Gone are the days when “vegan afternoon tea” meant a fruit salad and a dry cucumber sandwich while your friends ate delicate pastries. In 2026, London is arguably the vegan capital of the world, and its high tea scene has exploded with plant-based creativity.
From CBD-infused sweets in Notting Hill to science-themed experiments in Kensington, the options are now cooler, tastier, and often more innovative than their dairy-filled counterparts. And the best part? You don’t need a jacket and tie at The Ritz to enjoy them.
Here is your ultimate guide to the Best Vegan Afternoon Tea in London for 2026, covering luxury, quirky, and affordable spots.
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1. The Ultimate Luxury: The Savoy
Location: The Strand, London
If you want the classic, white-tablecloth British experience without the animal products, The Savoy remains the gold standard. Unlike venues that treat veganism as an afterthought, The Savoy has a dedicated plant-based menu that rivals its traditional offering.
The Menu Highlights (2026)
The menu changes seasonally, but 2026 features include:
- Sandwiches: Coronation jackfruit (a brilliant swap for chicken), cucumber with mint and vegan cream cheese, and roasted pepper with hummus.
- Scones: Famous for being indistinguishable from the dairy version—fluffy, warm, and served with a rich whipped coconut clotted cream and strawberry preserve.
- Pastries: Expect intricate glazed mousses and dark chocolate ganache tarts.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Ambience: Unbeatable live piano and glass-domed ceiling (Thames Foyer). | Price: It is expensive (£65+ per person). |
| Service: Five-star, attentive service. | Dress Code: Smart casual is strictly enforced (no sportswear). |
| Availability: Vegan menu is standard, not a “special request.” | Booking: You often need to book 4-8 weeks in advance for weekends. |
Expert Review
“The Savoy proves that luxury doesn’t require dairy. The texture of their vegan scones is a technical marvel—you genuinely cannot tell the difference. It’s perfect for a special birthday where you want to feel like royalty.”
2. Best for Wellness: Farmacy
Location: Notting Hill
Farmacy isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a wellness destination. Their “High Tea” is entirely free from dairy, refined sugars, additives, and chemicals. This is the tea you go to when you want to indulge but still feel energized afterwards.
The Menu Highlights (2026)
This is not your standard finger sandwich affair.
- Savouries: CBD-infused truffles, spinach and mushroom quiches with a chickpea flour base, and delicate open-faced sandwiches.
- Sweets: Raw chocolate tarts and berry mousses that use natural sweeteners like maple and dates.
- Tea: They offer loose leaf teas but are famous for their “Farmaceutical” teas and CBD cocktails.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Health: 100% organic, refined sugar-free, and chemical-free. | Traditionalism: If you want classic scones and jam, this isn’t it. |
| Vibe: Chic, leafy, Instagram-ready interior. | Price: Mid-to-high range (~£50pp). |
| Gluten-Free: The entire menu is naturally gluten-free friendly. | Location: Not central; requires a trip to Notting Hill. |
Expert Review
“Farmacy reinvents the concept of high tea. It’s less about gluttony and more about vibrant flavors. The CBD truffle is a must-try. Ideal for the health-conscious vegan.”
3. Best Quirky & Fun: Science Afternoon Tea at The Ampersand
Location: South Kensington (near the Science Museum)
If you are bored of floral teacups, head to The Ampersand Hotel. Their award-winning “Science Afternoon Tea” has a full vegan version that is visually spectacular. It is interactive, fun, and perfect for families or dates.
The Menu Highlights (2026)
Prepare to play with your food.
- Theatrics: Dry ice effects, pipettes of fruit toppings, and jellies served in petri dishes.
- Edible Fossils: Dinosaur biscuits and “planet” mousses hidden in chocolate soil.
- Savouries: Blinis with seaweed “caviar” and molecular gastronomy twists on veggie fillings.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Fun Factor: Highly interactive with dry ice and science gear. | Sweets Heavy: The balance leans heavily towards sugar/sweet treats. |
| Location: Perfect stop after the Natural History Museum. | Space: The drawing room is quite small and can get noisy. |
| Kids: Voted one of the best teas for children. | Price: ~£55pp (Pricey for the portion sizes). |
Expert Review
“This is the most Instagrammable tea in London. The vegan version loses none of the magic of the standard menu. The dinosaur biscuits are a nostalgic delight.”
