The Berkeley afternoon tea: Prêt-à-Portea
Last updated on February 2nd, 2026.
The Knightsbridge area of London is one of the richest parts of the capital.
Expect to find plenty of high-end designer shops and to see several flash Ferraris or Lamborghinis whizzing past.
Knightsbridge is also close to the 'most instagrammable cafe in London' and the 5-star luxury hotel The Berkeley. It's here where you'll find The Berkeley afternoon tea, otherwise known as the Prêt-à-Portea.
Located off the busy shopping street of Knightsbridge, the hotel’s adjacent to residential homes in the area. That said, stepping inside its doors feels more like walking into someone’s grand home than a plush hotel.
The Berkeley afternoon tea
An afternoon tea unlike any other
The Prêt-à-Portea is the only afternoon tea that celebrates the world of fashion — in dessert form. It's the kind of event that makes London a top girls trip destination.
Head pastry chef, Mourad Khiat, has designed a mouthwatering range of cakes and pastries that pay homage to high-end designers. All guests get to sample the latest fashions from the international runway, just without the huge price tag.
Map of London
Start with the tea
We began The Berkeley afternoon tea by choosing which tea we wanted to drink. You can drink as much tea as you want, and can also try any of the blends on the menu.
There’s an additional cost for some teas so be aware that not all teas are included. I drank my body weight in White Peony, Jasmine and fragrant lemongrass and ginger tea.
To add a touch of fizz to your afternoon tea, opt for the Champagne Prêt-à-Portea. You’ll get a glass of Laurent-Perrier champagne along with the standard menu items.
Next come the sandwiches
Next out was the array of mini sandwiches and savory treats. The Berkeley Hotel does cater to specific meal requirements so let them know of any when booking.
On the day we visited, one of my friends requested a dairy-free meal, while another asked for a vegetarian option. The staff handled our request with no fuss and we all equally enjoyed our meal and experience.
Plenty of choice
Sandwich fillings include the classic cucumber dill and cream cheese, as well as egg mayonnaise and tomato. My favorite, however, was the sandwich with Gouda cheese and golden beetroot on onion bread.
Along with the 6 half sandwiches, they also serve delicate savory bites, like cep and wild mushroom en croute with Manchego cheese.
With all this glorious food staring back at you, it’s hard not to eat it all. However, I urge you to leave room, as the best is yet to come.
Fashionable cakes and pastries
It was an orchestra of eyes widening when we first saw the tray of Prêt-à-Portea cakes and pastries. Three-tiers of designer dessert goodness, and each one looking too good to eat — or break into.
Our selection of patisserie included:
- Dulce and ginger clutch-shaped cat-design cake, sandwiched in between orange chocolate inspired by Anya Hindmarch;
- An iced Speculoos chocolate biscuit in the shape of a Bottega Veneta mustard-colored suit; and
- Dolce & Gabbana ‘dress’ redesigned as an almond genoise with mango and passion fruit inside. The look was completed with chocolate rainbow disks on top.
While I enjoyed most of the items, there was one cake for me that stole the show. The Burberry-inspired Tonka bean cheesecake with a crumble base and white chocolate feather was my favorite, and far too small.
Is the Berkeley afternoon tea worth it?
All in all, I’d say that the Prêt-à-Portea is totally worth it. The location’s perfect, the hotel’s a luxury dream and the staff are accommodating and incredibly friendly.
You’ll not only enjoy a delicious tea, but are bound to leave having had a memorable experience too. Cost of the tea is £52* (€60/$74) per person or £62* (€71/$88) for the champagne version.
They do have a dress code of smart/casual for the tea so do be aware prior to your visit. The hotel doesn’t allow ripped jeans, flip flops, sportswear, shorts or baseball caps.
Tips for booking the tea
Booking in advance for the tea is essential, especially if you want to come on the weekend. They usually advise that you can keep the table for 2 hours.
However, if you’re coming for a special occasion, ask in advance if you can stay longer. Our booking was at 5pm, which turned out to be perfect as we stayed longer than our 2-hour slot.
About the Berkeley Hotel London
Oddly enough, the Berkeley Hotel started life as a coffee house back in the 18th century. It became the Berkeley Hotel in 1897, and was one of the first hotels to offer air conditioning in its rooms in the 1920s.
You can choose to stay in one of their luxury rooms, suites or signature suites. Every room has elegant small touches from fresh flowers and champagne, to Italian marble bathrooms. For a room with a view, the Balcony King Room or the Balcony Junior Suite would be a perfect fit.
