A London Cafe Crawl: From Traditional Afternoon Tea to Trendy Pastries

1. Bond St. Tea Rooms - Bond Street:

• What to Expect: A modern twist on the traditional afternoon tea. Indulge in Italian cicchetti (small savory bites), finger sandwiches with a Mediterranean flair, homemade scones, and decadent desserts. All complemented by your choice of tea, of course!
• Where to Wear: Dress up a bit! The wood-paneled interiors and upscale hotel setting create a sophisticated ambience.
• What to Eat: Don't miss their signature afternoon tea experience.
• Review: This place has a 4.4 star rating on Google Maps. Wood panelling and leather furnishings in an upscale hotel's modern British restaurant and bar. Opening hours today are 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM.

2. Drury 188-189 - Drury Lane:

• What to Expect: A historic pub with a vibrant atmosphere. Drury Lane is known for its theatrical heritage, and this pub reflects that with its rich history and lively atmosphere.
• Where to Wear: Casual attire is perfect.
• What to Eat: They offer a wide selection of pub classics, from fish and chips to hearty stews.
• Review: This pub has a 4.7 star rating on Google Maps. Funky hangout for craft coffee drinks, pastries, creative cafe lunches & weekend brunch. Opening hours today are 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM.

3. Afternoon Tea at the Royal Albert Hall - Kensington Gore:

• What to Expect: Indulge in a quintessential British experience – afternoon tea at a London landmark. Enjoy stunning views of the Royal Albert Hall while savoring delicate finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, and pastries.
• Where to Wear: Dress up for the occasion. The Royal Albert Hall is a prestigious venue, so it's best to smarten up a bit.
• What to Eat: The traditional afternoon tea is the star of the show here.
• Review: This place has a 4.4 star rating on Google Maps. Classic finger sandwiches, scones & musically themed nibbles with teas inside the iconic music hall. Opening hours today are 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM.

4. Albertini Restaurant - King's Cross:

• What to Expect: A slice of Italy in London. This family-run restaurant offers authentic Italian cuisine in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
• Where to Wear: Casual is fine, but dressy casual is always appreciated.
• What to Eat: Their homemade pasta dishes are a must-try.
• Review: This restaurant has a 4.6 star rating on Google Maps. Relaxed, day-time cafe with pavement tables, serving coffee, wines, sandwiches and light bites. Opening hours today are 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM.

5. Maroush Bakehouse - Edgware Road:

• What to Expect: A taste of the Middle East. Maroush Bakehouse offers a wide selection of delicious Lebanese pastries, breads, and sweets.
• Where to Wear: Casual attire is perfect.
• What to Eat: Try their signature manousheh (flatbread topped with cheese and zaatar) or their decadent baklava.
• Review: This bakery has a 4.3 star rating on Google Maps. Flatbreads, sourdough loaves and pastries, plus meze and grilled meats, in a small Lebanese cafe. Opening hours today are 11:30 AM - 11:30 PM. 

6. L'Elysée Artisan Cafe - Fitzrovia:

L'Elysée Artisan Cafe London

• What to Expect: A Parisian-style cafe with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. They offer a delicious selection of pastries, sandwiches, and salads.
• Where to Wear: Casual is best.
• What to Eat: Their croissants are a local favorite, and their quiche is always a good choice.
• Review: This cafe has a 4.6 star rating on Google Maps. Modern, French-style spot for gourmet coffees and pastries, plus sandwiches, salads and cakes.

7. Bloomsbury Coffee House - Bloomsbury:

Bloomsbury Coffee House London

• What to Expect: A cozy and inviting cafe with a focus on ethically sourced coffee. They also offer a selection of homemade cakes and pastries.
• Where to Wear: Casual attire is perfect.
• What to Eat: Pair their ethically sourced coffee with one of their delicious homemade cakes.
• Review: This cafe has a 4.5 star rating on Google Maps. Cosy hangout serving cooked breakfast, simple lunch and homemade cakes in basement vintage setting.

8. Bageriet Swedish Bakery - Covent Garden:

Bageriet Swedish Bakery London

• What to Expect: A taste of Sweden in London. Bageriet offers a wide selection of traditional Swedish pastries, breads, and cakes.
• Where to Wear: Casual attire is perfect.
• What to Eat: Try their cinnamon buns (kanelbullar) or their princess cake (prinsesstårta).
• Review: This bakery has a 4.7 star rating on Google Maps. Compact Nordic bakery & cafe with traditional Swedish cakes and pastries to eat in or take away. Opening hours today are 9:00 AM - 6:30 PM.

9. WatchHouse Tower Bridge - Tower Bridge:

WatchHouse Tower Bridge London

• What to Expect: Coffee with a view! WatchHouse offers stunning views of Tower Bridge while you enjoy your coffee.
• Where to Wear: Casual attire is perfect.
• What to Eat: Grab a coffee and a pastry to go and enjoy the view of the iconic Tower Bridge.
• Review: This coffee shop has a 4.5 star rating on Google Maps. Hip coffee shop with a minimalist vibe serving sweet & savoury brunch classics, plus coffee. Opening hours today are 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM.

10. The Muffin Man Tea Shop - Kensington:

Muffin Man Tea Shop London

• What to Expect: A charming tea shop with a focus on homemade muffins. They also offer a selection of sandwiches, salads, and cakes.
• Where to Wear: Casual attire is perfect.
• What to Eat: Don't miss their wide variety of muffins and scones! They also have a traditional afternoon tea service.
• Review: This tea shop has a 4.3 star rating on Google Maps. Traditional English tearoom, offering tea and coffee, cakes and pastries, plus selling loose tea. Opening hours today are 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM.

So, whether you're a local Londoner or just visiting, there's a cafe on this list waiting to be explored. Enjoy your coffee crawl!

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