5 Best Catering Experts for Afternoon Tea Party in London

Hosting an afternoon tea party in London offers a delightful tradition perfect for gatherings and special occasions. However, finding the right catering service can be challenging. You may worry about the variety of finger foods and tea pairings, ensuring that everything is fresh and delicious. You have to factor in your budget and accommodate dietary restrictions, which can complicate your search. You also need to ensure the caterer is professional and reliable to avoid any mishaps on the day. Ignoring these aspects can result in a disappointing experience that falls short of your expectations. To guide you through these challenges, we have compiled a list of the best choices for afternoon tea catering in London, so that your event is a memorable success.
5 August 2024 7 min read
afternoon tea catering London

Discover the Top 5 Caterers in London for Afternoon Tea Party

We have compiled a diverse selection of caterers who are experts at catering for afternoon tea party in London, each offering unique and delightful experiences. From traditional English tea services to innovative fusion menus created by “The Great British Bake Off” winners like Syabira Yusoff, these 5 caterers will elevate your afternoon tea party to the next level.

1. Chef Shilna

Chef Shilna has a passion for creating extraordinary vegetarian dishes using simple, accessible ingredients. You’ll be delighted by her Indian Afternoon Tea menu, which features mouthwatering options like traditional scones with jam and cream and the perfect sweetcorn chaat. With extensive experience and a reputation for impeccable service, she is the ideal caterer for your Indian afternoon tea catering needs.

Chef Shilna is also highly adaptable, catering to various dietary preferences, including vegan and Jain. An expert in vegan afternoon tea catering, she is known for coming up with inventive menu ideas and the most stunning presentations.

She even takes it up a notch by showcasing her live cooking skills, leaving everyone mesmerised and craving for more. With Chef Shilna, you can expect a flavourful and visually stunning afternoon tea party catering that will impress all your guests.

afternoon tea catering in London with Chef Shilna

Highlights

  • Signature Dishes: Lentil Chaat, Ras Malai, Tikka Style Mushrooms.
  • Additional Services: Cheeseboard, Printed Menus, Large Serving Platters, Afternoon Tea Cake Stands, Bowls/Buffet Chafing Sets.
  • Price: Starts from £45 per person.
  • Customer Rating: 4.8/5

2. Chef Maria P

Chef Maria is the perfect choice if you want to elevate your afternoon tea to an extraordinary experience. With over a decade of expertise in creating refined tea parties for London’s elite, you can trust her to deliver exceptional quality. 

If you are brainstorming afternoon tea ideas at home for adults, her Classic and Elegant Menu for Afternoon Tea Party presents a sophisticated array of delights. Here, you get a variety of finger sandwiches, scones—both fruity and plain—with traditional clotted cream and jam, and a selection of indulgent desserts.

Chef Maria’s modern twist on classic European cuisine allows her to customise the menu to meet any dietary needs, including vegan or gluten-free options. Additionally, when catering for an afternoon tea party, her presentation is spectacular, featuring tiered stands and delicate china that will transform your event into a classy occasion.

catering for afternoon tea party with Chef Maria

Highlights

  • Signature Dishes: Smoked Salmon Blinis With Horseradish Creme Fraiche, Dark Chocolate And Coffee Truffles.
  • Additional Services: Pre-Prepped Food, Plates & Cutlery, Afternoon Tea Cake Stands, Bowls/Buffet Chafing Sets, Waitstaff, Birthday/Celebration Cake, Wine Pairing.
  • Price: Starts from £50 per person.
  • Customer Rating: 5/5

3. Chef Sanjay J

With his extensive background in five-star hotels and current position as Head Chef at Marriott Hotels, you can expect nothing less than exceptional from Chef Sanjay J. His Tea & Nibbles Menu for afternoon tea party catering features decadent Chocolate Layer Cake, tangy Lemon Poppy Seed Cake, various savoury finger sandwiches, and freshly baked scones. 

His customers love how wonderfully he can customise the menu to meet their needs and his expert management of catering quantities for afternoon tea so that each guest can enjoy a perfect portion. They frequently praise his meticulous organization and professionalism, skills he has honed from working in busy kitchens and consistently delivering on schedule.

If you are specifically seeking Indian afternoon tea catering, Chef Sanjay’s creative fusion of traditional Indian spices and flavours with classic tea-time treats makes him one of the best afternoon tea caterers in London.

afternoon tea catering in London with Chef Sanjay

Highlights

  • Signature Dishes: English Raisin & Cinnamon Scones, Orange Ganache & Lemon Curd Tart
  • Additional Services: Waitstaff, Birthday/Celebration Cake, Cheeseboard, Afternoon Tea Cake Stands.
  • Price: Starts from £56 per person.
  • Customer Rating: 5/ 5

4. Chef Jelena H

If you’re looking for an afternoon tea party catering that combines high-level culinary expertise with personal touches, Chef Jelena is your ideal choice. With a background that includes prestigious names like The Ritz London and Hilton, she is an experienced pastry chef who brings a refined touch to every event. Her Menu for Afternoon Tea Party features a range of delectable options, including refined sandwiches and elegant desserts that are uniformly adored.

