Guide to afternoon tea in East London

Try an original afternoon tea inspired by tapas at Map Maison. This cool cocktail bar has striking interiors with rich jewel tones, dark wood panelling, and flowers. Tapas is the speciality here, along with sophisticated cocktails. Afternoon tea includes inventive nibbles like mini burgers and baguettes, an extensive choice of teas, and the option to add booze.

Union Social is an all-day venue that takes you from breakfast to late-night drinks. It's a relaxed setting with a terrace. Afternoon tea is available every weekend, and it's a celebration of East London – expect nibbles themed on East End faves like salt beef beigels and a sweet take on a jellied eel. 

At Sunborn London, you can savour afternoon tea in the unique surroundings of a luxurious super yacht hotel - it's the only one in the whole country. With impressive views of London and classic decor inside, this is an elegant place for tea. The menu includes a myriad of sweet and savoury treats served with your choice of tea.

Family-run pub The Angel of Bow has a strong sense of community, offering food, drinks, events, and boutique accommodation. This place has a quirky style with eclectic and hand-selected furniture. On Fridays and Saturdays, you can have afternoon tea here - choose from 15 tea blends served with homemade sweet and savoury treats, with the option to add prosecco.

Enjoy afternoon tea with lovely views of the river at Vicinity, which offers indoor or outdoor tables. Floor-to-ceiling windows mean you can always enjoy the vistas. This afternoon tea includes finger sandwiches, scones, sweet treats, and your choice of tea or coffee. There's also the option to add champagne, sparkling wine, or a cocktail into the mix.

Based at Courthouse Hotel Shoreditch, Judge & Jury is a smart eatery that blends contemporary and classic style in a wood-panelled space. Afternoon tea is available here on weekends, but food is served all day. You'll get mini sandwiches, scones, and desserts, and you can add on prosecco or champagne if you like.

Luxury hotel Pan Pacific is an elegant place with sophisticated pan-Asian influences. At the hotel's refined Orchid Lounge, you can indulge in afternoon tea, with a simple tea menu on offer for children, too. Afternoon tea here combines British tradition with Asian flavours, and you can further indulge by adding champagne or English sparkling wine to your experience.

Stylish British brasserie Browns has several sites in London, including one in West India Quay. At this sleek spot, you can indulge with an East London afternoon tea that's also budget-friendly. Diners get a menu of savoury treats, warm scones, and mini cakes and desserts. Cocktails and champagne are available, too.

The St Katharine Docks location of vibrant eatery Ping Pong serves a fun afternoon tea with a difference. At this quirky venue the afternoon tea is themed on dim sum, with classic and vegetarian menus on offer. You'll try an assortment of fried and steamed dim sum, bitesized desserts, and a number of tea varieties to choose from.