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Tiers of scones, finger sandwiches and teeny tiny cakes: a proper afternoon tea is one of London’s ultimate activities, and we’ve hunted down three of the best.
From a brie-lliant ‘afternoon cheese’ to a lovely tea at elegant institution The Wolseley, check out our picks for the ones to book for every occasion.
For another twist on British classics, try Tavern, Shoreditch’s new bistro. This cool candlelit spot has some seriously old-fashioned dishes on the menu (quail, anyone?), but has shaken things up with some subtle Indian and Indonesian influences. Consider us intrigued…
Plus, our round-up features free wellness walks and laughter therapy, the finest palomas to sip on for Paloma Day, and V&A East’s long-awaited opening.
Scroll on to reveal the best and coolest things to do in May.
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1. Tuck into beautifully made dishes at cosy new British bistro, Tavern
Bistros are in right now. Cosy, rustic restaurants like Kentish Town’s Belly that merge French flavours with something a little more unexpected. New opening Tavern is a candlelit, British bistro – well, mostly British – you’ll find hints of Indian and Indonesian flavours on the menu.
The best example of that is the St Bride’s Chicken Skewers with ‘British satay’: lighter than the creamier and more authentic Indonesian satay you might be used to, but equally as delicious. For a starter that feels truly indulgent, the Fire Bread & Wild Garlic isn’t to be ignored. If you’re going to call a dish garlic bread, it should fully commit – bold, punchy, garlicky – and Tavern delivers. For something a little lighter, try the Tandoori Mallard Moat Quail. Excuse the cliché, but it really does just fall off the bone.
Tavern is refined yet homely, with antique light fixtures, white tablecloths and chic fur seat covers. With addictive food and a buzzing atmosphere in equal measure, I reckon bistros are here to stay.
Small plates from £4, bigger plates from £12. 374-378 Old Street, EC1V 9LT. Book here.
2. Try the dinner and a West End show you won’t forget combo
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No matter whether you’re a tourist or have lived here for years, there’s nothing like dinner and a West End show. Colonel Saab have rolled them into one with a bold, expressive menu to celebrate hit musical Kinky Boots, playing at the Coliseum Theatre until July 2026.
You’re welcomed with the signature Kinky Boots whisky cocktail: fresh and fruity with a smooth smoky finish. A chaat-inspired amuse bouche follows before a selection of starters and the mains. The Chicken Chops starter and the Beef Pepper Fry are highlights, both rich with a pleasingly spicy kick. Then, share a smooth and creamy Memsaab’s Chicken Curry. Top things off with a delectable Pineapple Jalebi, then it’s quick trip round the corner in time for curtain-up.
Kinky Boots is a joy and preaches the power and strength found in inclusivity. X-Factor star Matt Cardle’s vocals show why he was a worthy winner, but the show belongs to Strictly’s Johannes Radebe, who injects the production with an electrifying jolt of charisma. This is our pick for a fabulous night out.
Colonel Saab’s four-course Kinky Boots menu £75pp. Kinky Boots tickets £15. Until 11 July. Colonel Saab: Trafalgar Square, London Coliseum: Leicester Square. Find out more.
3. Soak in the sun while grazing on delicious dishes at Scott’s Richmond
Looking for the best place in London for drinks in the sunshine? I’ve found it. Scott’s stunning riverside terrace in Richmond overlooks the Thames, boasting sweeping views of the water and the uninterrupted sky above it. Time your visit right to see the sun start to set, as this is a magical spot to watch the sky become a vibrant canvas covered in shades of orange and pink as the sun dips below the horizon.
Inside, the space is equally picture-perfect, having been transformed into a ‘botanical garden’ for spring in partnership with Silent Pool Gin. The walls and ceiling are adorned with cascading wisteria, green leafy vines, and lemons, making you feel like you’ve been transported to Italy.
Nab yourself a table and swap your usual Aperol for one of the limited-edition Silent Bloom Spritzes (£15) for an elegant, fruity and slightly bitter drink that tastes like summer in a glass.
Courtney tells you more about Scott’s Richmond in her full review here.
Cocktails from £13. 4 Whittaker Ave, Richmond, TW9 1EH. Book here.
4. Try some lovely afternoon teas in London
Brasserie Max at Covent Garden Hotel
Best for: if you prefer savoury to sweet
Cheese is the twist on afternoon tea we didn’t know we needed. Forget the scones with clotted cream and jam combo. Here you can get little savoury bites: like a donut filled with Hafod Welsh Rarebit and Worcestershire sauce, which work so well I wonder why we ever made donuts sweet – I could have easily had another.
If a sweet treat is still whispering your name, try the Colston Basset Stilton eclairs, the perfect size for a tea. Paired with English wine and tea, it’s absolutely worth a visit if you’re looking for tea with a cheesy twist.
Afternoon Cheese, from £56pp. Brasserie Max at Covent Garden Hotel. Available daily, 2-6pm. Book here.
Review by Catrin Picton.
Raffles London at The OWO
Best for: staying on theme
Take a bite from a leather briefcase marked ‘Classified’, followed by the propeller of a plane and a military-style telephone. These are in fact cakes, designed from props used in the hit West End musical Operation Mincemeat. They’re delicious, with fillings including coffee, barley malt and whisky.
The Old War Office in Whitehall, now Raffles London, is perfect for this themed tea. It’s like stepping back in time, with a giant fireplace, comfy leather settees and a pianist.
Sandwiches including smoked salmon and serrano ham are delicious (so too are my colleague’s vegan alternatives) and the buttermilk scones some of the best in London. Just don’t keep it a Top Secret.
Operation Mincemeat Afternoon Tea, £87pp. Raffles London at The OWO. Daily, 12-5.30pm. Book here.
By Amanda Cable.
The Wolseley Piccadilly
Best for: keeping things classic
The most famous traditional afternoon tea in London is The Ritz, but £95 is a serious stretch for anything other than the most special of occasions. Next door at The Wolseley, you’ll find all the right components for roughly half the price.
Tea is served in their Art Deco dining room, with all the buzz and glamour of a grand café: white tablecloths, silver teapots and waiters in black tie.
Work your way through tiers of neat finger sandwiches with classic fillings from buttery smoked salmon to delicate cucumber, fluffy fruit scones, and a plate of classic pâtisserie, including a particularly good raspberry choux bun. This one’s a real crowd-pleaser.
Classic Afternoon Tea £46.50pp, add a glass of champagne for £13. Piccadilly. Book here.
By Sophie Laughton.
5. Feel good when you move your body at Fitzrovia Quarter’s Wellness festival
Next week, to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Week, check out Fitzrovia Quarter’s Wellness Festival. Expect over 50 activations – 30 minutes long – perfect for fitting into your lunch break!
From a run club to a free wellness walk and laughter therapy at The Cartoon Museum. Find out more here.
8. Celebrate Paloma Day with Equal Parts
It’s Paloma Day on 15 May, and Slice-favourite bar Equal Parts is launching a dedicated menu to celebrate.
The raw chilli paloma sounds right up our street, made with red pepper-infused Espolòn tequila, scotch bonnet, citrus and pink grapefruit soda.
All cocktails, £14.
9. Experience V&A East’s long waited opening
London’s newest cultural addition is here: V&A East is officially open, where you can expect plenty of art and culture that speak to contemporary culture. Tickets to their inaugural temporary exhibition The Music is Black: A British Story are available now.
We tell you all about it here.
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