The Best Private Dining Rooms In London For Afternoon Tea.

Afternoon Tea In London

Very few things scream decadence more than afternoon tea. And to have an afternoon tea in the elegant seclusion of a private dining room is just the cream of the crops. A private tea party for you and your friends, or colleagues or family: it’s the perfect way to catch up, celebrate and indulge but with that added element of discretion.

London has undergone something of a tea renaissance over the last few years. It’s now teaming with fabulous places for top afternoon teas in the ultimate luxury of a private room.

Fortnum and Mason

Our top pick for a private room to have a delicious tea in quintessentially English surroundings is Fortnum and Mason. Upstairs on the fourth floor at the iconic department store is an entire floor of tea rooms. For a shade more discretion than dining in the main room, the stunning Drawing Room is decorated in the same bespoke Fortnums ‘eau denil’ hue of blue as well as birdcage style wallpaper and branch-inspired thick carpets. For up to 60 guests the room’s two walls of large windows add to the feeling of a timelessly elegant conservatory or atrium. Just perfect for an stylish tea.

The Stafford

A stone’s throw away is another London ‘grande dame’. The Stafford hotel’s relatively recent £6million refurbishment under its latest owners Kempinski sees classically elegant private rooms that are ideal for enjoying a spot of classic English tea in plush surrounds. The Pink Room (not pink!) and Panel Room are ideal for intimate gatherings of up to 8 guests and have a Regency period feel with tons of beautifully restored original features, while the Sutherland Room, decorated in soft aubergine and cream colours, can hold larger parties of up to 28 guests.

Andaz

For cool urban chic with soft touches the Andaz hotel in Liverpool Street cleverly combines tradition with modern touches. With 14 different private rooms there’s nothing more impressive than the hotel’s main restaurant 1901 with its stunning stained glass dome, white marble central bar and pillars. Or for an event with a difference try the uniquely intriguing and striking old Mason’s Temple set in the bowels of the hotel. For parties of up to 16, the table and hall can be decorated in candles, giving the room a truly magical feel for up to 30 guests.

Hush

For girly get togethers in private rooms with that little extra feminine touch we recommend Hush and Tartufo. Hidden down a passageway off Bond Street, Hush’s Silver Room seats 40 guests with windows on two sides making it ideal for tea time events. With candy striped blinds, silver banquettes and a black and silver mural of a tree give it has a truly feminine feel.

Tartufo

Finally, the former private members club Tartufo on Cadogan Gardens is now open to the public but still has a myriad of different rooms available for private hire which are perfect for an afternoon spent sipping tea and delicately nibbling on scones.

The Drawing room could be someone’s own private front room, decked out in cream and beige with an oversize fireplace and gilt mirrors or the interconnecting Folon and Cocteau Rooms, which carry on the white décor theme, for parties of up to 55 guests. For a little more bling try the Mirror room – aptly named as all walls and ceilings are mirrored with gilt gold frames. Seating up to 10 guests it also has a little balcony, where it’s easy to imagine sipping a glass of bubbly in true Parisian-style decadence. All are catered by acclaimed chef Alexis Gauthier and his original gang from Roussillon.