Floral Afternoon Tea in London

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wPbpJSdMf4

Two Instagram-worthy spots, one very important question: which is worth your time?

London might just be the afternoon tea capital of the world — and with dozens of options to choose from, narrowing it down is half the challenge. Here's an honest look at two of the city's most talked-about (and photographed) afternoon tea experiences: Roast in Borough Market and the iconic Peggy Porschen in Belgravia.

Roast (Borough Market)

Tucked inside the Floral Hall above London's famous Borough Market, Roast is a beautifully designed restaurant serving modern takes on classic English dishes. The setting is light, bright, and floral — more indoor garden party than hushed hotel lounge.

Over the summer, I booked their Veuve Clicquot-partnered afternoon tea, which featured a stunning floor-to-ceiling sunflower theme. The ambiance is the real selling point: it's a uniquely beautiful experience that feels nothing like a traditional tearoom. Because it operates as a full restaurant, the atmosphere is lively and buzzy — the dining room looks out over the market below, which adds an energy you rarely find at afternoon tea.

The food leans modern. Forget delicate cucumber sandwiches — Roast serves savoury classics like scotch eggs and pulled pork rolls, alongside vegetarian and gluten-free options. On the sweet side, expect elegant desserts like a vanilla cheesecake topped with passionfruit jelly and a chocolate roulade with orange mousse alongside the classic scone. It's a nice balance of rich and refreshing, though the savouries are what you'll remember most.

The menu and decorations change with the seasons —it's worth check

ng what's on before you book.

The verdict: Roast isn't the most classic or refined afternoon tea in London, but it's a fun, fresh take on the tradition. It's pricier than many options but still more accessible than the Ritz or Fortnum & Mason. If the aesthetic draws you in, it's worth it.

Peggy Porschen (Belgravia)

Famous for its pastel-pink exterior and elaborate floral displays, Peggy Porschen is one of the city's most Instagrammed cafés — and it's every bit as picture-perfect in person. The café excels on presentation and offers an impressive variety of tea options, from beautiful cakes and brunch through to morning and full afternoon tea.

Full Afternoon Tea is bookable in advance and ranges from £44 for Morning Tea to £52 for the complete spread. But the real hidden gem here is the Cream Tea — just tea, scones, clotted cream, and jam for £13. It's a brilliant option if you're on a tighter budget or simply passing through on an afternoon stroll (as I was). Add a cupcake or a cocktail and you have a very pretty, very affordable version of the London tea experience.

The verdict: It's not a traditional tearoom experience, but if you want a quick, affordable taste of London's tea culture in one of the most photogenic spots in the city, Peggy Porschen is absolutely worth the stop.

Both Roast and Peggy Porschen offer something distinctly London — floral, beautiful, and entirely gram-worthy. Roast is the better choice if you're after a full, immersive afternoon tea experience with a dramatic setting. Peggy Porschen is ideal for a lighter, more flexible visit that still delivers on atmosphere and charm.

What's your favorite afternoon tea experience in London? I'd love to know!