The Gherkin Afternoon Tea
Afternoon tea is no longer being served at The Gherkin in London because Searcys at the Gherkin has moved to Horizon 22 which is just across the road. Still in Bishopsgate, at Horizon 22 Searcys has a cafe on the UK and Europe’s highest viewing platform, meaning you can enjoy delicious bakes and tea, coffee, wine, Champagne and more as you drink in the best views in London at the Horizon 22 Searcys Cafe. However the Searcys Cafe at Horizon 22 does not do afternoon tea, probably because the location is smaller than at The Gherkin.
The Gherkin Afternoon Tea Replacement
Best Afternoon Tea With a View in London
Instead, you can get afternoon tea with a stunning view at Horizon 22’s Lucky Cat by Gordon Ramsay. Located on the 60th floor, Lucky Cat has breathtaking views and a very popular afternoon tea which has a twist because it incorporates Asian-inspired flavours.
If you want an afternoon tea with a view with more traditional flavours, head across London Bridge and have afternoon tea at the Shard, just across the river. At the Shard there are numerous options for afternoon tea although the views aren’t as good as you’ll be much, much lower down and on a different side of the River Thames. For more about afternoon tea at Horizon 22, Searcys Cafe, the incredible views at Horizon 22 and more, read our Horizon 22 guide. To discover more about the Shard, read our guide to the Shard.
Afternoon tea is a niche British treat, so whatever your question about what to expect and how to choose where to go for afternoon tea, here's all you need to know about afternoon tea in London.
Your Guide to Afternoon Tea in London
How to find afternoon tea in London?
Head to London's luxury hotels and fine dining restaurants for afternoon tea - it's not something that any restaurant serves - it's a premium service. Afternoon tea was an aristocratic treat which remains an opportunity for expert chefs to display their skills. It remains a very popular treat enjoyed by both tourists and Brits that is only executed in luxe establishments.
Where is the best afternoon tea in London?
The Ritz is the holy grail of afternoon tea in London but that's when you speak about tradition and history. Afternoon tea is extremely popular with Brits and Londoners as well as tourists. It's something we like to enjoy for special occasions and treats so there are lots of different takes on afternoon tea that you can enjoy in London, with something for everyone. The tone and style of the hotel or restaurant will give you a clue about how creative the ingredients and execution of your afternoon tea will be.
Refills and Shared Servings
Afternoon tea is all about elegance and refinement so look for afternoon teas where you get free refills of cakes and sandwiches or be careful to order plenty because you'll be sharing the treats that are served up, usually between 4 if there are lots of people in your group. If there's just 2 of you, there's a lot more to go round!
Cream Teas and Tea Shops
In tea hot spots around the country, such as Cornwall and Devon where cream teas are a major regional treat and up north where you find tea shops and regional tea cakes, you'll also find afternoon tea served in some tea shops but it won't be as exquisite as those in luxury hotels.
What Does Afternoon Tea Include?
The clue to the exclusivity of afternoon tea lies in the fact that Champagne and smoked salmon sandwiches are part of the fixed set of food and drink that make up afternoon tea.
What is afternoon tea?
Originating in 1840 when the Duchess of Bedford requested a light snack in the afternoon, afternoon tea was popularised by the Victorian aristocracy as a treat offered when they made social calls on each other in their homes in the late afternoons. Once eaten between 4 and 7pm for social calls, today afternoon tea is usually served between around 12pm and 4pm, largely in luxury hotels and restaurants.
What does afternoon tea include?
Afternoon tea comprises a selection of fine quality teas, a set combination of mini cakes and pastries, scones with jam and cream, a specific range of delicate sandwiches and Champagne, with the cakes and sandwiches all beautifully displayed in tiered cake stands that are shared across the table.
Traditional sandwich ingredients are variations on: smoked salmon, cucumber, egg and a fourth which varies. However nowadays, tastes have changed and you'll get far more adventurous and exciting ingredients or exciting ways of using traditional ingredients. Breads used are creative.
There's also a set range of cakes so you generally get one type of chocolate-based cake, something plainer like a type of sponge cake-based cake, something fruity, something intricate to showcase the chef's skills and then any other combo of dainty cakes or pastries particular to that outlet - all beautifully decorated. Then you also have your scones served with jam and cream.
Afternoon Tea vs Tea Shops
A tea shop is a different thing entirely. It's like a British coffee shop with regional cakes and British tea the centrepiece. These are something that you'll find outside of London, particularly in Cornwall, Devon and up north in places like Yorkshire and Eccles.
And London’s brilliant offerings don’t stop there, check out our gorgeous gifts, clothing, bags, greeting cards, wedding invitations and on the day stationery for all your celebrations and treats. Go
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