Vegan Afternoon Tea London: 10 Magical Spots

I wouldn’t blame you if your idea of London is a mix of palace guards, red buses, and cobbled streets that look like they could lead you straight into a scene from Harry Potter. Add in a polished silver tea set and a tower of pastries, and you’ve got the city’s most famous ritual, afternoon tea. It’s elegant, theatrical, and just a little bit magical. For vegans, though, the enchantment used to wear off quickly (because who wants to travel across the pond for some cucumber sandwiches?).

Luckily, times have changed.

You can now find vegan afternoon tea in London that rivals the traditional spreads, complete with warm scones, delicate sandwiches, and desserts that look almost too pretty to eat. From the chandeliered dining rooms of five-star hotels to quirky bakeries and even a sightseeing bus, the city has embraced plant-based afternoon tea in style — all it needs is you!

Spilling the Tea on The Best Vegan Afternoon Tea in London

Claridge’s – Mayfair

Step inside Claridge’s and it feels like you’ve walked onto the set of a London period drama. Polished marble floors, art deco chandeliers, and white-gloved staff make this the kind of afternoon tea that dreams are made of. Thankfully, vegans don’t miss out. Their seasonal vegan menu is as carefully designed as the traditional one – delicate sandwiches with roasted vegetables and dairy-free spreads, fluffy scones with plant-based clotted cream, and jewel-like pastries crafted from fruits, nuts, and dark chocolate. The presentation is impeccable, and each detail feels indulgent.

Afternoon tea starts around $120 per person, with Champagne upgrades if you’re feeling fancy. It’s not cheap. But if you want the quintessential London tea experience, without compromising your values, Claridge’s makes you feel like royalty.

The Ritz – Piccadilly

Few places say “London afternoon tea” quite like The Ritz. Golden ceilings, towering mirrors, and a live pianist make the Palm Court one of the grandest settings in the city. Their vegan menu, available by request, mirrors the traditional offering with precision – finger sandwiches filled with seasonal vegetables, scones with strawberry jam and vegan cream, and an elegant selection of patisserie (think berry tarts, nutty pralines, and rich chocolate slices). Tea service here is a performance, with staff gliding through the room balancing silver trays.

Expect to pay $100 to $130 per person, depending on extras. The Ritz also enforces a strict dress code, so jackets and ties are required. For a truly old-world London moment, it doesn’t get more iconic.

Brown’s Hotel – Mayfair

Brown’s is London’s oldest hotel, and its English Tea Room has been pouring tea for nearly two centuries. The wood-paneled walls and fireplace make it feel like a cozy private club, but the service is anything but stuffy. The dedicated vegan menu showcases creative twists – truffle-infused mushroom sandwiches, sweet potato scones with plant-based clotted cream, and decadent desserts like pistachio opera cake. It’s the kind of menu that proves vegan dining can be just as indulgent as traditional fare.

Afternoon tea here ranges from $100 to $125 per person, offering the same level of indulgence as The Ritz or Claridge’s, with its own cozy twist. Brown’s is perfect if you want classic London heritage with a little modern flair.

Brigit’s Bakery – Covent Garden

If grand hotel formality isn’t your thing, Brigit’s Bakery offers a cheerful and playful alternative. Their Covent Garden café is decked out with pastel tones, French patisserie displays, and a relaxed, friendly vibe. The vegan afternoon tea here is available daily and includes sandwiches with hummus and roasted veggies, plant-based quiche, fluffy scones, and colorful pastries like fruit mousses and chocolate tarts. Everything feels lighter and more casual, making it perfect for an afternoon catch-up rather than a formal occasion.

Prices start around $55 per person, making this one of the more affordable options in central London. Brigit’s combines charm, fun, and inclusivity in a way that feels refreshingly different from the high-gloss hotels.

Brigit’s Bakery Afternoon Tea Bus – Victoria

For a teatime you’ll remember long after you’ve licked the jam from your fingers, climb aboard Brigit’s vintage Routemaster bus. The vegan menu mirrors what’s served in the Covent Garden café – sandwiches, scones, and dainty pastries – but the real magic is the moving view. You’ll sip your Earl Grey while rolling past Big Ben, St. Paul’s, and the London Eye. The bus is decorated in the same playful style, with pinks and florals, and the staff are experts at balancing trays while navigating the capital’s traffic.

