Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason
For over 300 years, Fortnum & Mason has been synonymous with elegance, refinement, and the finest British traditions. Situated in the heart of Piccadilly, London, this world-famous luxury department store offers one of the most iconic afternoon tea experiences in the UK. Served in the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon, afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason is a quintessentially British affair, where impeccable service meets the finest teas, delicate patisserie, and a timeless atmosphere.
The Setting: The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon
Stepping into the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon is like stepping into a world of classic luxury. Opened by Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2012, this elegant salon is adorned with soft pastel hues, plush seating, crisp white tablecloths, and the signature Fortnum’s blue china, creating the perfect ambiance for a relaxing yet indulgent experience.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, enjoying a leisurely afternoon with loved ones, or simply treating yourself, this historic venue offers the perfect setting for a memorable afternoon tea.
A Traditional Afternoon Tea with a Fortnum & Mason Twist
The Fortnum & Mason afternoon tea menu is carefully curated to highlight the best of British seasonal ingredients, featuring:
A Selection of Savoury Finger Sandwiches
Enjoy an assortment of expertly crafted sandwiches, each with classic and contemporary fillings that change seasonally, such as:
Coronation chicken on malted grain bread Cucumber & mint cream cheese on soft white bread Smoked salmon & lemon butter on rye bread Truffle egg mayonnaise on brioche Rare roast beef with horseradish
The sandwich selection is refreshed regularly, ensuring the freshest ingredients and flavours with every visit.
Freshly Baked Scones with Classic Accompaniments
Fortnum & Mason is renowned for its scones, which are baked fresh daily and served warm. Guests can enjoy: Classic and fruit scones Clotted cream from the West Country A selection of Fortnum & Mason’s signature jams, including strawberry and lemon curd
The perfect balance of buttery richness and light texture, these scones are a highlight of the experience.
Elegant Cakes & Pâtisserie Selection
No afternoon tea is complete without an exquisite patisserie selection, crafted by Fortnum’s expert pastry chefs. Expect a seasonally inspired array of delicate cakes and tarts, such as: Rose and raspberry éclair Dark chocolate and orange opera cake Lemon meringue tart Victoria sponge with Fortnum’s signature jam
Each delectable pastry is designed to complement the selection of teas, offering the perfect sweet ending to a luxurious afternoon.
The Finest Selection of Teas
Fortnum & Mason is world-famous for its exceptional range of teas, sourced from the finest tea gardens across the globe. The afternoon tea menu offers an extensive selection of loose-leaf teas, expertly brewed to enhance the flavours of the food. Guests can choose from:
Fortnum’s Royal Blend – A smooth, malty black tea created in 1902 Earl Grey Classic – A fragrant blend of black tea with bergamot Jasmine Pearl Green Tea – A delicately floral and refreshing green tea Darjeeling First Flush – A light, muscatel-flavoured tea from the Himalayas Lapsang Souchong – A smoky, bold tea for those who prefer stronger flavours
For those seeking a luxurious touch, guests can also upgrade to a Champagne Afternoon Tea, which includes a glass of Fortnum’s Blanc de Blancs Champagne.
Address :
Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1A 1ER
Opening Hours :
Daily
12pm-5pm
Reviews
restaurant was absolutely beautiful, lighting was perfect, temperature was perfect. was sat next to a window with a lovely back drop of beautiful plants. bread starter was very tasty, sirloin was cooked perfectly and the dessert sharer was lovely. very good food for the price and our waiter, anthony was lovely and attentive and had great banter. he made the visit even more pleasant.
I went there with my niece. It’s a beautiful place with wonderful tea and biscuits and many more. As I had a large luggage we only explored the ground floor. Next time I would love to see the other floors and perhaps enjoy the high tea there. The shop keepers were very helpful so we ended up shopping a few products from there. I bought some for myself, some for souvenirs for my friends:)
What a wonderful experience! Tea at Fortnum and Mason was one of the best dining experiences I have ever had. The food was excellent and plentiful and the service was skilled, friendly, enthusiastic and kind. My wife and I felt welcomed and that we were part of something special as if there staff had been waiting for us for years and finally we had arrived! The jubilee tea room is large and beautiful.
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).
All the varieties of tea, biscuits, and chocolates you could imagine. We had a great time exploring this store and looking at all the options. It’s a great option for tourists looking for gifts for friends and family back home. There really is something for everyone. The staff is very knowledgeable about the products. We talked to different employees who helped us pick the right teas and coffee and made us feel confident with our picks.
The Dorchester
Served in The Promenade, The Dorchester’s Afternoon Tea blends British tradition with luxury. Guests enjoy finger sandwiches, warm scones with jam and clotted cream, and seasonal pastries crafted by award-winning chefs. A curated tea selection features exclusive blends and classic favourites, with the option to upgrade to Champagne Afternoon Tea.
Ideal for those seeking a refined British tradition, The Dorchester also offers a Children’s Afternoon Tea and vegan options. Served daily from 12:00 pm to 4:30 pm, prices start at £110 per person. Reservations recommended.
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.
Ladurée Covent Garden
Experience a Parisian-inspired afternoon tea at Ladurée Covent Garden, blending French elegance with British tradition. Set in Covent Garden Piazza, enjoy savoury delights like smoked salmon brioche and Brie & truffle on sourdough, followed by buttery scones with Ladurée preserves. Indulge in signature pastries, including the Mini Ispahan and chocolate éclair, alongside world-famous macarons.
Pair with premium teas or upgrade to a Champagne Afternoon Tea. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free menus available. A chic, luxurious treat in London’s most vibrant setting.
Rosewood
Rosewood London's Mirror Room presents a Hokusai-inspired Art Afternoon Tea, merging Japanese flavours with British tradition. Guests enjoy Japanese BBQ beef brisket buns, sake-marinated salmon, and intricately crafted Art Cakes reflecting Hokusai's masterpieces, served in a bespoke "Washitsu" box. Complemented by exclusive Japanese teas and themed cocktails, the experience is enhanced by Japanese woodblock printing demonstrations. Available daily from 12:00 PM to 5:45 PM at £80 per person, with a 10% discount via AfternoonTea.co.uk. Advance booking is recommended.
The Kensington Hotel
Enjoy Afternoon Tea at The Kensington Hotel, served daily in the elegant Drawing Room. The menu features refined finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream, and artistic patisserie inspired by seasonal ingredients. Guests can choose from a broad tea selection or add champagne for a celebratory touch. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available with notice. A stylish choice for couples, museum-goers, or special occasions. Advance booking is strongly recommended.
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.
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