Afternoon Tea at Hotel Café Royal – A Glamorous Affair in The Grill Room
Step into a world of unparalleled luxury with Afternoon Tea at The Grill Room, located within the historic Hotel Café Royal. This is not just an afternoon tea; it’s a spectacle of grandeur, where sumptuous décor, impeccable service, and exquisitely crafted delicacies come together for an experience that is as indulgent as it is unforgettable.
With its gold-gilded walls, ornate ceilings, and shimmering mirrors, The Grill Room is one of London’s most opulent dining spaces, offering a lavish escape from the modern world. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in the finer things in life, this is afternoon tea at its most decadent.
The Setting: A Historic Masterpiece
Originally established in 1865, The Grill Room at Hotel Café Royal has welcomed some of history’s most iconic figures, from Oscar Wilde and Winston Churchill to Princess Diana and David Bowie.
Every inch of the room is a testament to luxury, featuring: Handcrafted gilded ceilings
Rich red velvet seating
Sparkling mirrors reflecting warm candlelight
Live music, adding to the ambiance of refinement
The moment you step inside, you are transported to a golden era of glamour and sophistication, making it the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable afternoon tea.
An Afternoon Tea Fit for Royalty
The Grill Room’s Afternoon Tea menu is a celebration of artistry and flavour, blending traditional British elements with modern flair. Expect a carefully curated selection of savoury delights, delicate patisserie, and rare teas, all presented with uncompromising elegance.
Savoury Selection – A Symphony of Flavours Cornish crab with lemon & dill on seaweed bread – A light, citrus-infused delicacy
Cucumber & yuzu cream cheese on rye bread – A refreshing twist on a classic
Truffle egg mayonnaise on brioche – Rich, earthy, and indulgent
Scottish smoked salmon with horseradish crème – A luxurious bite of tradition
Duck & orange pâté on toasted sourdough – A harmonious balance of sweetness and savoury depth
Each bite is carefully balanced and immaculately presented, showcasing innovative yet timeless flavour pairings.
Scones – A Quintessential Delight Freshly baked plain & raisin scones
Accompanied by Cornish clotted cream & homemade fruit preserves
These pillowy-soft scones melt in the mouth, providing the perfect midpoint between the savoury and sweet courses.
Exquisite Pâtisserie – A Celebration of Craftsmanship
The dessert selection at Hotel Café Royal is nothing short of a masterpiece, showcasing the exceptional skill of the hotel’s pâtissiers. Highlights include:
Rose & lychee macaron – A floral, delicately balanced Parisian treat
Yuzu & honey choux bun – A zesty, golden bite of perfection
Chocolate & hazelnut tart – Rich, velvety indulgence with a nutty crunch
Lemon & bergamot madeleine – A citrus-infused classic, executed flawlessly
Each petite dessert is as visually stunning as it is delicious, ensuring a truly decadent finale to your tea experience.
A World-Class Tea Selection & Champagne Pairings
To accompany the exquisite menu, guests can choose from a meticulously sourced selection of rare and premium teas, including:
Café Royal Signature Black Tea – A robust, full-bodied blend created exclusively for the hotel
Silver Needle White Tea – A delicate and floral option for refined palates
Earl Grey with Bergamot & Blue Flowers – A luxurious take on a British classic
Sencha Green Tea with Jasmine Blossoms – Light, fragrant, and uplifting
Spiced Chai Infusion – A warming, aromatic blend of exotic spices
For those seeking an added touch of indulgence, an exclusive Champagne Afternoon Tea is available, featuring: Dom Pérignon Vintage Champagne
Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Champagne
Tailored Afternoon Tea Experiences
To ensure that every guest can enjoy this iconic experience, Hotel Café Royal offers: Vegetarian Afternoon Tea
Vegan Afternoon Tea
Gluten-Free Afternoon Tea
Every version maintains the same level of craftsmanship, luxury, and indulgence.
Who is This Afternoon Tea Experience For? Luxury seekers looking for an afternoon tea in one of London’s most opulent settings
Couples celebrating anniversaries or special occasions
Visitors seeking a unique and immersive dining experience in a historic location
Afternoon tea connoisseurs looking for an elevated, refined menu
Anyone who loves the glamour of London’s golden era and wants to experience it firsthand
Booking & Information Location: The Grill Room, Hotel Café Royal, 68 Regent Street, London W1B 4DY
Availability: Served daily (advance booking required)
Pricing: From £70 per person, with Champagne upgrades available
A Glamorous Afternoon Tea Like No Other
Afternoon Tea at The Grill Room, Hotel Café Royal, is more than just a meal—it’s a statement of elegance, a nod to history, and a celebration of culinary artistry. Whether you’re sipping on rare teas, indulging in exquisite patisserie, or simply soaking in the dazzling surroundings, this experience offers a taste of pure luxury in one of London’s most iconic venues.
Book your Afternoon Tea at Hotel Café Royal today and step into a world of golden-age glamour, unparalleled indulgence, and timeless sophistication.
Reviews

