Tea and Tattle

"I'm absolutely delighted with Tea and Tattle! This charming spot is the epitome of a traditional afternoon tea experience. Call ahead to reserve your spot, as one talented individual expertly manages everything. Don't let this deter you - the personalized service only adds to the charm. Tea and Tattle surpasses fancy hotel high teas in every way. The classic, no-frills approach is executed to perfection. The delectable food, cozy atmosphere, extensive tea selection, and warm hospitality from the hostess all combine to create a truly exceptional experience. If you're looking for a genuine and quintessential high tea, look no further than Tea and Tattle. It's a hidden gem that will leave you feeling like royalty!"

Great alternative to the expensive hotel lobby teas. Fabulous scones served with lots of clotted cream and delicious jams, sandwiches, and cake. Cozy atmosphere in the basement under a book shop, across fr The British Museum. It reminded us of a place we found decades ago and then could never find again. Highly recommend for your afternoon repast.

We tried their English afternoon tea and we were not disappointed. The scones were my favourite with high quality clotted cream and fresh jam. However the seating is only in the basement.

Bit of mixed reactions going there. Chose this place mainly to have tea and scones as my parents were visiting the uk and wanted to give a British experience without having to get the whole afternoon tea menu. The scones+tea is £9 which is really good (especially for London). We booked the day before as it was recommended and our table was ready even though we got there a bit early. We might have gone on a bad day though, as there was only 1 employee for the whole place: taking orders, making drinks, prepping food, setting tables, sitting guests and taking care of the shop usptairs! I know it is a small place but there was too much. So, service was not good. The coffee cups were cold which resulted in cold coffee. The tea cups and tea pots were very cute and britishy. The scones were amazing!!! Warm and fluffy, great cream and the raspberry-vanilla jam was amazing. The Victoria cakes were not so great, bit dry.

Really love this small hide away from the busy town. Bless the owners who made this tea ready :) really love the fruit tea they have served. Would recommend to anyone who’s looking for a hide away! But you gotta leave within two hours FYI! That’s how crowded it can get 🤭😅

Charming little cafe at the basement of a bookshop. We ordered the afternoon tea set for two and it’s definitely worth it. There were sandwiches, scones and cakes in the set. The scones were amazing! Loving the jam that they use on the scone. Reservation is definitely a must as this is only a small shop. Do reserve around 1+ hour to fully enjoy this experience especially if you’re here with a friend !

Discovered this hidden gem for an affordable afternoon tea in London. Situated in the basement of a bookshop offering titles from around the world is Tea and Tattle. This charming tea parlour is an ideal retreat after a morning at the British Museum, conveniently located just opposite! You can choose between a shared afternoon tea at £38 or opt for £19 each, enjoying tea, sandwiches, scones, and cakes. They even serve a glass of homemade lemonade and a selection of jams.

It is a charming little place located in an old bookstore across from the British Museum. I ordered the afternoon tea for one, and it was delicious. The portions were substantial, and the quality was good. The server was incredibly kind, attentive, and quick. The cafe is also accommodating for allergies. I highly recommend making a reservation for this affordable tea option!

Went for Afternoon Tea Food - 5/5. Teas had great aroma and gentle bitterness. Earl grey had a floral scent while the English breakfast had a stronger astringent flavor. The scones were the highlight of the entire experience. Compared to the scones in America, the ones here are more savory, firmer, and way less sweet. Despite the firm crust, the crumb is very soft, leading to an excellent texture. The clotted cream had a clean richness, having none of the heavy mouthfeel you get from cream. The jam emphasized the natural sweetness of fruit with a hint of sourness. The clotted cream and jam were spread into a perfect ratio, resulting in every bite of the scone having a balance of all three. Sandwiches were simple with the manchego being my favorite. The bread's drier texture and the cheese's strong flavor paired well with the tea. The cake were soft and very sweet. By themselves, the cakes were overpoweringly sweet but with the tea, it was perfect. Service - 5/5. Very accommodating and welcoming! They had an alternate schedule that day and we arrived near their closing time, but they extended it by 30 minutes to allow us to fully enjoy our afternoon tea. We didn't utilize the entire extension out of respect for their time, but that kind of generosity really added to the experience. Value - 5/5. I'm not entirely sure why the cost of afternoon tea is so high as many locations I saw were showing prices that were £80+ . In comparison, Tea and Tattle offers a traditional set for two people at a very reasonable £48. Portions were good and looked the same if not better than those offered at way higher prices. It is worth visiting just for their scones alone! Excellent location to experience afternoon tea. Parking - N/A

The owner was so sweet, and you get a really good amount of food and tea for what you pay. It's super cute and a little hidden "hole-in-the-wall" kinda place. Had great service and a great experience!!

