London Afternoon Tea at Grosvenor House

London, United Kingdom

Afternoon tea was invented by Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford (1783-1857), one of Queen Victoria's ladies-in-waiting. In her day, the upper crust ate a huge breakfast, little lunch, and a very late dinner. Every afternoon, the duchess experienced a "sinking feeling."

One afternoon she instructed her servants to serve tea and little cakes in her boudoir. The experience was so delightful that Anna repeated it every afternoon thereafter. Soon others followed the Duchess' lead, and in just a few decades the custom of "taking tea" in the afternoon had become well established.

Grosvenor House was one of the largest private houses situated on London's exclusive Park Lane in the district of Mayfair. The house was the home of the Grosvenor family - (better known as the Dukes of Westminster) for more than a century. Their original house was on Millbank, but after the family had developed their Mayfair estates, they move to Park Lane to build a house worthy of their wealth and of their status and influence in the 19th century.

Afternoon tea will be held in the Park room, that offers great views over to Hyde Park and features a resident pianist to complement the traditional atmosphere.

You will be treated to a complete afternoon tea experience that is Anna's legacy, which includes a selection of finger sandwiches, plain and raisin buttermilk scones with Devonshire clotted cream and Cornish strawberry jam, a selection of cream puffs and pastries, and a choice of tea. Opt for a touch of luxury with a glass of premium French Champagne on arrival - perfect for special occasions! 

USD $54.19

Traveler Reviews

Review by: Herbie	March 2012
Maybe the most interesting tour we bought. A real English 5 o clock tea. You just have to choice your tea among a great variety of teas and the rest comes. Hotel very chic, live piano music and no place to seat if you haven't booked. Thanks to Viator our very well placed table was waiting for us, We stayed more than 1,5 hour tasting the rich variety of sandwiches, scons, and french pastry with a lovely staff. A real english experience. A must in London ! And finally we have to say that you don't need to go to dinner anymore that day!

Review by: David N	November 2011
Another highlight of our vacation. The high tea made us feel special and the service provided was exceptional. Truly something anyone should experience.

Review by: Jennifer H	October 2011
Beautiful surroundings with a relaxed atmosphere. A high tea not to be missed.

Review by: Emma N	August 2011
Lovely surrounding, wonderful food, a real treat!

Review by: TRACY M	July 2011
I wouldn't do this afternoon tea again, the scones were dry and the rest of the food was nothing that special. The seating was very uncomfortable my husband couldn't even put his legs under the table because it was to low. However if you can't manage to eat the selection they do provide you with a bag to take it home (but you need to ask)

Review by: Norman H	June 2011
This was fabulous. The food was great, the service was great and the atmosphere was great. I would do this again if I came to London.

Review by: Marija M	June 2011
Wonderful experience and staff friendly. If you are not able to finish your afternoon tea ,the staff pack a little box so that you can take it back to the hotel.

Review by: Nicole R	June 2011
Excellent experience!! Went solo and was treated like gold!! Service was amazing. Would highly reccomend as a must do when in London!

Review by: BRIAN I	May 2011
Excellent service, particular the unhurried manner in which the tea was served, the two members of staff concerned were extremely polite and helpful._br/_ Full marks to the Grosevenor house._br/_ We thought it much much better than the Ritz and we will therefore return again and thank you so much

Review by: Marisa L	March 2011
I was very much looking forward to having a proper tea in London and was not at all disappointed. The staff were very attentive, the piano and decor of the room created a relaxed ambiance, and the food was delicious. I especially loved the scones with clotted cream. Easy to book and very accommodating. Just make sure to go hungry and make late dinner plans!

Review by: Valerie-Lee B	December 2010
A very warm welcome and the staff took care of our needs with aplomb. Would recommend a visit for tea to all.

Review by: james s	November 2010
The food was great and the place was really high class. The only issue was the fact that we had just got done sight seeing and were not dressed as well as others. We felt that we did not get the same service as the others eating there.

Review by: Katherine R	November 2010
We had a lovely afternoon at the Grosvenor. It is expensive for afternoon tea but it is a special one off that we would recommend. There was so much food we did not need dinner that evening. Music entertrainment provided was lovely and suited the occassion. If high tea is what you want to do, then we would not hesitate to recommend this. Enjoy a little luxury! Richard & Katherine Perth Western Australia

Review by: Kathi J	October 2010
Unfortunately the day we were scheduled for Tea, the normal room was being used for a function, so that the tea was served in the cramped dark Library. It didn't have the same feel. We were sitting around with stuffy business men, conducting business, rather than looking out the lovely large windows with the sun streaming in. Our server merely dropped our Tea and left. She had a very, could care less, attitude. We had to ask what the sandwich selections were, as she did not tell us what they were. She then returned with a veg mix when we asked for an alternative selection. We also had to ask for our champagne, that we were to get. I'm not sure if I would go back to Tea here. There so many other spots that seem to serve it now. That is a lot of money to pay for inattentive staff, and scones.

Review by: HELEN R	October 2010
Very average for what an afternoon tea this expensive should be.....certainly no lovely little morsels on this plate...crusty sandwiches and stale scones - def a rip off.

Review by: Audrey B	October 2010
Good service, not rushed. Plate replenished as many times as we wished. Loved the scones and listening to the pianist. Requesting a substitute for those not drinking tea was no problem. Ideal treat.

