Father’s Day is all about taking a moment to say thank you, not just with a card or a gift, but with your time. Whether it’s your dad, grandad, stepdad, or someone who’s always been there for you, a well-planned afternoon out is a lovely way to show you care.
This year, why not treat him to a proper afternoon tea in London? We’ve pulled together five brilliant venues that each offer something unique. From the traditional and grand, to fun twists and hearty savouries. There’s something here for every kind of dad.
Why Afternoon Tea for Father’s Day?
Afternoon tea isn’t just about cake stands and scones. It’s about slowing down, catching up and enjoying good food in good company. It offers the right balance of relaxed atmosphere and a bit of a treat, not as formal as a big dinner out, but still something special.
Plus, many London venues now offer menus tailored to suit a wider range of tastes, with savoury heavy options, craft beers or whisky flights alongside the usual teas. Whether your dad’s got a sweet tooth or leans more towards the savoury side, afternoon tea can be a thoughtful and enjoyable way to mark the day.
Choosing the Right Venue
When it comes to planning the perfect Father’s Day afternoon tea, think about what your dad actually enjoys. Is he someone who’d love a fancy hotel experience with all the bells and whistles? Or would he rather something more relaxed, fun or even quirky?
We’ve picked five venues that cover a range of styles:
- The Ritz London – For a traditional, elegant experience
- Fortnum & Mason – Heritage and refinement in central London
- Brigit’s Bakery Bus Tour – Afternoon tea with a twist, perfect for sightseeing fans
- The Swan at Shakespeare’s Globe – A more robust, ‘gentleman’s tea’ with riverside views
- One Aldwych – A playful, themed afternoon tea great for kids and grown ups alike
Making It Personal
It’s the little touches that can turn a nice afternoon into a memorable one. Consider adding a few extras to make your Father’s Day celebration feel more personal:
- Bring a small gift – like a book, framed photo, or something he can enjoy after the day’s over.
- Add a toast – some venues offer sparkling wine, beer or even whisky as part of the tea.
- Share a memory – tell him about a moment that stuck with you growing up, or something he’s taught you that you’ve never forgotten.
- Include the family – if you’ve got siblings, partners or children, bringing everyone together can make it even more special.
Top 5 Father’s Day Afternoon Teas in London
Here’s our carefully curated list of five afternoon tea venues perfect for Father’s Day:
1. The Ritz London, Piccadilly
Snapshot: The Ritz London is synonymous with luxury and elegance, offering a world-renowned afternoon tea experience in the opulent Palm Court. Guests can indulge in finely cut sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, and an assortment of delicate pastries. The refined atmosphere, complemented by live piano music, ensures a memorable experience.
Why It’s Great for Father’s Day: For dads who appreciate timeless elegance and impeccable service, afternoon tea at The Ritz provides a sophisticated setting to celebrate the occasion.
2. Fortnum & Mason, Piccadilly
Snapshot: Fortnum & Mason’s Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon, opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2012, epitomizes the sophistication of afternoon and high tea. The salon offers an exquisite selection of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and preserves, and a variety of pastries, all accompanied by an extensive range of teas.
Why It’s Great for Father’s Day: Ideal for fathers who appreciate British heritage and a refined tea experience in an iconic setting.
3. Brigit’s Bakery Afternoon Tea Bus Tour
Snapshot: Brigit’s Bakery offers a unique afternoon tea experience aboard a vintage Routemaster bus. The 90-minute tour takes guests through the heart of Central London, passing landmarks such as Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament, and St. Paul’s Cathedral, all while enjoying a delightful selection of sandwiches, scones, and pastries.
Why It’s Great for Father’s Day: Perfect for dads who enjoy sightseeing and a novel twist on the traditional afternoon tea.
4. The Swan at Shakespeare’s Globe, Bankside
Venue Bio: Situated by the River Thames, The Swan offers a Shakespeare-inspired afternoon tea with stunning views of St. Paul’s Cathedral. Their Gentleman’s Tea includes savory treats such as Legbar Scotch eggs, blue cheese and cider scones, beef sliders, and potted smoked salmon.
Why It’s Great for Father’s Day: Ideal for fathers who prefer savory over sweet and appreciate a hearty twist on the traditional afternoon tea.
5. One Aldwych, Covent Garden
Venue Bio: One Aldwych offers an enchanting Charlie and the Chocolate Factory themed afternoon tea. Inspired by Roald Dahl’s classic tale, the menu features imaginative treats such as “fizzy lifting drinks,” “snozzberry jam,” and “chocolate swudge milkshakes.”
Why It’s Great for Father’s Day: A whimsical and indulgent experience for dads with a sweet tooth or those who enjoy a playful dining experience.
Mothers Day
Mother’s Day is the perfect occasion to show appreciation for the incredible women in our lives. This year, why not treat your mum to an experience she’ll cherish. A sophisticated blend of tradition, relaxation, and delicious treats, afternoon tea is a thoughtful way to make the day extra special.
Top 5 Afternoon Tea Venues in North West England for Father’s Day
When it comes to Father’s Day, finding something thoughtful can be a bit of a challenge. Socks and novelty mugs only go so far. That’s why more and more people are choosing to give their time instead, and an afternoon tea is a great way to do just that.
Why Afternoon Tea is a Summer Must-Do in the UK
There’s nothing quite like a British summer when the weather plays along. Pub gardens fill up, the sound of clinking glasses travels across parks, and every spare moment seems made for enjoying the outdoors. But there’s one summer activity that quietly holds its place as a firm favourite afternoon tea.
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