Afternoon Tea at The Wolseley, London
Located in the heart of Mayfair, The Wolseley is one of London’s most iconic dining destinations, renowned for its classic European charm, Art Deco elegance, and impeccable service. With its rich history and grand setting, The Wolseley offers a sophisticated yet welcoming afternoon tea experience, making it a favourite among locals, tourists, and afternoon tea connoisseurs alike.
Whether you’re looking for a classic British afternoon tea, a celebratory Champagne tea, or simply a relaxing afternoon in one of London’s most stylish dining rooms, The Wolseley provides a truly memorable experience.
The Setting: A Grand Café in the Heart of London
Stepping into The Wolseley is like stepping back into a bygone era of glamour and refinement. Housed in a stunning Grade II-listed building, the restaurant’s striking Art Deco design, soaring ceilings, black-and-gold detailing, and polished marble floors create an atmosphere of understated luxury.
Unlike some traditional afternoon tea venues, The Wolseley offers a more relaxed yet refined setting, where guests can enjoy top-tier service in a bustling yet elegant environment.
A Classic Afternoon Tea Menu
The afternoon tea menu at The Wolseley is a perfect balance of British tradition and European influence, featuring:
Finger Sandwich Selection
Cucumber & mint Egg mayonnaise & mustard cress Smoked salmon & cream cheese Coronation chicken Ham & Gruyère cheese
Each sandwich is delicately prepared with freshly baked bread, ensuring a light yet satisfying start to your afternoon tea.
Freshly Baked Scones Classic and fruit scones Served with clotted cream & homemade strawberry jam
Light, fluffy, and served warm from the oven, the scones at The Wolseley are a highlight of the experience, offering the perfect combination of sweetness and richness.
Exquisite Patisserie & Cakes
The Wolseley’s selection of handcrafted pastries and cakes showcases the best of traditional British and French patisserie, featuring: Raspberry macaron Classic Victoria sponge Chocolate éclair Lemon drizzle cake Vanilla mille-feuille
Each dessert is elegantly crafted, ensuring a delightful finish to your tea.
A Selection of Fine Teas & Champagne Options
The Wolseley offers an extensive selection of premium loose-leaf teas, sourced from some of the finest tea plantations in the world. Guests can choose from:
Wolseley Afternoon Blend – A signature blend of black teas, smooth and aromatic Darjeeling First Flush – A delicate and floral tea with a light muscatel flavour Earl Grey – A classic black tea infused with bergamot oil Jasmine Pearl Green Tea – A fragrant and refreshing green tea Lemon Verbena Herbal Infusion – A soothing, caffeine-free option
For those looking to add a touch of indulgence, The Wolseley also offers a Champagne Afternoon Tea, featuring a glass of: Brut Baron de Marck Champagne Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut
Afternoon Tea for Every Occasion
Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply indulging in an afternoon treat, The Wolseley’s afternoon tea is perfect for: Visitors looking for an authentic London afternoon tea Couples enjoying a sophisticated date Friends catching up over a relaxed, elegant setting Small groups celebrating a special occasion
The timeless charm of The Wolseley, combined with its delicious menu and warm hospitality, ensures that every afternoon tea experience is truly special.
Booking & Information
Location: The Wolseley, 160 Piccadilly, London W1J 9EB
Availability: Served daily from 3:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Pricing:
Traditional Afternoon Tea: £39.75 per person
Champagne Afternoon Tea: From £51.00 per person
A Timeless Afternoon Tea Experience
The Wolseley’s afternoon tea is a true London institution, offering a perfect blend of classic British tradition, European elegance, and modern sophistication. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular guest, this timeless experience is one to savour. 
Address :
The Wolseley, 160 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1J 9EB
Opening Hours :
Daily
Reviews
The Wolseley, an elegant café-restaurant in London's Piccadilly, offers a quintessentially British dining experience that pays homage to its history as a former motor garage. The interior exudes a grand atmosphere, reminiscent of classic European brasseries, making it a popular spot for both locals andtourists.
Always impeccable service and great food. We were super late for our reservation due to road closures but they were so accommodating (parade on Piccadilly) and allocated us a table later than planned. We love it here and find the atmosphere much more pleasant than the city branch.
The Wolseley is a place where the atmosphere truly stands out—grand, elegant, and perfect for a stylish meal. The Pain au Chocolat was a highlight—flaky, buttery, and delicious. However, the pancakes with bacon were underwhelming, as the pancakes were a bit chewy and lacked flavor.
Such a wonderful and fancy place to have a breakfast,brunch or afternoon tea as well. It’s not my first time here and for sure not the last. The service is perfect all the staff are amazing and so respectful, your order will be ready in few minutes. The place and atmosphere is incredible including the decoration.
Amazing food and surprised by large portions! Made sure allergies were considered and brought boyfriend some actually very tasty gluten free bread! He had the Bubble & Squeak with mushrooms and a duck egg in this gorgeous gluten free gravy. Vegetarian options: There were at least 7 options I remember.
The Milestone Hotel
Overlooking Kensington Palace, The Milestone Hotel offers a luxurious afternoon tea in an elegant setting with live piano music. Guests enjoy classic finger sandwiches, including smoked Scottish salmon on beetroot bread, alongside warm scones with clotted cream and homemade preserves. The patisserie selection features chocolate ganache tarts, Victoria sponge, and Earl Grey mousse, paired with a curated tea menu or Champagne upgrade.
Vegan, gluten-free, and children’s afternoon tea options are available. A refined and traditional experience in the heart of London.
The Bloomsbury Hotel
Inspired by the literary Bloomsbury Set, The Bloomsbury Hotel’s Afternoon Tea blends classic British tradition with creativity. Served in the floral-filled Dalloway Terrace or the elegant Coral Room, guests enjoy Coronation chicken brioche, smoked salmon on rye, warm buttermilk scones, and literary-inspired pastries, including The Virginia Woolf Lemon Tart and The Dalloway Chocolate Éclair.
A curated tea selection complements the menu, with Champagne upgrades available. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are offered. A refined yet imaginative afternoon tea experience in the heart of London. Advance booking recommended.
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 Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa
Located in historic Bath, The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa’s Afternoon Tea blends Georgian elegance with modern indulgence. Served in Montagu’s Mews or the secluded gardens, guests enjoy finger sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream and preserves, and seasonal pastries like raspberry & pistachio tart and chocolate mousse.
A curated tea selection, including the Royal Crescent Blend, pairs perfectly with the menu. Afternoon Tea is served daily from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm, starting at £45 per person, with Champagne and children’s options available. Advance reservations recommended.
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.
Fortnum & Mason
For over 300 years, Fortnum & Mason has epitomized British elegance. Served in the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon, this iconic afternoon tea features classic finger sandwiches, including Coronation chicken and smoked salmon on rye, alongside warm scones with clotted cream and Fortnum’s signature jams.
The patisserie selection showcases seasonal cakes and tarts, perfectly paired with Fortnum’s world-renowned loose-leaf teas. Guests can enhance their experience with Champagne Afternoon Tea. A timeless and luxurious tradition in the heart of Piccadilly. Advance booking recommended.
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