Afternoon Tea at The Bloomsbury – A Literary-Inspired Indulgence
For an afternoon tea steeped in history, charm, and literary inspiration, The Bloomsbury Hotel offers an elegant yet whimsical experience in one of London’s most stylish settings. Nestled in the heart of literary Bloomsbury, this afternoon tea celebrates the creative legacy of the Bloomsbury Set, a group of writers, intellectuals, and artists who shaped British culture in the early 20th century.
Served in the enchanting Dalloway Terrace or the elegant Coral Room, afternoon tea at The Bloomsbury is a poetic escape into a world of indulgence, art, and tradition—perfect for those who love fine patisserie, sophisticated ambiance, and a touch of literary magic.
The Setting: A Tale of Two Spaces
Afternoon tea at The Bloomsbury can be enjoyed in two distinct and equally charming settings:
📖 Dalloway Terrace – A floral-filled, all-season terrace, where guests can dine beneath cascading flowers in the summer or surrounded by cosy, twinkling lights in the winter. It’s one of London’s most Instagram-worthy afternoon tea locations.
🎭 The Coral Room – A grand, Art Deco-inspired space with bold coral walls, plush velvet seating, and vintage chandeliers, offering a glamorous and theatrical atmosphere.
Whichever setting you choose, expect exceptional service, an intimate ambiance, and an experience that feels both stylish and relaxed.
A Literary-Inspired Afternoon Tea Menu
The Bloomsbury’s afternoon tea menu pays homage to the writers and artists who once gathered in this historic neighbourhood, blending classic British tea traditions with playful storytelling and creative twists.
Savoury Delights – A Thoughtful Prelude
✔️ Coronation chicken with golden raisins on brioche – A spiced and creamy nod to British culinary heritage
✔️ Scottish smoked salmon & dill cream cheese on rye – A refined, elegant bite
✔️ Egg mayonnaise & black truffle on soft white bread – A luxurious, delicate pairing
✔️ Cucumber & minted cream cheese on malted granary – A refreshing take on a timeless favourite
Each sandwich is beautifully prepared and expertly balanced, offering a delicious introduction to the experience.
Freshly Baked Scones – A Quintessential Treat
✔️ Classic buttermilk & fruit scones
✔️ Served warm with Cornish clotted cream & homemade preserves
Flaky, soft, and just the right amount of crumbly, these freshly baked scones are the heart of a true British afternoon tea.
Sweet Treats Inspired by Literary Icons
The showstopping pâtisserie selection draws influence from iconic writers and works of the Bloomsbury Set, featuring:
✔️ The Virginia Woolf Lemon Tart – A delicate, citrus-infused masterpiece
✔️ The Bloomsbury Macaron with Pistachio & Raspberry – A crisp, vibrant homage to artistic expression
✔️ The Dalloway Chocolate Éclair – A rich, indulgent treat that reflects the elegance of Woolf’s beloved character
✔️ Vanilla & Earl Grey Layer Cake – A refined, subtly spiced nod to classic British tea flavours
Each dessert is artfully crafted, offering a balance of storytelling, nostalgia, and exquisite flavour.
A Tea Selection Worth Writing About
To complement the menu, guests can choose from a carefully curated selection of fine loose-leaf teas, including:
✔️ The Bloomsbury Blend – A rich and smooth black tea inspired by the hotel’s literary roots
✔️ Jasmine Pearl Green Tea – A fragrant and delicate floral infusion
✔️ Darjeeling First Flush – A sophisticated, muscatel-infused classic
✔️ Rose & Hibiscus Herbal Infusion – A naturally caffeine-free, floral blend
For those who want to elevate their experience, a Champagne Afternoon Tea is available, featuring:
✔️ Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut Champagne
✔️ Moët & Chandon Rosé Champagne
Tailored Afternoon Tea Options
The Bloomsbury Hotel ensures that all guests can enjoy this experience, offering:
✔️ Vegetarian Afternoon Tea
✔️ Vegan Afternoon Tea
✔️ Gluten-Free Afternoon Tea
Each version maintains the same level of craftsmanship, elegance, and indulgence.
Who is This Afternoon Tea Experience Perfect For?
