Skip to main content
Gathrd

Afternoon Tea Hire in London

There is something wonderfully indulgent about a proper afternoon tea — the tiered stands loaded with finger sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream, and delicate pastries that almost look too good to eat. In London, afternoon tea catering has moved well beyond hotel tea rooms. We have got 8 afternoon tea caterers on Gathrd who will bring the whole experience to your front room in Clapham, a hired hall in Islington, or even a sunny Dulwich garden. It is one of those formats that works for practically everything — hen dos, baby showers, 60th birthdays, or a corporate thankyou that feels a bit more special than another buffet lunch. Expect everything from classic British spreads with cucumber sandwiches and fruit scones to modern twists featuring macarons, yuzu tartlets, and savoury canapes. The best caterers arrive with vintage china, linen napkins, and floral arrangements, setting up an Instagram-worthy scene that guests genuinely rave about afterwards.

Last updated: May 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

First, work out what vibe you are going for. A traditional afternoon tea with finger sandwiches, scones, and victoria sponge feels timeless — perfect for a Mum's birthday or a christening. If you want something a bit more contemporary, look for caterers offering champagne pairings, themed menus (think botanical gin-infused cakes), or savoury-heavy options that work brilliantly for corporate events. The big question to ask is: what is actually included? Some caterers deliver the full works — food, tiered cake stands, vintage china, tablecloths, and setup. Others drop off the food and leave the rest to you. For home events in London (and let's be honest, most of us do not have massive kitchens), check whether your space can comfortably seat everyone — afternoon tea really is a sit-down affair. Ask about dietary requirements early. Gluten-free sandwiches, vegan scones, and dairy-free cakes are standard for good caterers, but they need notice. And timing matters: most caterers need 30 to 60 minutes to set up, with the tea lasting about two hours. Check reviews on Gathrd — pay special attention to comments about food freshness and the condition of any crockery.

Afternoon Tea Pricing in London

For a hen do afternoon tea for 15 people in a Battersea flat, you are looking at roughly £300 to £500 for a standard package. Per head, afternoon tea catering in London ranges from about £20 to £50. A basic setup with sandwiches, scones, and a small cake selection starts at £18 to £25 per person (minimum of 10 guests, usually). Mid-range packages — think vintage china hire, a wider cake selection, and a glass of prosecco — run £30 to £40 per head. If you want the premium experience with champagne, patisserie-quality cakes, and a full vintage setup, you are looking at £40 to £55 per person. Most caterers need a minimum of 8 to 12 guests. Delivery and setup within London is typically included, though some charge £30 to £60 for travel. Want someone to stay and serve? That is an extra £15 to £20 per hour. Add-ons like a prosecco bar or personalised cake toppers usually run £5 to £15 per head.

Frequently Asked Questions About Afternoon Tea in London

How much does afternoon tea catering cost in London? ▼

You are looking at £20 to £50 per person, depending on how fancy you go. A standard package for 15 guests runs about £300 to £500 including sandwiches, scones, cakes, and tea. Go premium with vintage china and champagne and it is £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? ▼

Freshness is everything — ask whether scones, cakes, and pastries are baked from scratch or bought in (you can always tell the difference). Check their photos on Gathrd to see how presentations actually look, not just how they describe them. If vintage china is included, ask about the style and condition — chipped cups ruin the mood. Read reviews specifically for comments about portion sizes and attention to detail. A good caterer labels allergens clearly, turns up on time, and makes everything look beautiful without you lifting a finger.

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

Absolutely — this is London, and the best caterers are well used to working in compact kitchens and cosy living rooms. A seated afternoon tea for 8 to 12 guests works well in most London flats. The caterer typically sets up on your dining table or brings a trestle table. If your guest list is bigger than your flat, community halls, church halls, and hired function rooms across London go for £50 to £200 for a couple of hours — much cheaper than a hotel and you get to control the whole experience.

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

Three to six weeks is the sweet spot for most events. Planning a Mother's Day tea, a bank holiday celebration, or a summer hen do? Book 6 to 8 weeks ahead — those dates fill up fast. The caterers with the best vintage china packages are always the first to go on weekends, so earlier is genuinely better.

Can afternoon tea caterers handle dietary requirements? ▼

The good ones absolutely can. Gluten-free sandwiches and cakes, dairy-free scones, and vegan options are standard for professional caterers in London. Mention everything when you book — gluten-free baking in particular needs different ingredients and separate preparation. A decent caterer will clearly separate and label dishes for guests with allergies, so nobody has to awkwardly ask what they can eat.

People Also Search For

Grazing TableCanapesPrivate ChefCoffee Bar

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.