Housed on the fourth floor of Fortnum & Mason’s iconic Piccadilly store, The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon offers a refined and memorable Afternoon Tea experience. Opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2012, the venue pays homage to the longstanding heritage of British tea culture and Fortnum’s own three centuries of expertise.
A Traditional Experience with Modern Flexibility
Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason is served daily, with multiple sittings available from lunchtime through to late afternoon. The menu offers a range of Afternoon Tea options designed to suit various dietary preferences and tastes. Guests can choose from Traditional Afternoon Tea, Savoury Afternoon Tea, Vegetarian, and Vegan menus all of which maintain the same standard of care, presentation, and flavour.
The Traditional option includes a selection of delicate finger sandwiches filled with ingredients such as rare breed hen’s egg mayonnaise, coronation chicken, cucumber with mint cream cheese, and smoked salmon. These are followed by plain and fruit scones served warm with Fortnum’s strawberry preserve and clotted cream, and a trio of pâtisseries crafted by in-house pastry chefs.
For those who prefer something less sweet, the Savoury Afternoon Tea replaces cakes with items such as cheese scones and savoury pastries. Vegan and vegetarian menus include equivalent courses using plant-based or meat-free alternatives without compromising on presentation or taste.
Tea Selection and Enhancements
With over 100 loose-leaf teas available from their own collection, Fortnum & Mason takes pride in guiding guests through the perfect pairing for their chosen menu. The knowledgeable team are on hand to recommend blends ranging from robust black teas to lighter green or floral options.
For a celebratory touch, guests can opt to include a glass of Fortnum’s Blanc de Blancs Champagne or one of their tea-inspired cocktails. These pairings offer a contemporary update to the traditional service, while still retaining the elegance Fortnum & Mason is known for.
Elegant Interiors and Quiet Ambience
The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon is decorated in a soft palette of green, cream and gold, creating a calm and classic atmosphere. With crisp white table linens, polished silverware and fine bone china, the room balances formality with comfort. A pianist plays live at selected times, adding to the ambience without overwhelming conversation.
The venue is suitable for a wide range of occasions, from casual catch-ups and birthdays to anniversaries or special outings with family. Children are welcome, though the format and setting are best appreciated by adults and older children. Private rooms can also be reserved for more intimate gatherings or group celebrations.
Booking and Location
Due to its popularity, advance booking is recommended particularly for weekend sittings. The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon is located within Fortnum & Mason’s flagship store at 181 Piccadilly, London, and is easily accessible via Piccadilly Circus or Green Park stations.
Address :
181 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1A 1ER
Opening Hours :
Monday to Saturday
11:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Reviews
An unforgettable afternoon tea experience! The ambiance was elegant, the service impeccable, and the selection of teas and treats truly delightful.
The finger sandwiches were fresh and flavorful, the scones warm and buttery, and the pastries a perfect sweet ending. A must-visit for tea lovers!
Impeccable service and a beautifully presented afternoon tea. The live piano music added a charming touch to the whole experience.
A classic afternoon tea with a modern twist. The variety of teas and the quality of the food were outstanding. Highly recommended!
The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon offers a quintessential British afternoon tea experience. The attention to detail and the quality of the offerings are top-notch.
The Lane
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.
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.
Kona at St. James’ Court, A Taj Hotel
Kona at St. James’ Court, A Taj Hotel, offers award-winning Afternoon Teas in a stylish Victorian setting. Highlights include the floral-themed Midsummer Night’s Dream Tea and the Indian Jasmine Tea, both paired with nine premium teas. Vegetarian, vegan, and child-friendly options are available with advance notice. Afternoon Tea is served Wednesday to Sunday at 12pm, 2pm, and 4pm. Located at 54 Buckingham Gate, London, it’s ideal for a refined and imaginative teatime escape.
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 Berkeley, London
Afternoon Tea at The Berkeley blends style and flavour in the Collins Room with fashion-inspired pastries like the Red Apple and Passion Fruit Entremet, Peanut Cookie, and Grapefruit Pavlova. Served alongside delicate savoury navettes and an extensive tea menu or champagne, it’s a refined treat with a modern edge. Ideal for fashion lovers and those after something different, this experience offers creativity and elegance in equal measure. Advance booking is strongly recommended.
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.
You can also follow us on Pinterest for more afternoon tea inspiration
Disclaimer : We often review or link to products & services from Amazon or other affiliate partners. If you click on one of our product links and make a purchase, we may earn a small commision.