Finger sandwiches + milky tea = happy kids + happy parents
Afternoon tea is often seen as a grown-up activity – but there’s no reason it can’t be enjoyed by little ones too. Numerous hotels and restaurants offer child-friendly afternoon teas, featuring fun twists on the British tradition: think Willy Wonka-inspired pastries, mini hot dogs and retro pic ‘n’ mix – washed down with milky teas and milkshakes. Many have an interactive element too, whether it’s biscuit decorating or fancy dress. And it’s not all about the kids either, as often these sit alongside alternative adults menus, meaning you can feast on finger sandwiches and sip champagne while the children are occupied. Here, we highlight the best child-friendly afternoon teas in London, perfect if you’re looking for an activity for the school holidays or just fancy treating your little one. From a sky-high offering at The Shard to an old-school tea party and a wizard-themed immersive experience, these children’s afternoon teas will not disappoint.
The Best Children’s Afternoon Teas in London 2023
Jurassic Afternoon Tea at The Ampersand Hotel
Winner of the best themed afternoon tea at the Afternoon Tea Awards, The Ampersand Hotel is the perfect pitstop after an afternoon exploring the museums of South Kensington. Inspired by these neighbouring museums is a Jurassic-themed afternoon tea, featuring a mix of dinosaur-inspired sweet and savoury treats: mini hot dogs, T-rex cheese straws, jam sandwiches and homemade scones, alongside pastries including a Raspberry & Lemon Crémeux Volcano Eruption, and a Dark Chocolate & Caramel Dinosaur Egg Nest. Children can enjoy all this alongside a cup of warming hot chocolate, while adults can sit back and relax with a glass of Charles Heidsieck Brut NV or rosé champagne.
When? Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 5.30pm
Price: £35 for children and from £49.50 for adults
BOOK: ampersandhotel.com
The Beaumont
Art Deco Mayfair hotel The Beaumont serves a child-friendly afternoon tea in its chic Gatsby’s Room. Here the classic British tradition is given an American twist, in line with the rest of the hotel, with the children’s menu featuring cheddar and tomato sandwiches, alongside raisin and plain scones with clotted cream. Sweet treats, meanwhile, include a vanilla pudding and a yuzu cream pie. This can be enjoyed alongside hot chocolate – and don’t worry, there’s a separate menu for adults featuring tea cocktails and salt beef sandwiches.
When? Available between 2.30pm and 5.30pm Monday to Friday, noon to 5.30pm Saturday and Sunday
Price: £25 per child, £62 per adult
BOOK: thebeaumont.com
Interactive Kids’ Afternoon Tea at Sofitel London St James
There’s no chance of little ones getting bored at Sofitel London St James’ afternoon tea offering. Adding a theatrical element to the tradition, the experience sees a painter’s easel arrive at the table, equipped with a biscuit to decorate and an edible painter’s palette. Alongside this, kids can feast on fun dishes like marshmallow burgers served with churros and strawberry milkshakes, plus freshly baked scones with jam and clotted cream. Adults, meanwhile, can enjoy the likes of aubergine and smoked feta tart, shrimp beignet, and pavlova with strawberry and basil.
When? Available 12pm – 4.30pm Friday – Sunday
Price: £35 per child, £70 per adult
BOOK: sofitelstjames.com
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea at One Aldwych
As children’s afternoon teas go, this one is sure to satisfy those with a sweet tooth. Enter a world of pure imagination at One Aldwych’s experience, inspired by Roald Dahl’s iconic story Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The menu is like something from Willy Wonka’s dreamland, with splendid savouries (think salmon and beetroot macron and Spinach roly-poly); scrumptious sweets (look out for the blue as blueberry chocolate tart and scones with snozzberry jam and all the creams); and fizzy-lifting drinks (including the swudge chocolate milkshake mixed by waterfall and Strawberry Juice Water Pistol Punch). Augustus Gloop, eat your heart out.
When? Available Wednesday to Friday 12pm – 3pm
Price: £38 per child (under 12), £58 per adult
BOOK: onealdwych.com
Peter Pan Afternoon Tea at aqua shard
Transport yourself to Neverland via aqua shard’s child-friendly afternoon tea, inspired by J.M Barrie’s legendary novel. It kicks off with ‘The Lost Boys’ sandwiches made with roasted chicken, crispy bacon and mustard, ahead of sweet treats like Tinker Bell-shaped cookies and crocodile jellies served on a pirate ship-inspired tea stand. This is paired with ‘Fairy Dust’ cocktails (for the grown-ups) or ‘Never Grow Up Punch’ for the little ones, mixed with pineapple, elderflower tonic and grenadine – all enjoyed alongside panoramic city views.
