You must book yourself into a halal afternoon tea in London when visiting or wanting to have a Quintessentially British experience. Whether you are a local celebrating a special occasion or a tourist who wants to experience what the fuss is all about. Afternoon teas are a staple of the British public.
Even as an adopted Brit who lives in the North, I love getting dressed up and enjoying a lovely afternoon tea in the capital every time I visit London.
As Muslims, it is also important to enjoy afternoon tea without worrying about the meat we consume. Nowadays, it is easy to find many alternatives, such as vegan, vegetarian, and even gluten-free, but for those who want the traditional experience, worry not; halal afternoon tea is a possibility, and I have collected the best of the best, from luxury experiences to more budget options.
A short history of afternoon tea
Afternoon tea is a British tradition that typically involves a light meal in the afternoon, comprising teas, sandwiches, scones, cakes, and other pastries. This tradition dates back to the 1840s in Britain and is attributed to Anna, the Duchess of Bedford.
In the 1800s, the British custom was to have only two main meals a day – breakfast in the morning and dinner late in the evening. However, the Duchess of Bedford, Anna, used to feel an unpleasant “sinking feeling” during the late afternoon. To combat this, she started requesting a tray of tea, bread, butter, and cake to be brought to her room in the late afternoon. Soon, she made this a habit and began inviting her friends to join her for this afternoon treat. Upper-class women made it fashionable to enjoy tea in drawing rooms between four and five o’clock.
Afternoon tea is a lighter meal typically consumed in the afternoon, consisting of tea and light snacks such as scones, finger sandwiches, and pastries. High tea, on the other hand, was traditionally a more substantial meal consumed by the working class upon returning home in the evening. It included tea but also meats, bread, and other heavy dishes.
Luxurious Halal Afternoon Tea in London
Since the tradition was started by a Duchess it is only fair we maintain the luxurious air of what afternoon tea stands for. Many 5-star hotels in London cater not only for afternoon tea options but many of them are also halal, though you will need to make reservations and let them know in advance.
1 The Wellington Lounge at Intercontinental Park Lane
The Wellington Lounge at the InterContinental London Park Lane occupies a prestigious location at No. 1 Park Lane, offering a truly refined halal afternoon tea experience that combines historical significance with modern luxury.
- Address: One Hamilton Place, Park Ln, Mayfair, London W1J 7QY, UK
- Seating Time: 1 pm to 5 pm Everyday
- Price Range: From £69.00
- Halal Option: 48 hours in advance notice
- Booking & Reviews
2 The Ritz Afternoon Tea
The Ritz provides a luxurious British afternoon tea experience, and they can accommodate halal dietary restrictions with advance notice.
- Address: 150 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1J 9BR
- Seating Time: 1 pm to 5 pm Everyday
- Price Range: From £75 for adults and £53 for kids
- Halal Option: 48 hours in advance notice
- Reviews & Booking
3 Claridge’s
Claridge’s is renowned for its exceptional tea service and Art Deco glamour. They also offer a halal-friendly menu, making it the most esteemed afternoon tea destination in London.
- Address: Brook St, Mayfair, London W1K 4HR
- Time of Service: 2:45 pm – 5:30 pm
- Price Range: From £90 per person
- Halal Option: Yes, book in advance
- Reviews
4 Mandarin Oriental
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park’s halal afternoon tea in London offers a blend of luxury and contemporary London with a culturally respectful dining experience. Enjoy iconic views of Hyde Park while savouring its exceptional tea.
- Address: 66 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7LA
- Time of Service: 12 pm – 6:30 pm
- Price Range: From £79 per person / £49 for children
- Halal Option: Yes,
- Reviews
5 Rubens at the Palace
For a taste of luxury steeped in British history, Rubens at the Palace offers an opulent halal afternoon tea, served with royal finesse and a spread fit for a king, just a stone’s throw from Buckingham Palace’s gates.
- Address: 39 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 0PS
- Time of Service: 12 pm – 6:30 pm
- Price Range: From £70 per person
- Halal Option: Yes,
- Reviews
6 The Connaught
Experience bespoke halal afternoon tea with sophistication and tradition at The Connaught.
- Address: Carlos Pl, Mayfair, London W1K 2AL
- Time of Service: 12 pm – 5:30 pm
- Price Range: From £95 per person
- Halal Option: Yes
- Bookings
7 The Dorchester
Indulge in a timeless halal afternoon tea at The Dorchester, one of London’s most prestigious venues, where a legacy of luxury meets the finesse of contemporary service.
- Address: 53 Park Ln, Mayfair, London W1K 1PN
- Time of Service: 12 pm – 4:30 pm
- Price Range: From £95 per person /£50
- Halal Option: Yes,
- Bookings
8 The Shard at Shangri-La
Elevate your halal afternoon tea experience to new heights at Ting, nestled on the 35th floor of the prestigious Shard. This destination combines contemporary style with traditional touches, offering a luxurious afternoon tea that caters to halal dietary preferences. With floor-to-ceiling windows providing stunning panoramic views of London’s dramatic skyline, Ting is a great destination for those visiting London.
