Main image credit: InterContinental Park Lane facebook
Taking afternoon tea is a classic British past time, but if you’re trying to live a healthy lifestyle you might feel like you have to break from tradition. Luckily London is home to many restaurants and hotels that have reimagined the quintessential treat and they now offer dairy, gluten and refined sugar free versions that are as good for you as they taste. From food blogger pop ups at Selfridges to amazing vegan alternatives at La West Suite Hotel, we’ve listed the healthiest afternoon teas in London here.
Afternoon Tea at Hemsley and Hemsley Cafe
If you’re looking for an afternoon tea that’s thoughtfully sourced and full of nutrient-dense food, try out the healthy afternoon tea by the Hemsley and Hemsley sisters at their cafe pop-up inside Selfridges. All dishes on the menu are made without gluten, grains, refined sugar or hydrogenated vegetable oils. The quinoa scones with raspberry chia seed jam are a highlight.
Hemsley and Hemsley Cafe at Selfridges, 400 Oxford St, Marylebone, London W1A 1AB, 020 7318 3170
Vegan Afternoon Tea at La West Suite Hotel
Credit: La West Suite Hotel facebook
If you’re following a plant-based diet you need to visit the Raw restaurant inside La West Suite Hotel. It offers a fully vegan afternoon tea service which includes finger sandwiches and cakes as well as homemade scones served with fresh strawberries and whipped coconut cream. This is a great place to treat a vegan friend, as the location is as impressive at the menu.
Raw Restaurant at La West Suite Hotel, 41-51 Inverness Terrace, London W2 3JN, 020 7313 8484
Guiltless Afternoon Tea at the Wellington Lounge
Credit: InterContinental Park Lane facebook
The InterContinental hotel’s afternoon tea is free from refined sugar. Menu highlights include green tea cured salmon with kale crisps and crème fraiche on pumpkin seed crackers and pistachio, berry and Greek yoghurt trifle. You can also customise any dish to suit dietary requirements including gluten and dairy free.
Wellington Lounge at The InterContinental, 1 Hamilton Place, Mayfair, London W1J 7QY, 020 7409 3131
Tea-Tox by Madeline Shaw at Browns Hotel
Nutritionist and health blogger Madeline Shaw has teamed up with Browns Hotel to create the ultimate health-conscious afternoon tea. Gluten-free food, green juice and raw treats aplenty appear on the menu alongside chocolate dipped fruit, coconut panna cotta and of course a great selection of teas.
Browns Hotel, Albemarle Street, Mayfair, London W1S 4BP, 020 7493 6020