Top Free Things to do in South Bank
You don't need to spend a fortune to enjoy a great day out sightseeing in South Bank.
There are few things as splendidly decadent as a classic British afternoon tea. Relaxing for hours in grand surroundings with an opulent spread before you. The fluffiest scones with jam and cream, dainty sandwiches, The cutest little pastries and endless pots of the finest tea. Or perhaps even a glass of bubbly or two to toast the occasion!
Afternoon tea is the perfect way to mark a special occasion, or simply treat yourself to something out-of-the-ordinary.
Here's a look at where to enjoy afternoon tea in South Bank.
OXO Tower Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie
Contemporary chic presentation and a stunning rooftop view of St Paul's
The Oxo Tower’s famous rooftop restaurant serves up a chic high tea experience with all the trimmings. Soak up the delightful view across the river to the dome of St Paul’s while enjoying a generous and colourful spread of sweet and savoury bites, and perhaps a glass of Harvey Nicols Champagne to toast the occasion.
Classics like coronation chicken sandwiches, buttermilk scones with jam and cream and an elegant layered honey sponge, share a stand with clever contemporary bites such as St George’s mushroom éclairs, Dorset crab brioche rolls and an Isle of White blue cheese, buttermilk and rosemary shortbread served with kumquat marmalade.
Dishes change with the seasons, with inventive new nibbles making their way onto the towering display. A vegetarian afternoon tea is also available (make sure to specify when booking).
Available: Daily from 3pm–4pm (3:30pm–4:30pm on Sundays)
Cost: From £40
Reservations: Make a booking online here
The Library at County Hall
Elegant riverside venue serving up unrivaled Big Ben view in historic surrounds
If a British High Tea for you is all about that old-fashioned refined atmosphere, dainty scones and the best selections of teas, this is the venue for you. The setting is the London Marriott Hotel County Hall’s Edwardian-styled wood-panelled Library in the historic County Hall building that looks straight onto Westminster Bridge and Big Ben. You can even hear those famous ‘bongs’ while you tuck into your sandwiches!
The Library makes the very best of locally sourced ingredients in its afternoon tea spread; sandwiches are made with cured salmon from London’s oldest smokers H Forman & Son and Burford Brown eggs from the exclusive Clarence Court. On the sweet side, the pastries are whimsically beautiful referencing the clockface and architecture of the iconic Elizabeth Tower – the rhubarb and rose panna cotta Big Ben is an Insta favourite that tastes as good as it looks.
For tea connoisseurs, don’t miss the option to upgrade to the Rare and Limited tea selection where you can try single-origin and single-harvest (micro-batch) teas produced by independent artisan farmers. A vegan afternoon tea is also available (make sure to specify when booking).
Cost: From £65
Reservations: Make a booking online here
Afternoon Tea at the London Eye Lounge
A classic afternoon tea experience, served in a prime location right behind the London Eye
Enjoy a traditional British afternoon tea while enjoying fabulous views of the London Eye, Big Ben and the river Thames at the London Eye's afternoon tea experience in County Hall. A classic traditional reception with a dainty cake stand piled high with finger sandwiches, pretty patisserie, delicious cakes and those all essential scones served with jam and cream.
Sweet and savoury treats in the afternoon tea spread include miniature Victoria sponge cakes, chocolate eclairs, truffled sausage roll, smoked salmon and crème fraiche sandwiches and cucumber sandwiches to name just a few. The experience is served with tea and coffee, or for £15 extra a glass of Champagne, plus you get a gift box of macarons to take away with you. Vegan and gluten-free menus are also available.
Cost: From £49
Reservations: Available daily. Book a table online here
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