The Best Afternoon Tea for Under £30 in London

The Tea House

Located in the beautiful surrounds of Bishop’s Park in Fulham, The Tea House has become a local favourite for their artisan coffees and tasty lunches. They also happen to have one of the best afternoon teas in one of the most picturesque locations in London.

The traditional tea is presented on a classic, tiered cake stand, full to the brim with cakes, sandwiches and freshly made scones. If you opt for the classic afternoon tea you will find a delicious selection of miniature soft buns, filled with Smoked Salmon and Dill Cream Cheese, Cheddar, Rocket and Hous Chutney, as well as little cakes including a perfectly moist Carrot Cake with Coconut and Citrus frosting. You can also opt for a Vegetarian tea which is like the ‘classic’ afternoon tea but with a few alterations.

Their teas are all sourced from then Bellevue Tea Company, so you can be guaranteed a delicious cuppa.

Masala Zone

Masala Zone restaurants have been providing Londoners with some of the best, authentic Indian cuisine since first opening in 2001. You are always guaranteed a warm welcome, and their Thali lunch is a must.

We were delighted to discover their sumptuous Masala High Chai, which could easily rival any of the pricier teas in the city.
What we love about this offering is that it fuses both Indian and British teatime classics, with a particular focus on the savoury element which is such a delight for many of us who always prefer the savoury over the sweet.

To begin, you’ll indulge in a Baby Squid Chilli fry with a tangy tomato chutney, Lamb Sliders on freshly made buns, Vegetable Samosas with homemade chutney, as well as crispy Pakoras.

Their tea sandwiches are also a treat and filled with Chicken Tikka, as well as Cheddar Cheese and chutney.

The sweet element involves a divine Plum Cake, assorted pastries, a Mini Gulab Jamun and Nankhatai biscuit.

The hot beverages are overflowing, and we can’t resist a warming cup of Masala Chai. If you want something cool, try the Chilled Thandai.

You can also opt for the Vegetarian tea which includes Fried Mini Idlis and Yam Tikka.

Boulevard Brasserie

Located in the heart of Covent Garden, this iconic French brasserie has been serving classic French dishes since 1991. Boulevard Brasserie are known for their delicious Steak Tartare and Beef Bourguignon, so a visit for lunch and dinner is always on the cards, however, their traditional afternoon tea proves just as popular.

Tea is taken on the first floor in their delightful Tea Parlour which combines the best of both French and British savoury and sweet treats.

If you’ve saved yourself for this tea, you will feel as though you’re getting lunch as well, as their savoury options include a Mini Caramelised Onion & Gruyère Cheese Quiche, Cacklebean Egg & Cress Brioche, and Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese on Wholemeal Bread.

The sweet element comprises Strawberry Macarons, Crème Brûlée, Chocolate Brownie Muffin with Chocolate Sauce & Chantilly Cream, as well as raisin and plain scones with clotted cream and homemade jam.

At Plate & Place we tend to pick a classic Earl Grey tea to accompany, but for those with more adventurous palettes, try the Himalayan Ginger & Lemongrass or the South African Wild Rooibos.

The Wolseley

Is there any restaurant more revered and adored than The Wolseley? We can think of a few but The Wolseley in Piccadilly is certainly up there. This grand café-restaurant, inspired by the top brassieres around Europe, is one of the most sought-after bookings in London.

You’ll be pleased to know that taking ‘tea’ at The Wolseley is always refined affair. You can opt for the classic afternoon tea, which is at a higher price point, however, we have always been fans of the far more economical Cream Tea which is an absolute bargain – not only for quality of the tea, but you’re also getting the same refined location and superlative service.

You’ll enjoy a selection of handmade scones with clotted cream and their delightful homemade jam, as well as a choice of their most popular teas. There’s nothing not to love!

Number 12

For a tasty Italian lunch, a visit to Number 12 is sure to please everyone’s cravings. This restaurant also benefits from a great location, close to Euston station, so it’s a useful find, away from the crowds and bustle of the nearby stations.

You’ll also be pleased to hear about their afternoon tea offering which is one of the most generous teas we have come across for such a great price point.

We adore the decorative cake stand which the ‘tea’ is presented, and comes filled with a variety of dainty sandwiches, mixed fruit and vegetable appetizers, macarons, fruit tartlets, fresh cakes, and warm baked scones.

Bill’s

You can always rely on a Bill’s restaurant for great value and consistently good service. This popular chain first came to prominence in 2001 and excels in no-fuss, café-style eats, big brunches, in a family-friendly environment.

Such is the popularity of Bill’s we always suggest making a reservation, especially when it comes to teatime, where locals and tourists alike come in for the great values teas and cakes.

While this offering isn’t the ‘full’ afternoon tea experience, this Cream Tea more than whets the appetite with a moreish selection of scones, strawberry jam, clotted cream and with a choice of tea or coffee. It’s also the best value tea we have come across!