Some people are ladies who lunch, but personally I’d like to be a lady who afternoon teas. The combination of a lovely setting with a beautiful tiered stack of finger sandwiches, warm scones and sweet treats is just heaven! Who could say no?

I have seen some pretty dire gluten free afternoon teas (I’m looking at you shop bought angel cake slices). Luckily, though, London has tons of incredible hotels and restaurants that know just how to cater for gluten free individuals and are super clued up on cross contamination. They also happen to have some of the best pastry chefs, so the afternoon teas are just incredible!

If you’ve followed me for a while, you might know I’m unashamedly a sucker for a gimmick. Give me a theme and I’ll love it. So it’s just as well lots of these afternoon teas have themes - including science, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Alice in Wonderland!

If you visit one of these spots I’d love to know what you thought. And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @the.gfg to never miss a find!

NOTE: I’m veggie too so these are all GF veggie friendly!

Alice in Wonderland Afternoon Tea @ the Sanderson

Little bottles saying “drink me” and a gorgeous selection of heart and clock themed treats saying “eat me”? You don’t need to tell me twice! The Sanderson has a beautiful restaurant and semi-outdoor courtyard, and its gluten free afternoon tea offering included wraps, scones, mini baguettes and gluten free versions of all the gorgeous Alice themed treats! The character themed teas are a particular highlight. I will be honest and say we thought the food was a little style over substance compared to others, but still yummy and very fun.

Fortnum and Mason Afternoon Tea

For a quintessentially British afternoon tea with rave reviews, why not head to Fortnum and Mason. A friend has recommended this as her favourite gluten free afternoon tea, noting that the scones aren’t dry at all (a big win). The gluten free menu for the Diamond Jubilee tea salon is packed with beautifully done classics.

Science afternoon tea @ the Ampersand Hotel

This definitely has to be my favourite themed afternoon tea. Think digging in chocolate sand for dinosaur fossil biscuits, passion fruit mousse planets arriving with dry ice, and mixing your own lemonade with pipettes and scientific looking fizzy-makers! Everything was delicious and the gluten free menu gets you almost exactly the same treats as the main menu.

100% Gluten Free Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea @ One Aldwych Hotel

To ensure you’re in absolutely safe hands with your gluten free afternoon tea, One Aldwych is the one for you. It’s totally gluten and dairy free, and the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory theme is really fun. As with all the themes there is a bit of style over substance involved, but the food here is delicious and it would be great for kids too.

Sketch

The Gallery in Sketch must be the quirkiest place to get afternoon tea in London. Sketch is a Michelin starred restaurant, and it does have a price tag to match. Their allergen free menu is free from dairy, gluten and nuts as well as being vegan. A highlight seems to be the toilets (not a typo), which are a popular Instagram photo backdrop…!

The Rosebery @ Mandarin Oriental

If you’re looking for the best tasting gluten free afternoon tea, this is my TOP recommendation. I’m not sure how the sandwiches are so delicious, but the fact we asked for a second helping speaks for itself! A truly stunning setting, perfect for a special occasion, with amazing pastry chefs who craft wouldn’t-know-it’s-gluten-free delights.

Claridge’s

Another quintessentially British afternoon tea, which puts the tea itself at the heart and has a huge selection. Fortnum and Mason just takes the edge for gluten free treats, but you can’t go wrong with this traditional and very tasty afternoon tea in The Foyer & Reading Room.