When planning our trip to London, I had a lengthy list of things I wanted to do and places I wanted to eat, and at the top of my list was to enjoy an Afternoon Tea. My sister-in-law is an amazing planner, and since we were meeting family in London for a few days, she planned a wonderful tea for us here at Tea and Tattle. This place is an old family bookstore that was then turned into a wonderful spot for afternoon tea {with still carrying on the feel and look of a quaint book shop}. Reservations are required since it is only large enough for two, maybe three seatings at a time. Once your party is seated, you will receive your menu and decide on the Tea menu that you desire {how many Teas, Sandwiches, Cakes and Scones - with a wide variety of each}. Would you prefer a Coffee, a Smoothie or a Salad? No worries, they have those options as well. Be sure to inform your host about any allergies as they can customize your tea settings based on any restrictions. The Hubs and I decided on the Tea For One - This included a pot of Earl Grey {or your tea of choice}, a selection of five Mini Tea Sandwiches which may vary {ours included Cream Cheese, Chive and Cucumber / Mature Cheddar and Chutney / Ham, Rocket and Red Onion Marmalade / Ham with Mayo, Mustard and Tomato / Chicken with Cucumber and Lemon Mayo Chutney}, Scones topped with a Delicious, Mouth-Watering Cream and Strawberry & Raspberry Jams as well as Lemon Cake and Mini Chocolate Eclairs. Each guest will also be served a deliciously tangy glass of lemonade as a final sip for the afternoon. Every single bite and sip of tea was perfectly paired and the experience was a wonderful way to spend our last day in London with the family. I highly recommend this experience if you want to feel a little extra fancy and enjoy a spectacular afternoon tea.

Delicious scone. Strawberry and black pepper jam was bomb. Earl grey, coffee were ok. Chocolate cake with ganache, not overly sweet. Atmosphere was quiet and relaxing. Good place to catch up with friends. Friendly service

Looking for an afternoon tea in this area, I couldn't believe some of the prices. This one was much more reasonable, and the ambiance was great, feels very authentic and tucked away. I imagine those other places feel a step more formal, but service was friendly and unhurrying, the sandwiches and cakes good, scones outstanding, and the wide selection of teas all well made. They take bookings by phone and email.

Wonderful small tea house. Very reasonably priced right across from the British Museum. I would advise reservations. Sweet decor and friendly staff.

Amazing and very affordable tea!! We came in on a whim and they fit us in- without reservations. The sandwiches were fresh and clotted cream scones delicious!

Goodness where to start? What a lovely place with absolutely delicious tea offerings . Tucked beneath a lil bookstore and just as peaceful and quaint as you can imagine. Easy place to visit on a rainy March afternoon-compliments to our server and the fabulous sammies and scones-the raspberry black pepper jam and strawberry vanilla(?) might have those mixed up-provided the perfect tartness to the clotted cream. I will be back!

We went in March- it absolutely a great experience the place was so quaint and the ambiance was absolutely breathtaking. I door to the owner and she said they would be closing. I am so glad I had the opportunity to eat there .

Location was perfect after visiting the British museum, just across the street. They were able to take us in pretty last minute and give us an amazing high tea experience. The variety of sandwiches, scones, and other desserts were all delicious. The tea was served perfectly. Definitely recommend this location if you're looking for a relaxing afternoon tea.