Prices range from $55 to $80 per person, depending on the tour and extras. It’s touristy in the best possible way, offering an afternoon tea that doubles as a sightseeing adventure.

The Rubens at the Palace – Victoria

Sitting directly opposite Buckingham Palace, The Rubens makes you feel like you’re part of London’s royal pageantry. Their dedicated vegan afternoon tea menu is a highlight, featuring sandwiches like roasted red pepper with hummus, fresh scones served with vegan clotted cream and preserves, and a rotating selection of desserts that often spotlight seasonal British fruits. The setting is plush, with velvet chairs and windows that look straight onto the palace mews.

Afternoon tea costs around $90 to $115 per person, with Champagne versions available for a little extra sparkle. For visitors wanting a quintessentially British experience with a regal view, The Rubens is hard to beat.

The Orangery at Kensington Palace – Kensington Gardens

For those who like their tea served with a side of history, The Orangery at Kensington Palace delivers. The airy, light-filled building sits within the palace grounds and feels more like a garden conservatory than a formal dining room. Vegan options are woven directly into the main menu, so you can expect sandwiches with fresh vegetables, scones with plant-based spreads, and cakes that change seasonally. It’s less formal than Claridge’s or The Ritz but still steeped in tradition, and the palace backdrop adds an undeniable sense of occasion.

Afternoon tea typically runs $70 to $85 per person, making it one of the more accessible royal-themed teas in London.

Cutter & Squidge – Soho

Tucked away in Soho, Cutter & Squidge is a modern bakery known for whimsical creations and themed teas (they once hosted a Harry Potter-inspired “Potion Room”). Their vegan afternoon tea is a feast of creativity – stacked sandwiches, dairy-free scones, and bakes like vegan brownies, mousse pots, and colorful cupcakes. Everything feels fun and a little irreverent. This isn’t the place for hushed piano music, but rather a lively outing with friends.

Prices usually sit around $45 per person, making it one of the more budget-friendly options. If you want a quirky, Instagram-worthy take on the tradition, Cutter & Squidge is your go-to.

Palm Court at The Langham – Marylebone

Known as the birthplace of afternoon tea, The Langham’s Palm Court sets the bar high. Not to be confused with The Ritz Palm Court, this elegant, light-filled room is known for its soft tones and perfectly polished service. Their dedicated vegan menu feels every bit as luxurious as the traditional offering. Expect sandwiches with inventive fillings, warm scones with rich vegan cream, and patisserie inspired by British classics (think dairy-free reinterpretations of custard tarts or Jammie Dodgers).

Prices start from around $105 per person, making it one of the more premium teas in the city. For a sense of history combined with refined execution, The Langham is a landmark choice.

Egerton House Hotel – Knightsbridge

Egerton House offers an intimate contrast to London’s grand halls. This boutique Knightsbridge townhouse makes you feel like a personal guest rather than a customer. Their vegan afternoon tea is thoughtfully crafted, featuring classic sandwiches, fruit and plain scones with plant-based clotted cream, and decadent desserts like chocolate mousse cups and berry tarts. The small setting means attentive service, and there’s even a quirky option for those traveling with pets, the hotel is famously dog-friendly.

Afternoon tea here ranges from $95 to $120 per person, making it a boutique luxury treat. For those who prefer cozy elegance over grandeur, Egerton House is a hidden gem.

Savoring the Last Sip

After reading through this list, you might be feeling like you’ve seen the phrase “plant-based clotted cream” more times than you thought possible. And honestly, same, I’ve typed it so much that I’ll be dreaming about it tonight. But there’s a reason this essential element of afternoon tea keeps popping up. For years, vegans visiting London (or locals, for that matter) would have struggled to find more than a plain fruit plate. Today, we’re spoiled with scones, sandwiches, and pastries that rival the most traditional spreads – all thoughtfully created without dairy, eggs, or compromise.

Whether you go big with The Ritz, quirky with Cutter & Squidge, or cozy with Egerton House, there’s a vegan afternoon tea in London for every mood and budget. So, sip your Earl Grey, pile that scone high with jam and yes, more “plant-based clotted cream,” and relish the fact that as a vegan, you can finally experience one of London’s most magical traditions in full.