Chef Jelena is a master of afternoon tea buffet catering, tailoring each element to your specific tastes and dietary needs, from gluten-free scones to creative vegetarian finger sandwiches. Her clients consistently praise her for transforming their tea parties into extraordinary events, especially highlighting her efficiency and knack for accommodating every dietary request while maintaining a pristine kitchen. 

For a truly memorable afternoon tea party hire, Chef Jelena is your go-to for both exquisite food and flawless service. 

afternoon tea catering in London with Chef Jelena

Highlights

  • Signature Dishes: Salmon, Cream Cheese & Cucumber Sandwich, Raspberry Red Velvet Cake.
  • Additional Services: Birthday/Celebration Cake, Cheeseboard, Large Serving Platters, Afternoon Tea Cake Stands.
  • Price: Starts from £38 per person.
  • Customer Rating: 4.8/ 5

5. Chef Karla

With 25 years of culinary experience and a distinguished background in high-end event catering, Chef Karla brings unmatched expertise to her afternoon tea catering in London. Her High Tea Menu features warm, freshly baked mini scones with clotted cream and jam, elegant finger sandwiches and indulgent desserts. Specialising in afternoon tea buffet catering, she is known to balance elegant presentations with great flavour expertly.

Building on her culinary skills, Chef Karla’s training as a nutritionist allows her to incorporate nutrient-rich ingredients and tailor the menu to specific dietary needs. Whether you need low-sugar or gluten-free options, she ensures that your high tea catering in London is as health-conscious as it is luxurious.

afternoon tea party catering with Chef Karla

Highlights

  • Signature Dishes: Red Velvet Cake, Blueberry Muffins.
  • Additional Services: Birthday/Celebration Cake, Afternoon Tea Cake Stands.
  • Price: Starts from £55 per person.
  • Customer Rating: 4/5

How To Book the Perfect Caterer for Afternoon Tea Party

Here are some tips for booking the ideal catering service for your afternoon tea party:

afternoon tea ideas at home for adults

1. Define Your Vision: Before reaching out to caterers, you must clearly understand what you want your afternoon tea party to look like. You need to have a clear idea of the theme, style, and ambience you wish to create. 

2. Set a Budget: Then you must have a clear estimate of your budget and guest count. This will help narrow down your options and ensure you get the best value with the right catering quantities for afternoon tea.

3. Read Reviews: Checking reviews from previous clients will give you valuable insights into the caterers’ reliability and service quality.Also, you should be looking for caterers who specialise in afternoon tea party hire.

4.  Sample the Menu: Once you have a shortlist of potential caterers, you can schedule tasting sessions and ensure if the quality of their offerings meets your expectations.

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5. Discuss Customisation: If you have guests with dietary preferences or restrictions, you must ask if the caterer offers customisation, including gluten-free, nut-free or vegan afternoon tea catering options. A good caterer will offer delicious alternatives that are just as good as their traditional counterparts.

6. Plan the Logistics: Once you have finalised the caterer, you must coordinate with them about the arrival time, setup requirements, and the flow of service during the party. You must ensure they understand your venue’s layout and any specific details about the space.

Streamlined Afternoon Tea Catering at Your Fingertips

Booking a catering service often involves endless emails, phone calls, and back-and-forth negotiations. Yhangry simplifies this process for you by providing a streamlined platform where you can easily find and book top afternoon tea caterers in London. You get access to skilled chefs at a fraction of the usual cost who will turn your casual tea party into a classy event. 

Each chef offers a customisable menu with a variety of finger foods, sandwiches, croissants, pastries, and desserts, and they are expert at handling all your dietary restrictions. With features like instant booking confirmations, dedicated customer support, and a flexible cancellation policy, yhangry helps you plan your event with ease.

While we’ve highlighted some of the best experts for afternoon tea catering in London, it’s likely they may not meet your budget or specific needs. In that case, you can explore additional profiles here and ensure your afternoon tea is truly exceptional.

FAQs

Set a table with a teapot, cups, and saucers, and serve a variety of finger sandwiches, topped with clotted cream and jam, along with a selection of pastries. Include a selection of teas, from classic English Breakfast to Earl Grey, and add some lemon slices and milk for guests to customise their tea. For more afternoon tea ideas at home for adults, you can hire an expert chef who will ensure a personalised menu for afternoon tea party and an elegant presentation.

Catering for afternoon tea through yhangry typically costs between £25 and £45 per person. The price can differ based on your unique requirements and the details of your event. For an accurate quote, it’s best to request a custom quote.

Serve a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, along with several pastries. Complement your menu for afternoon tea party with a variety of teas and include lemon slices and milk for personalisation.

Plan for 3-4 pieces of finger sandwiches, 1-2 scones, and 3-4 pastries per person to ensure everyone has enough to enjoy without feeling overstuffed. This typically balances well with the lighter nature of the tea itself. Adjust the catering quantities for afternoon tea based on the duration of the event and whether additional items like cakes or biscuits are included.

Afternoon tea is popular because it offers a refined and social experience, combining delicious food with a leisurely and elegant atmosphere. Its enduring appeal also lies in its versatility as both a casual gathering and a special occasion.