Is Afternoon Tea at The Savoy Worth It? Honest Review & Tips
Afternoon tea is one of those must-do experiences when you’re visiting London—especially if it’s your first time. And, for us, The Savoy experience was absolutely worth it!
When my daughter and I were planning her first trip to the UK, we knew afternoon tea had to be on the list. After looking at options like Fortnum & Mason, The Rubens at Buckingham Palace, and The Orangery at Kensington Palace, we ended up booking afternoon tea at The Savoy’s Gallery.
At £90 per person (for the menu option we chose), it wasn’t a cheap choice—but we weren’t looking for themed or novelty. We wanted something…Classic. Elegant. Timeless.
In this post, I’m breaking down our full experience—from the setting and service to the scones and tea selection. That way you can decide if afternoon tea at The Savoy is worth the price for you.
I’ll also share how it compares to other afternoon tea options in London, including a few unique experiences you may want to try instead.
Why We Chose Afternoon Tea at The Savoy
Comparing Menus and Styles
When we started narrowing down our options for afternoon tea in London, we looked at a lot of menus. We weren’t just looking for a pretty room or a famous name—we wanted an afternoon tea that felt thoughtful and balanced.
Fortnum & Mason offers a classic service, and The Rubens has that over-the-top royal flair. But when we looked at The Savoy’s menu, it hit the sweet spot: elegant but not overdone, with a tea list that excited us and food that felt refined without being too fussy.
Wanting a Traditional Experience
There are a lot of creative afternoon tea options in London—like Alice in Wonderland themes or Bridgerton-inspired menus—but we really wanted something more traditional.
We’ve done afternoon tea in a lot of cities and it’s a favorite mother-daughter thing for us, so we had a clear idea of what we were looking for. We wanted classic finger sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream, delicate pastries, and an extensive tea selection—all served in a calm, polished space.
✅ The Savoy ticked every one of those boxes.
Location, Ambiance & Reputation
We also couldn’t ignore the history and setting. The Savoy has long been one of London’s most iconic hotels, and stepping into the lobby alone gives you that wow feeling.
The Gallery where tea is served was beautiful—refined but not stuffy, with a peaceful vibe that made it easy to relax. It felt like a real treat, not just another dining experience.
And when we read review after review praising the service and attention to detail, we felt confident we were making the right choice.
Bonus! We learned that The Savoy Hotel is literally attached to The Savoy Theater! That made the location even better!
That means that if you plan your afternoon tea experience right (like midafternoon on a Wednesday,Thursday, or Saturday – check with the theater), you can pair it with an afternoon West End Show. Win-win!
Our Experience at The Savoy Gallery
The Setting: Elegant & Peaceful
The Gallery at The Savoy is tucked just off the main lobby, and it immediately felt like a calm escape from the city.
Everything about the space stood out—plush seating, crisp table settings, and the kind of soft lighting that makes everything (and everyone) look a little more polished.
The vibe made it easy to settle in and enjoy.
Food and Tea Selections, with Prices
We’ve done a lot of afternoon teas, and this was one of the best we’ve had in terms of the food itself. The sandwiches were delicate and flavorful, the scones came out warm, and the pastries were as good as they looked. The tea menu was just as impressive.
We each chose different blends and sampled each other’s throughout the meal. (I had the Vanilla Black, my daughter chose the Chai.) It felt like care had gone into every part of the menu, which isn’t always the case even at high-end spots.
One thing that really stood out to me about the menu was how many options it had for different dietary considerations and different hunger levels. We chose the ‘Afternoon Tea’ (£90), which included sandwiches, ‘savory bites’, scones, and sweets/pastries.
But they also had a more luxury tea called the ‘Prestige Afternoon Tea’ (£160), which also included a lobster and caviar tasting and an additional sweet, a velvet scone.
The ‘Afternoon High Tea’ (£105) included everything in the regular Afternoon Tea, and added more hearty foods like fish and vegetables.