best afternoon tea experience ever! Showmo was our tea sommelier and our server for our afternoon. His hospitality is unmatched he does the most to ensure a smooth time but also goes above and beyond. The room is absolutely stunning. The menu is fully halal.

All staff were fantastic - so friendly, knowledgeable and polite. The experience was great and the food was delicious. The team made sure our dietary requirements were covered and made really helpful recommendations. The room itself was beautiful and the pianist was fantastic.

Every little detail was exquisite! The room is so opulent and impressive. It looks palatial with all the gold decorations, classical paintings and mirror walls. The food and drinks were expertly prepared and presented. Everything tasted so delicious and looked fabulous.

Fantastic experience and service from all of the staff especially Gift. The afternoon tea pastries and sandwiches were amazing as was the choice of teas. It was nice the meat was halal and we could have the usual menu. The earl grey jelly was amazing! The staff went out of their way to accommodate us.

Afternoon Festive tea at the Grill Room at £85. The Grill Room is really beautiful and opulent. We were truly charmed by the ambiance. The gentleman that assisted us, Luigi is very charming and affable and offered us perfect service. Great place for photographs as well.
Fait Maison Gloucester Road
Afternoon Tea at Fait Maison’s Salon de Thé in Kensington offers a luxurious escape with floral décor, seasonal flair, and a vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy a three-tiered spread of sweet and savoury delights, loose-leaf teas, and Middle Eastern-inspired patisserie. Perfect for any occasion, with dietary-friendly options available in a beautifully styled setting led by chef Om Waleed.
Claridge’s
Nestled in Mayfair, Claridge’s Afternoon Tea blends luxury and tradition. Guests enjoy finger sandwiches, warm scones with Claridge’s jam and Cornish clotted cream, and seasonal pastries. A curated tea selection, including Claridge’s Blend and Oolong, enhances the experience.
Served in elegant surroundings with impeccable service, it’s perfect for special occasions or indulgent afternoons. A Children’s Afternoon Tea ensures an inclusive experience. Served daily from 2:45 pm to 5:30 pm, prices start at £95 per person. Advance reservations recommended.
Straits Kitchen, Pan Pacific London
Pan Pacific London offers a Southeast Asian-inspired afternoon tea at Straits Kitchen, blending British tradition with flavours like lemongrass, pandan, and yuzu. Served Thursday to Monday, 1:00 pm–4:00 pm, the menu includes seasonal savouries, sweets, and scones with kaya jam. Guests enjoy a tea pairing experience with Newby Teas. A fun Children’s Afternoon Tea is also available. Prices start from £58. Ideal for special occasions or relaxed afternoons.
The Lanesborough
Enjoy a regal Afternoon Tea at The Lanesborough, inspired by Bridgerton and served in The Lanesborough Grill. Expect elegant finger sandwiches, warm scones, and character-themed pastries, all paired with fine teas or themed cocktails. Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and children’s options available. A luxurious, theatrical experience perfect for fans and traditional tea lovers alike.
Lanes of London
Located near Marble Arch, Lanes of London offers a modern yet elegant Afternoon Tea experience with seasonal menus. Guests enjoy savoury bites, including smoked salmon with horseradish, alongside classic and fruit scones with clotted cream, lemon curd, and jam. Sweet treats feature chocolate tart with raspberry coulis and lemon & basil cheesecake.
A wide selection of loose-leaf teas is available, with the option to upgrade to Champagne Afternoon Tea. Vegetarian and vegan options can be requested. Served daily from 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm. Reservations recommended.
The Rubens At The Palace
Located opposite Buckingham Palace, The Rubens at the Palace offers a quintessentially British Afternoon Tea in a regal setting. Guests enjoy a curated tea selection, including exclusive blends, alongside finely crafted finger sandwiches with classic fillings like Scottish smoked salmon and roast chicken with tarragon mayonnaise.
The experience continues with handmade pastries inspired by Royal traditions and warm scones with clotted cream and homemade preserves. For added indulgence, guests can opt for Champagne Afternoon Tea. Advance reservations are highly recommended.
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