Review by: Anna M	September 2010
Fabulous attentive service. Our tea, scones, and sandwiches were constantly replenished and the venue was beautiful. Outstanding. You must do this tour if you are in London.

Review by: Stacy P	August 2010
I recommend this activity immediately following the tour to Buckingham Palace it complements that tour beautifully. The attention I received from the staff was wonderful, to say the least, and the beautiful view I enjoyed of Hyde Park helped me savor the delicious finger sandwiches and pastries even more. Two hours well spent!

Review by: Anonymous	August 2010
I would certainly recommend people to this - it is/was a very enjoyable experience. Would have liked to know a little of the history of how it started. Grosvenor House is just round the corner of Oxford Street which I am sure is brilliant, but don't go too far down because it is a nightmare, whether it was late night I do not know, if you go there you would be so weary you would not enjoy the afternoon tea - so do it as soon as you get to London and it will be one enjoyable experience you would not want to miss.

Review by: Neva L	August 2010
Not as good as a Nelson Bay Tea Rooms high tea

Review by: Ginger G, United States of America	June 2010
This was very nice.

Review by: Carolina G	April 2010
An excellent opportunity to experience an absolute British tradition!

Review by: Prashaant D	April 2010
This was fantastic, I had booked this for my girfriend's birthday and she loved it, as did I. The service was friendly and the food was amazing. Very good experience overall!

Review by: Praphaphone O	March 2010
If you like ambiance, this place is great for traditional high tea. The food is OK.

Review by: Kirk M, United States of America	January 2010
I only booked a tea on the advice of a friend who lives in England. I would have never thought it would be such a hit with my kids. It was quintessentially British and they absolutely loved it. A ridiculous amount of money, but worth every penny. Book it for late in the afternoon and it serves as your dinner.

Review by: Anonymous, United States of America	December 2009
This was the highlight of our trip! We decided to have high tea as our Thanksgiving Dinner, and it was the best choice we made on the trip. The staff were wonderfully helpful, the view of Hyde Park from the windows was lovely and soothing, I cannot say enough good things.

Review by: Susan B, United Kingdom	November 2009
What a lovely setting and a delightful afternoon tea.

Review by: LORNA S, United Kingdom	August 2009
Easy to book, easy to use, no problems when arriving at the hotel, all very good experience. Will use again.

Review by: Jeffrey T C	August 2009
It was a pleasant way to spend an afternoon!

Review by: Tiffany L, United States of America	July 2009
The hotel was beautiful and the restaurant where we had tea was lovely. We had a great time and the price is good for all the food we had. They even refilled the sandwich plate for us a couple of times. I would definitely recommend this place.

Review by: Anonymous	July 2009
Definitely worth the experience, although I could not manage to eat everything!

Review by: Susan B, United Kingdom	June 2009
This was an absolute delight. It was so refined and quite a luxury. Had no problems finding the hotel, and the reservation was confirmed with ease. There was so much to eat and a great choice of teas. We indulged in a bottle of champagne to make the occasion even more memorable.

Review by: Anonymous, United States of America	May 2009
This was very cute!

Review by: Anonymous, United States of America	May 2009
Very enjoyable, a very classy place.

Review by: Ann M	March 2009
The setting was a perfect English afternoon tea with all the traditions one would expect. It certainly whetted the appetite for a lovely trip to London.

Review by: ELIZABETH C	March 2009
Even though we were running late, we were made to feel welcome. The service was impeccable, the setting beautiful, and the food good.

Review by: Anonymous, United States of America	February 2009
This was absolutely worth it. The atmosphere of the fine hotel and the delicious food make this a great way to spend a couple of hours in London. This is a good way to watch London go by while you take a break from sightseeing. The staff is outstanding and caters to any need you may have. Again, well worth it. I have used Viator before, and the company is very reliable.

Review by: Anonymous, United States of America	February 2009
Tea was absolutely lovely. I can't recommend it enough. They staff was very kind, and we got the best seats in the house. I'll definitely do it again the next time I'm in London.

Review by: Elizabeth F, United States of America	September 2008
I have always wanted to have afternoon tea in London and this is the place to go. The staff was very helpful and nice. The food was really good and the tea was one of a kind. I will definitely go back the next time I am in London!!

Review by: Elizabeth T	September 2008
I have always wanted to have afternoon tea in London and this is the place to go. The staff was very helpful and nice. The food was really good and the tea was one of a kind. I will definitely go back the next time I am in London!!

Review by: Anonymous	July 2008
Enjoyed this very much.

Review by: Bryan T	May 2008
Ok experience, great service but have had better food.

Review by: Anna V	March 2008
_strong_Note from Viator:_/strong_ When you book with Viator, you will never pay more online or at your destination. Read our _a href="/low-price"_low price guarantee_/a_ and, if you find a lower price anywhere, let us know about it!

Review by: Margaret B, Australia	February 2008
This was worth every penny. We were treated like royalty. The service was first class as one would expect at the Grosvenor. Absolutely loved it!

Review by: Carmen M, Australia	December 2007
Experience London at it's finest! Top service, a beautiful serene location and an abundance of cakes, scones and tea just perfect. I am hooked, when can I come again?

Review by: Rob B, Australia	August 2007
The venue is really elegant and it's only a stone's throw from the busy shopping on Oxford street to walk off all the delicious stuff you've just eaten!