- Address: Level 35, The Shard, 31 St. Thomas Street, London SE1 9QU
- Time of Service: Monday – Thursday 12:30 – 15:30 / Friday – Sunday 12:30 – 16:00
- Price Range: From £79 per person
- Halal Option: Yes, book in advance
- Reviews & booking
9 The Winter Garden at The Landmark London
The Winter Garden restaurant is situated in the elegant atrium of The Landmark London. It is a perfect place to enjoy a sophisticated afternoon tea experience while surrounded by the serene ambiance of tall palm trees. The restaurant features a stunning eight-story glass roof, which adds to the classic charm of this place.
High Tea option
- Address: 222 Marylebone Road, London NW1 6JQ
- Time of Service: Monday – Friday 3.00 pm – 5.30 pm / Weekend 1.30pm – 5.30 pm
- Price Range: From £70 per person
- Halal Option: Yes, book in advance
- Booking
10 The Tiffany Blue Box Cafe at Harrods
The Tiffany Blue Box Cafe at Harrods offers an iconic halal afternoon tea, infused with the style and sophistication befitting the Tiffany brand. The cafe is small, so you definitely need a reservation.
- Address: 87-135 Brompton Rd, London SW1X 7XL
- Time of Service: Monday – Friday 1.00 pm – 7.00 pm
- Price Range: From £75 per person
- Halal Option: Yes, book in advance
- Booking
11 One Aldwych
One Aldwych is an elegant, 5-star hotel situated in the heart of London that is known for its timeless luxury and exceptional service. The Charlie and the Chocolate Factory theme afternoon tea offers a unique and creative afternoon experience.
- Address: 1 Aldwych, London WC2B 4BZ
- Time of Service: Monday – Friday 12.00 pm – 3.00 pm / Weekend 12.00 pm to 4.30 pm
- Price Range: From £70 per person
- Halal Option: Yes, book in advance
- Booking
Cheap Halal Afternoon Tea Options
If you are looking for a halal afternoon tea without breaking the bank, we have a few options for you to indulge in.
12 Mad Hatters
Inspired by Lewis Carroll’s iconic story, the Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea at the Sanderson Hotel offers a whimsical halal experience filled with charming pastries and curiosity.
- Address: Sanderson Hotel, 50 Berners Street, London W1T 3NG
- Time of Service: Monday – Sunday 12.00 pm – 7.00 pm
- Price Range: From £55 per person
- Halal Option: Yes, book in advance
- Booking
13 Caffè Concerto
Caffè Concerto is a sophisticated chain known for its Italian-inspired menu with many restaurants not only in London but in several other cities and countries. Renowned for its stunning patisserie displays, live music, and contemporary yet classic interiors, it offers a delightful setting for enjoying an affordable halal afternoon tea. They also offer a halal menu and their Covent Garden location is in the heart of tourist attractions in London.
- Address: Several locations to pick from
- Time of Service: Daily
- Price Range: From £33 per person / £63 for two
- Halal Option: Yes
14 The Ivy Asia
Ivy Asia: modern Asian dining with stylish interiors and diverse dishes. Ivy Asia celebrates Asian culinary traditions and ingredients.
- Address: Various locations in London
- Time of Service: Daily 3 pm – 4:45 pm
- Price Range: From £30 per person min 2 people
- Halal Option: Yes, book in advance
- Booking
15 Town House at Kensington Hotel London
If you’re looking for a luxurious experience at a five-star hotel without breaking the bank, the Kensington Hotel offers just that. Enjoy a sophisticated environment and classic afternoon tea service.
- Address: 09-113 Queen’s Gate, South Kensington, London SW7 5LR,
- Time of Service: Daily 12 pm – 4 pm
- Price Range: From £58 per person
- Halal Option: Yes, book in advance
- Booking
If you’re looking for more affordable afternoon tea options, consider searching for 2-for-1 offers, as many restaurants provide them. Although not all restaurants may offer halal food options, vegetarian selections are usually widely available.
Halal Afternoon Tea Beyond Traditional Hotels
If you want a non-traditional halal afternoon tea in London experience beyond luxury hotels and smart casual dress code, then why not indulge in some of the fun halal afternoon tea options in London?
16 Halal Afternoon Tea on a Bus
If you are in London looking to combine two quintessentially British traditions, how about booking yourself at Brigit’s Bakery? Offering various tour bus options for family or friends wanting something different. Their menu is halal, and they don’t handle any pork, though they do serve alcohol.
You and your family can tour central London for 90 minutes on a Paddington Bear or Peppa Pig theme bus while enjoying some halal food options.
I hope the list above of the best halal afternoon tea places in London helped you find the one you were looking for. There are so many options nowadays when it comes to halal traditional tea experiences, from sure luxury options to more affordable budget-friendly tea experiences.
Would love to know which one you booked and your experience there in the comments below.
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Nia
Friday 19th of July 2024
Thanks for giving all these options, they all look lovely. I would like to say though, £55 for afternoon would be not be considered cheap by any means. If you could add some actual affordable options (if they exist) that would be great! In my mind that would be under £30. JazakAllah khair
Muslim Travel Girl
Wednesday 31st of July 2024
Sadly especially in London not, though we do have a couple of suggestions on this article that fit that category like the Cafe Concerto