When? Served Thursday – Sunday from 12.15 – 4.15pm
Price: From £52pp
BOOK: aquashard.co.uk
Kids’ Sci-Fi Tea at The Ampersand
Sitting alongside the Jurassic Afternoon Tea at The Ampersand is a kids’ Sci-Fi Tea, inspired by the nearby Science Museum. Served in The Drawing Rooms, the tea comes on brightly coloured rocket stands, offering a special selection of children’s favourites, including mini hot dogs, rocket cheese straws and brioche and jam sandwiches. There are even experimental build-your-own science puddings. To drink? ‘Spaceman’ hot chocolate for the kids, champagne for the grown ups.
When? Available 12noon – 6.30pm, Monday – Friday and 12noon – 7.30pm on Saturdays and Sundays
Price: £35 per child, £49.50 per adult
BOOK: ampersandhotel.com
The Savoy
It might be one of the city’s most refined hotels, but The Savoy is actually a great spot for afternoon tea with the kids. Simple sandwiches on on offer include cheddar cheese on multigrain bread, plus peanut butter and jelly mini croissants; followed by a whole host of fun desserts, like Teddy Marshmallow Cookies, a Doughnut Macaron and a Jam Roly Poly. It’s served in the iconic Thames Foyer – and fear, not there’s a separate menu for adults.
When? Available Monday – Tuesday: 12pm – 4pm (last seating at 2.45pm), Wednesday – Sunday: 12pm – 6pm (last seating at 4.45pm)
Price: £37.50 per child
BOOK: opentable.co.uk
The Chesterfield Mayfair
If you’re looking for a child-friendly afternoon tea option in London, look no further than the Chesterfield Mayfair’s The Original Sweet Shop Afternoon Tea. With pastries and cakes the flavour of retro sweetshop favourites, delicious chocolate-chip scones and a host of savoury treats, it’s a must-try for both adults and children with a sweet tooth. Highlights include the Coca-Cola slice, the enormous peanut-butter cup and the fizzy apple mousse. And of course, the trip wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the retro sweet cart manned by the in-house Candyman who will help young guests fill a bag with old-school penny sweets and pick-and-mix favourites. Younger guests can enjoy the afternoon tea served alongside a milkshake or tea, priced at £31. Adults can opt to add a glass of something sparkling with the Champagne Tea (£62 per person), including a glass of brut, rosé or white label Lanson Champagne. For £55 per person The Original Sweet Shop Afternoon Tea is served with loose leaf or flowering tea, coffee or hot chocolate.
When? Available Monday – Friday: 12pm – 4pm. Saturday and Sunday: 12.30pm – 5.30pm
Price: £31 per child, £55 per adult
BOOK: Email [email protected] or visit chesterfieldmayfair.com
Betty Blythe Afternoon Tea
For a little extra dose of whimsy, Betty Blythe offers an afternoon tea party with a 1920s flair. Alongside the usual cupcakes, finger sandwiches and hot chocolate served from tea pots, children can delve into Betty’s dress up box and into a world of old school glamour and fascinators. Activity add-ons include jewellery making, biscuit decorating, painting, dance classes and even a chocolatier lesson. With a large selection to choose from, you’ll no doubt find the perfect activity for your little one.
When? Available Monday – Friday: 12pm and 2pm, Saturday and Sunday: 12pm and 2.30pm
Price: £280 for a party of 8 children
BOOK: bettyblythe.co.uk
Little Prince and Princess Tea at The Milestone Hotel
Afternoon tea at the Milestone Hotel is a ritual fit for royalty, so bring along your little princes and princesses for a day of opulence. The traditional high tea menu is finely tuned to children’s tastes and includes a delicious selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with Devonshire clotted cream, fruit preserves, French pastries, chocolate ruffles and hot chocolate. To avoid tears, kids can even ask for one more of the treat they enjoyed the most. Once adequately high on sugar, bring the children to the nearby Princess Diana Memorial Playground for a little run around.
When? Available Monday – Sunday with three sittings: 1 –3pm, 3 – 5pm, 5 – 7pm
Price: £66 for two children under 12 years of age
BOOK: milestone.com
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