Image via The Royal Parks
When you’re travelling through a new city, or even returning to one you’ve visited previously, it’s always helpful to know where you can find a good cup of tea and some treats. I’m not a coffee drinker, so I will not attempt to guide you to the perfect flat white in London! However, I know a few lovely places that will be a welcome spot to rest your feet and tuck into some well deserved morning or afternoon refreshment.
Based in the centre of Hyde Park, you are likely to stumble across this cafe on a walk through the pretty park itself. It is always busy, and if you’ve arrived on a fine day you may need nerves of steel to find a table outside overlooking the water. But once settled, you will find an oasis of calm in the middle of the bustling city. You’ll find a large menu filled with tasty beverages and snacks, including the option to grab a picnic and sit on the grass. The perfect spot on a warm day to rest your feet and enjoy the beautiful view.
2. Cafe Liberty
Being one of the most photogenic places in London, if you’re a flower or fabric lover you’ll know this spot well. Once you’ve had a browse through the gorgeous goods and interior (extra lovely if you’ve come at Christmas time), pop up to the Cafe on level two. You can treat yourself to a cream tea as you sit above the busyness of the London streets, and enjoy the bonus of some decadent shopping. Definitely one for the ladies!
3. The V&A Cafe
If you’re doing the circuit of galleries and museums whilst in London, you don’t have to go far to find a beautiful spot for some scones and a pot of tea. The National Portrait Gallery does a superb High Tea, and the Wallace Restaurant in the Wallace Collection gallery does a beautiful afternoon tea and boasts a truly beautiful interior. The V&A Cafe is cafeteria style in some aspects, but the interior is so lovely it’s definitely worth it. As you wait on your delicious goodies you’ll be distracted by the grand sweeping ceilings and giant chandeliers, and be intrigued by the incredible collections the gallery has on offer. A superb place to while away a few hours, all in the name of art.
Some avoid Harrods like the plague in London. It is likely one of the busiest places you will ever find yourself in! However, picture a chocolate hazelnut filled cronut sitting prettily in a patisserie cabinet, and you may be lured in. Once you find yourself safely ensconced in the Food Hall, the options are limitless! You can sit at the bar and have a mug of Belgium hot chocolate, you can pick and choose some finer treats for a picnic in the park, or you can graze at the cakes and sweets section. There you will find every sort of cake, fudge, Turkish delight and baked good you can imagine. Enjoy!
A small cafe squeezed in the rambling streets of Carnaby Street, Sacred Cafe offers what I am told is some of the best coffee in London. Created by New Zealanders, they know their stuff. The food is simple and delicious, and if you’re a tea drinker like myself you will be charmed by the whimsical teapot. You may need to wait for a seat, but it’s worth it for the yummy treats and some excellent people watching.
There will clearly be hundreds if not thousands more incredible places for a spot of afternoon tea in London-town, but these places are all tried, tested and true. If you’re needing a comfy seat, some delicious refreshments and maybe even an extra special treat, this is a good place to start.
Let me know if you have any more good places for a treat in London, I’d love to know where your favourites are!
All images unless otherwise credited by Nicola Goring
Ms Chinoiserie Says: I’m in absolute heaven – a cup of tea whilst sitting amongst the most beautiful flowers at Cafe Liberty sounds too good to be true!
About Nicola Goring – I’m Nicola, the florist and crafter behind rubyandjoy. I’m a gardening, fabric loving, mint tea drinking, brownie baking, book obsessed maker! I love a good adventure having just moved back from five years in Scotland (with my lovely Scottish husband).
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