If I could give zero stars, I would. We came from Los Angeles to London for my sister's birthday. I made a reservation on my sister's birthday for 12:00pm. We got there around 11:50am and there was a sign that said "We are closed due to mechanical issues." We were pretty disappointed because we made reservations and were not told about this. We decided to leave because it was closed. We came back around 12:20 just to see if it might have been open, and we noticed that the door was open. We walked down and informed the lady what had happened. She told us you guys missed your 12pm reservation and that she gave up our table. We informed her that we were here early and saw the closed sign. She was very rude to us and told us she can't do anything because they were sold out. She was raising her voice to us when we were trying to be nice to her the entire time. My sister and I were very disappointed. I will not be coming back here when visiting London.

Great service, delicious food. Really cute little tea shop in a great location. Make a reservation. They book quickly.

A very nice tea! We very much enjoyed our afternoon tea here. We are a family of four, and we ordered two "Teas for Two". The tea was fantastic and the food was all delicious and plentiful! We ended up wrapping up a lot of the food and taking it with us. The wait staff was very kind and courteous, and was able to make some tea recommendations to us Americans who don't know a lot about tea! The only downside: the tea room is not very pretty. You walk in, and it's in the basement of a bookstore. Maybe not your picturesque tea party that you were envisioning, but the food and tea more than make up for it.

The tea was great, as were the scones but everything else was underwhelming. Service was slow but I'm giving them grace because it was extended to me. I was late for my reservation but they still took me. Overall, if afternoon tea is your thing, this is a nice, inexpensive spot to get it.

Could you please set up a security camera system as I had my purse stolen and lost £2,100 As you had no existing CCTV the search for the theives has been more difficult and I am sure this would also help with health and safety.

This tea place was so good I went twice while I was studying abroad in London! It seems a bit odd when you first walk in, as it has a bookstore upstairs. I was a bit nervous to pick this place, as the majority of the tables are in the basement, but it felt like a very authentic experience to me, with mismatched china and different chairs. We were a group of three the first time, and got the tea for two which was definitely plenty! Loved the sandwiches, especially the salmon and cream cheese. For tea we got English breakfast (classic!) and Darjeeling, both which were great! They have many other options though. The cakes were delicious, Victorian sponge and chocolate, very moist and decadent. But for me the star of the show was definitely the scones! Both times I got the scones, and wow what can I say! Rarely have I had a scone that was as light and tasty as this one. Also, I did extensive research before booking here, and it's location is convenient (right next to the British museum) and it's also quite cheap for afternoon tea! Lovely experience overall :)

The clotted cream was so plush and decadent - vanilla raspberry jam scone. Carrot cake was as good as any. The service was great and such a lovely way to spend afternoon tea.

Skip the foofy high end touristy tea places. This is a gem and we are so glad we chose this as our tea experience in London. Cute and quaint tea room in the basement of a small bookstore. There was a sign on the door we saw that almost turned us away saying they were full but just walk in and make a reservation! Delish cream tea, sandwiches , pastries and clotted cream! A must try if you're staying in the area!!

I saw this tea place on a map across the street from the British Museum and had to stop by before visiting the museum! It's located downstairs, below a bookstore. The aesthetic is simple and the lighting is dim. There was only one person on staff working when I visited and it was quiet--I could walk in with no reservation. I enjoyed the sandwiches and biscuits for one. The scone was the best part as the sandwiches were a bit basic and plain. I also ordered the oolong tea. It was reasonably-priced and convenient, but didn't compare to other tea experiences I'd had in London. I would come back only due to convenience near the museum.

When you're in London, you MUST have afternoon tea! Before heading to the London Museum, I highly recommend coming here for afternoon tea. While reservations are highly encouraged, my party of 5 didn't have a problem getting a table. The hostess simply told us that another party had reservations in 1.5 hours and they would need the table back. No problem at all! There are sets available or you can order a la carte. We did both and although I didn't enjoy the sandwiches, I absolutely loved the scones! Each bite had the perfect ratio of jam to clotted cream. I ate 3, but probably could've ate 10!

