A concept introduced in the 1840s by Anna, Duchess of Bedford, afternoon tea was once a ritual for the courtly classes as they awaited their dinner. Before gradually making its way into high society, afternoon tea was a menu of tea, bread and cake served in private chambers. It was Queen Victoria who embraced the tradition and gave it its royal seal of approval, and subsequently, afternoon tea matured into an extensive social engagement complete with porcelain tea sets, premier linens, and intactly placed delicacies.
Today, afternoon tea holds its status as a timeless English tradition. In the leafy and charming South West London, the concept of afternoon tea does not just reside, but it continues to be reimagined. Here are four establishments where one can still pause, pour, and partake in the most distinguished of British pastimes.
Petersham Nurseries, Richmond
Placed in a verdant oasis just beyond the Thames, Petersham Nurseries in Richmond is a setting where culinary elegance meets horticultural charm. With breathtaking floral displays, winding pathways and set within a grand glasshouse, the venue provides the timeless feel of a country garden estate now comfortably placed in urbanity.
The Garden Afternoon Tea, consisting of homemade finger sandwiches, pastries and freshly baked scones, arrives on vintage chinaware and is fittingly garnished with edible flowers. Everything is considered at Petersham Nurseries, including flutes of sparkling wine, and their carefully catered children’s afternoon tea menu adds a playful yet polished air to the experience.
What truly defines Petersham Nurseries is its atmosphere. The scent of rose and flowers mingle with the steam of the freshly brewed teas. The glass panelling allows for indoors and outdoors to merge as daylight pours into the space, whilst teacups are strategically placed next to plant pots to provide the ultimate garden experience.
Warren House Hotel, Kingston upon Thames
In the heart of Kingston stands a stately Victorian manor, Warren House Hotel. Surrounded by carefully kept gardens and tall trees, from the moment you arrive, you are ushered into a venue of refined repose.
Afternoon tea is served both in the drawing room and the garden terrace, providing two options of where to reside. With a twist on the traditional, the “Picnic Afternoon Tea” allows guests to dine al fresco on wooden tables and cushions to take in the serenity of the gardens. Menus honour tradition here whilst giving a nod to those who prefer a modern twist. Expect smoked salmon with lemon butter, honey-roast ham on brioche, and cucumber and mint cheese on finger sandwiches, followed by the patisserie selection including chocolate tarts, mini eclairs and not forgetting the staple afternoon tea item – the ever-faithful scones with clotted cream and jam.
At Warren House, you can expect traditional charm as it presents afternoon tea not just as a ritual, but as an elegant experience.
The Original Maids of Honour, Kew
A Tudor-era legacy is carried forward in The Original Maids of Honour on Kew Road. Over 150 years ago, legend holds that King Henry VIII kept their custard tart recipe under lock and key in Richmond Place. Today, the bakery and tearoom continue to bake and serve the famous tarts in addition to a variety of sweet and savoury offerings.
Once inside the tearoom, its heritage is evident as it showcases menus written on parchment paper, and food served on traditional blue and white patterned plates accompanied by doilies. Considering the interior is delightfully old-fashioned, the service is modern and warm. Beginning with a choice of hot beverage, the High Tea experience includes traditional sandwiches, flaky sausage rolls, and warm scones perfectly served with ribboned cream and strawberry jam. For the pièce de résistance, the Maids of Honour tarts are a custard-laced delight.
In a testament to its enduring appeal as a creative, history-steeped afternoon‑tea destination, expect The Original Maids of Honour to be booked to the brim.
Orange Pekoe, Barnes
Within the niche village of Barnes, Orange Pekoe prides itself on sourcing the world’s finest hand-picked leaves for its afternoon tea. The restaurant’s charm lies in its ease and simplicity. Once inside, the ambience is sophisticated, and although bright and light-filled, it feels quaint and intimate. The mismatched vintage china and views overlooking the Thames enable Orange Pekoe to blend charm with connoisseurship.
Arriving on three-tier stands, the afternoon tea is a mix of the traditional, such as macaroons and scones but also invites new patisseries to the party, including orange and polenta cake, and Oreo brownies. Expect a classic, tightly executed selection of finger sandwiches, with fillings that rotate seasonally such as smoked salmon with crème fraiche on soft white bread, and Free-range egg mayonnaise and cress. Knowledgeable staff provide information on their vast tea selection, including black, green, white, oolong, and herbal.
For those seeking an afternoon tea experience that is both unpretentious and rooted in neighbourly warmth, Orange Pekoe stands as a quietly confident gem in South West London’s tea landscape.
In a world where we are becoming increasingly defined by haste, the afternoon tea offers a soothing alternative: the deliberate act of pause. Afternoon tea in South West London has always been focused on ritual and conversation, and to partake in it is not merely to eat and drink, but to indulge in a slower, steadier and more gracious sitting. Afternoon tea might often evolve into a garden setting or welcome new patisserie members to the three-tier stand, but it remains a history that you can taste, and a heritage that you can sip.