What was really nice were the availability of a ‘Vegetarian Afternoon Tea’(£90) and a ‘Plant-Based Afternoon Tea’ (£90).
When my daughter advised that she has a particular food allergy, they very easily swapped out the ‘savory bite’ containing that ingredient for something else. No problem. And when they learned how much I loved the cucumber sandwich, they brought more over right away!
Service Highlights (…and a Small Wait)
The service was mostly impeccable—attentive but not hovering, friendly without being casual. Our server was knowledgeable about the teas and helped guide us based on our preferences.
The only hiccup was at the very end when it took a bit longer than expected to get our check. It wasn’t a huge issue, but it stood out because everything else had moved so smoothly.
To be fair, it might’ve just felt long because I’m impatient 🫢—and maybe the UK embraces more of a “linger over your meal” approach.
Mother-Daughter Moments
Afternoon tea has always been our thing, and this was one of those experiences we’ll both remember. The setting, the tea, the pacing—it gave us time to slow down, chat, and really soak in the moment.
That’s something money can’t buy, and part of what made the whole experience feel so worth it. We’ve done themed teas and budget teas, but this one felt really special.
Was It Worth £90 per Person?
Luxury Experience at High-End Price
At £90 per person (or more), The Savoy’s afternoon tea isn’t a budget-friendly activity—but it never pretended to be.
This is a luxury experience in a five-star hotel with everything from the setting to the presentation dialed in. It’s not just tea and cake. It’s meant to feel like an indulgence.
And for what it was, the quality matched the cost.
Comparing Prices & Value – Not the Most Expensive
While £90 isn’t cheap, it’s also not the most expensive option in London. Some luxury afternoon teas push well past the £100 mark, especially once you add Champagne or pair it with a whole palace (!).
When we compared menus and venues, The Savoy offered more value for what we personally wanted: traditional food, exceptional tea, and a refined atmosphere. For us, it hit the sweet spot of luxury without feeling over-the-top or performative.
How We Felt – Discerning Yet Satisfied
We’ve had enough afternoon teas to know when something is overhyped or just trying to get by on name recognition. That wasn’t the case here. Everything felt intentional—from the tea list to the tiered stand filled with beautiful (and tasty) goodies to the staff.
Sure, that small wait at the end could have been shorter. But overall we left full, happy, and already planning to recommend it to others. If you’re looking for a classic afternoon tea that delivers on elegance and flavor, this one’s hard to beat.
Other Luxury & Traditional Afternoon Tea Options
Royal Afternoon Tea at The Rubens, Buckingham Palace
If you want to feel like royalty, afternoon tea at The Rubens at the Palace is an elegant pick. With views of the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace, this tea is all about pageantry—velvet chairs, gleaming silverware, and staff in formal attire.
It leans into the royal theme, and it’s a great alternative for travelers who want a formal experience with a side of royal flair.
☑️ And in the experience I’m recommending, you can enjoy your tea the way royals do, right at Buckingham Palace! 🏰
Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason
Fortnum & Mason is a London institution, and their Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon is a classic choice for traditional afternoon tea. The setting is refined and a bit more relaxed than hotel venues, and the tea selection is incredible.
According to my best friend’s co-worker (who refuses to go anywhere else for tea when he’s in London), their service is polished and the menu includes seasonal updates, which makes it a fun option for repeat visitors.
This one was high on our list, too—it ultimately came down to ambiance, and The Savoy’s setting edged it out for us.
Afternoon Tea at Kensington Palace’s Orangery
The Orangery at Kensington Palace has real charm. It’s a beautiful space with big windows and views of the gardens, and the menu includes traditional items with a slightly modern twist.
We considered this one too, and loved that it was a less expensive option, but we leaned toward a more classic, hotel-style experience. Plus, when doing our research comparison, we noticed that the reviews were not as consistent as those for The Savoy.
That said, if you want to combine your tea with a walk through of the palace grounds and are looking for that ‘Bridgerton feel’, it looks like another lovely choice.