We loved that this place was right next to the British Museum. It was the perfect place to stop and rest after wandering the British Museum for hours. It was a short walk away. We booked an appointment an hour before closing so it was the perfect amount of time to enjoy tea and treats. I would allocate about an hour of time if you plan to do their high tea experience. Initially, we were a little confuse because the main entrance doesn't really look like a tea shop or cafe but once you walk to the bottom floor, you'll see a change in ambiance. I wouldn't say that this tea shop give you the vibes of a high end atmosphere but instead it give you a warm and homey feeling. The servers were all really nice. The food was all very good. I really enjoyed their mini sandwiches. Their scones with clotted cream was really good too. I'm mildly allergic to dairy so I regretted eating so much clotted cream afterwards but surely enjoyed it during our meal. I wish we could have requested/picked the type of sandwiches that we got but its okay. Oh well. All in all, a very pleasant experience!

A wonderful spread and a relaxing atmosphere. What could be better than a traditional tea in the bottom of a bookstore? Service was great!

I adored this place! It's a very cute shop with excellent food and pastries - we loved the sandwiches & scones! To top it all off, the service was incredible. The owner was kind and attentive. We had a wonderful time.

This was one of the highlights of my vacation! The area was quaint and private. It was a bit hot due to the lack of air conditioning and fresh air circulating, but that was common all over the city. Everything tasted delicious and one of the best parts was how comfortable we were considering we hadn't packed many "smart casual" outfits and were in our tennis.

I was lucky to slide in for one with no reservation so if you are a larger party, make sure you make one. No other scone lives up to these. Thank you!

This is long overdue however, when we were visiting the UK from the U.S. awhile back, this remained to be highlight of the trip! We have recommended it friends who have since gone to the UK and if they will be in the area, to stop for a light fare treat! It's cute, quaint and most importantly, DELICIOUS! It's quiet and feels cozy, the staff are all extremely polite and personable! We dream of the day we can return and bring our children and friends with us!

Before I start, I need to let you know a few things about me. I LOVE afternoon tea service, and it has been my dream since I was little to have afternoon tea in London the way I imagined the English do or did. Not at the Plaza or the Ritz, but casually. (I know very little about the English, but what I imagine of them is very romantic.) Tea and Tattle was absolutely delicious, comfortable and casual. I could relax and enjoy every delectable bite! The tea was probably the best made pot of tea I have ever had in my life and I have been to The Plaza in Chicago. My English Breakfast literally tasted like a meal. It was incredible. It was the comfort I needed because I've been sick with a sore throat--otherwise, why on earth would I choose to drink hot tea on a warm day?! On the other hand, if I ever go back there I can't imagine not having another cuppa!! Decide for yourself. It's right next to The British Museum and about 15 minutes (easy) walk from Charing Cross Station. MAKE RESERVATIONS THROUGH OPEN TABLE!! Important note: it's listed as £££ but afternoon tea for one is £19: includes tea, lemonade, sandwiches, scones, and cakes. You can purchase items à la carte.

I was looking for an affordable tea house during my trip to London and I was lucky enough to find Tea and Tattle right near the British Museum. The ambiance of the tea house was cute, however try to get seated in the main room because I was out in the room next store and the ambiance wasn't as cute, as there was computer and wires at the end of the hall. They had a good selection of teas, and I decided to do the tea and scone special for 7.20 £. I got the scone with raspberry and vanilla jam and clotted cheese. Let me tell you, I was not expecting such a tasty scone! And the tea went very well with the scone as well. I probably wouldn't go back, only because I want to experience other tea houses but had a decent experience.

I've been to a few tea places around London due to my love of the tradition and I'm very happy that I came here. Forget the frilly, expensive places. Tea and tattle was a hidden gem near the museum. The place holds about 8 tables so make sure to make a reservation on open table. We were seated immediately. The sandwiches were a good portion and freshly made. And my oh my, the clotted cream is delicious! Great service and atmosphere. Not fancy and pretentious. Perfect place to relax a bit before exploring more of the city.

This place doesn't look like much from the outside, but it never disappoints! Spiraling down a tight little staircase, it feels something like going down Alice's rabbit hole. It's a wonderful little tea shop that I have had the pleasure of visiting twice, and both times have been tasty and memorable. Give it a try!

We had very necessary reservations for 4 people. Included were a 14 yr old girl and 11 year old boy. We were seated immediately. Though we all enjoyed immensely, the 11 year old boy was the surprise. He loved his own pot of mint tea. We had a variety of scones, which were fantastic. Likewise each person ordered their own tea sandwiches. The 14 yr old is a bit picky but loved the grape and Brie sandwich. Wonderful tea experience especially for families.