Marcus at The Berkeley
Fine-dining enthusiasts will be eager to book a table at Marcus, the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant. Named after renowned chef, Marcus Wareing, you’re sure to enjoy an evening of excellent food, wine and top service.
The Blue Bar at the Berkeley
Head to the intimate, and aptly-named Blue Bar, for an aperitif or post-dinner drink. The color follows a unique Lutyens Blue scheme that was especially created for the hotel.
The bar also serves up homemade nibbles along with every order — just in case you’re still hungry. Their cocktails are refreshing, bold, and made with the same finesse you’d expect from the caliber of The Berkeley.
Bamford Haybarn Spa
No luxury hotel’s complete without having a spa within its confines to pamper its guests. The hotel’s Bamford Haybarn Spa is a chance to step away from the urban noise, and into the realms of a quiet country retreat. Therapists use products from Oskia London and Bamford, who ensure that your treatment is bespoke for you.
Choose from an invigorating body wrap or an age-defying facial, and leave feeling 100% rejuvenated. Looking for an alternative luxury boutique hotel?
The fabulous Flemings Mayfair hotel’s a short distance from The Berkeley, and in an equally great area.
*prices correct at time of visit
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I would be a little shocked by how all of this looks had I not experienced afternoon tea in London. We don't really have afternoon tea where I am from (we have happy hour). We went to afternoon tea at Sketch in Mayfair. We will try this one next. It looks just as amazing as Sketch.
I've read a lot about Sketch, but yet never been! I'll make a note of visiting soon 🙂
I am saving this for my London Trip. Everything looks absolutely top-notched. I loved the idea of booking your table based on the hours. Also, I appreciate the fact that they have dress code. I would really like to have my Jasmin tea along with those high fashioned cakes and pastries.
It's a really wonderful tea, and I'm sure you'll have a good time 🙂
This looks awesome! I am visiting London this summer and will be sure to put this on the list. I especially like the bold colors and fashion inspired desserts!
That's wonderful! I'm sure you'll enjoy everything, especially the desserts too 🙂
I love the idea of bottomless tea! Especially when it is followed by a glass of champagne! It looks like the food items were substantial enough to fill you up as well. Did you have a favorite sandwich?
Yes! It was the golden beetroot and cheese variety, and it was very good! I'd encourage others to try this if ever in London 😀
I've never actually been to a real tea room like before (Is that a crime being English?) I know I should experience one but I don't think this one would be in my budget. However in saying that those cakes look mouthwatering - The concept of paying homage to the latest fashions must bring in quite the clientele too - Did you rub shoulders with anybody notable in there ?
Haha no we didn't, but it's fine because we probably wouldn't have noticed them anyway, we were having too much fun!
I've heard so much about London's afternoon tea, but never really thought much about it. But looking at your post, I feel , if nothing else, its a one time experience that one should have.The food looks absolutely delicious, accompanying the tea.
It's a great tea, and one that anyone can enjoy. Hope you try it one day!
Such cute little sandwiches! It looks like a lovely place. What inspired you to go here?
It's a lovely hotel, and my friends and I wanted a nice afternoon tea experience with a little difference!
What an interestng concept for the cafe! Love the way that it infuses fashion and delicious snacks such as the high heel cookies. I'd love to check it out when I am in the area.
You must, it's a nice afternoon tea! Just be sure to bring friends or family with you.
Oh wow, what a fancy afternoon tea! Your description of all the designer label specialty cakes sounds so fascinating, I’ll definitely make it a point to visit this place when I’m in London. And good to know they cater to different meal requirements, as I’m a vegetarian myself.
Yay, you'll have such a great time! We really enjoyed it, and my vegetarian friend loved her meal.
I'm always in for a delicious treat! The cakes and pastries are so fashionably designed. Pret a Portea is definitely a paradise for fashionistas!
It is! And a nice way to spend a grey afternoon in London.
How many sweets in one place. I would feel there like in paradise 🙂 These specialties are real works of art.
They're actually masterpieces! And very delicious too.
We would definitely love this place. Very charming! We love tea, and we bought wholesale quantities at home! Afternoon tea parties are cool!
Then you'll really love this afternoon tea! We had an amazing time, and would return again.
A humble coffee shop turned into one of the finest hotels in London. Wow...that's quite a journey. Looks like a cool place for high, I am a cake fan and this definitely seems like a perfect place for that. Loved the Dolce and Gabbana cake picture...very chic.
