The Best Tea Shops in Mayfair

Like most Brits, the people of Mayfair love their tea. And here in these bustling streets, residents and visitors alike can discover a world of international tea, in casual cafes or regal restaurants; whatever takes your fancy!

Due to its proximity to London’s Oxford Street, Mayfair enjoys year-round tourism, with many visitors coming from far and wide to drink traditional British tea in one of the area’s many 5-star hotels. But you don’t have to go all-out for an afternoon of high tea, if that’s not your style. You can pick up a quick brew in many of Mayfair’s fabulous bars and cafes, or head to a master tea merchant to discover new blends to bring home. It’s all right here in Mayfair.

Where? 79 Duke Street, Mayfair, W1K 5AS
What? Selection of coffee and loose leaf tea from historical merchants established in 1942
Website: https://www.hrhiggins.co.uk/

Why you should pop in for a cuppa: With over 80 years in the business, H.R. Higgins knows their stuff! This tea and coffee merchant has a long, rich history and customers from all over London head to this experienced vendor for a varied and eclectic range of loose tea, as well as coffee and all the accessories you could ever need to make the perfect cup of tea.

Try the Blue Lady Tea, delicately flavoured with a hint of grapefruit, which is one of this store’s best-sellers. Or opt for the Higgins Breakfast Tea for an extra special start to your day. And with loose tea starting from around £6, you don’t have to splash the cash to enjoy some of the finest tea anywhere in the world.

The H.R. Higgins shop and coffee room have slightly different opening hours, but both look forward to greeting you Mondays to Saturdays, but for their full timetable, we suggest consulting the website.

Where? 65 South Audley Street, Mayfair, W1K 2QU
What? Sophisticated Chinese restaurant serving traditional British afternoon tea with a twist
Website: https://www.kaimayfair.co.uk/

Why you should pop in for a cuppa: While you might not immediately think that a Michelin-star Chinese restaurant is the perfect place for a cup of tea, a trip to Kai on South Audley Street is sure to change your way of thinking.

The Chinese Whispers Afternoon Tea takes the quintessentially British pastime and gives it an exotic twist. Available Wednesday to Sunday, from 3pm – 4.30pm, take your seat in this dimly-lit, atmospheric restaurant and be transported to another time and place, as you enjoy traditional Chinese bao buns and sweets, along with the traditional British scones and, of course, lashings of delicious tea.

Prices start from £52 per person and you can book the Chinese Whispers experience directly through the Kai website.

Where? 100 Mount Street, Mayfair, W1K 2TG
What? Cafe with outdoor seats serving tea, coffee, wine and elevated toast and caviar dishes
Website: https://hideawaylondon.co.uk/

Why you should pop in for a cuppa: Of course, you’d expect to find tea in all cafes in London, but Hideaway on Mount Street is a bit of a special place. This casual and lively little haven is the joint project of Ollie Dabbous and Hedonism Wines, with interiors provided by London-based designers, Studio Caché. So if you want to enjoy your favourite drop of tea in some of Mayfair’s chicest surroundings, this is the hottest place to do it.

With a small but perfectly curated collection of tea, you can enjoy a cuppa in Hideaway’s stunning interior. Or if the London weather permits, take your tea outside and sip away to your heart’s content on the cafe’s beautiful outdoor terrace.

Open from 8am to 8pm Monday to Saturday, and 8am to 6pm on Sundays, the team at Hideaway are waiting for you 7 days a week.

Where? 21-22 Weighhouse Street, Mayfair, W1K 5LU
What? Low-key cafe serving tea, coffee and all-day dining, with well-stocked wine store
Website: https://comptoir-cafe-and-wine.co.uk/

Why you should pop in for a cuppa: This French-inspired café has it all. From delicate pastries and delicious tea and coffee, to decadent cheese boards, charcuterie and a wine list that will make you fall off your chair, you could spend a week at Comptoir Café & Wine on Weighhouse Street and still not try everything on offer!

We love the casual, Parisian vibe of this place. And it’s the perfect location to people watch, as you sip your tea and spot the who’s-who of Mayfair pass by Comptoir’s giant glass windows. Open Tuesdays to Saturdays, from 9.30am to 11pm, time flies when you’re drinking tea (and whatever else you fancy) at this one-of-a-kind cafe/bar.