1. Kensington Palace Orangery
This lovely, light, bright venue next to Kensington Palace has a large outdoor Terrace and plenty of space inside too. Highchairs are available for the youngest guests and everyone feels very special here with the excellent service and delicious treats.
It can be hard for children to stay seated for a long time and fortunately there is space between the tables so children can stand up during the meal, if needed. My daughter loved eating a gold crown on the chocolate cake and she draw a picture for the manager to say thank you without being asked.More »
2. Grosvenor House Hotel
Named after the hotel's eponymous British Bulldog, there is a special 'Grover's Tea Time' for children which includes tropical fruit salad, ice-cream and your very own cuddly Grover to take home.More »
3. Queen of Hearts Afternoon Tea
This is a lovely Alice in Wonderland themed afternoon tea and there are amazing views across The River Thames to The O2 making it worth leaving central London and heading to Canary Wharf for that wow factor.More »
4. Bateaux London Afternoon Tea Cruise
If you're worried about the children sitting still long enough for you to enjoy the relaxed occasion then this cruise along the River Thames is an excellent choice. It last for under two hours and there's a discounted rate for 5-12 year olds. You'll see many famous London landmarks such as Tower Bridge and the Houses of Parliament so will have plenty to talk about. I gave my daughter a camera and she happily filled the memory card while smiling all the way.More »
5. Egerton House Hotel
At half the price of the full traditional afternoon tea, Egerton House Hotel has a 'Little Prince and Princess Tea' for children under 12 years old. This still receive a three-tiered cake stand with finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and mini cakes plus, instead of tea, children have hot chocolate.More »
6. Chesterfield Mayfair
This is another Red Carnation hotel and they really do choose their staff well as the service is always good and they make all of the family feel at home. There is a 'Little Prince and Princess Tea' available here too but this time there are peanut butter and jam sandwiches, as well as scones, cupcakes and a milkshake or hot chocolate.
In honor of the new West End show: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory The Musical, there is also 'Charlie and the Chesterfield' tea which is traditional with a chocolatey twist. I've tried this with my daughter. I loved the Oompa Loompa cupcake and she thought the golden egg was amazing.More »
7. Little Artists' Afternoon Tea
This children's afternoon tea is served in the restaurant next to a contemporary art gallery so offers children a chance to show their artistic flair with 'paint tubes' of jam and chocolate sauce on an easel-shaped plate while decorating a cupcake. Fruit is included too.More »
8. The Tea Terrace London Afternoon Tea
The Tea Terrace is on the top floor of an Oxford Street department store yet feels like a delightfully quirky English tea room. In a city that adores coffee these days it's lovely to find a tea room that's modern and serves a great choice of the nation's favorite beverage.More »
9. Royal Horseguards Hotel
I've been to Royal Horseguards Hotel with a group of adults for afternoon tea on a busy weekend, and I've been back with just my daughter on a weekday during a school holiday. I'll be honest, I enjoyed the special time with my young lady here the most as the staff are very good with children and the cake stand for children was truly stunning. There was a traffic light kebab, chocolate dinosaur, alphabet shortbread, and much more to keep a child happy. Even the sandwiches were flower-shaped as it's all about attention to detail here.More »
10. Milestone Hotel
The Milestone in Kensington is yet another Red Carnation hotel in London so you know it's going to be a good choice for families. Under 12s can enjoy the 'Little Prince and Princess Tea' with a selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with Devonshire clotted cream, preserves, French pastries and hot chocolate. I've enjoyed afternoon tea here with my daughter and the hotel arranged a special treat for her and a friend to go to the kitchen and be Mini-Chefs and to make and decorate our cakes.More »
11. St Ermin's Superhero Afternoon Tea
Summer 2014 Update: This children's afternoon tea is no longer available.
Even superheroes deserve quality cakes. St Ermin's Hotel has the InfiniTEA and Beyond for all young superheroes to enjoy. After the brightly-colored sandwiches have vanished you'll love the Batman cupcake and Spiderman carrot cake with spun sugar on top. Adults have the Classical Afternoon Tea while the mini heroes can indulge too.
While at St Ermin's do make sure you pop up to the third floor to see the beehives and the bees who produced the honey for your cakes!More »