✔️ Literary lovers looking for an afternoon tea with a creative twist
✔️ Visitors to London seeking an elegant and stylish setting
✔️ Couples enjoying a romantic tea experience in a floral terrace
✔️ Friends celebrating a special occasion over Champagne and patisserie
✔️ Afternoon tea enthusiasts who appreciate quality, storytelling, and ambiance
Booking & Information
📍 Location: The Bloomsbury Hotel, 16-22 Great Russell Street, London
📆 Availability: Served daily (advance booking highly recommended)
💰 Pricing: From £55 per person, with Champagne upgrades available
An Afternoon Tea Experience Worth Writing About
For those looking for a truly unique afternoon tea in London, The Bloomsbury Hotel delivers an experience that is both elegant and imaginative. With its literary inspiration, exquisite patisserie, and stylish surroundings, this is an afternoon tea that celebrates both tradition and creativity in the heart of historic Bloomsbury.
Book your afternoon tea at The Bloomsbury Hotel today and indulge in a sophisticated, story-filled escape. 🍰☕📖✨
Address :
16-22 Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3NN
Opening Hours :
Monday – Sunday
12pm-4pm
Reviews
Great, comfortable hotel. The Location is literally perfect for staying in the centre of London. And even tho the location was so central there were no disturbing noises during the night. Staff was extremely friendly and accommodating. Room was clean and fulfilled our wishes for the short stay of two days. When not if we will be back in London we will also be back at The Bloomsbury!
The hotel is in a perfect location for the theatre district and for the National Gallery. The location is also very quiet, great for a light sleeper, yet within a few minutes walking you are in all the hustle and bustle of London. I would highly recommend staying at The Bloomsbury, I wouldn’t hesitate staying there the next time I visit London.
My experience at the Bloomsbury Hotel was outstanding. From the warm welcome I received from Eva at the front desk to Ivan's excellent recommendations for day trips (including some fantastic pub suggestions), every detail exceeded my expectations. Antonio and Lurasc also made every arrival and departure a pleasant one with their genuine hospitality. Truly top-notch service all around.
My friend and I recently visited London from the US, and we were blown away by The Bloomsbury Hotel. When choosing a hotel, I very strategically looked for a hotel that was central to all that we wanted to see and had easy access to the tube or within walking distance. This hotel is that gem, close to everything! From check-in to check-out, the service from all of the staff was wonderful and accommodating.
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).
Jean-Georges at The Connaught
Jean-Georges at The Connaught offers a creative spin on tradition, blending classic British flavours with South East-Asian influences. Enjoy finger sandwiches like tandoori turkey and mint cucumber, followed by warm scones with Cornish clotted cream and jam. Finish with refined cakes, paired with exotic teas or champagne. Set in an art-filled Mayfair dining room, it’s ideal for those after something elegant yet unexpected. Served daily at 2:30pm and 4:30pm. Advance booking is essential.
Vicinity, The Tower Hotel
Enjoy afternoon tea with stunning Tower Bridge views at Vicinity London, located within the Tower Hotel. Choose between stylish indoor seating or a riverside terrace for a relaxed yet indulgent experience by the River Thames.
Delight in savoury bites like smoked salmon & cream cheese and coronation chicken brioche, followed by warm scones with clotted cream. The pastry selection includes chocolate & orange ganache tart and raspberry macarons. Pair with premium teas, Prosecco, or Champagne. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available. A must-visit for tea lovers in London.
The Ochard Room
The Orchard Room offers afternoon tea that features refined finger sandwiches, creative pastries, and warm scones served on Wedgwood china. Guests can choose from classic InfiniTEA, a Sommelier-led tea pairing, or a Bottomless Bollinger Champagne option. Afternoon Tea is served Wednesday to Sunday, 12:00–4:00 PM, from £60 per person. Suitable for all occasions, with vegetarian and gluten-free options available. Booking is recommended.
Linthwaite House, Leeu Collection
Linthwaite House by the Leeu Collection offers a refined Afternoon Tea in the Lake District, served in The Bar & Conservatory with views over Lake Windermere. Guests enjoy finger sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream and preserves, and a seasonal selection of cakes and pastries. A variety of teas are available, with champagne as an optional extra. Ideal for relaxed indulgence or special occasions. Booking is recommended
Rhosyn Restaurant, Penally Abbey
Penally Abbey’s Rhosyn Restaurant offers a refined afternoon tea experience with views over the Pembrokeshire coast. Served Wednesday to Sunday, the menu includes finger sandwiches, homemade cakes, pastries, and scones with clotted cream and jam. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available with 24 hours’ notice. Priced at £32 per person, bookings are required in advance. Guests dine in a light-filled space overlooking the gardens. Enquiries can be made via phone or the Penally Abbey website.
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.
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