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. 🍰☕📖✨
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).
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.
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.
Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane
For a refined afternoon tea experience, Four Seasons London at Park Lane offers elegance and contemporary charm in the Amaranto Lounge. Overlooking Mayfair and Hyde Park, this indulgent tea service features gourmet sandwiches, buttery scones with clotted cream, and exquisite patisserie, including raspberry macarons and praline tarts.
Enjoy a curated selection of fine teas or upgrade with Ruinart or Dom Pérignon Champagne. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available. A truly elevated afternoon tea experience in London.
The Waldorf Hilton
The Waldorf Hilton’s Afternoon Tea, served in the elegant Homage Restaurant, offers a whimsical "Beauty and the Beast"-inspired menu featuring creative savouries, themed patisserie, and freshly baked scones. Plant-based and gluten-free options are available, along with a dedicated children's menu. Harp music and refined surroundings make it ideal for special occasions or a relaxing treat. Served daily from early afternoon. From £59 per person.
The Chesterfield Mayfair
Indulge in the Sweet Shop Afternoon Tea at The Chesterfield Mayfair, a playful twist on the British tradition inspired by childhood treats. Served in a light-filled conservatory, this award-winning afternoon tea is perfect for families, friends, and nostalgic sweet lovers.
Enjoy classic savoury sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream, and themed patisserie delights like Drumstick macarons and liquorice allsorts cheesecake. Pair your experience with signature teas or Champagne. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available. A fun and indulgent tea experience in Mayfair.
The Ivy, Victoria Brasserie
The Ivy Victoria on London’s Victoria Street offers a refined afternoon tea daily from 3:00 –5:00 pm. Guests can enjoy a classic selection of finger sandwiches, fruit scones with clotted cream and jam, and a variety of cakes and tarts, served with tea or coffee. Champagne upgrades are available for special occasions. With elegant interiors and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s ideal for couples, families, or group gatherings. Advance booking is recommended
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