Such a delightful place! We had been eyeing it throughout our stay (we were in an Air BNB on Coptic Street) and saved it for my daughter's 9th birthday celebration. They were full, but made a separate space for us upstairs, which made it all the more special. Every single bite was delicious and I'm still dreaming about the clotted cream and strawberry pepper jam . . . The service was exceptional, the food incredible, and the overall experience an A plus. It certainly made for a birthday celebration none of us will ever forget! And we enjoyed our leftovers tremendously, too! Thank you for making us feel so special.

Lovely, small, very quiet tea room with a wide variety of teas, sandwiches, and cakes. We had scones among others who appeared to be studying. Very close to UCL & The British Museum. Located below a small antiquities business.

Yum! Best cream tea in London (and I was diligent in my research). The front door said they were full, but since I was on my own, I walked in and was able to get a table. The cream tea comes with one scone and your choice of jam. I asked for raspberry and out came a delicious scone, topped with a perfect amount of clotted cream and really tasty jam. I was in heaven. It's surprising how good this was, given its touristy location. I highly recommend it!

This tea place was an amazing find! I will definitely come back just for the scones, with the raspberry and vanilla filling--it was divine! My husband and I also enjoyed the various sandwich selections such as the smoked salmon with cucumbers. Everything here was amazing and the price is affordable compared to other tea spots! You have the option to order a la carte or a set tea menu, both are great! Looking forward to coming here if we ever visit London again!

What a cute little tea shop! You will enjoy it here, but first thing first, call to make a reservation. The shop is actually in the basement of a book store. The book store is 4th generation operated and the shop has been opened since 2010. The wallpaper mural is absolutely beautiful. The entire shop seats less than 10 tables, I believe. The staff is super friendly and nice. We had the traditional tea and everything was wonderful except for the cake. We had the chocolate cake and the chocolate walnut cake; chocolate cake didn't have enough chocolate flavor and walnut cake was dry. I didn't ask to substitute the cake with more scones, which were delicious, but I am not sure if they allow substitution anyways. Another great thing? It's right across from the British Museum! (If you can't make a reservation for Tea & Tattle, they actually serve afternoon tea inside the British Museum, too. ;) )

The location of this tea room is very convenient- right across from the British Museum. I did not make a reservation, but the restaurant was able to accommodate me. One thing to note of this place is that, the tea room is located on the ground floor, so be prepared to take the stairs down. Service was a bit slow but the staff themselves are very friendly. I did not like that the staff did not explain the menu or that I could not select the cakes and scones I wanted. The staff rushed the ordering. I did not like the cakes or biscuits given. The scones were ok. The price was average. Overall I did not really like this restaurant.

Lovely place for trying afternoon tea for the first time. Cheapest establishment for it around, and in a great location too. Try calling in if you can't book online. Scones and sandwiches were delicious. Sweets were just bakery fare. You get a fair amount, so I recommend half the people get afternoon tea and half getting tea and scones for a more properly proportioned snack unless you are starving.

The scones and clotted cream were good! The service not so. The staff was not present at the counter and I had a hard time getting their attention. It's a cost location, and make sure to order the scone.

Fab afternoon tea alert! Situated opposite the British Museum, you would think it's an over priced cafe, but it is so not! At £17.50 for a full afternoon tea, it's pretty reasonable, especially for the quality of food and service. Small-ish venue, v friendly and knowledgeable people working here, v tasty sandwiches, delightful and fluffy scones -with superb jams- and great (taste wise and size wise) cakes! On top of that, you get a v nice pot of your tea of choice as well as a glass of homemade lemonade with your afternoon tea. Make sure you book, otherwise you will not get a table, but even if you are a bit last minute, they will do their best to accommodate you! I have been there a few times, and I love taking friends there so we can enjoy a nice chat in nice surroundings.

My wife loved this place, what a great experience! I really like the location (across from the British museum) vibrant area with lots of charm. If you desire British afternoon tea...this is your choice. Limited seating so get there early afternoon.

