That of the Afternoon tea is a universally known, 200 years old British tradition born out of… being a little peckish. The year is 1840, and the late afternoon sun lights the chambers of Anna, 7th Duchess of Bedford and Lady in Waiting to Queen Victoria, when she requests a tray with a pot of tea and a light snack of bread with butter and cake – thus inventing afternoon tea.
She enjoyed her daily afternoon tea in her rooms at her country House (Woburn Abbey, Bedfordshire) and continued when she returned to London, starting to invite friends to join her in this little afternoon treat she made for herself. Then, others took up this new trend, and afternoon tea moved into the fashionable Drawing Rooms of London; quickly becoming an agreeable, sociable daily ritual that became an established tradition to this day, taking place in every household. Sure it’s not the luxury it used to be, at least when doing it privately, at your kitchen table, but it is a standard step of the day.
Being so important, it is our duty to make it available and accessible to everyone, no matter what. There are many options for Halal Afternoon Tea in London, but they’re not always easy to find. As a matter of fact, there are five-star hotels that offer an amazing Halal experience, but rarely advertise as such, which makes it difficult to find them, so here’s a list for you!
Let’s start with Halal-only venues:
Fait Maison
Here you can have a fully Halal experience in a pretty pretty cafè. As well as a wide selection of teas to choose from, they also offer a variety of sandwiches and beautiful sweet treats. If you want to celebrate a birthday or any special occasion, this place is absolutely perfect.
Halal status: All meat is halal and no alcohol is served.
Mamounia Lounge Knightsbridge (CURRENTLY NOT SERVING AFTERNOON TEA)
Find a Middle Eastern‑themed Afternoon Tea everyday from 12pm-7pm at Mamounia Lounge’s ‘Moyen Orient’, which includes a range of delicious Halal sandwiches such as Harissa Tuna and cheese briouat. They also offer classic Moroccan tea and a variety of loose‑leaf teas. Perfect for when around Knightsbridge and craving some great Afternoon tea and tasty Middle Eastern food.
Halal status: All meat served is halal.
Cinnamon Bazaar
Why not try an Indian Inspired Afternoon Tea at such a charming location as Cinnamon Bazaar? Well, what if we told you that this place was also rewarded with a Michelin Star? The menu is perfect for Indian food lovers, presented in a characteristically colourful and vibrant way. Among the menu items there are Masala chai, chaat sandwiches, pani puri, cake, pastries and more! A unique experience definitely suitable for a special occasion.
Halal status: Chicken, lamb and beef is halal. Vegetarian options available.
Caffe Concerto
If elegantly presented Italian dishes and traditional British Afternoon Tea is what you wish to have, your wish is their command. The Afternoon Tea includes a selection of finger sandwiches, scones and desserts. Stop by if you happen to be hungry in Knightsbridge and want to take a seat in a classy location.
Halal status: All meat is Halal.
All the following instead require a notice from 24 to 72 hours or it can be requested at the moment of booking – still with a bit of advance to give the staff all the necessary time to serve you at the best of their abilities:
Enjoy a relaxing and elegant Afternoon Tea in one of the most famous shopping centres of London. Perfect to end or start your Harrods shopping spree!
Halal status: Chicken is Halal. 24 hours notice required for other meats.
This is one of those hotels that offer standard Tea, but with a 24h notice can take care of your needs in the tasties of ways! It’s Whimsical, it’s fun, it’s kids friendly, and will cheer up the whole family! Inspired by a traditional sweetshop, it celebrates the joy of rediscovering old favourites and the thrill of finding something new and scrumptious.
Halal status: 24 hours notice required for a halal Afternoon Tea, but staff will do their best to accommodate last minute requests.
High Palms High Tea at The Landmark, Marylebone
Step into the beautiful central atrium of the Landmark hotel and let it stun you with its beautiful glass roof and palm trees. Here you can find an array of traditional sandwiches and some of the finest scones with clotted cream , accompanied by your choice of jam. Relaxed and refined are the words, here. It’s an absolute must, especially for the newbies!
Halal Status: Available upon request.
The Promenade at The Dorchester Hotel, Park Lane
A truly iconic hotel in London that’s widely known for the incredible range of restaurants you can find inside, like the China Tang and The Dorchester Grill; but what they’re mostly known for is their high class afternoon tea in their promenade, overflowing with colourful and delicate floral arrangements. Each course, from the soft sandwiches to the award winning desserts, will leave you amazed. Thank us later.
Halal Status: Available upon request
The Ritz Hotel, Mayfair
Since they opened in 1906, The Ritz has run the most classic, traditional Afternoon Tea of London. They never stepped out of their standards, holding a strict dress code policy that keeps the ambiance “just right”. You’ll be able to enjoy their perfect tea with sandwiches, scones and sponge cakes in an opulent white and gold dining room, tasting the choices of a unique staff member of The Ritz: a certified tea sommelier who travels to plantations around the globe to source the best teas.
Halal Status: Available upon request
The Rubens at The Palace, Westminster
If you are a fan of the Royal Family, this is the place for you. Enjoy the afternoon tea at The Rubens hotel, overlooking nothing less than Buckingham Palace. They offer a whole halal menu that includes traditional sandwiches like smoked salmon, coronation chicken and cucumber, rich, flavorful scones and fantastic desserts like eclairs, coffee and caramelised apple macaron and the classic bread and butter pudding… with a twist.
Halal Status: Request when booking
Violas at Covent Garden
Beautiful, classy, floral: it’s the Afternoon Tea at Violas . If you’re out and about in the centre, better not miss it the black truffle mushrooms and brioche toast, divine smoked salmon bagel, avocado on focaccia with boiled eggs and a beautiful dukkah dip, non-alcoholic Tiramisu!
Halal status: Chicken is Halal. Fish and veg options available.
Claridge’s
Here’s a luxury location that offers a range of delicious sandwiches, scones, fresh cakes and quality tea. Perfect for a high‑end tea experience with friends, family or even a date. Enjoy a variety of teas, from a rich Oolong to Claridge’s own Blend, to perfectly match your carefully prepared food. Afternoon tea is served daily between 2.45 – 5.30pm.
Halal status: Halal menu available, but recommend putting in a notice just in case.
If what you’re looking for is a cool environment that also leaves you breathless, Afternoon Tea at Shangri-La London is must not be skipped. Taste delicious sandwiches and pastries, while sipping your tea and looking out and down at a beautiful sky‑high, panoramic view of London. Needless to say, this is THE place for a special occasion.
Halal status: Halal option available upon request of at least 48 hours.
What we have listed here is just our selection of what we consider the best venues for Halal Afternoon Tea, but there are many, many more, too many to write about all of them! Anyway, we hope this list will leave you satisfied, because it certainly satisfied us! And remember that many hotels offer Halal options but don’t specifically advertise them, so if you see a place you like, check out if they serve Halal high tea as well, because they just might!