotel
Inspired by The Science Museum, The Science Afternoon Tea at The Ampersand Hotel offers a fun, interactive twist on tradition. The menu features planet-shaped cakes, petri dish desserts, and “volcanic” scones, making it perfect for families and science lovers.
Guests enjoy savoury bites, chocolate dinosaur eggs with raspberry mousse, and a smoky dry ice cocktail. A selection of specialty loose-leaf teas is available. Vegetarian and gluten-free options can be requested. Served daily from 12:30 pm – 6:30 pm. Advance reservations recommended.
Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane
For a refined afternoon tea experience, Four Seasons London at Park Lane offers elegance and contemporary charm in the Amaranto Lounge. Overlooking Mayfair and Hyde Park, this indulgent tea service features gourmet sandwiches, buttery scones with clotted cream, and exquisite patisserie, including raspberry macarons and praline tarts.
Enjoy a curated selection of fine teas or upgrade with Ruinart or Dom Pérignon Champagne. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available. A truly elevated afternoon tea experience in London.
The Egerton House Hotel
For an intimate and refined Afternoon Tea, The Egerton House Hotel in Knightsbridge offers a luxurious yet cosy experience. Served in The Drawing Room, guests enjoy smoked salmon sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream, and handcrafted pastries, including chocolate raspberry tarts and Victoria sponge.
A premium tea selection complements the menu, with the option to upgrade to Champagne Afternoon Tea. Dog lovers can indulge in the unique Doggy Afternoon Tea. A perfect retreat for couples, small groups, and tea enthusiasts. Advance booking recommended.
The Peninsula
Located at 1 Grosvenor Place, The Peninsula London’s Afternoon Tea offers a luxurious experience in The Lobby, featuring crystal chandeliers and hand-painted murals. The menu blends British and Asian flavors, with savory delicacies, warm scones with Dorset clotted cream, and exquisite desserts like Honey Pot Crème Brûlée.
Each tea service includes a complimentary sparkling wine, tea, or gin and tonic, with an extensive tea selection available. Served daily from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm, prices start at £95 per person. Reservations recommended.
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.
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