I recently enjoyed the best traditional British afternoon tea in London. In this Goring afternoon tea review, allow me to show you all the delicious details—from the exquisite menu to the serene veranda setting!

A beautiful light-filled dining area with plants, white tablecloth covered round tables, plants, and floral covered chairs. A photo of the inside of the Veranda set for afternoon tea at the Goring Hotel in London.

The Goring Afternoon Tea Review

Afternoon tea is a quintessentially British tradition, and few places offer it with more elegance and charm than The Goring Hotel. Located near Buckingham Palace, The Goring is a haven of luxury and refined service that has attracted royalty and discerning travelers for over a century.

The Veranda at the Goring Hotel London

Afternoon tea is served in The Veranda at the Goring Hotel. The small, intimate space is bathed in soft, natural light, creating a relaxing atmosphere while still feeling luxurious. Unlike some of the larger hotels and department stores, The Veranda does not feel overly touristy. 

Overlooking The Goring’s lush private garden, it offers a serene oasis right in the center of London. It’s hard to believe that this green space is right in the center of London. It’s the perfect setting for an afternoon spent savoring tea and conversation.

The Menu 

The front page of the Goring Afternoon tea menu decorated with sheep.

The menu offers several options, including traditional British afternoon tea, or an additional mocktail or glass of Bollinger Champagne, ranging from 70 to 100+ pounds. 

There is a large selection of loose-leaf teas, including black, white, oolong, green, and herbal teas. I chose a relaxing chamomile flower tea. 

A beautiful photo of a silver teapot in the background and a yellow china teacup and saucer filled with chamomile loose tea. The Food 

Two sheep-shaped parmesan crisp crackers on a wooden block on the table for afternoon tea at the Goring in London.

Afternoon tea begins with a hot cup of tea and the cutest sheep-shaped parmesan crackers you have ever seen. Unique touches like this make The Goring Hotel so special.

A selection of finger sandwiches on a white plate during afternoon tea at the Goring Hotel in London. The best afternoon tea in London. Next, finger sandwiches are filled with classic British ingredients such as smoked salmon, cucumber and mint, coronation chicken, and egg salad. The sandwiches are freshly made and presented on delicate, thinly sliced bread. 

A plain British scone halved and topped with Devonshire clotted cream and homemade jam at the Goring Hotel in London.

The second course brings a selection of homemade scones, served warm with Devonshire clotted cream and the hotel’s signature homemade jam. Try our recipe for Traditional British Scones for tea time at home. 

An overhead photo of afternoon tea at the Goring Hotel in London. A very elegant spread with a three elegant desserts on the top and a scone with cream and jam on a table. This is the best afternoon tea in London.

The highlight is an array of pastries and sweet treats that top off the tea experience. Delicate tarts and pastries are almost too pretty to eat but delicious enough that you simply must.

Three elegant pastries on the top tier of afternoon tea at the Goring Hotel in London.

Dress Code

The official dress code for afternoon tea at the Goring is smart-casual. In the U.K., this is somewhere between formal and casual. Most women wear dresses and men wear something just down from business casual. The Goring is an elegant hotel and you’ll feel best dressing up a bit for the special occasion of afternoon tea. 

The Goring afternoon tea is a true London institution, offering one of the best afternoon teas in London. Between the impeccable service, the exquisite food, and the stunning setting of The Veranda, it’s an experience not to be missed. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in this British tradition, The Goring is an ideal afternoon tea in the heart of the city.

I loved that the Goring afternoon tea felt less touristy, and more intimate and charming than the department stores or other larger hotel options.

More Top-Rated Places for Afternoon Tea in London 

  • The Ritz
  • Fortnum & Mason 
  • The Wolseley
  • The Dorchester
  • Connaught
  • Brown’s
  • Savoy 
  • Corinthia
  • The Langham
  • Sketch 
  • Peggy Porschen 

Gluten-Free Menus 

  • The Berkeley
  • Lanesborough

Vegan Afternoon Tea Menus 

  • Fortnum & Mason
  • The Langham
  • Brigit’s Bakery in Covent Garden