4. Best Affordable Option: Cutter & Squidge
Location: Soho
Finding an afternoon tea in Central London for under £40 is rare in 2026, but Cutter & Squidge delivers value without compromising quality. They are famous for their “biskies” (biscuit/cookie/cake hybrids).
The Menu Highlights (2026)
- The Biskie: You get their signature vegan biskie—a sandwich cookie filled with buttercream and jams.
- Sandwiches: Simple but fresh selections like roasted vegetable and vegan pesto.
- Setting: A bright, modern, all-day café vibe rather than a stuffy hotel lounge.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Value: Excellent price point (~£35pp). | Service: It is a busy café, so service is faster and less formal. |
| Location: Right in the heart of Soho/Theatreland. | Seating: Stools and café tables, not plush armchairs. |
| Casual: No dress code; walk-in friendly (though booking advised). | Time: Slots are often limited to 90 minutes strictly. |
Expert Review
“Cutter & Squidge is the ‘people’s afternoon tea’. It’s accessible, delicious, and not pretentious. The vegan Biskie is arguably better than the dairy one.”
5. Best Themed Experience: Charlie & The Chocolate Factory at One Aldwych
Location: Covent Garden
Enter a world of pure imagination. One Aldwych offers a Roald Dahl-inspired tea that is whimsical and deeply nostalgic. Their vegan menu is a triumph of pastry engineering.
The Menu Highlights (2026)
- Sweets: “Snozzberry” jam, candy floss (cotton candy), and golden chocolate eggs filled with vegan vanilla mousse.
- Drinks: Chocolate tea and fizzing cocktails.
- Savouries: Not just sandwiches, but warm savoury items like vegetable Wellington slices.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Creativity: The food looks like props from the movie. | Price: Expensive (~£75pp with champagne). |
| Flavor: Surprisingly sophisticated flavors despite the “candy” look. | Sweetness: It is a sugar bomb. Be prepared for a rush. |
| Dietary: They handle allergies (GF/Nut-Free) exceptionally well. | Crowd: Popular with tourists and children. |
Expert Review
“Don’t let the theme fool you; the culinary skill here is high-end. The vegan ‘salmon’ and beetroot macaron is a surprising standout.”
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Comparison Table: At a Glance
| Venue | Best For | Approx Price (2026) | Vegan Rating |
| The Savoy | Luxury & Tradition | £65 – £80 | ★★★★★ |
| Farmacy | Health & Wellness | £50 | ★★★★☆ |
| The Ampersand | Quirky & Science | £55 | ★★★★★ |
| Cutter & Squidge | Budget & Soho Location | £35 | ★★★★☆ |
| One Aldwych | Themed Fun | £70 – £85 | ★★★★★ |
| Lady Dinah’s | Cat Lovers | £28 | ★★★☆☆ |
What To Do and What Not To Do
✅ What To Do:
- Do Book in Advance: Even in 2026, the best spots (especially Savoy and Sketch) require booking 2-4 weeks out.
- Do Mention “Vegan” at Booking: Even if they have a vegan menu, explicitly stating it in your booking notes ensures they have the freshest plant-based clotted cream ready for you.
- Do Ask for Refills: At high-end venues (Savoy, Rubens, One Aldwych), the sandwiches and scones are usually replenishable at no extra cost. If you loved the coronation jackfruit, ask for seconds!
- Do Check the Service Charge: A 12.5% to 15% discretionary service charge is automatically added to the bill in London.
❌ What Not To Do:
- Don’t skip the “Gluten-Free” check: If you are Vegan and Gluten-Free (VGF), you have fewer options. The Savoy and Farmacy are your safest bets for this combo. Many other places rely on gluten-heavy seitan or bread for vegan options.
- Don’t arrive late: Afternoon tea slots are strictly timed (usually 1.5 to 2 hours). If you arrive 20 minutes late, you lose that time eating.
- Don’t wear sportswear: While London is relaxed, venues like The Savoy or The Ritz (if you go there) will turn you away for wearing trainers or ripped jeans. Smart casual is the safest bet everywhere.
- Don’t panic about the cream: Vegan clotted cream (usually coconut or oat-based) can melt faster than dairy cream. Eat your scones while they are warm!
