UK’s National Tea Day is coming up on April 21 and World Tea Day on May 21, and if there’s one thing the British have turned into an absolute art form, it’s the perfect cup of tea.
Afternoon Tea specifically is a cultural staple in the UK, with hundreds of bookable options in London alone. While American’s heading across the pond often book Afternoon Tea classics like The Dorchester or the Ritz to check off a bucket list experience.
Read on for three under-the-radar hotel offerings that should also be on your tea radar.
From The Langham, the very birthplace of the afternoon tea tradition in 1865, to Pan Pacific London, which brings a sleek, modern-day approach to the ceremony, these experiences showcase the full spectrum of British hospitality that shouldn’t be missed.
The Langham, London – The arrival that changed the way the world dined
- When The Langham, London opened its doors in 1865 as Europe’s first Grand Hotel, it helped bring the afternoon tea tradition beyond aristocratic drawing rooms and into the public for the first time. Served in the hotel’s Palm Court restaurant, Afternoon Tea quickly became a gathering place for London society. The hotel continued to embrace culinary innovation with one of the earliest hotel kitchens to be led by a celebrity chef, Michel Roux. Today, the Palm Court continues this legacy, offering a service that is both a historical landmark and a modern culinary feat. Under the guidance of Executive Pastry Chef Andrew Gravett, the menu remains the blueprint for British excellence, pairing heritage recipes with seasonal, contemporary flair to prove why the “original” is still one of the best. It’s a definitive choice for those looking to experience the ritual exactly where it was born.
Brown’s Hotel – London’s first and quintessentially British hotel, offering a hint of the unexpected
- The Drawing Room at Brown’s, where Queen Victoria took tea, honors the British custom of serving traditional afternoon tea. Since 1832, Brown’s Hotel has been a gathering place for writers, tastemakers and discerning guests, and afternoon tea at Brown’s is believed to have inspired Agatha Christie’s At Bertram’s Hotel. The hotel is also proud to collaborate with the Rare Tea Company, curating a collection that celebrates tradition and sustainability. From bespoke blends to rare single-origin leaves, each tea reflects a commitment to quality and community. Indulge in a heritage of flavor, where every cup tells a story of refined British elegance and responsible sourcing.
Pan Pacific London – London’s recent addition with Asian influence
- With Singaporean roots, Pan Pacific London brings a distinctly Asian sensibility to the British tradition of afternoon tea, weaving subtle influences of flavor and hospitality throughout the experience. Their afternoon tea offering at Ginger Lily Bar and Lounge has been elevated through a new partnership with Newby Teas, bringing a refined, globally sourced tea selection to the experience. Guests can expect a curated range of blends spanning classic black teas, fragrant green and herbal infusions, and more distinctive flavor profiles—designed to complement the menu of freshly baked scones, delicate pastries and finger sandwiches. The result is a cross-cultural take on afternoon tea that feels both rooted in British ritual and enriched by Pan Pacific’s Singaporean heritage. The Newby Teas partnership launched on 12 March and is now available to guests, with seatings held Thursday to Monday at 1pm and 3pm.