This absolutely EXCEEDED our expectation and image of the perfect London "tea" experience. Quaint and quiet, with only four tables in the tea room, it is a very intimate experience. The tea was incredible, of course, but of all of the treats we tried, the scones with jam and clotted cream were out of this world. Our waiter was extremely kind and proficient. This was everything we dreamed of and more and couldn't have been a more perfect experience!

Scones with clotted cream and the best homemade raspberry jam in existence on delicate bone china. Perfectly steeped Darjeeling and Earl Grey. Homey, charming little tea room, almost secretly nestled under an old booksellers. No flash, but instead warm and relaxed, its like being served in your grandmother's own kitchen. Hidden gem of London right across from the British Museum.

Really small tea shop right by the British Museum. Delicious food but I recommend the ham sandwiches. We didn't love the brie and grape;). Big selection of sandwiches so you can decide for yourself! Lovely place and delicious cakes. We would prefer not to have them put the clotted cream and jam on the scones but they were delicious and they have a scrumptious selection of jams for the scones. You can get a smoothie instead of tea, which we opted for because it was HOT when we visited a London. We had a great time at this tea shop.

I've been eating my way across London for the last two weeks, trying all the supposed "must try" places. Tea and Tattle is perfect. I ordered a pot of Assam and they served it perfectly hot, very full, and with milk on the side. The scones with clotted cream were a bit warm in the middle and perfectly balanced between moist and dry (in terms of sweetness not crumbly). The raspberry and vanilla preserves were, another reviewer suggested, the most delicious I could imagine on these heavenly bites. For my cake, I choose the coffee and walnut cake. The slice was generous. The sweetness of the frosting complemented the coffee flavor of the cake. The frosting was neither too little or too much. I strongly suggest that for afternoon tea, skip the Museum options across the street and come spend your money at this great bookstore (with wonderful gifts for friends back home). The tables in the tea room have plugs near by if you want to charge your phone (bring an adapter if necessary). The staff was thoroughly friendly and gracious. Tea and Tattle may have provided me my favorite quintessential English experience yet!

I'm so happy I got to try this place! I wanted to sit down for some tea after visiting the British Museum (which was pretty exhausting, not gonna lie) and saw this place across the street. It looked cute enough from the outside (my judgement criteria...) so I went in. At first I was confused because I saw a cashier and a bookstore behind him, so I thought I might have walked into the wrong door. But then I figured out that the actual tea place (for sit-in) was downstairs so I wandered down there and was seated at this cute little table in a cozy corner. I was given a menu and even though they had lots of options I'm a lover of green tea so it was definitely Sencha Tea for me. Within 5 minutes the tea came out in the CUTEST teapot and the most gorgeous teacup. And oh my goodness, the tea! The sencha tea was the best green tea (and probably tea, in general) I've ever had - it was SO incredibly fresh and authentic, and it tasted beautiful (I think that's the first time I've ever used "beautiful" to describe taste). But it's true. Everything about this place is great: the service, the atmosphere, and - most of all - the tea. I absolutely loved my experience here. Next time (yes there will definitely be a next time) I'm for sure trying the afternoon tea menu! The person next to me got it and it looked delicious.

If you're looking for a perfect any-time tea, definitely come here. I love trying new tea rooms but I always end up coming back to Tea & Tattle. My friends and I always get the tea + scones combo and it's definitely a favorite. Fresh scones, and absolutely delicious jam (i'm pretty sure they make it themselves?). The tea is always perfectly brewed when it gets to you unlike some other tea rooms i've gone too. And there's always a friendly face when I walk in. Whoever owns this place is doing a great job.

Highly recommended. My wife and I shared the Traditional Tea which serves two and it was the perfect amount of food. At £38, it was very fairly priced compared to other tea houses in London. The food was excellent and the staff was kind and attentive. Warm and personal environment across the street from The British Museum.

You must try the raspberry and vanilla jam on your scones. So delicious! This place is located in the downstairs area of a book shop, make sure you don't miss the staircase leading down on your right as you enter. Good prices for tea and scones, the combination was less than 10£. Friendly staff, cute area, and just the feel I was going for: classic tea in fine bone China in a casual area. So with it.

We came here at 4:30 and the place is closed :( I wish they would update their timings online given how many tourist find them on Yelp and TA