Afternoon Tea Week 2025

Three Luxurious Ways to Celebrate in Style

From Cotswold countryside elegance to theatrical London settings and Parisian flair

Afternoon Tea Week is a highlight of the culinary calendar—a celebration of one of Britain’s most cherished traditions. It’s an opportunity to pause, indulge, and enjoy a ritual that blends heritage, flavour, and artistry.

This year, the experience is being reimagined in unique and luxurious ways. Across the UK, venues are infusing the tradition with creativity, storytelling, and a sense of place. From a grand Victorian estate in the Cotswolds to a five-star hotel in Westminster, steeped in intrigue, and a Covent Garden tea salon that exudes Parisian sophistication, each destination offers an unforgettable take on the art of afternoon tea.

De Vere Tortworth Court

On the southern edge of the Cotswolds, De Vere Tortworth Court rises from its 30 acres of historic parkland like something from a romantic novel. The Victorian mansion—fresh from a £1.3 million refurbishment—embodies country house grandeur, with sweeping lawns, rare trees, and an unmistakable sense of British heritage.

For Afternoon Tea Week, the hotel’s Great British Summer package offers more than a menu—it’s a full countryside escape. Mornings can be spent wandering through landscaped gardens, where the scent of freshly cut grass mingles with the summer breeze.

When afternoon arrives, guests retreat to manicured lawns for an elegant picnic-style afternoon tea. Warm home-baked scones, delicate finger sandwiches, and chocolate-dipped strawberries are served alongside a chilled bottle of Silver Reign, adding a celebratory sparkle to the occasion. As the day moves into evening, pre-dinner gin and tonics await in the stately bar, followed by a seasonal three-course menu showcasing the best of local produce. Overnight stays include newly refurbished rooms with plush bedding, Penhaligon’s toiletries, and original Victorian features.

The Great British Summer package is available until September and is priced from £279 per room with booking code SUMMER.

Website: www.devere.co.uk/tortworth-court

Great Scotland Yard Hotel

Afternoon Tea Week always gives me the perfect excuse to slow down, indulge, and celebrate a tradition I adore—but this year, I was treated to something truly extraordinary.

Nestled in the heart of Westminster, the five-star Great Scotland Yard Hotel offered me an afternoon tea that wasn’t just a meal—it was theatre, history, and luxury, all beautifully brewed together in one elegant sitting.

This summer, the hotel unveiled Chapter Three of its Tea Chronicles, a captivating culinary tribute to the 40 Elephants Gang—an infamous all-female crime syndicate known for their fearless spirit, fashion-forward edge, and rebellious charm. Their legacy, steeped in mystery and glamour, came to life in The Parlour, where vintage elegance meets unapologetic mischief.

The moment I stepped into the room, I knew I was in for something special. Rich textures, plush seating, and delicate floral details made it feel like a secret hideout for high-society rebels. There was a quiet drama in the air—a sense that something exciting was about to unfold.

And then the food arrived.

The savouries were as artistic as they were delicious: broccoli, rocket and lemon quiche; chicken coronation on malted bread; prawn cocktail and avocado roll; Clarence Court egg truffle mayo with chives on pain de mie; and caramelised Jerusalem artichoke and cauliflower Yorkshire pudding with Montgomery cheddar—warm, rich, and unforgettable.

Then came the sweets, which were nothing short of edible art: the ‘40E Chandelier’ with Jivara, Oabika and black tea; the GSY Pocket Watch with Lavazza coffee mousse and a whisky kick; and the Rembrandt Hat choux with almond, blueberry, and lavender praline. Naturally, there were warm scones—both plain and raisin—served with Cornish clotted cream and luscious blueberry and raspberry jam.

I paired it all with Jing’s premium teas and a smooth Lavazza coffee, accompanied by dessert. It was a delicious balance of storytelling, flavour, and artistry that left me both indulged and inspired. Afternoon Tea is priced from £65 per person and is worth every bite.

Website: www.greatscotlandyard.com

Mariage Frères

From London’s historic streets to Parisian refinement, Mariage Frères brings over 150 years of tea mastery to its elegant Covent Garden home. Founded in 1854 by brothers Henri and Edouard Mariage, the brand is celebrated worldwide for rare blends, exquisite flavours, and timeless sophistication.

The Covent Garden tea salon is an oasis of calm. Signature black tea canisters line polished wooden shelves, while the air is filled with the delicate aroma of freshly blended leaves. Every dish on the menu incorporates tea—not just as a drink, but as a core ingredient—making for a truly immersive experience.

Two menus tempt guests during Afternoon Tea Week. The Sweet Dream (£39 per person) is a patisserie lover’s dream, with four tea-infused creations, a matcha-ginger Parisian scone, green tea nougat, and a refreshing ‘Summer Rosé’ iced tea. The Beautiful Tea (£58 per person) offers a balance of savoury and sweet, adding three tea-infused savoury amuse-bouches to the patisserie selection.

Highlights include the iconic Marco Polo black tea, the elegant Thé à l’Opéra, and the creamy rooibos Rouge Bourbon—all brewed with precision by the salon’s expert team.

Website: www.mariagefreres.com

This year, Afternoon Tea Week is about more than a pot of tea and a plate of scones—it’s about exploring the creativity, stories, and settings that make each venue unique.

For countryside romance, De Vere Tortworth Court pairs sweeping lawns with a relaxed picnic twist. For history and drama, The Great Scotland Yard Hotel delivers theatrical storytelling and bold, memorable flavours. And for Parisian refinement, Mariage Frères offers centuries of tea artistry in the heart of London.

Why choose just one? This year’s celebrations are the perfect excuse to make Afternoon Tea Week a journey—sampling the best of what Britain (and beyond) has to offer, one exquisite cup at a time.