It was a delicious cake! And yes, The Berkeley Hotel is a great hotel with amazing service too.
I LOVE Afternoon teas!! I have been celebrating my birthday with Afternoon tea for the last three years! As a matter of fact, I had Afternoon tea today, too! This one just looks super pretty. It’s good that these were tasty in addition to being eye candy. I also like that they can cater to various food restrictions, which now a days seem like a very common thing. That was a good review!
Oh wow, that's great timing, and you're clearly a big afternoon tea fan! Though I don't blame you, it's so delicious.
OMG. I love afternoon tea and have yet to experience it in London. I'm seriously drooling over this spread. Yum! I love that you can stay 2 hours. I'm a slow eater and I like to sit back and soak up the experience.
We actually stayed for around 4 1/2 hours as there was no booking after us! It's a great experience, and we enjoyed every minute.
Oh my!! So much goodness in one post. How can you leave us drooling all weekend? 🙂 I love the pastries, especially the ones cut out in the form of a dress and shoe. Want to try them all! Cheers!!
It's definitely a fun and elegant way to spend an afternoon 🙂
When I lived in London I loved to treat myself to a good English tea ritual with my girlfriends, and this would have been such a great one to try! It's a true feast for the eyes and the food looks delicious. It's also interesting to read something about the history of the place, I had no idea that the Berkeley was one of the first hotels to use air conditioning in the rooms!
You and me both Val! We had a great time here, and it's the perfect setting for a girls' day out!
Air conditioning in 1920s?! Wow!
To have a proper British afternoon tea with cucumber finger sandwiches at the Berkeley Hotel London sounds like a dream day in London!
I know, I found it surprising too! It's a great tea, and one I recommend others to try when in London 🙂
That is a lot cheaper than I would have thought afternoon tea at a place like this to be! Especially with such unique delights like the little dress suit and shoe biscuits (which look delicious, by the way!). Great to know they’re accommodating to vegetarians too - it’s actually surprisingly difficult to find a good afternoon tea as a veggie. It seems salmon is a big thing, who knew!
Salmon is a big thing, which is good for me as I love it! Yes, they definitely cater to veggies, and anyone with food intolerances. Really exceptional service there 😀
We recently had high tea for the first time while traveling and it was a great time. We had so many different teas even one that was infused with whiskey. The finger sandwiches are our favorites. We really enjoyed looking st the set up they had for you. It makes the atmosphere seem very casual and fun.
Woah, tea with whisky sounds dangerous but good! We had such a great time and I'm glad to share it with others.
Wow this classy afternoon tea in vibrant and colorful setting suits my taste. I would love to go in a rich historic hotel for an afternoon tea and try those colorful desserts in the shape of fashion stuff. Good they have no limits for tea and as I love tea, then I am sold out for this place.
So good to hear that! We really had a great time, plus all the tea we tried was so good and refreshing too.
I agree with you - Prêt-à-Portea does seem totally worth it. I would certainly want to have a high tea experience when I visit London, and Prêt-à-Portea seems to be the perfect experience. I would also probably eat and drink my body weight if ever there, given I'm shamelessly salivating at the sight of all the food pics.
Ha, I'm sorry for this! I always get hungry after reading people's posts about food when travelling. Hope you get to try it one day.
I'm passing this off to my friend who is obsessed with afternoon tea and currently exploring London. It looks divine, I love their tea sets and the fashion cookies. I love that they give you the sweet items, like the dulce and ginger cake and then something savory like the 6 half sandwiches. Definitely a tea worth checking out!
Thank you! I'm sure they'll enjoy it, especially as they have a sweet tooth 🙂
I can see why you call it the most fashionable tea in London! I really like the idea of desserts that are inspired by Anya Hindmarch or Burberry. Afternoon tea is one of my favorite meals because it feels so glamorous. I would definitely want to try this the next time I am in London.
Cool! Give me a shout the next time you're back, and maybe I'll join you 🙂
Am a huge fan of afternoon tea and liming! This way helps me to gain fresh idas and also spend time with my friends. I'm feeling jealous all the way here in Manila! Glad you enjoyed it!
Sorry for that! It's a fab tea, and maybe if you come to London, you get to experience it for yourself 🙂
Oh my goodness this looks exquisite! I don't think I'd be able to eat those cute little desserts and finger sandwiches! So pretty.
It's a lovely tea, and a really elegant and fun way to spend a grey London afternoon!
