Best Places for Afternoon Tea near Bloomsbury and King’s Cross

Best Places for Afternoon Tea near Bloomsbury and King’s Cross

Afternoon tea is definitely experiencing something of a renaissance these days, especially here in West London. There’s probably not a day goes by when we’re not asked by guests where to go for afternoon tea in Bloomsbury.

I think its popularity has to be down to the fact that it’s just so traditionally ‘English’. Afternoon tea dates back to the 1800s when Queen Victoria’s good friend Anna, the 7^th Duchess of Bedford, complained of having that ‘sinking feeling’ during the late afternoon.

She wanted something small to satisfy her hunger and see her through to dinner time. And it was from this desire that afternoon tea was born. By the late 1800s, the ladies of the upper classes would be changing into their long gowns, gloves and hats and heading into their drawing rooms for afternoon tea, which would usually be served between four and five o’clock.

Eventually, the ritual moved out to the garden, when the lords and men of the house started to take part in what had become a celebrated activity amongst their ladies.

It’s said that for the lower classes on the outside looking in, they took a fancy to mimicking their lords and ladies, which led to afternoon tea becoming more of a general pastime. And it seems to have continued to this day, although with its typically modern twists, such as added glasses of fizz and plant-based options.

So, where to go for afternoon tea in Bloomsbury? If you’re staying at the Mentone, here are my suggestions for a few places you’ll find nearby, listed in order of their distance from the hotel.

The Hansom

St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, Euston Road, London NW1 2AR
8 minute walk / 8 minute taxi from Mentone Hotel
Tel: 020 7841 3566
Email: thehansom@renaissancehotels.com
Website

Situated within the St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel, the Hansom has to be one of the most popular places to take afternoon tea near King’s Cross.

Serving 18 varieties of loose-leaf tea plus a wide selection of herbal infusions and non-alcoholic sparkling Saicho tea, and with the option to add a glass of Laurent-Perrier Champagne or even opt for a whole bottle of the stuff, you won’t be short of choices for the tipple side of things.

This is one of the priciest afternoon tea in Bloomsbury options, but it’s a pretty special experience, especially when you look at what’s on offer from the homemade pastries and cakes selection… strawberry Balinese vanilla cream choux, or peach and verjus mousse with lavender sable anyone?

Afternoon tea is served at the Hansom every day from 1pm to 5pm. Vegetarian and plant-based menus are available.

View the menu

Rails London at St Pancras Station

1^st Floor Great Northern Hotel, King’s Cross St Pancras International, London N1C 4TB
11 minute walk / 7 minute taxi from Mentone Hotel
Tel: 020 3388 0818
Email: info@railslondon.com
Website

Situated within King’s Cross St Pancras Station and tucked away on the first floor of the Great Northern Hotel, Rails Restaurant is a chic British eatery drawing inspiration from French cuisine and culture.

Afternoon tea is served Thursday to Sunday from 1pm to 5pm. Upgrade options include Prosecco, Champagne or special blend tea, and you can choose from a savoury or sweet menu.

View the menu

Academy Hotel

21 Gower Street, Fitzrovia, London WC1E 6HG
14 minute walk / 5 minute taxi from Mentone Hotel
Tel: 020 7631 4115
Email: reservations@theacademyhotel.co.uk
Website

Mr Ma’s Afternoon Tea at The Academy Hotel is a tribute to the hotel’s literary and cultural connections to Bloomsbury.

Penned by one of the most important Chinese authors of the last century, Lao She, the novel Mr Ma and Son has provided the inspiration for The Academy’s English High Tea, with an Asian twist.

Afternoon tea is served at the Academy Monday to Friday 12-3pm, and Saturday and Sunday 12-5pm. Choose from the secluded courtyard or the peaceful library to book your table. Reservations are essential.

Bloomsbury Hotel

16-22 Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3NN
20 minute walk / 6 minute taxi from Mentone Hotel
Tel: 020 7347 1000
Email: Bloomsbury@doylecollection.com
Website

This is one of the most popular places for our guests to take afternoon tea in Bloomsbury. You get to choose your seat on the Dalloway Terrace, or the 1920s-inspired Coral Room, both offering a famed afternoon tea menu which is prepared and served fresh daily. Vegetarian and gluten free options are available.

The Bloomsbury also offers a special children’s afternoon tea menu which celebrates the wonders of nature with its bumble bee inspired sandwiches, scones, cakes and treats, all designed for ‘little hands’.

Afternoon tea is served here every day from 12-4pm.

View the Dalloway Terrace menu
View the Coral Room menu

The Waldorf Hotel

Aldwych, London WC2B 4DD
27 minute walk / 11 minute taxi from Mentone Hotel
Tel: 020 7836 2400
Email: homage.restaurant@hilton.com
Website

Located in Covent Garden, this iconic hotel is one of the most popular places to take afternoon tea near King’s Cross. It’s one of those places where you can enjoy a real sense of occasion, with your meal accompanied by the hotel’s resident pianist and harpist.

Afternoon tea is served Monday to Friday 1-4pm, and Saturday and Sunday 1.30-4pm.

Book a table

Visiting London? We’d love to welcome you at the Mentone Hotel.

If you’d like to make a booking at The Mentone, please get in touch. All direct bookings benefit from a 10% discount and complimentary breakfast. And we’ll be happy to direct you to the best places for afternoon tea in Bloomsbury during your stay – don’t hesitate to ask!

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