Where to enjoy afternoon tea in Greenwich

Greenwich and tea have long been intertwined. The story of the UK’s national drink is also the story of its maritime history, and nowhere is more central to that history than Greenwich.

Tea came to Europe in the 17^th century from China, where its cultivation was a closely guarded secret. Imported from its homeland and secondary markets by the East India Company, it was also heavily taxed, making it a luxury affordable to few and attractive to smugglers.

Demand grew steadily, nonetheless. By the 1860s, Chinese ports had been forcibly opened up by the ‘Opium Wars’ and tea clippers – ultra-fast sailing ships – competed to get fresh tea to Britain as quickly as possible, unloading precious cargoes in Greenwich and on the East India Docks, just across the Thames. This competitive environment produced the fastest tea clipper of them all – the Cutty Sark, now a dry-docked museum in the heart of the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site.

Of course, now tea is entrenched in the national diet, there are plenty of places around the borough to find a top-notch brew. To celebrate Afternoon Tea Week from 12 to 18 August 2024, we've made a list of top places to take afternoon tea in Greenwich. Check them out below!

1. Bridgerton Afternoon Tea on the Colonnades

On the last Sunday of each month, the grand colonnades of the Old Royal Naval College are the perfect setting for a ‘Regency-era’ high tea fit for Lady Whistledown. Christopher Wren’s extraordinary architecture and the glittering Thames provide the ideal backdrop for teas selected by specialist importer Hope and Glory, dainty finger sandwiches, cakes, scones and clotted cream. Tickets include a tour of the College and access to the Chapel of St Peter and St Paul and the exquisite Painted Hall.

2. Afternoon Tea in the Painted Hall’s Undercroft Café

The Painted Hall, aka ‘Britain’s Sistine Chapel’, is one of the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site’s unmissable experiences. Once you’ve had your fill of wondering at the 3700 square metres of Baroque frescoes that cover every surface of this stunning space, head below for a top-class afternoon tea in the lovely Undercroft Café. Expect fresh sandwiches and cakes and a range of specialty teas.

3. Cutty Sark Afternoon Tea

Where better to take afternoon tea than on board the most famous tea clipper of them all – the Cutty Sark? Launched to ply the Chinese tea routes in 1869, this elegant ship quickly set the record for a sail-powered journey between Australia and Britain. Now an intriguing museum, the Cutty Sark offers three afternoon tea sittings per day, Thursday to Sunday, sitting beneath the ship’s copper-coated hull. Bookings also include entrance to the ship so you can explore at your leisure before or after your meal.

4. Afternoon Tea at DoubleTree by Hilton London Greenwich

This award-winning hotel just southwest of the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site puts on lavish afternoon teas from Thursday to Sunday. A redeveloped 1940s police station recognised by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), DoubleTree by Hilton London Greenwich offers an indulgent afternoon tea including selected loose leaves, Scottish smoked salmon, honey-roasted ham, fresh scones and more. Alternatively, DoubleTree’s Caribbean afternoon tea features jerk chicken, beef patties, peppered prawns and locally-made sweets from Doreen’s Rum Cakes at Greenwich Market.

5. Chai by the Shore at Kinaara

Kinaara, the gorgeous Indian fine dining restaurant at InterContinental London – The O2, is now offering Indian-inspired afternoon tea prepared by its chefs Tanuj and Narayan – the 2024 winners of Bake Off: The Professionals! Each day, from noon to 4pm, subtly spiced regional Indian treats like dahi puri (semolina shells with spiced chickpeas, swe

6. London Afternoon Tea Cruise on the River Thames

City Cruises, known for their comfortable scenic cruises past the world-class sights that line the River Thames, also offers a daily Afternoon Tea Cruise. What better way to sample this British institution of sandwiches, cakes, scones and tea than gliding past the Tower of London, the Tate Modern and the Houses of Parliament? Offering live or recorded commentary on all the sights, City Cruises connects from Greenwich Pier to Tower Pier, where Afternoon Tea Cruises depart.