The Best Gluten Free Afternoon Tea & High Tea in London UK

Are you celiac, gluten intolerant, or gluten sensitive in London? Do you dream of having a safe afternoon tea experience? Look no further than this list - I’ve done the eating, so you can, too!

Want even more Top 10 Best London and Gluten Free content? Check out Best London Coffee Shops post and my Gluten Free Afternoon Tea (Toronto) post:

Best London Cafés & Coffee Shops

More Gluten Free Afternoon Teas

The Drawing Room at Brown's Hotel afternoon tea

Note: Only available on weekends.

The Drawing Room’s afternoon tea was former Queen Victoria’s the favourite spot in London.

If a traditional and classic afternoon tea experience - crafted by specialist sommeliers - is what you seek, then be sure to add Brown’s Hotel to your list. Besides the beauty of the antique wood-panelled space, each treat is a beauty to eat.

Despite the emphasis on tradition, I did appreciate the unique twist on the sandwich fillings. The beet-and-goat’s cheese was my favourite! I also appreciated the extra tea cake at the end!

If you have dietary restrictions to gluten, you won’t feel left out at this spot that has includes equally delicious alternatives to the sandwiches, scones, treats, and tea cakes.

A tea fit for a Queen, and fit for your dietary needs!

Favourite Tea: Darjeeling
Refills: Yes
Gluten-Free Scones: Yes
Live Music: Yes (piano)

Location:
Ground Floor, 33 Albemarle St, London W1S 4BP, United Kingdom

PALM COURT AT THE LANGHAM Hotel Afternoon high tea

I highly enjoyed my afternoon tea at The Langham Hotel!

A lavish setting with attentive and courteous waiters created a welcoming environment in which to enjoy gluten-free alternatives to the sandwiches, scones, treats, and tea cakes.

While the sandwiches were good, they were not my favourite of the ones featured on this list. However, there was a savoury scone option (cheddar scones with a tomato chutney) that was so outstanding I got refills of three times! As well, the patisseries were superb AND there was an extra after tea cheesecake that was fabulous! The scones were nice, but no as fluffy as I prefer.

Overall, this was a fabulous experience. If you prioritize desserts and unique twists (the savoury scones!) then this is definitely where you want to go!

N.B. If you book on the weekend, enjoy some lovely weekend jazz!

Favourite Tea: Dar
Refills: Yes
Gluten-Free Scones: Yes
Live Music: Yes (piano, or weekend jazz)

Location:
1C Portland Pl, London W1B 1JA, United Kingdom

claridge’s Afternoon high tea

Note: This is difficult to book! It’s popular.

Afternoon Tea at Claridge's is a rather opulent - but worthwhile - ordeal!

This is the Afternoon Tea de rigour in the U.K., dating back over 150 years. The room itself is beautiful. Claridge’s bring all the same care and attention of their traditional afternoon tea to their gluten-free alternative.

This afternoon tea is the most classic on the list. There aren’t any modern ‘twists’ on the food. There was no extra ‘tea cake’ at the end (like at Brown’s Hotel), or unique sandwich filling (like at The Langham). However, the sandwiches were the best of any I’ve tried. The tea was also exquisite, as was the coffee. I also found the desserts pleasing, and I did not feel like I received a lesser product given it was gluten free.

I personally found the scones less fluffy, and more biscuit-y, than my preference, but the clotted cream and jam were excellent (they also gave you a hefty portion which was appreciated).

If you want a ‘classic’ afternoon tea with a name behind it - and you don’t mind a splurge - this one’s a treat!

N.B. After a TV program aired as to the hotel’s expansion, this tea salon has become very difficult to book. I had to reserve a spot 3 months in advance! I don’t think this was ‘worth it’ per se (in regards to the quality/ difficulty to book VS other comparable spots like Brown’s Hotel), but if you know well in advance when you’ll be in London, just check the website 90 days before your desired spot. That’s the date the reservations open online.

Favourite Tea: Malawi Antlers White Tea (Rare Tea Company)
Refills: Yes
Gluten-Free Scones: Yes
Live Music: Yes (piano and cello)

Location:
Claridge's, Brook St, London W1K 4HR, United Kingdom

Fortnum & mason afternoon tea

Fortnum & Mason have a brand that precedes their afternoon tea, and they pulled out all the stops in ensuring they did it justice.

This afternoon tea is classy, with a touch of whimsy. Live piano music, Tiffany-blue tea sets, and excellent desserts (with soft and squishy gluten free scones) make it a great spot you should check out.

Make sure to lick up every last drop of their lemon curd - and ask for refills!

Favourite Tea: Darjeeling
Refills: Yes
Gluten-Free Scones: Yes
Live Music: Yes (piano)

Location:
1707, London, United Kingdom

sketch afternoon tea

This is the most cool, most trendy, and most kitschy afternoon tea in London. I’ve been back multiple times for good reason.

The attention to detail at Sketch is impeccable. This is more of a sensorial experience mixed with a pretty fabulous afternoon tea. Even the uniforms, artwork, and bathroom area (the pods below) are just so fun.

Their gluten-free version boasts the same choices as their regular version. If you love an aesthetic (and great TikTok or Insta material), this is the one for you.

Favourite Tea: Organic Yunnan White Peony
Refills: Yes
Gluten-Free Scones: Yes
Live Music: Yes (string quartet)

Location:
9 Conduit St, London W1S 2XG, United Kingdom

The Drawing Room at the ampersand hotel
(themed Science Afternoon Tea)

If you're a fan of a theme, then head straight to the Kensington and Chelsea based The Ampersand Hotel for their award-winning Science Afternoon Tea!

Fun for those of all ages, this afternoon tea has the theme woven into each detail, from the dessert, to the presentation, and even the interactive elements.

For a fun brainy tea in a classy setting, this is a no-brainer.

Favourite Tea: Organic Darjeeling 1st Flush Supreme (Jing Tea)
Refills: Yes
Gluten-Free Scones: Yes
Live Music: No

Location:
10 Harrington Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 3ER, United Kingdom