Afternoon tea is a lovely tradition that is both a treat and a delightful way to spend time with friends or family. In Bloomsbury, a charming area in the heart of London, this tradition feels extra special because of its historical streets and cozy spots that make you feel like you’re part of a storybook. When we talk about afternoon tea in Bloomsbury, we mean enjoying delicious teas and treats in some of the most inviting and quaint cafes and hotels that this area has to offer. It’s not just about drinking tea; it’s an experience that combines taste with tradition in a unique setting. Whether you are visiting for the first time or you are a local looking to rediscover your neighborhood, exploring afternoon tea in Bloomsbury is a perfect way to spend an afternoon. This introduction will guide you through what makes afternoon tea here so special and will point out the top spots to enjoy it.
Top 10 places for Afternoon Tea in Bloomsbury
Here are the top 10 best places for the Afternoon tea in Bloomsbury:
1. The Bloomsbury Hotel
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The Bloomsbury Hotel stands out as a premier destination for afternoon tea in Bloomsbury, offering a blend of luxury and comfort that charms its guests. Located at 16-22 Great Russell St, this elegant hotel provides an afternoon tea experience for £40 per person. Guests are treated to a selection of finely cut sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, and a variety of homemade cakes and pastries. What makes The Bloomsbury Hotel truly special is its setting; the tea is served in a beautifully decorated room that reflects the rich literary history of the area, making you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time to a more genteel era.
Address: 16-22 Great Russell St, London WC1B 3NN
Price: £40 per person
2. Dalloway Terrace
Just a few steps inside The Bloomsbury Hotel, you’ll find Dalloway Terrace, an enchanting spot that’s perfect for enjoying afternoon tea in Bloomsbury. This venue is named after the character from Virginia Woolf’s “Mrs. Dalloway,” which adds a touch of literary grace to your tea experience. For £35 per person, guests can indulge in a seasonal menu that changes throughout the year, ensuring that every visit is unique and delightful. The terrace is beautifully adorned with flowers and greenery, creating a tranquil urban oasis where you can enjoy your tea amidst the hustle and bustle of London.
Address: 16-22 Great Russell St, London WC1B 3NN (Inside The Bloomsbury Hotel)
Price: £35 per person
3. Tea and Tattle
Tea and Tattle takes a more traditional approach to afternoon tea in Bloomsbury with its charming and cosy ambiance. Located at 41 Great Russell St, directly across from the British Museum, this cafe offers a more intimate setting for tea enthusiasts. For £25 per person, you can enjoy a quintessentially British tea experience, featuring a hearty selection of homemade sandwiches, scones, and pastries. The decor is inspired by British heritage, with teapots lining the shelves and classic prints decorating the walls, all of which contribute to a warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels like a home away from home.
Address: 41 Great Russell St, London WC1B 3PE
Price: £25 per person
4. The British Museum Great Court Restaurant
Located within one of the world’s most famous museums, The British Museum Great Court Restaurant offers a unique setting for afternoon tea in Bloomsbury. This restaurant, set under the museum’s stunning glass roof, provides a scenic backdrop that complements its delicious tea offerings. For £30 per person, guests can enjoy a range of artisan teas accompanied by a selection of sandwiches, scones, and pastries that are as visually appealing as they are tasty. The experience combines culture with culinary delight, allowing you to soak in ancient history while sipping on exquisite blends of tea.
Address: Great Russell St, London WC1B 3DG
Price: £30 per person
5. Store Street Espresso
For a more laid-back vibe that captures the artistic spirit of the area, Store Street Espresso is a perfect choice for afternoon tea in Bloomsbury. This cafe, located at 40 Store St, is known for its friendly atmosphere and excellent service, making guests feel right at home. The afternoon tea menu is priced at £20 per person and features a variety of teas, along with light sandwiches and homemade cakes that highlight local ingredients. The modern, minimalist decor of the cafe, combined with its commitment to quality, creates a refreshing pause in your day, ideal for those who appreciate the finer details in life.
