Sandwiches, scones and even the tea itself is all excellent but note that the service here is more hands-off than you might expect. They're serious about tea here, enough to have been awarded membership by the British Tea Council. A new Pablo Picasso exhibition at the Royal Academy is the latest art display to inspire Mark Perkins, the executive pastry chef at the Rosewood London in Bloomsbury. Head to the sweets, and you'll find a traditionally English rhubarb and raspberry teacake, as well as bergamot and dark chocolate gateaux laced with a surprising dose of popping candy. Housed on the bottom floor of the ultra trendy Sea Containers London – with floor-to-ceiling windows, overlooking the river – Lyaness offers a two-course, both savoury and sweet afternoon tea which, you can enjoy either boozeless; with a glass of Champagne; or cocktail-paired, with cocktails specially created by Ryan Chetiyawardana, aka Mr Lyan himself. This, frankly, is a relief after all the food that comes before this – come hungry, preferably starving, but ensure you save room for their honey cake, which is extraordinary in every sense.

READ MORE, Details: Served daily, 11am-4pm – book ahead | £30pp | +£18 for DIY biscuit icing

We’re not sure why miniature versions of everything taste so good, but they do, and London is home to some of the world’s very best and most inventive pastry chefs, creating these mouth-wateringly pretty miniatures for your delectation. This stunning, upmarket hotel hosts afternoon tea up on its mezzanine floor, or on the outdoor balcony when the weather’s good. Better is the gorgeous, chocolate-heavy spread – macaron, eclair, opera cake and black forest gateau, as well as creme brulee – that tiptoes the line between sickly saccharine and indulgent. Tea lovers, rejoice. Details: Served weekdays from 3-5pm, weekends 1.30-5pm | £45pp | +£7 for a glass of Champagne, +£13 for rosé Champagne Tea is served in the hotel's very comfortable restaurant, the Game Bird, where staff do not walk but float across its polished floors. Mayfair venue Sketch is celebrated for its eccentric design.

Considered the granddaddy of afternoon tea, the Ritz has earned itself the reputation as the one to beat. Replenishments are delivered upon request. More like this: 8 of the best London hotels worth splashing out on. For that, there's delicate finger sandwiches (crusts guillotined, of course), homemade scones and a selection of cakes and bakes. There is a fine selection of 18 teas to ponder over while a harpist plays across the hallway.

For its afternoon tea menu, Aqua Shard has taken inspiration from one of our favourite childhood characters and made us feel very nostalgic. Credit: lucydphoto / Getty Images.