Experience a quintessentially British afternoon tea, done The Athenaeum way. Our chefs have been inspired by the British tradition of Fondant Fancies and the natural surroundings of our iconic vertical Living Wall and Royal Parks. Our Fancies & Foliage afternoon tea includes exquisite cakes, handcrafted sandwiches and a unique tea blending experience.
Time for tea?
A classic pastime
Step in from the bustle of Mayfair and take time to enjoy the timeless tradition of our Fancies & Foliage afternoon tea.
Start with a selection of sandwiches, followed by plain and fruit scones with classic strawberry jam and clotted cream. We'll let you choose whether the jam or cream comes first. Then sample the delicate sweet pastries - all masterpieces created by our pastry chef Sergei.
Our afternoon tea is available from 12 noon to 5:30pm and is £60 per person.
A ritual as unique as you
Add a creative twist to your afternoon tea with our signature tea blending experience. Guided by our expert team, you’ll explore up to 45 bespoke ingredients to create your own personalised blend, developed with renowned Master Tea Blender Alex Probyn. The selection includes English-grown teas from Tregothnan in Cornwall, alongside seasonal botanicals such as cherry black, coconut fruit and rose petals.
Take time to relax with a cocktail while your blend is brewed and perfectly paired with your afternoon tea. The tea blending experience is available as an upgrade for £70 per person.
A savoury twist
If you prefer savoury flavours, our savoury afternoon tea offers a delicious alternative to the traditional sweet selection. You’ll enjoy a selection of freshly prepared sandwiches and Lincolnshire Poacher cheddar scones, followed by a carefully curated range of savoury dishes, including quail nduja Scotch egg, devils on horseback, and asparagus with Cobble Lane bresaola and truffle.
Priced from £50 per person, don't forget to book in advance.
Bottomless afternoon tea
Enhance your afternoon tea experience with bottomless Prosecco. Enjoy our signature Fancies & Foliage afternoon tea, featuring delicate sandwiches, cakes, pastries and traditional scones, all served with free-flowing Prosecco for 90 minutes.
Perfect for a special occasion or just because.
Cream tea
Craving something sweet? Sometimes only freshly baked scones will do. Includes traditional homemade scones with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry jam with your choice of artisan tea. Just £15 per person.
Give a sweet treat
Our afternoon tea voucher makes the perfect gift for a loved one celebrating a special occasion. Treat them to a quintessentially British experience with one of our gift vouchers.
Afternoon Tea FAQs
When is afternoon tea served?
Afternoon tea at The Athenaeum is available daily from 12 noon to 5:30pm.
Do you cater for afternoon tea dietary requirements?
The Athenaeum offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free afternoon tea menus, just let the team know your requirements when booking.
What is included in the Fancies & Foliage afternoon tea?
Your afternoon tea includes a selection of handcrafted sandwiches, warm scones with classic jam and clotted cream, and beautifully crafted sweet pastries inspired by the hotel’s iconic living wall and the nearby Royal Parks. A range of additional upgrades is also available, including bottomless Prosecco and our signature tea blending experience, allowing you to tailor your afternoon to suit the occasion.
Can I personalise my tea experience?
Yes. You can upgrade to the tea blending experience, where you’re guided through up to 45 bespoke ingredients to create your own custom tea blend, paired with a welcome cocktail while it’s brewed.
Can I add bubbles to my afternoon tea?
Yes. You can upgrade your Fancies & Foliage afternoon tea with 90 minutes of free-flowing Prosecco, ideal for celebrations.
Our stories
The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences unveils revitalised living wall
Our iconic living wall, which has been a landmark feature for nearly 20 years has been revitalised.
Give the gift of an Athenaeum Hotel gift voucher
An Athenaeum Hotel gift voucher makes the choice of gift choosing feel beautifully thoughtful.
Festive dining at The Athenaeum
There's more than one way to celebrate Christmas at The Athenaeum. Find out how.
Insider’s guide: Mayfair’s most Instagrammable spots
Here are our tips on where to find some of the most Instagrammable spots in Mayfair.
Chelsea Flower Show: What to Expect in 2026
One of the most famous flower and garden shows in the world, The RHS Chelsea Flower Show next May.
Insider’s guide: Luxury London Pub Crawl
Spend a weekend soaking up classic London luxury pubs around Central London.
The Athenaeum's deep roots to Hollywood glamour
Explore The Athenaeum's glamorous showbiz history at our iconic Mayfair hotel.
Explore autumn park walks
Your doorstep to London’s Royal Parks and gardens in and around Mayfair.