Address: 40 Store St, London WC1E 7DB
Price: £20 per person
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6. Caffe Tropea
Tucked away in Russell Square, Caffe Tropea is a hidden gem for enjoying afternoon tea in Bloomsbury. This charming cafe is situated in a quaint kiosk amidst the lush greenery of the park, providing a picturesque setting for a relaxing tea break. With a price of £22 per person, Caffe Tropea offers a delightful selection of classic tea, scones, and light bites that are perfect for a sunny afternoon outdoors. The informal, serene environment of the cafe allows you to unwind and relish the natural beauty around you, making it a standout spot for those looking to escape the city’s hustle while still being in the heart of London.
Address: Russell Square, London WC1B 5BE
Price: £22 per person
7. London Review Cake Shop
Nestled next to one of London’s iconic bookstores, the London Review Cake Shop offers a literary twist to afternoon tea in Bloomsbury. This cafe, located at 14 Bury Pl, provides a cosy, intellectual ambiance where you can enjoy a tea surrounded by books and conversations about literature. For just £18 per person, you can indulge in a selection of fine teas, scones, and an assortment of cakes that are as thoughtful as the books that surround you. The intimate setting makes it ideal for those who enjoy a quieter, more reflective tea experience.
Address: 14 Bury Pl, London WC1A 2JL
Price: £18 per person
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8. Friend at Hand
Friend at Hand is a traditional British pub that brings a casual and friendly approach to afternoon tea in Bloomsbury. Situated at 2-4 Herbrand St, this spot offers afternoon tea for £15 per person, making it one of the more affordable options in the area. Guests can enjoy a selection of classic British sandwiches, scones with cream and jam, and a variety of cakes, all served with a warm, welcoming pub atmosphere. It’s a great choice for those who want to enjoy a laid-back afternoon with good food and good company.
Address: 2-4 Herbrand St, London WC1N 1HX
Price: £15 per person
9. Russell Square Cafe
Overlooking the beautiful Russell Square, Russell Square Cafe provides a scenic location for enjoying afternoon tea in Bloomsbury. For £20 per person, this cafe offers a traditional tea service with a view of the bustling park life. The menu includes freshly brewed teas, assorted sandwiches, and homemade cakes and pastries. The open-air setting and casual vibe make it a perfect spot for those sunny days when you want to relax outside and watch the world go by as you sip on your tea.
Address: Russell Square, London WC1B 5EH
Price: £20 per person
10. Fitzroy House
Fitzroy House adds a touch of historical elegance to afternoon tea in Bloomsbury. Located at 37 Fitzroy St, this venue is steeped in history and offers afternoon tea for £30 per person in a beautifully preserved Georgian setting. Guests can enjoy a range of teas accompanied by a selection of meticulously prepared sandwiches, scones, and desserts. The refined decor and historical atmosphere provide a truly luxurious tea experience, ideal for those looking to treat themselves to something special.
Address: 37 Fitzroy St, London W1T 6DX
Price: £30 per person
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As our journey through the charming cafes and enchanting venues of Bloomsbury comes to a close, one thing is clear: there’s no shortage of splendid places to enjoy afternoon tea in London, especially in this quaint and cultured neighbourhood. Each location we’ve explored offers its own unique twist on this beloved British tradition, ensuring that whether you’re a local or a visitor, you’ll find the perfect spot to indulge in an afternoon delight.
The Bloomsbury afternoon tea experience is more than just sipping on tea and nibbling on treats; it’s about stepping into a world of relaxation and refinement. From the luxurious and literary-rich settings like afternoon tea at The Bloomsbury Hotel London to the cosy and casual atmospheres of local cafes, there’s a space and pace to suit every taste and occasion.
For those who revel in the elegance and opulence of a well-set table, the Bloomsbury Hotel afternoon tea presents an exquisite array of fine teas and delectable pastries served in a setting that speaks of history and charm. It’s a place where every sip and bite feels like part of a grander narrative—one steeped in the cultural tapestry of Bloomsbury.
On the other hand, if your preference leans towards the vibrant and scenic, then the various cafes dotted around Russell Square and beyond offer a more laid-back approach. Here, afternoon tea in London merges with the pulse of the city, allowing you to enjoy homemade cakes and freshly brewed teas while soaking in the dynamic atmosphere of one of the world’s most bustling capitals.