Bridging the gap between lunch and dinner has never looked so chic! French chef pâtissier Benoît Blin, of Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons fame, has brought a Gallic twist to the traditional British afternoon tea. Served in the light-filled Cadogan Lounge at the swanky Cadogan hotel, you’ll be treated to a spread that’s almost too pretty to eat. Savoury options include salmon gravadlax on toasted croissant with quail egg and cream cheese and egg mayonnaise sandwiches on turmeric bread. Sweet offerings are next-level with technically perfect scones (of course) and a trio of delightful patisserie with an artful twist, plus there’s a trolley laden with sublime cakes. Add a glass of English sparkling wine or Champagne, choose from a raft of top-notch tea or, if you can manage it, a decadent Parisian chocolat chaud.

When you sit down to this whimsical tea based on the work of the iconic Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai, you won’t know whether to eat it or frame it. Taking place in the stunning Mirror Room of the Rosewood London hotel, the immersive, visually striking menu is packed with Japanese-inspired savoury treats, such as barbecue beef brisket with wasabi coleslaw on a milk bun, yuzu and ponzu marinated scallop crudo, and a stunning lemon chiffon cake, fashioned into edible works of art and paired with your choice of elegant Japanese teas. If you like you can enhance the experience with a table-side matcha brewing ceremony.

If you’re searching for afternoon tea with a view that won’t be packed with tourists, head to the rooftop Sabine. Perched high above the city of London and overlooking the glorious dome of St Paul’s Cathedral, you can choose from indoor or outdoor seating. The menu is as killer as the views, with a selection of sweet and savoury morsels, plus the option to add a handcrafted cocktail that’s designed to pair perfectly with the spread. Highlights from the menu are an 'nduja and fennel sausage roll and a bitter chocolate delice with gold leaf.

Whether you have little ones in tow or are a big kid at heart, this Willy Wonka-style Sweet Shop Afternoon Tea is certain to impress. Alongside bottomless finger sandwiches, a duo of choc-chip and regular scones, and confectionery-inspired cakes such as a Drumstick lolly-flavoured macaron, is a vintage trolley with jars of old-school sweets to tuck into after tea, or bag up to take home. Even the tea selection itself has some quirky options, such as liquorice and a fruit salad candy tea, and children can sip a hot chocolate or milkshake. Might be a good idea to book a trip to the dentist soon after.

When you really want to push the boat out, book a table at The Ritz’s show-stopping Palm Court, which is wholly deserving of its reputation. Despite five daily sittings, seven days a week, it books up weeks in advance, so get in early. Everything is next-level – the resident pianist and harpist, the gold walls, the twinkling chandeliers. The sandwiches are classic but impressive, the scones faultless and the ever-changing sweet selection couldn’t be more elaborate. There are 20 loose-leaf teas to choose from (or you can have coffee if you prefer), and a special decaffeinated tea designed just for children.

Looking to host an afternoon tea at home instead? Check out our afternoon tea recipes.