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Gathrd

Afternoon Tea Hire in London

Afternoon tea is a quintessentially British tradition that translates beautifully to private events in London. With 8 afternoon tea caterers on Gathrd, you can bring the elegance of tiered cake stands, finger sandwiches, and vintage china to your home, garden, or hired venue — without the price tag of a hotel tea room. Afternoon tea is particularly popular for hen parties, baby showers, milestone birthdays, and corporate hospitality. Demand peaks around Mother's Day and during the summer hen party season, but it is a year-round favourite. London's afternoon tea caterers offer everything from classic British spreads with scones, clotted cream, and jam to contemporary twists featuring macarons, mini patisserie, and savoury canapes. Many suppliers provide a full setup with vintage crockery, linen, and floral arrangements, creating an Instagram-worthy experience that guests remember long after the last cup of Earl Grey.

Last updated: March 2026

8 suppliers listed Price range: ££

Afternoon Tea Suppliers in London

Very High Tea with Vintage China

Very High Tea with Vintage China — Afternoon Tea service for events in London.

Afternoon Tea
££

1920s Vintage Style Afternoon Tea with China

1920s Vintage Style Afternoon Tea with China — Afternoon Tea service for events in London.

Afternoon Tea
££

Luxury Home-Made British Afternoon Tea

Luxury Home-Made British Afternoon Tea — Afternoon Tea service for events in London.

Afternoon Tea
££

Vintage Champange Afternoon Tea

Vintage Champange Afternoon Tea — Afternoon Tea service for events in London.

Afternoon Tea
££

Delicious Afternoon Tea

Delicious Afternoon Tea — Afternoon Tea service for events in London.

Afternoon Tea
££

Homemade Afternoon Tea delivered to you on gorgeous crockery!

Homemade Afternoon Tea delivered to you on gorgeous crockery! — Afternoon Tea service for events in London.

Afternoon Tea
££

Indulge in Elegance & British Tradition with Afternoon Tea Service

Indulge in Elegance & British Tradition with Afternoon Tea Service — Afternoon Tea service for events in London.

Afternoon Tea
££

Hand-Crafted High Tea

Hand-Crafted High Tea — Afternoon Tea service for events in London.

Afternoon Tea
££

How to Choose a Afternoon Tea in London

Decide whether you want a traditional or contemporary afternoon tea. Traditional setups feature classic finger sandwiches (cucumber, smoked salmon, egg and cress), plain and fruit scones with clotted cream and jam, and a selection of cakes and pastries. Contemporary versions might include themed menus, champagne pairings, or savoury-heavy options for corporate events. Ask what is included in the package: many suppliers provide everything — food, tiered stands, vintage china, tablecloths, and setup — while others deliver food only. Check whether the caterer can accommodate dietary requirements including gluten-free sandwiches, vegan scones, and dairy-free cakes. For home-based events in London, consider the number of guests your space can seat comfortably — afternoon tea is a seated affair. Ask about timing: most caterers need 30 to 60 minutes to set up and serve, with the tea lasting around two hours. Read reviews on Gathrd focusing on food quality, presentation, and the condition of any crockery provided.

Afternoon Tea Pricing in London

Afternoon tea catering in London ranges from £20 to £50 per person. A basic package with sandwiches, scones, and a small cake selection starts at £18 to £25 per head for a minimum of 10 guests. Mid-range packages including vintage china hire, a wider cake selection, and prosecco start at £30 to £40 per head. Premium packages with champagne, patisserie-quality cakes, and a full vintage setup cost £40 to £55 per head. Most caterers require a minimum of 8 to 12 guests. Delivery and setup within London is typically included, though some charge £30 to £60 for travel. If you want the caterer to stay and serve throughout, additional staffing costs around £15 to £20 per hour. Add-ons like a prosecco bar or personalised cake toppers are usually available for an extra £5 to £15 per head.

Frequently Asked Questions About Afternoon Tea in London

How much does afternoon tea catering cost in London? ▼

Afternoon tea ranges from £20 to £50 per person. A standard package for 15 guests costs approximately £300 to £500 including sandwiches, scones, cakes, and tea. Premium packages with vintage china, champagne, and a wider selection cost £40 to £55 per person. Most caterers have a minimum of 8 to 12 guests.

What should I look for in an afternoon tea caterer? ▼

Quality of baking is everything — ask whether scones, cakes, and pastries are freshly made or bought in. Check photos of their presentations on Gathrd to assess visual quality. If vintage china is included, ask about the style and condition. Read reviews for comments about food freshness, portion sizes, and the caterer's attention to detail. A good supplier will label allergens clearly, arrive punctually, and set everything up beautifully.

Can I host an afternoon tea in a small London flat? ▼

Yes, many afternoon tea caterers specialise in home events and are used to working in compact London kitchens and living spaces. A seated afternoon tea for 8 to 12 guests works well in most London flats or houses. The caterer will typically set up on your dining table or a trestle table they bring. For larger groups, consider a nearby venue such as a community hall, church hall, or hired function room — many are available across London for £50 to £200 for a few hours.

How far in advance should I book afternoon tea catering? ▼

Book 3 to 6 weeks ahead for most events. For popular dates like Mother's Day weekend, bank holidays, and the summer hen party season, book 6 to 8 weeks in advance. The most sought-after suppliers with vintage china packages fill up quickly at weekends, so earlier is always better.

Can afternoon tea caterers handle dietary requirements? ▼

Yes, most caterers offer gluten-free sandwiches and cakes, dairy-free scones, and vegan options. Some specialise in free-from menus. Communicate all dietary needs when booking so the caterer can plan accordingly — gluten-free baking in particular requires different ingredients and preparation. A good caterer will clearly separate and label dishes for guests with allergies.

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Areas Covered

Our afternoon tea suppliers cover all London areas including Central London, East London, West London, North London, and South London.

Related Services in London

Planning an event in London? You might also need grazing table hire , canapes hire or private chef hire to complement your afternoon tea. Browse our full range of catering services to find everything you need.