You’re standing under the glass-domed ceiling of the Thames Foyer, and honestly, the first thing you notice isn't the smell of scones. It’s the sound. There’s a specific clink—fine bone china meeting saucers—that feels distinctively British. Afternoon tea at The Savoy Hotel isn't just a meal; it's a choreographed performance that has been running since the hotel opened its doors in 1889.
Most people think of high tea as a stiff, formal affair where you can't breathe without breaking a rule. That’s a total myth. While there is a dress code (smart casual, leave the gym gear in your suitcase), the vibe is surprisingly lively. It’s loud. People are laughing. Somewhere in the background, a pianist is playing anything from Gershwin to a jazz-inflected version of a Coldplay track.
It’s expensive. Let's get that out of the way. You aren't just paying for flour and water; you're paying for a seat in a room where Winston Churchill and Marilyn Monroe once sat.
The historical weight of the Thames Foyer
The Savoy was the first luxury hotel in Britain to have electric lights and "ascending devices"—what we now call elevators. But the afternoon tea tradition really took off under the watchful eye of César Ritz (yes, that Ritz) and the legendary chef Auguste Escoffier. They understood that the socialites of the Edwardian era needed a place to see and be seen between lunch and dinner.
The Thames Foyer, the heart of the hotel where tea is served, features a stunning winter garden gazebo. This isn't just decoration. Back in the day, the hotel used to host "tea dances." Imagine hundreds of people swirling around that central gazebo while a full orchestra played. While the dancing has mostly been replaced by tourists taking selfies, the architectural grandeur remains untouched.
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What you’re actually eating (and why the jam goes first)
When the three-tiered stand arrives, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. You start at the bottom. Sandwiches. They aren't just slapped together. The crusts are removed with surgical precision. You’ll usually find classic fillings like coronation chicken, smoked salmon with horseradish butter, and egg salad with watercress.
The scones are the real test. At The Savoy, they come wrapped in a thick white napkin to keep them warm. It’s a small detail, but it matters. If your scone is cold, the clotted cream won't melt properly. Speaking of cream—there is a long-standing, somewhat heated debate between Devon and Cornwall about whether the jam or the cream goes on first. In Devon, it's cream then jam. In Cornwall, it’s jam then cream. Honestly? Do whatever you want. The staff at The Savoy won't judge you, though they might have their own private opinions.
The top tier is where the pastry team shows off. This isn't just cake; it's art. Depending on the season, you might get a miniature tartlet with yuzu or a dark chocolate ganache shaped like a piece of jewelry.
- The Tea Selection: They have over 30 varieties. Don't just order "English Breakfast." Try the Savoy Breakfast Blend, which incorporates tea from Ceylon and Assam. If you want something lighter, the Phoenix Honey Orchid oolong has a natural sweetness that doesn't need sugar.
- The Champagne: You can upgrade to a glass of Laurent-Perrier or Deutz. It’s a steep price hike, but if you’re celebrating an anniversary, it’s basically mandatory.
- Dietary Requirements: They are incredibly good at handling allergies. Vegan, gluten-free, or nut-free—they have entirely separate menus for these. You just need to tell them 48 hours in advance.
The "Hidden" Refill Rule
Here is something most first-timers don't realize: afternoon tea at The Savoy Hotel is technically "all you can eat." Not in a buffet sense, obviously. But the servers will constantly ask if you want more sandwiches or another round of scones.
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Don't be shy. If you loved the smoked salmon, ask for three more. They expect it. Just remember to save room for the cake trolley that comes around at the end. Yes, there is a separate trolley for even more cake. It's aggressive, in the best way possible.
Navigating the booking nightmare
If you try to book a Saturday afternoon two weeks out, you’re going to fail. This is one of the most sought-after reservations in London.
Ideally, you want to book two to three months in advance for weekends. If you’re flexible, try a Tuesday or Wednesday at 1:00 PM or 5:30 PM. These "shoulder" times are much easier to snag. The service is also a bit more relaxed when the room isn't at 100% capacity.
The hotel also offers a "High Tea" option. A lot of people use the terms interchangeably, but historically, high tea was a more substantial evening meal for the working class. At The Savoy, their High Tea usually includes a savory main course—like a lobster thermidor tart or a Scotch egg—in addition to the traditional sweets.
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The etiquette stuff that actually matters
Nobody is going to kick you out for holding your teacup wrong. However, if you want to look like you know what you’re doing, avoid the pinky-out move. It’s a common misconception that extending your pinky finger is "classy." It actually makes the cup less stable.
Stir your tea in a straight line from 6 o'clock to 12 o'clock. Don't swirl it in circles. This prevents the spoon from clinking against the sides and avoids creating a miniature whirlpool that might splash your silk tie or dress.
Why it stays relevant in 2026
We live in a world of grab-and-go coffee and 15-second TikToks. The Savoy forces you to slow down. You’re there for at least two hours. There is something deeply therapeutic about the ritual. It’s a disconnect from the digital noise.
The hotel has also managed to modernize without losing its soul. They’ve introduced more sustainable sourcing for their tea leaves and have drastically reduced plastic waste in their kitchens. They aren't just resting on 130 years of history; they’re trying to earn their reputation every afternoon.
Planning your visit: The logistics
- Price Point: Expect to pay between £80 and £100 per person, more if you add booze.
- Location: The entrance for tea is on the Strand. Don't get confused and go to the river entrance unless you're staying at the hotel.
- Timing: Allot 2.5 hours. Anything less and you'll feel rushed.
- Photography: It's encouraged, but keep the flash off. It’s a dining room, not a studio.
Once you finish, take a walk through the hotel lobby. Look at the photographs on the walls. You'll see everyone from Charlie Chaplin to Rihanna. It reminds you that while you just finished a plate of scones, you were also part of a very long, very glamorous story.
To make the most of the experience, book your table directly through the Savoy’s official website rather than third-party booking platforms to ensure you have the most flexibility with your reservation. If the Thames Foyer is fully booked, check for "The Drawing Room"—it's a smaller, more intimate space that occasionally hosts tea service during peak seasons. After you've secured your spot, double-check the dress code. While they say "smart casual," most guests lean toward "smart." A blazer or a day dress will make you feel much more at home in the gold-leaf surroundings. Finally, don't eat lunch beforehand. It sounds like a joke, but the sheer volume of food is significant, and you'll want to be hungry enough to enjoy the final cake trolley.