Oh my goodness this looks like something out of Alice in wonderland. I love the coloured teapots and the fashion shaped items but would be a bit peeved if the tea I wanted was not included. That does seem bizarre but what a fab idea
It's a different tea for sure! And I'm sure they would have the tea of your choice!
What a lovely place! The fashion-themed desserts are so adorable. Almost too cute to eat...almost. 🙂 It looks like a delightful experience overall.
It really was! We had a lovely time and I'd urge others to try it too.
I would love to try English tea, I heard so much about it. I can consider this hotel, looks amazing. In Croatia we have a tradition to drink coffee, not tea. But with reading this post - maybe it's time for a change haha.
Oh yes, it's time to have a cup of tea and a pastry!
I love staying at hotels like Berkeley which have a rich history. I did not know that hotels way back in 1920s had air conditioning. I love the fact that there is no limit to how many teas one can drink. That allows me to sample a variety. I am from India and tea culture is engrained in our DNA. And it is comforting to know that they have options for vegans and vegetarians like myself.
They do! And all the teas I tried were delicious and refreshing too. I'm sure you'd enjoy spending an afternoon here.
Oooh I really miss a good English afternoon tea! This one at the Berkley sounds great... the fashion angle gives it something a little different to offer compared to all the other places in the London. Looks like you had a lovely time and enjoyed lots of delicious treats!
We did! And it was the perfect way to enjoy a luxury London experience and dine on delicious fashion-inspired treats.
Those cookies are too cute to eat! And I love how they let you drink as much tea as you want. I'm a tea gal so adding this to my foodie adventure bucket list!
That's great to read! I'm certain you'll enjoy it.
I must admit to having been to London several times and still have not done a high tea yet. But this one looks amazing! Love, love that beautiful china and the food, it looks to die for. Adding the Pret-a-Portea to the list as the must go place to try our first one.
It's an elegant way to spend an afternoon 😀 I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!
I did hear about this special afternoon tea before but I hesitated to go because of the high price. After reading your review, I can see that's it's totally worth it. Those cakes look amazing, and I am so in love with their attention for details. I would love to taste the Dolce & Gabbana ‘dress’ as I am a huge fan of almonds in cakes. I'd love to give it a try now, next time I'm in London.
I know what you mean Joanna, but it really was worth it. Plus the entire service and experience with my friends made it even more worthwhile.
Ok i must admit i had not heard of Prêt-à-Portea and what it meant but sounds like a fun afternoon to spend. Desserts anywhere at anytime is good.. haha 🙂
It really is, and a tasty way to spend an afternoon!
I am not a luxury person but I am all-in for a delicious afternoon tea! What what you get I think the price is acceptable (saying a person living in the expensive Switzerland!). Prêt-à-portea bakeries really are colorful and how I wish to have a bite of that red boot!
It's a delicious and unique cookie! The price is very reasonable for a luxury hotel, plus we stayed longer than the 2-hour slot that was allocated to us 😀
First of, yes! This hotel is definitely for me 🙂 Love a great afternoon tea. I feel like we don't do as much of it here in Dubai. It's kind of like a thing you remember to do on an occasion, and if so, it is most definitely extravagant. Love the imagery btw
Thank you! I've actually never been to Dubai, only on stopover, but I can imagine there are some nice places for afternoon tea there too.
Looks very luxorious! It is crazy to think that it was one of the first hotels air con; particularly when ac is so commom nowadays.
It's so strange! Plus knowing London weather, I didn't think it would have been that necessary 😀
Just curious: what did air-conditioning in the 1920's look like?
What really got me were your descriptions of the food. It's midnight here and my stomach gave a growl. I'm jealous you enjoyed such fancy food, next time I go around London I will be sure to check it out - amazing!
Ha, I have no idea! Sorry to get you hungry at midnight, I always get that way after reading foodie posts too 😀
Despite living there for a year I still haven't ever been out for afternoon tea in London! The Berkeley looks like a great place to dress up for for a treat. I mean where's else would you find a menu inspired by a dolce and gabana dress?! I think I'm going to put this on my birthday list!
Aww you must! It's a great treat for birthdays and special occasions, especially for a girls' day out 😀
An orchestra of eyes widening INDEED! Holy cow! The Berkeley fully understands that we eat with our eyes first! I've only had afternoon tea once before, at the St. Francis in San Francisco, but have been eager to have another go. I think I need to 2-step it to London quick!
It's a very fun, and delicious way to spend an afternoon, especially on a grey London day! Never heard of the St Francis, but I will check it out!