🫖 Afternoon Tea Options at a Glance
| Tea Spot | Price (approx) | Style | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Savoy | £90+ | Traditional | Elegant experience, special occasions |
| Fortnum & Mason | £75+ | Traditional | Classic London charm |
| Kensington Palace (The Orangery) | £70+ | Historic/Traditional | Garden views, royal-adjacent experience |
| Buckingham Palace Garden Tours with Tea | £115+ | Royal | True opulent, royal feel |
| Brigit’s Bakery Bus | £65+ | Themed/Moving | Fun with teens or friends |
| Panoramic Cruise Tour & Tea | £70+ | Scenic | Sightseeing while you sip and sail |
Fun & Alternative Afternoon Tea Experiences
Tea on the River Thames
If you’re looking for something less formal and more about the view, consider a ✨Panoramic Afternoon Tea Cruise ✨. You’ll enjoy tea while taking in London’s top landmarks (including the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, and more) from the comfort of a glass-roofed boat.
It’s a great option for first-timers who want to see the city and enjoy a proper tea without dedicating an entire afternoon to one location.
Afternoon Tea on a Bus
A moving afternoon tea on a vintage double-decker bus? That’s what you get with both the ✨Great British Afternoon Tea Bus Tour✨ and ✨Brigit’s Bakery Afternoon Tea Bus✨. Both offer quirky, themed menus and a fun way to see London without sacrificing your tea and scone fix.
It’s a great fit for families, groups of friends, or anyone who prefers a more playful take on tradition.
When Alternatives Might Be Better for You
If you’re traveling with kids, short on time, or looking for something more interactive, these alternative teas might be a better fit. They’re more casual and easier to slot into a busy sightseeing day.
But if you’re after quiet elegance and a slow-paced afternoon, the traditional hotel tea experiences (like The Savoy) are still in a league of their own.
Tips for Booking Afternoon Tea in London
Booking Ahead & What to Know
Afternoon tea in London—especially at iconic spots like The Savoy—books up fast. If you have your heart set on a specific venue, book at least a few weeks in advance. Holiday seasons and weekends fill up first.
If you’re short on time, weekday afternoon slots often have more flexibility. Also, double-check the dress code—many places ask for smart casual, and some won’t allow sneakers or athletic wear.
👉 More details on what to reserve early in Things to Book in Advance in London.
Choosing Between Traditional vs. Themed Tea
Deciding between traditional and themed tea is all about what kind of experience you want. Traditional teas are calm, elegant, and usually include a full menu with tea, sandwiches, scones, and pastries.
Themed teas tend to be more playful—think whimsical pastries or nods to TV shows and movies. If you’re after that classic London feel, stick with traditional. If you want something Instagrammable or fun for kids, a theme might be worth exploring.
How to Decide Based on Your Budget & Experience Goals
Prices range widely—from under £50 for more casual experiences to well over £100 for luxury teas with Champagne. If your budget is tight, one of the bus tours or casual hotel teas can still give you the experience without the splurge.
But if afternoon tea is one of your “musts” and you want to do it right, budgeting for a high-end experience like The Savoy makes sense. It’s not something you’ll need to do twice, but it’s definitely something you’ll remember.
Afternoon tea at The Savoy was one of the highlights of our London trip. It felt special in all the right ways—without tipping into over-the-top or performative.
If you’re looking for a traditional experience with elegant surroundings, great food, and exceptional tea, this one is absolutely worth considering.
Especially if you’re longing for an experience that surrounds you with beauty, makes you feel special, and turns this meal into a true occasion.
Of course, it’s not the only great tea in London. Whether you want to feel like royalty at The Rubens, soak in historic charm at Fortnum & Mason, or sip tea while cruising the Thames, there’s something for every taste and budget.
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Hope this helped you decide where to sip your tea in London! 🍰🫖
👉 Still narrowing down your perfect London day? Pair your afternoon tea with one of these things to do in London so you can make every minute of your trip count.
👉 Looking for a central place to stay? Here’s my full Clermont London Victoria Hotel Review.
